In a groundbreaking study, UNC School of Medicine scientists have uncovered the brain circuitry behind reward-seeking behavior, revealing two distinct populations of prefrontal neurons that promote or suppress motivation. The research has major implications for understanding addiction, depression, and other neuropsychiatric disorders.
A new study by UNC School of Medicine researchers found that the IRS-1 protein plays a crucial role in maintaining vascular smooth muscle cell differentiation, which helps prevent atherosclerosis. In people with diabetes, low IRS-1 levels contribute to abnormal cellular proliferation and increased risk of heart disease.
A study published in Nature used MRI scans to identify infants at high risk of developing autism as toddlers. The researchers found that brain overgrowth in the first year of life was linked to increased growth rate of overall brain volume in the second year, and this was associated with emerging autistic social deficits.
Scientists from UNC School of Medicine have confirmed the functions in bacterial cells of two important excision repair proteins, Mfd and UvrD, using an advanced sequencing technique. The study provides a genome-wide map of excision repair in bacteria and highlights the potential for developing novel antibiotic drugs.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine have isolated a protein called SPLUNC1 that plays a vital role in regulating proper airway function. When missing or depleted, it can cause airway constriction and difficulty breathing in people with asthma.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine found a cluster of sex-hormone-sensitive neurons in the mouse hypothalamus that induce attraction to the opposite sex. The study's findings may also be relevant to certain psychiatric illnesses.
For the first time, researchers at UNC School of Medicine have discovered precisely what LSD looks like in its active state when attached to a human serotonin receptor. This breakthrough reveals that the psychoactive effects of LSD last for so long because part of the receptor folds over the drug molecule, locking it in place.
Researchers at UNC have engineered platelets to carry cancer-fighting antibodies, allowing them to target and kill microtumors before they can grow or spread. This innovative approach has shown promising results in animal studies, potentially offering a new hope for patients with recurring cancer after surgery.
Scientists at the University of North Carolina have discovered a promising new avenue for fighting gastrointestinal cancers by unmasking the previously misunderstood gene Gpr182. The study reveals that Gpr182 could be a key regulator of intestinal stem cell proliferation, and its protein code for a potential drug target.
A national consortium of clinical geneticists is studying the use of genome sequencing for newborn health screenings, prevention, and prediction. The study aims to develop guidelines for incorporating this technology into newborn care.
A UNC research team found that GRE scores don't forecast productivity or success in graduate programs within the experimental sciences. The study recommends devaluing or eliminating the GRE from applications for biomedical PhD candidates, citing a stronger correlation between graduation rates and first-author publications.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine found that mice reared in darkness show degraded dorsal stream responses, highlighting the importance of early visual experience for proper development. This discovery has implications for understanding vision restoration and recovery from bilateral cataracts.
Researchers found that iron deficiency anemia reduces the risk of malaria by 16% in African children, compared to sickle-cell trait, which only reduces it by 4%. Iron supplementation reverses this protection, increasing the risk of P. falciparum malaria.
Researchers have developed small proteins called peptides that selectively block a certain type of G-protein signaling. These peptides will be used to study this process in cells and develop potential drugs for diseases involving abnormal G-protein signaling, including melanoma.
A new study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that patterns of white matter microstructure present at birth and after birth predict cognitive function in children at ages 1 and 2. The study used diffusion tensor imaging to identify 12 white matter fiber tracts important for cognitive function, which wer...
A new study by UNC School of Medicine found that only 49.8% of surveyed teens consider cigar warnings 'very believable', highlighting the need for improved tobacco prevention campaigns. The survey, which included 1,125 adolescents aged 13-17, suggests that graphic warnings may be more effective in engaging youth.
A study published in Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics found that online group therapy can be as effective as face-to-face treatment for bulimia nervosa, with recovery pace slightly slower. The digital approach may help bridge the gap for patients without access to specialist care.
Li Qian's research focuses on cardiac reprogramming, converting scar tissue cells into functional cardiomyocytes. Her long-term goal is to see her approach used in patient care within five to 10 years.
Researchers found that a gene deletion poses a threat to malaria eradication efforts in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The study revealed that one in every 15 infected children has a false-negative result when using rapid diagnostic tests.
Researchers found that four key muscle-cell proteins undergo a critical splicing transition in fetal forms, essential for adult muscle function. Disrupting this transition leads to major structural problems and muscle weakness in adult mice, highlighting the importance of alternative splicing in maintaining muscle health.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine have found the Rabep2 gene plays a major role in forming collateral vessels that protect tissues from stroke damage. Variants of this gene may explain individual differences in survival rates after artery blockages.
A study published in JAMA Dermatology found that patients given electronic prescriptions were more likely to fill and pick up their dermatological medications. Rates of primary nonadherence decreased in older patients but increased in those over 70.
Elder abuse affects approximately 1 in 10 older adults in the US, with 23 million emergency department visits annually. A new study estimates that only 1 in 7,700 visits result in a formal diagnosis of elder abuse, highlighting a major missed opportunity for patient safety and unmet care needs.
Scientists have identified two distinct genetic subtypes in Crohn's disease patients, each with unique patterns of gene expression and clinical features. This discovery could lead to more effective treatment strategies tailored to individual patients' needs.
The Baby Connectome Project will investigate how the human brain develops from birth to early childhood, using non-invasive MRI scans of 500 children. The study aims to uncover factors contributing to healthy brain development and provide a comprehensive picture of brain connectivity.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine discovered that tight DNA packaging in chromosomes mainly guards against virus-like genetic elements known as transposons or 'jumping genes,' which can copy and paste themselves throughout the genome, potentially destroying important genes. The discovery clarifies the role of heterochromatin and ad...
A recent manuscript by Jason Katz examines the early growth and maturation of critical care cardiology and challenges facing this emerging field. He recommends establishing a more formal fellowship pathway and adopting an open-to-closed ICU model to improve care efficiency and outcomes.
Scientists at UNC School of Medicine have mapped a serotonin-driven anxiety circuit that worsens fear and anxiety in SSRI patients. A new compound blocks this pathway, potentially eliminating the side effect.
A study led by UNC researcher Joseph D. Tucker recommends reforms to improve patient-physician trust in China, including medical humanities training and policy changes to address health systems and legal issues. The initiative aims to rebuild trust following violent attacks on healthcare professionals.
Despite limited safety data, investigators face significant challenges to conducting HIV research in pregnant women, including complex ethical and legal concerns. To address these gaps, Dr. Anne Lyerly is leading the PHASES Project to develop guidance for ethically advancing HIV research in pregnant women.
Researchers developed a new anti-HIV medication called EFdA, which prevents vaginal and oral transmission of HIV in pre-clinical models. The study showed that daily doses of EFdA can prevent HIV infection in mice exposed to high doses of the virus.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine used transcranial alternating current stimulation to target sleep spindles and strengthen memory in healthy individuals. The study found significant improvements in motor tasks but no improvement in associative word-pairing tests.
Researchers at the University of North Carolina and partner institutions have made significant strides in understanding HIV latency, a key obstacle to eradicating the virus. The team has developed effective strategies, including histone deacetylase inhibitors, to reverse latency and boost the immune system.
The HPTN 052 study found a significant reduction in HIV transmission when the infected person starts antiretroviral therapy at a higher CD4 cell count. Researchers also discovered that 93% of HIV transmission was prevented with early treatment initiation.
Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill will receive nearly $23 million over five years to study the 'kick and kill' strategy for eradicating HIV. The approach involves waking up latent viruses and boosting the immune system to recognize and clear them.
A national initiative prioritized research on venous thrombosis (VTE) in cancer patients, citing a 20% prevalence rate and increased risk with chemotherapy. The study identified key areas for future research, including platelet contributions to VTE and the impact of cancer therapies on blood cells.
A new study has found that intensive care units provide adequate communication and family support for families of chronically ill patients, rendering palliative care unnecessary. The study revealed no difference in patient outcomes when families received additional support from palliative care specialists versus standard ICU care.
Early life forms on Earth are likely to have mutated and evolved at much higher rates than they do today, thanks to a hotter planet billions of years ago. The rate of spontaneous DNA mutation was at least 4,000 times higher than it is now, according to a new analysis from the University of North Carolina.
A team of UNC School of Medicine researchers played a critical role in amending diagnostic criteria questionnaires for functional GI disorders. The Rome IV publication updates the diagnostic tools available to clinicians, incorporating research on symptoms and patient experiences. These changes improve treatment options for millions of...
A study by UNC researchers found that vaping e-cigarettes alters dozens of genes essential for upper airway immune defense, similar to cigarette smoking. This discovery suggests that inhaling flavored liquids in e-cigarettes has consequences on epithelial cell gene expression, potentially increasing the risk of respiratory problems.
A large clinical trial showed liraglutide safely and effectively decreases the overall risk of heart attack, stroke, or cardiovascular death for people with type 2 diabetes. The study also found a reduction in kidney disease and death from all causes.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine develop a method called SEWING that stitches together pieces of existing proteins to create novel proteins with diverse structural features. This approach enables designing proteins with specific functions, such as catalysts, biosensors, and therapeutics.
Researchers developed a way to embed light-responsive switches into proteins, allowing them to manipulate protein movement and activity in real-time. This new approach enables the rapid study of biological changes and reveals that cellular processes are more dynamic than previously expected.
Researchers analyzed previously unpublished data from a large controlled trial and found that using vegetable oils high in linoleic acid may not decrease the risk of heart disease. In contrast, using butter did lower cholesterol levels without affecting heart attacks or deaths.
Researchers found chemicals in commonly used fungicides alter gene expression in mouse brain cells similar to those in people with autism and Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests these chemicals may impact brain function, including synaptic transmission and inflammation.
The study found that selective UBE3A loss from GABAergic brain circuits leads to seizure behaviors and EEG abnormalities typical of AS model mice. Further research into the effects of UBE3A loss in other neuron types may reveal new therapeutic strategies for Angelman syndrome.
Researchers developed a new long-acting formulation of raltegravir for pre-exposure prophylaxis, showing significant protection against multiple strains of HIV in animal models. The study found that the injectable provided strong suppression of viral load and could potentially improve adherence to medication regimens.
Researchers at UNC discovered that kappa opioid receptors inhibit the release of neurotransmitter glutamate in a brain region regulating emotion, leading to increased anxiety. The study found that activating KORs suppresses an anxiety-reducing pathway, making them potential targets for treating anxiety disorders.
Researchers at UNC and NC State create a synthetic patch filled with natural beta cells that can secrete insulin on demand, avoiding rejection risks and hypoglycemia. The 'smart cell patch' demonstrated successful blood sugar regulation in small animal models of type-1 diabetes.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine have demonstrated that HIV infects and replicates in macrophages, a discovery with significant implications for HIV cure research. The study found that macrophages can sustain HIV replication in the absence of T cells and can establish infection in new hosts.