A new study found that pregabalin, a common painkiller, is not effective in controlling chronic pain after traumatic nerve injury. However, it did show promise in relieving post-surgical pain for patients who underwent certain procedures.
A clinical trial of over 1,000 patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators found that ranolazine was safe but did not significantly decrease the likelihood of the first occurrence of ventricular arrhythmia or death. However, it did lower the number of recurring episodes of ventricular tachycardia.
A large cohort study found CLL patients have a 600% higher risk of melanoma compared to the general population. Close monitoring for early detection is crucial in managing this skin cancer with targeted therapies.
A new blood test, Banyan Brain Trauma Indicator, has been approved to help diagnose traumatic brain injuries. The test detects two brain proteins in the blood after a head injury and can predict the presence of an intracranial injury on a head CT scan.
Supriya G. Mohile, an oncologist at the Wilmot Cancer Institute, has been named the winner of the B.J. Kennedy Award by ASCO for her work in geriatric oncology. The award recognizes her research and efforts to improve communication between doctors and older patients with cancer.
A study published in Toxicological Sciences suggests that exposure to fracking chemicals during pregnancy may impair female offspring's ability to fend off diseases. Fracking chemicals have been found in ground water near fracking sites and are linked to reproductive and developmental defects, hormone disruption, and immune system damage.
University of Rochester researchers have developed a new live equine influenza vaccine that is safe and more protective than existing vaccines. The vaccine targets the H3N8 strain currently circulating in North America and Europe, and was shown to protect horses against the virus in a small study.
A recent study published in JCI Insight found that gut bacteria can contribute to the development of osteoarthritis in obese individuals. The researchers discovered that a high-fat diet altered the gut microbiome, leading to inflammation and joint deterioration. However, supplementing the diet with a common prebiotic oligofructose reve...
The transfer of stroke patients out of smaller community hospitals has increased significantly since 2006, with national rates doubling between 2006 and 2014. This trend highlights the need for better coordination between hospitals to determine which patients require transfer to specialized centers.
Scientists found that biological sex modifies communication between nerve cells and generates different responses in males and females to the same stimulus. This study used C. elegans to demonstrate how sex-specific configurations of neural circuits can modify behavior.
Researchers found that impairing Paneth cells allows gut bacteria to invade the small intestine, causing major inflammation. Normal autophagy in Paneth cells is required to regulate bacteria, keeping it at bay and preventing disease.
A new study published in Scientific Reports suggests that low doses of alcohol may be beneficial for brain health, reducing inflammation and improving the brain's ability to remove waste. This finding adds to growing research linking lower levels of drinking with a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases and certain cancers.
New research from the University of Rochester Medical Center shows that children with asthma who received a combination of telemedicine support and school-based medication therapy were almost half as likely to need an emergency room or hospital visit. The program, which expanded on previous research, demonstrated its effectiveness in r...
A new study shows that very low levels of electrical stimulation can instruct an appropriate response or action in the brain, bypassing damaged senses. The findings have significant implications for the development of neuro-prosthetics and brain-computer interfaces.
The number of people with Parkinson's disease is expected to grow to 14.2 million by 2040 due to increasing life expectancy and population aging. The medical community must mobilize to respond to this growing public health threat, advocating for increased research funding, access to care, and affordable treatments.
Bone infection can be debilitating and potentially fatal. Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center are advancing new treatments for bone infections by understanding how bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus evade treatment and developing new antibiotics to target those mechanisms.
A study suggests that targeting the 'stalk' of the hemagglutinin protein, which remains relatively constant across flu strains, could provide broad protection against seasonal and pandemic strains. However, the results also show that the stalk can mutate in response to immune pressure.
Researchers identified four genes - KRAS, CDKN2A, SMAD4, and TP53 - that influence pancreatic cancer survival. Patients with three or four altered genes had poorer disease-free and overall survival rates compared to those with single or dual alterations.
A new study published in Nature Communications describes the unique role of androgens in kidney cancer, suggesting a potential new approach to treatment. Researchers found that androgen signaling can either stimulate or suppress tumor cell movement and invasion, with male patients being more likely to spread to the lungs.
A new study will investigate the biological mechanisms triggered by exposure to air pollution during pregnancy, leading to lower birth weight in newborns. The research aims to understand how air pollution affects fetal growth and development.
A recent study from the University of Rochester Medical Center found that teenagers who start high school before 8:30 a.m. are at higher risk of depression and anxiety, even with good sleep hygiene. The study suggests that later school start times may be a strong protective factor for teens.
A new study published in Brain Behavior and Immunity appears to challenge the theory that microglia play a role in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). The research found no difference in microglial activity between mice exposed to alcohol early in development and healthy animals.
A new tablet-based technology uses video monitoring to detect atrial fibrillation (afib), a condition that affects over 3 million Americans. The system, which requires no user action, will be compared to the gold standard ECG patch in a clinical trial to determine its accuracy.
A new human stem cell model has been developed to study macular degeneration, a leading cause of vision loss in older adults. The model, created by researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center, mimics key characteristics of the disease and could lead to new avenues of research and potential drug targets.
Researchers used advanced brain mapping techniques to preserve musician's musical ability during surgery. The study, published in Current Biology, sheds new light on how music is processed in the brain and its importance for individuals like Dan Fabbio, who relies on music as his livelihood.
A nationwide program showed that telemedicine can deliver quality care to people with Parkinson's disease in their homes via video conferencing. The study found that virtual house calls were as effective as in-person visits, saving patients time and travel, while improving access to care for those with limited mobility.
A drug called URMC-099 reversed liver inflammation and scarring in mice with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The research suggests that the drug may help treat a growing health concern in the US, affecting over 64 million people.
A nationwide study found that cancer patients with cardiac arrest in the hospital have a survival rate of less than 10 percent, compared to 20-25 percent for non-cancer patients. The study aims to provide guidance on end-of-life care decisions.
Researchers developed a tool using genetic markers to distinguish between viral and bacterial infections, aiming to reduce antibiotic misuse. The test accurately classified patients with bacterial infections 80-90% of the time, helping physicians avoid unnecessary antibiotics.
The University of Rochester has been awarded $19 million from NCATS to coordinate a network of over 50 institutions nationwide, aiming to accelerate research into health benefits. The grant will support 20 new personnel and expand the university's existing efforts in biomedical research.
A new study suggests that an eye test could be a useful tool in diagnosing Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) by assessing the ability of individuals to adapt saccade amplitudes. This test may indicate deficits in the brain's emotional and social development areas, which are often impaired in individuals with ASD.
New study finds that human brain cells from individuals with childhood-onset schizophrenia disrupt communication in mice, exhibiting anti-social and anxious behaviors. The researchers suggest that glial cell dysfunction is a primary contributor to the disease.
A recent study suggests that the human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) may impede the brain's ability to repair itself in diseases like multiple sclerosis. The virus produces a protein called U94 that can impair the normal function of cells in the brain, potentially accelerating disease progression.
Scientists describe the first step of DNA packing in a cell, revealing how protein H1 helps compact and shield DNA. The discovery sheds light on genetic processes critical to understanding diseases like cancer and muscular dystrophy.
A new study found that black patients on traditional Medicare are 33% more likely to be readmitted after surgery, while those enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans are 64% more likely. The authors suggest lower quality care, follow-up support, and social factors may contribute to the disparities.
A new study reveals that individuals with low back pain who are also depressed are more likely to receive opioid prescriptions and higher doses. This finding sheds light on the current opioid epidemic and highlights the need for further research into prescribing patterns.
Research from the University of Rochester Medical Center suggests that preterm infants may be more susceptible to lung diseases due to a lack of alveolar type II cells. These cells play a crucial role in rebuilding lung tissue after damage and producing pulmonary surfactant, a vital compound for healthy lungs.
A study published in eLife discovered that loss of muscle stem cells is the main driving force behind muscle decline in old age in mice. By depleting muscle stem cells, researchers found that muscle decline accelerated, while mice with preserved stem cells maintained healthier muscles at older ages.
Researchers have identified a new way to potentially slow fast-growing cancer cells by targeting the Tudor-SN protein. The study, published in Science, found that eliminating this protein from cancer cells using CRISPR-Cas9 technology slowed their cell cycle and moved them more slowly towards division.
Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center have developed a practical way to use light to guide T cells towards tumors, overcoming the challenges of immunotherapy. The innovative method could lead to safer and more effective treatment options for cancer patients.
Researchers analyzed rooster testes to uncover how piRNA shields germ cells from viral invaders. The study reveals a unique defense mechanism that could be adapted to combat human diseases related to viruses like avian leukosis virus, which can lead to cancer in chickens and is related to similar viruses in humans.
Researchers found that a protein called Forkhead Box O3 (Foxo3) protects outer hair cells from damage, allowing some individuals to recover from noise-induced hearing loss. The study could provide new hope for preventing or treating hearing impairment.
Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center developed a personalized visual training program to reroute visual information around damaged areas of the brain. Patients regained large swaths of rudimentary sight, with some able to recover vision enough to drive again.
A recent study published in JAMA Oncology found that exercise alone and psychological interventions significantly reduced cancer-related fatigue. The research analyzed 113 studies involving over 11,000 patients and concluded that exercise is the most effective approach to alleviate this debilitating side effect of cancer treatment.
A study published in Journal of Clinical Investigation--Insight found that omega-3 fatty acid products can reduce IgE production, a common allergen responsible for asthma symptoms. However, patients with severe asthma who rely on high-dose oral steroids may not benefit from fish oil supplementation.
A new drug developed at the University of Rochester Medical Center extends HIV therapy effectiveness by unleashing a cell's protective machinery on the virus. When combined with nanoformulated antiretroviral drugs, URMC-099 lifts the brakes on autophagy, allowing cells to digest any remaining virus.
Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center have created two new live-attenuated vaccines against canine influenza viruses, which can be transmitted to humans. These vaccines provide better immune protection and longer periods of protection than existing inactivated vaccines.
A study published in Neurology suggests that elevated levels of brain protein tau following a sport-related concussion are associated with a longer recovery period and delayed return to play. Tau levels measured in blood may serve as a marker to help physicians determine an athlete's readiness to return to the game.
A large study found that 45% more women with breast cancer experience cognitive impairment compared to healthy individuals. Factors like anxiety, younger age, and black race contribute to cognitive decline.
Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center have developed a new imaging technique that can distinguish individual retinal ganglion cells, which bear most of the responsibility for relaying visual information to the brain. This breakthrough could enable earlier diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases like glaucoma.