Researchers identified unique antibody responses that correlate with protection against dengue fever, highlighting the need for vaccines targeting specific serotypes. The study provides crucial information for developing effective dengue vaccines.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine developed an improved oligonucleotide therapy strategy that can correct gene defects underlying cystic fibrosis. The approach has shown promising results in both human cells and mice, with potential applications for treating other pulmonary diseases.
Researchers have developed two COVID-19 vaccines that elicited durable neutralizing antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 in pre-clinical research. The Moderna mRNA vaccine and a protein-based vaccine candidate showed strong immunity in infant rhesus macaques, with no adverse effects.
Researchers from UNC School of Medicine discovered that MUC5AC is more reliably associated with COPD manifestation than another mucus protein, revealing a possible biomarker for disease initiation and prognosis. Elevated levels of MUC5AC in non-smokers who developed COPD suggest it could predict disease progression.
A mathematical simulation by researchers at UNC Health Care shows that non-pharmaceutical interventions like mask-wearing and physical distancing can help prevent COVID-19 spikes as vaccines are distributed. The study found that widespread vaccine adherence and adherence to precautions can lead to a sustained decline in new cases.
Researchers have discovered a novel consortium of bacteria that can prevent and treat chronic immune-mediated colitis in humanized mouse models. The treatment targets the source of inflammatory bowel disease, restoring normal gut function and reducing symptoms.
A study found that exposure to the 2016 US presidential election was associated with an increase in potentially life-threatening cardiac events. The research, conducted in North Carolina, showed a 77% rise in the risk of arrhythmias during the election period compared to control periods.
A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine shows that wearing two face coverings can significantly improve filtration efficiency, especially when properly fitted. Researchers found that cloth masks placed over surgical masks or vice versa can improve fit and effectiveness, but loosely fitting masks do not provide the same benefit.
Scientists identified microRNA-29 as a powerful controller of brain maturation, which was found to be depleted in mice with autism-like symptoms. The study suggests that boosting levels of miR-29 could lead to therapeutic strategies for neurodevelopmental disorders like autism.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine discover that widely used diabetes drug metformin suppresses HIV replication in immune cells by inhibiting a key process in their production of chemical energy. This finding suggests that metformin and other drugs reducing T cell metabolism might be useful as adjunct therapies for treating HIV.
A new study published in Neuron shows that dopamine neurons play a key role in regulating pain responses in male and female mice, with females responding by focusing attention elsewhere when in pain. The research provides insights into the neural pathways involved in sex differences in pain sensitivity.
A recent study published in JAMA Surgery found that patients have a more difficult time understanding and building trust with their surgeons when they cannot see the surgeon's entire face due to masking requirements. Patients reported improved communication and higher ratings for surgeons who wore clear masks.
Scientists have identified a new cell type, MRC1+ macrophages, involved in chronic pain and inflammation. Stimulating the expression of an anti-inflammatory protein CD163 can reduce neuroinflammation and relieve neuropathic pain.
Researchers at UNC-Chapel Hill develop collaborative strategy to test hypothesis on how tiny chemicals formed basic biochemistry four billion years ago. They aim to enhance understanding of cellular processes to detect new disease treatment strategies and inspire life outside Earth.
Scientists at UNC-Chapel Hill used a new lab model containing human lung tissue to show that EIDD-2801 effectively halts SARS-CoV-2 replication and prevents infection of human cells. The drug also demonstrated significant reduction in viral shedding in COVID-19 patients.
A genetic scoring study published in PNAS found that specific genes in the placenta can predict a baby's brain size at birth and its rate of cognitive development, which may lead to schizophrenia later in life. The study suggests that targeting placental health may reduce schizophrenia risk, particularly in males.
Researchers have identified a key function of AIM2, a molecule that plays a vital role in regulating the adaptive immune system. The study reveals that AIM2 is expressed at higher levels in regulatory T cells, which prevent overzealous immune responses and mitigate autoimmune diseases.
Several types of consumer-grade and modified masks showed high filtration efficacies, rivaling those of N95 respirators. The study evaluated the effectiveness of various mask designs, materials, and modifications to determine their ability to block airborne particles carrying SARS-CoV-2.
Researchers have identified a population of brain cells in the amygdala linked to physiological arousal responses, which can drive symptoms of anxiety disorders. These findings suggest that targeting these neurons may lead to new treatments for psychiatric illnesses.
Researchers found that e-cigarette users exhibited significantly altered immune responses to a model of influenza virus infection, suggesting increased susceptibility to disease. The study also found that vaping changes the expression of genes and production of proteins in respiratory cells.
A follow-up study of infants found that those with asymptomatic subdural hemorrhages as newborns had normal neurodevelopmental scores and gray matter volumes at age two. The research suggests that small brain bleeds may not have a significant impact on cognitive development.
Scientists have discovered a new RNA-centric mechanism that regulates the creation of a crucial cancer microRNA. The findings reveal that environmental stimuli can activate a 'hidden' layer of regulation, enhancing the efficiency of miR-21 processing and potentially leading to disease.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine found that most rhinoviruses require human protein STING to infect cells and cause disease. The discovery opens a new avenue for controlling infection and could lead to targeted therapies for treating common colds and acute wheezing episodes.
A study using next generation genetic sequencing tracks mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 virus, aiding diagnostic testing accuracy and tracking its history. The study found variations in the virus' genetic sequence but none affected current tests, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine show that gene editing with CRISPR-Cas9 can restore function in an animal model of Angelman syndrome. The therapy was effective in restoring the UBE3A enzyme in human neurons and treating deficits in an animal model, offering a long-lasting treatment or cure for this debilitating disease.
Researchers at UNC-Chapel Hill and Stanford solve the high-resolution structure of psychedelic compounds bound to the 5-HT2A serotonin receptor, revealing key insights into their therapeutic potential. The discovery sets the stage for the exploration of more precise compounds with strong therapeutic effects.
The UNC School of Medicine lab generated high-powered microscopic images showing startlingly high SARS-CoV-2 viral loads on human respiratory surfaces. These images illustrate the incredibly high number of virions produced and released per cell inside the human respiratory system, making a strong case for mask use to limit transmission.
A team of UNC-Chapel Hill scientists has determined the high-resolution structure of cGAS bound to the nucleosome, a critical unit of DNA packaging inside cell nuclei. This study reveals how nucleosomes block cGAS from triggering the immune response to own DNA.
Infants as young as two years old exhibit increased brain flexibility, a key factor in cognitive development, according to UNC-Chapel Hill researchers. This emerging neural ability enables early learning of new motor skills and supports the maturation of higher-level cognitive processes.
A study conducted at an EPA facility shows that expired and sterilized used N95 masks retain their effectiveness in protecting healthcare workers from COVID-19 infection. The researchers created a hierarchy of mask supplies, ranking N95 masks as the safest option, followed by CDC-FDA-NIOSH approved products.
Researchers discover that Pseudomonas and Burkholderia use Type VI Secretion Systems to compete for dominance in the lungs of people with cystic fibrosis. As Pseudomonas adapts, it loses its competitive edge, allowing Burkholderia to establish infection.
Hospitalized patients with heart failure experience increasing comorbidity burden over time, particularly women with HFpEF. The study suggests a shift towards multi-morbidity heart failure, emphasizing the importance of managing multiple conditions in guiding patient care.
The report aims to clear an ethical pathway forward for research on HIV and co-infections in pregnant women. It provides 12 concrete recommendations to promote the study of pregnant women's own health needs, enhance post-approval safety evaluations, and contextualize risk findings.
A six-month clinical trial found that continuous glucose monitoring devices can significantly reduce hypoglycemia and severe hypoglycemic events in older adults with type 1 diabetes. The study also showed improved overall glucose control without worsening glycemic outcomes.
A $26.9-million project aims to create rapidly acting, effective, and safe psychiatric medications by targeting G protein-coupled receptors. The research seeks to overcome the limitations of existing drugs with severe side effects.
The new RBD-based antibody test can measure the levels of a unique piece of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, correlating with neutralizing antibodies that provide immunity. This test is highly specific for COVID-19 and can identify asymptomatic virus infections and measure immunity levels in individuals.
Researchers in Brian Strahl's lab reveal that different chemical modifications of a single amino acid residue on histones can have unique and shared functions in gene expression and DNA repair. They found that specific methylation states on histones regulate diverse chromatin functions, including responding to stress conditions.
The study found that SARS-CoV-2 infects nasal-lining cells more efficiently than lower-airway cells, suggesting the importance of wearing masks to limit transmission. The researchers also discovered a new reverse genetic platform for SARS-CoV-2, which will support national vaccine efforts.
Gangliosides, sugary fatty acid molecules, are essential receptors for hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection, allowing the virus to enter liver cells. The discovery provides new insights into HAV's unique mode of transmission and opens avenues for antiviral research.
A new study analyzed data from an international registry of 528 IBD patients with COVID-19, finding that increasing age, comorbidities, and corticosteroids are associated with severe illness. The study also suggests that steroid-sparing treatments may be crucial for maintaining remission in IBD patients during the pandemic.
Researchers created a way to study and map intercellular signaling to understand cell movement mechanisms in healthy cells and disease states like cancer metastasis. The new tool uses microscopy tools and mathematical methods to visualize protein activity and quantify regulation of signaling networks.
A large-scale genome-wide study has identified 301 distinct genetic signals associated with type 2 diabetes in East Asians. The research highlights the importance of studying different ancestries and expands the number of genetic variants linked to the disease, providing new insights into its pathophysiology.
Researchers have identified extremely rare variants that affect the boundaries of a 3D genome structure called topologically associated domains (TADs) in people with schizophrenia. These variants may contribute to dysregulation of gene expression, leading to the development of the disease.
A global collaboration has identified over 300 genetic variants influencing cerebral cortex structure and its relationship with psychiatric disorders. The study provides a genetic roadmap for understanding how genes impact brain structure and neurological consequences.
A virtual reality test has shown promise in detecting balance problems in people with multiple sclerosis (MS), which can lead to falls and related injuries. The test uses a VR system to simulate falling while walking, triggering corrective reactions that can be measured as changes in gait and foot placement.
Researchers created H-MAGMA, a computational tool that links non-coding genetic variants to their target genes in brain disorders. The study found that genes associated with psychiatric disorders are typically expressed early in life, while neurodegenerative disorder-associated genes are expressed later.
A new study found that many US medical specialty guidelines are vulnerable to conflicts of interest due to the approval process used by guideline development committees. Most societies require approval by a committee representing the society as a whole, which creates a potential conflict between professional and economic interests.
Researchers have finally determined the atomic structure of the histone mRNA three-prime end-processing machine, a complex assembly of molecules that plays a fundamental role in proper cell activity and DNA duplication. This breakthrough provides valuable insights into how this machine is activated and regulates gene expression.
A new device can automatically manage glucose levels and deliver needed insulin quickly, eliminating the need for constant blood sugar checks and insulin injections. The adhesive patch, about the size of a quarter, has been successfully tested on mice and pigs, showing promise as a potential diabetes treatment.
Scientists at UNC-Chapel Hill and Emory University successfully reversed HIV latency in animal models using compound AZD5582. The study, published in Nature, demonstrated the ability to activate latently infected CD4+ T cells without toxicity, paving the way for further research towards a cure.