A new study by Mara Buchbinder and colleagues found that physician burnout during the first wave of COVID-19 was influenced by individual, institutional, professional, and societal factors. Interventions to reduce stress and burnout should focus on systems-level changes, including organizational culture and team dynamics.
Researchers uncover abnormalities in neuronal connectivity and synaptic structure in cells lacking sacsin protein, leading to Purkinje cell death. The study expands knowledge of sacsin's functions and suggests a possible link between ARSACS and other brain disorders.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine have discovered a new method for reprogramming scar tissue cells into healthy heart muscle cells, using the protein Ascl1 and its partner Mef2c. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for heart failure and other cardiovascular diseases.
Researchers at UNC-Chapel Hill, UC San Francisco, Yale, Duke, and Stanford have developed a new compound that targets the same brain cell receptor as psychedelic drugs but triggers long-lasting antidepressant action without psychedelic effects. The compound is patented by Yale, UNC-Chapel Hill, and UCSF and licensed to Onsero.
A recent study found that nearly 72% of primary care, dental, and behavioral health clinicians in US safety net clinics reported experiencing moral distress during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. The distress was mainly caused by limitations on patient care, witnessing patients' struggles, and challenges in their work situations.
EdU, a common DNA labeling molecule, triggers a runaway DNA repair process that is fatal to cancer cells, including those in the brain. This discovery opens up new possibilities for using EdU as an anticancer agent, particularly for fast-dividing cancerous brain cells.
Researchers mapped brain cortex development from two months before birth to two years after, revealing functional regions and growth rates. The study provides a valuable resource for further research on brain development conditions.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine developed a long-acting injectable formulation of the anti-TB drug rifabutin, showing efficacy in animal models and potential to improve adherence to medication. The formulation could provide an effective way to prevent TB infection and treatment failure.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine have identified seven genetic variants that uniquely affect the response to four psychedelic drugs. These findings suggest that patients with different genetic variations may react differently to psychedelic-assisted treatments.
A study found that individuals with less hippocampus engagement are more likely to develop severe posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Those who exhibit greater defensive reactions to potentially threatening events also showed increased PTSD risk.
Researchers used MRI to study neural flexibility in children with ADHD, finding significant decreases in cognitive flexibility across the entire brain and sub-networks. Children who received medication showed increased neural flexibility compared to those not taking medication, suggesting its potential clinical utility for diagnosing a...
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine have identified genes linked to cigarette smoking and drinking, revealing their association with other substances like cocaine. The study's computational tool, H-MAGMA, helps parse the complex genetics involved in substance abuse, providing a foundation for developing new treatments.
A new study published by UNC School of Medicine researchers found that fourth-generation vaping devices are associated with unique changes in markers of immune responses inside airways. The study compared the respiratory immune health effects of different types of devices, including third-generation and fourth-generation models.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine discovered a protein complex that allows hepatitis A virus to replicate. They found that the oral compound RG7834 stops viral replication in an animal model, providing proof-of-principle for antiviral therapy.
A new study by the University of North Carolina Health Care found that 30-40% of parents experienced employment disruptions due to childcare difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic. Parents of children with special healthcare needs were disproportionately affected, with almost a quarter experiencing such disruptions.
Researchers have identified unique differences in the visual systems of infants who later develop autism, which are associated with inherited genetic factors. These differences in brain structure and function precede the appearance of autistic symptoms and are related to the severity of autism traits in older siblings.
Researchers developed XGBoost machine learning models using de-identified EHR data from the National COVID Cohort Collaborative to identify potential long-COVID patients. The models achieved high accuracy, identifying key features such as post-COVID respiratory symptoms and pre-existing risk factors for acute COVID severity.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine used optogenetic techniques to stimulate specific brain cells, increasing production of neural stem cells and neurons relevant to memory and emotion processing. This promoted neurogenesis, altering anxiety-like behaviors in mice.
Two studies found that approximately one in eight doctors experienced high levels of moral distress, which increased the risk of anxiety, depression, and burnout. Healthcare organizations can reduce moral distress by providing opportunities for discussing ethical concerns and supporting staff well-being.
Researchers measured biomarkers of azoxystrobin in pregnant women and young children, revealing widespread exposure and transfer to embryos. The study found that the fungicide can cross the placenta and enter the developing brain of mouse embryos.
A proof-of-concept study suggests that postnatal gene therapy may prevent or reverse deleterious effects of Pitt-Hopkins syndrome, a rare genetic disorder. The treatment restored normal activity of the deficient gene, preventing anxiety-like behavior and memory problems in an animal model.
A team of researchers, led by UNC's Stephan Moll, monitored astronauts on the International Space Station for signs of blood clots. The study found that slowed blood flow and abnormal vessel size may predispose astronauts to blood clots, highlighting the need for further research.
Researchers used fMRI and genetic mice to study neurotransmitters' effects on brain network connectivity, a dynamic process crucial for human health and behavior. They found activating the LC led to changes in DMN dynamics, suggesting new targets for treatment.
Researchers discovered that non-cardiac protein subunit CHD4 interacts with three cardiac genes mutated in patients with congenital heart disease, leading to misexpression of non-cardiac genes and faulty heart development. This finding provides a new mechanism for the prevalence of congenital heart disease in humans.
Researchers found thousands of individual B-cell transcripts that were different from women without PPD, regulated by genetic variants and DNA methylation. Altered B-cell activation and insulin resistance were also implicated in the study. The findings provide new insights into the biological mechanisms behind postpartum depression.
Research reveals that interleukin-13 (IL-13) plays a crucial role in protecting cells against SARS-CoV-2, explaining why people with allergic asthma are less susceptible to severe COVID. The study found that IL-13 upregulates genes controlling glycoprotein synthesis and antiviral processes, reducing viral entry and replication.
Researchers found that babies who later develop autism show overgrowth of the amygdala between six and 12 months, prior to behavioral symptoms. This finding suggests a potential link between early sensory processing problems and amygdala enlargement.
Researchers sequenced genes expressed in individual single cells from human GI tracts, revealing new cell-type characteristics and gaining insights into important cell functions. The study opens the door to exploring gut health in a more precise manner at greater resolution than ever before.
Researchers led by Charles Carter will investigate how critical molecules interacted and evolved together, leading to the emergence of life on Earth billions of years ago. They aim to characterize an ancestral alphabet and establish how it grew into the twenty-letter coding alphabet used in genes.
A new study has revealed the dynamics of DNA replication 'licensing,' a process that regulates genome replication during cell division. The researchers found that heterochromatin regions are more susceptible to under-replication and DNA damage when the G1 phase is shortened, potentially leading to genomic instability in cancer cells.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine discovered that VE-cadherin is a key player in the maintenance and function of lymphatic vessels in the heart. However, they found that loss of these vessels was not associated with decreased heart function, contradicting previous assumptions.
Researchers discovered a newly defined domain in a protein that regulates gene expression under high-energy conditions. Cells adapt to changing nutrient environments by switching between specialized gene expression programs, which are triggered by different molecular tags on histones.
Researchers discovered that ANK2 variants can affect giant ankyrin-B exclusively or both isoforms simultaneously, altering axon collateral branch formation and targeting. The findings confirm divergent roles of ankyrin-B isoforms and support critical roles in brain development and organization.
Scientists at UNC-Chapel Hill and UC San Francisco identified two receptors, MRGPRX2 and MRGPRX4, involved in itching. The researchers created high-resolution maps of these complex receptor proteins when bound to compounds causing itchiness, providing a template for designing new anti-itch medications.
A multidisciplinary team of researchers is using new technology and imaging strategies to improve impaired waste clearance of the brain due to sleep disruption. The project aims to enhance the natural system of brain cleansing that occurs during sleep.
A gene therapy strategy has shown encouraging early results against Angelman syndrome, a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting approximately one in every 20,000 children. The therapy restores function of the UBE3A gene in neurons, preventing key signs of the condition and improving motor skill-learning and behaviors.
A team of scientists has discovered that male-female differences in protein expression occur immediately after embryonic cells become heart cells called cardiomyocytes. This finding provides new opportunities for research into cardiac disease and treatment, as well as advancing the biological study of sex differences.
A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine shows that participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) among older adults dually enrolled in Medicare and Medicaid is associated with fewer hospital visits and lower healthcare costs. Researchers used data from over 115,000 people aged 65+ in North Carolina to d...
Scientists at UNC School of Medicine have developed a method to pinpoint and track proteins in specific shapes or conformations within living cells. This 'binder-tag' technique allows researchers to visualize protein dynamics in real-time, enabling the study of normal biology and diseases.
Researchers studying blood samples from over 12,000 individuals in Ethiopia found that malaria parasites can evade detection by rapid diagnostic tests due to genetic mutations. The study highlights the need for alternative diagnostic approaches and surveillance across the Horn of Africa.
Researchers at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center and the UNC School of Medicine developed a dual-threat CAR-T immunotherapy that effectively controls neuroblastoma in animal models. The new therapy targets two antigens on cancer cells, restricting tumor regrowth and preventing evasion by immune cells.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine discovered that MUC5AC mucin disrupts airways in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. The study suggests that MUC5AC could be a target for better therapeutics to address the sticky mucus associated with these conditions.
A multinational team of researchers led by UNC principal investigators James Hagood and Richard Boucher aim to better understand how cells lining the nose, mouth, and airways interact to maintain respiratory health or play roles in diseases throughout childhood. The project involves collecting samples from six countries for cutting-edg...
A new study found that secondary cases of COVID-19 occur within the first week of an initial positive test, with higher viral loads increasing transmission risk. Household living density also played a significant role in determining whether COVID spread to other members.
A national study funded by a $9-million award will compare two suicide prevention interventions for autistic individuals, SPI-ASD and SPI-ASD+, across four health systems. The study aims to develop effective interventions for autistic youth at risk for suicide.
Researchers from UNC School of Medicine, MAHEC, and community partners will address racial disparities in maternal care by improving data accountability and providing community-based doula support. The study aims to decrease pregnancy complications for Black women and improve outcomes in maternal care.
A recent study published in PLOS Biology found that graduate students participating in professional development opportunities unrelated to their lab work did not delay their time to graduation or manuscript publication rates. The research suggests that these activities can be beneficial for career exploration and skill-building without...
A new study published in The BMJ found that patients diagnosed with migraines experienced less pain when following a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids and low in omega-6 fatty acids. Participants reported fewer days of headaches per month, but not a change in quality of life.
Researchers have discovered that variants in the SPTBN1 gene can alter neuronal architecture, affecting function and leading to a rare neurodevelopmental syndrome. The study provides important insights into the genetic basis of the disease and highlights potential therapeutic strategies.
Researchers led by Katie Baldwin found that the loss of hepaCAM disrupts astrocyte territories and gap junction coupling, leading to impaired communication between brain cells. This study has implications for understanding MLC and other neurodegenerative disorders, and may lead to therapeutic breakthroughs.