A two-year pilot study increased statin medication use by 24-45% and high-intensity statin treatment by 349%, resulting in significant decreases in total cholesterol and LDL levels. The partnership demonstrated the impact of public health partnerships on treating cardiovascular disease.
A scientist has described the details of an enzyme that mimics Maxwell's demon, enabling efficient energy transformation and cellular regulation. This discovery sheds light on how biological processes create information, a fundamental aspect of life.
A US astronaut on the International Space Station developed a deep vein thrombosis, prompting UNC expert Stephan Moll to consult and develop a treatment plan. Moll advised on using Enoxaparin and Apixaban to effectively treat the blood clot, which was successfully managed over 90 days.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found insufficient evidence to determine whether serotonin reuptake inhibitors or trauma-focused psychotherapy are more effective in treating PTSD. The study concludes that clinicians should make shared decisions with patients based on patient preferences regarding treatment characteristics.
A new US study demonstrates the effectiveness of genicular artery embolization (GAE) in treating osteoarthritis knee pain. The minimally invasive procedure blocks blood flow to certain parts of the knee, providing rapid relief from pain and disability. Results show significant improvement in pain scores, with nearly all patients experi...
Researchers found that defective primary cilia can modulate connectivity between neurons during brain development and cause JSRD. Dysfunctional cilia affect axonal tract malformations in JSRD.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine found that specific neurons in the CeA contribute to reward-like behaviors and alcohol drinking. By selectively lesioning or ablating these neurons, animals drank less alcohol without affecting anxiety-like behavior.
Researchers created an artificial intelligence tool to identify neutrophils primed for NETosis, a process where white blood cells expel inflammatory DNA into circulation. The new technology allows scientists to measure NETosis in different diseases and test drugs that may inhibit or promote the process.
Enzymes from white rot fungi accelerate lignin breakdown in wood, a key step in carbon cycling. This process is the rate-determining step in the global carbon cycle, with half-life exceeding the age of the universe.
Researchers used human induced pluripotent stem cells and CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing to model chemical changes in GFAP protein associated with Alexander disease. The study reveals differences in GFAP modifications depending on symptom onset time, allowing for new drug development opportunities.
A new study by UNC researchers found that using a polygenic risk score (PRS) improves psychosis risk prediction in persons meeting clinical high-risk criteria. The PRS, developed from genome-wide association studies (GWAS), discriminates persons with schizophrenia from unaffected individuals and predicts future psychosis.
For patients with cerebral ataxia, researchers linked specific biochemical changes in the CHIP protein to disease characteristics. Limiting mutant CHIP protein activity may decrease symptom severity.
A new study shows that components of marijuana, including its cannabinoids CBD and THC, can cause brain and facial birth defects in mice when used during the first trimester of pregnancy. The research also found that combining CBs with alcohol increases the likelihood of these birth defects.
Researchers from UNC School of Medicine and Stanford University found that crotonyl marks on histones help cells adapt to low-nutrient conditions by repressing growth genes. This mechanism may be a future target for cancer therapy, as proteins similar to the identified yeast protein are often disrupted in cancers.
A new study tracking STEMI patients in North India reveals lower rates of female representation among treated patients and significantly younger patient demographics. The registry aims to provide insights into risk factors, practice patterns, and prognosis to improve treatment outcomes for this underserved population.
Researchers found that antiretroviral therapy alters the host environment to form most of the long-lived HIV reservoir. The study's findings suggest that treatment may contribute to the formation or stabilization of the latent viral reservoir.
A new study found that individuals held in restrictive housing while serving time in prison face a substantial increased risk of death after their release. The study also found racial disparities in mortality and reincarceration outcomes among formerly incarcerated individuals.
The study found measurable adverse biologic effects on lung health and cells in humans, animals, and tissue samples. Vaping has been linked to increased respiratory symptoms, including bronchitis-like symptoms and asthma, as well as possible lung damage and immunosuppression.
A new study published in Nature Communications presents a promising alternative for HIV treatment and prevention. The injectable implant combines multiple drugs and is ultra-long-acting, addressing challenges faced with current methods. It can be removed surgically within weeks or biodegrades into body-absorbed acids if not needed.
The Zylka Lab has been awarded $6.1 million to develop a CRISPR/Cas9-based gene therapy for Angelman syndrome, with the goal of 'unsilencing' the paternal UBE3A gene in mice and human neurons. This new treatment approach holds promise for advancing a first-of-its-kind treatment for a pediatric-onset autism spectrum disorder.
Researchers found that CBD substantially lessened seizure severity in mice and restored normal brain rhythms in Angelman syndrome models. The study suggests CBD could benefit kids and adults with this serious condition, characterized by intellectual disability and epilepsy.
A recent study published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research found that calorie restriction can have negative effects on bone health, even when paired with regular exercise. Mice subjected to calorie restriction experienced an increase in bone marrow fat and a decrease in overall bone density.
A study published in PLOS Biology has identified conserved proteins and pathways in four major animal models and humans, revealing unique sets of proteins mutated in human disease states. This discovery allows researchers to select the most appropriate model systems for studying cardiac development and investigating diseases.
A new peanut allergy treatment, sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT), has shown effectiveness in protecting patients from severe allergic reactions. SLIT involves placing tiny amounts of peanut protein under the tongue, where it is absorbed immediately into the bloodstream, desensitizing the immune system to larger amounts of peanut protein.
A new UNC School of Medicine study found elevated levels of protease enzymes in e-cigarette users' lungs, similar to those seen in smokers with emphysema. Nicotine is believed to be the cause of this reaction, which could lead to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and shortness of breath.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine find that adding rhamnolipids enhances the potency of aminoglycoside antibiotics against Staph infections, including MRSA. The study suggests a new strategy to overcome antibiotic resistance and has implications for treating various bacterial species.
The University of North Carolina Health Care has received a five-year, $3.75 million grant to provide geriatrics training throughout North Carolina. The program aims to improve health outcomes for older adults by increasing rates of advance care planning and reducing chronic opioid use.
Researchers at UNC are collaborating with law enforcement agencies to implement and evaluate two new opioid addiction treatment programs for people in the criminal justice system. The initiatives aim to expand access to substance use treatment and reduce overdose deaths nationwide.
A groundbreaking trial has started to test the safety and effectiveness of a novel, off-the-shelf device designed to treat complex aortic aneurysms. The investigational GORE EXCLUDER Thoracoabdominal Branch Endoprosthesis (TAMBE) allows for minimally invasive endovascular repair, avoiding traditional open surgical approaches.
Researchers are investigating how to make talk therapy treatment more accessible to all women, particularly those with mild to severe symptoms. The study aims to determine the effectiveness of non-specialist delivered interventions, such as nurses trained to deliver behavioral activation therapy, in improving mental health outcomes.
A large-scale genome-wide association study identifies eight genetic variants associated with anorexia nervosa, suggesting a combination of metabolic and psychiatric components. The findings encourage considering metabolism in understanding the disorder's causes and improving treatment approaches.
Researchers developed a new technique called VEGAS, which enables rapid development of scientific tools and new treatments for diseases in mammalian cells. The method can yield useful new molecules within days, providing scientists with a powerful research tool.
Researchers have discovered that a gene called Memo1 is necessary for organizing the scaffolding of brain cells, which plays a critical role in proper brain development. Mutations in this gene are linked to autism and can disrupt neural circuit formation, leading to disorganized layers and neuronal misplacement.
Researchers at UNC McAllister Heart Institute develop stable platform to reprogram human fibroblast cells into cardiomyocytes, creating high-resolution molecular roadmap. The approach identifies key genetic facilitators and signaling molecules driving cell fate development, offering new insights into human cardiac reprogramming.
The University of North Carolina will test the effectiveness of Med-South, an adapted form of the Mediterranean diet, in promoting long-term weight loss among patients with obesity. The randomized trial aims to assess the impact of this unique dietary approach on cardiovascular risk factors and blood pressure.
A study suggests sorting genetic information into categories to inform parents about potential health risks, weighing benefits against potential anxiety and legal implications. The method considers the prevalence and timing of disease development, aiming to provide actionable information while respecting patient autonomy.
A trial remedy for racial disparities in early-stage lung and breast cancer treatment has shown nearly eliminating existing gaps. The intervention consisted of a real-time warning system, race-specific feedback, health equity training, and nurse navigators to reengage patients.
Researchers at UNC will receive up to $10.7 million to develop a chlamydia vaccine, which could help women who suffer from infertility and chronic pelvic pain due to the infection. The project aims to identify specific T-cell and antibody responses that limit infection and inform antigens and adjuvants for vaccine development.
The Dementia Friendly Hospital Initiative targets comprehensive training for all hospital staff to improve quality and safety for patients with dementia. The program aims to lower rates for in-hospital injuries, length of stay, and 30-day readmissions.
Researchers identified a specific network of cellular communication in the emotion-processing region of the brain driving mice to overeat tasty food despite full energy needs. This 'hedonic' feeding circuit may help explain why humans often overeat in modern environments with abundant and delicious fare.
Researchers are testing the RTS,S/AS01 vaccine, which provided partial protection against malaria in young children, in a pilot study in three countries. The goal is to vaccinate approximately 120,000 children annually and monitor its impact on preventing mortality from malaria.
Researchers at UNC and TMIMS discovered that IRF1 protein regulates RARRES3 enzyme, making liver cells hostile to hepatitis A infection. The study provides implications for cellular responses to other RNA viruses like dengue and Zika.
Researchers found that mucus build-up and inflammation are the initial causes of lung damage in CF patients. Early treatments that thin out mucus may delay the onset of lung disease and improve patient outcomes.
Researchers used machine learning techniques on MRI brain scans to predict cognitive development in children aged 2. The study found that white matter connections at birth are highly predictive of future cognitive outcomes.
Researchers at the University of North Carolina Health Care discovered the enzyme USP21 promotes basal-like breast cancer proliferation and is upregulated in patient tumors. Targeting USP21 may sensitize cancer cells to existing therapies.
A clinical study led by Flavio Frohlich at UNC School of Medicine successfully reduced depression symptoms in about 70 percent of participants using transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS). The treatment target specific alpha oscillations in the brain, bringing them back into balance and decreasing symptoms.
A multi-year observational study found that eating small amounts of peanut after immunotherapy can extend allergy treatment benefits and improve quality of life. The majority of participants continued regularly eating peanuts daily for up to eight years without any reactions from accidental ingestions.
New research from UNC School of Medicine reveals that tick bites can cause an allergic immune response to alpha-gal, a sugar found in most mammal blood except humans, leading to red meat allergy syndrome (AGS). This challenges previous theories and suggests the risk of each tick bite may be higher than anticipated.
A multi-year observational study found that certain participants who completed up to four years of egg oral immunotherapy (eOIT) treatment were able to safely incorporate egg into their diet for five years. The results support the effectiveness of eOIT as a safe way to desensitize children and youth with egg allergy.
Researchers found that neurosteroids inhibit Toll-like receptor 4 signaling activation, preventing pro-inflammatory protein production and cytokine creation. This discovery provides a new target for treating brain diseases, including alcoholism, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorders.