A multi-institutional team of researchers pinpointed the genetic traits of cells giving rise to gliomas, a common form of malignant brain cancer. They identified a core set of genes and pathways dysregulated during tumor progression, providing rich new potential targets for therapeutic intervention.
The University of Rochester has been designated a Center for AIDS Research by the National Institutes of Health, with $7.5 million in new funding to advance HIV/AIDS research. The CFAR will focus on brain and aging effects, as well as RNA biology, with collaborations between departments.
A new study examines local lead abatement efforts in eight communities, finding that local laws can be highly effective tools to address lead hazards. In Rochester, a historic lead abatement ordinance resulted in a 68% decline in children with elevated blood lead levels since its implementation.
A new pathway has been identified that enhances tamoxifen's effectiveness in treating basal-like breast cancer, a subtype resistant to treatment. The discovery involves targeting Cdc42 protein to restore normal function of c-Cbl and improve cancer cell death.
The study demonstrates that when transplanted into mice, human glial cells can influence communication within the brain, allowing animals to learn more rapidly. Human astrocytes are found to have unique functional advantages and play a significant role in integrating and coordinating neural activity.
Researchers found that even routine hits can impact the blood-brain barrier and lead to an immune response. The study suggests a possible vaccine or drug therapy to prevent head trauma, offering new insights into concussions and their long-term consequences.
Involving generalists and specialists in primary palliative care skills can alleviate patient suffering through high-quality pain and symptom management. This approach could increase access to specialty palliative care consultation while providing fundamental aspects of palliative care.
Researchers successfully created human brain cells from skin cells, which are highly effective in treating myelin disorders such as multiple sclerosis. The study opens the door to potential new treatments using these cells for neurological diseases characterized by the loss of myelin.
Researchers found a subset of leukemia cells with slower metabolism, allowing them to survive better. An experimental drug tailored to this unique status is being tested for its ability to attack the disease.
A new study reveals that the tripartite synapse model, long accepted by the scientific community, is incorrect in adult brains. The model, which proposes that multiple cells collaborate to move signals in the central nervous system, does not accurately represent brain signaling beyond development.
Researchers discovered a new way to regulate calcium signaling in worms, revealing the crucial role of microRNA-786 in dictating when and where the primary calcium spike occurs. This finding may have significant implications for understanding calcium signaling processes in humans.
A study of 117 women found that cognitive declines during menopause transition are independent processes, not linked to hormone levels or symptoms like sleep disturbance and depression. Memory problems worsen in the first year after final menstrual period, affecting verbal learning, memory, and fine motor skills.
A new study shows that exposure to cosmic radiation in space can increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Researchers found that high-mass particles, like iron, can penetrate spacecraft shielding and cause neurological impairment in animal models.
A new computer model of the heart wall predicted risk of irregular heart rhythms and sudden cardiac death in patients with Long QT syndrome type 1. The model used 34 different mutations to calculate the consequences of genetic changes on the heart, revealing that delayed repolarization increases the risk of life-threatening events.
A new study reveals that mini-strokes result in prolonged periods of brain damage and cognitive impairment, with neurons being lost due to delayed processes. The research suggests a longer therapeutic window to protect cells after these tiny strokes, potentially extending to days and weeks after the initial injury.
University of Rochester Medical Center scientists have discovered a new approach to speed up blood stem cell recovery after a vulnerable period following a stem-cell transplant. Prostaglandin E2 boosts blood production and protects the surrounding microenvironment, offering new hope for patients with leukemia or other blood disorders.
Researchers found that neurotics with high levels of conscientiousness had lower inflammation levels, fewer chronic health conditions, and healthier body mass indices. This suggests that 'healthy neuroticism' may provide a protective effect against long-term health problems.
Researchers have created a plentiful supply of glial progenitor cells, which produce myelin, by mastering the chemical symphony that instructs them to divide. This breakthrough could lead to treatments for diseases like multiple sclerosis and cerebral palsy.
Scientists at the University of Rochester Medical Center claim to be close to human application of stem cell therapies for neurological diseases. They focus on oligodendrocytes and glial progenitor cells, which can be easily manipulated and transplanted.
A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that the generic drug mexiletine alleviates symptoms of nondystrophic myotonia, a rare muscle disease. Participants reported significant improvements in stiffness, pain, and everyday quality of life, with stiffness reduced by at least 40%.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Virology found that exposure to school-age children raises the odds that a person with lung disease will suffer symptoms from a cold. The study analyzed 1,000 samples of bodily fluids and found that people whose infections turned symptomatic were twice as likely to have contact with school-a...
Consuming greater amounts of choline during pregnancy may lower an infant's vulnerability to stress-related illnesses later in life. Higher maternal choline intake led to a more stable hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, resulting in less cortisol and a reduced risk of chronic conditions.
Researchers at URMC found that defective cholesterol exportation appears to be a key component in various cancers. They demonstrated that re-establishing the cholesterol export function in human colon cancer cells inhibited tumor growth.
A recent study in Rochester, NY, documents 19 cases of infected tattoos caused by a type of bacteria often found in tap water. Premixed gray ink is the suspected source of the infection, which was treated with antibiotics and resolved in most patients.
Researchers at URMC have identified a new genetic signature for leukemia that can be used to target rogue cells. They found approximately 70 genes associated with the growth and survival of leukemia cells, opening up new avenues for drug discovery.
A new study in Neurology questions the validity of a quality measure for stroke care, suggesting that patient decisions may account for up to 40% of hospital deaths within 30 days. The study found that 41% of patients could have been kept alive with continuous medical interventions, effectively reducing mortality rates by 3.2%.
A University of Rochester Medical Center study challenges traditional treatment guidelines for early-stage follicular lymphoma, concluding that six different therapies can bring remission. Careful patient staging is key to predicting prognosis and superior progression-free survival.
Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center have discovered a new brain cleaning system called the glymphatic system, which acts like a shadow plumbing system to drain away waste products from the brain. The system is highly organized and operates on a much larger scale than previously thought.
Researchers have reversed symptoms of myotonic muscular dystrophy in mice by targeting and eliminating toxic RNA in muscle cells. The treatment approach has shown significant promise, reducing symptoms by up to one year in a mouse model.
The study suggests that eliminating the PSA test would result in more men being diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer, leading to higher mortality rates. Prostate cancer death rates have been reduced by nearly 40% over the past 20 years, largely due to early detection through PSA testing.
A new study reveals that myotonic dystrophy patients prioritize fatigue, mobility, and sleep problems over symptoms like myotonia, which are often considered hallmark symptoms. Researchers have developed a patient-reported outcome measure to better evaluate the impact of experimental therapies on patients' lives.
Researchers found that paxillin regulates cell growth even in hormone therapy-resistant tumors, providing a new treatment target for advanced prostate cancer. The discovery could potentially lead to the development of targeted therapies that selectively attack cancer cells while leaving healthy cells intact.
A new study suggests that Coenzyme Q10 reduces oxidative damage in patients with Huntington's disease, hinting at its potential to slow progression. The discovery also identifies a new biomarker, 80HdG, which could be used to screen experimental treatments for this and other neurological disorders.
A new study identifies a unique alliance of proteins that plays a major role in the development of heart failure. Chronic high levels of adrenaline spur activation of PAR1, which causes cardiac dysfunction. Targeting either protein in the pathway may hold promise for treatment.
Research led by Ilan Dar-Nimrod found that modern coolness is characterized by friendly, competent, trendy, and attractive traits, deviating from the traditional rebellious and emotionally controlled image. The study suggests a transition from countercultural to generic coolness, with a focus on being liked and admired by others.
A study found that nursing home staff cohesion improves care quality, leading to reduced incidence of incontinence and pressure ulcers. The research used data from over 45,000 residents in 162 facilities across New York State, revealing a significant association between staff cohesion and better health outcomes.
Researchers found an association between mild traumatic brain injury and PTSD severity using advanced imaging techniques. The study suggests that subtle brain injury can predispose soldiers to psychiatric illness when coupled with extreme chronic stress.
A new study led by University of Rochester Medical Center researcher Barbara L. Asselin shows that giving a cardio-protective drug during cancer treatment may prevent damage to the hearts of childhood leukemia survivors. The study found that the drug Zinecard significantly reduced heart problems and damage in patients who received it.
A study published in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management found that prognosis was discussed in 93% of conversations, with quality of life focused more often than survival. The conversation's tone varied depending on whether the patient was present, with pessimistic discussions more likely when family members were alone.
Studies found that regular exercise improved physical function in cancer survivors, but specific prescriptions remain unclear. Researchers also discovered that older cancer survivors engage less in physical activity due to functional declines, potentially affecting independence and survival.
Researchers have found that a combination of vitamin D therapy and the BCG vaccine greatly improves bladder cancer survival in a mouse model, with 100% of mice surviving. The study aims to improve treatment outcomes for patients who do not respond to traditional BCG immunotherapy.
Researchers found that a genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease triggers a cascade of signaling that leads to leaky blood vessels and toxic substance entry into brain tissue. Blocking cyclophilin A or using the drug cyclosporine A reversed damage in mice, restoring blood flow and reducing toxic substance leakage.
A new study found that only 41.7% of stroke patients underwent brain imaging within the recommended 25 minutes of their arrival at a hospital, leading to potential delays in treatment. Certain individuals, including those with diabetes or certain cardiac conditions, were less likely to receive timely scans.
A new study at the University of Rochester Medical Center found that fetal growth restriction, a potential cause of stillbirth, is less common in obese pregnancies. In contrast, slow-growing babies are more prevalent among normal-weight women. The researchers suggest that missed diagnoses may not be a major concern in obese pregnancies.
A newly launched clinical trial at URMC is testing whether lower doses of an established blood pressure medication can provide the same benefits as a standard dose, potentially reducing side effects and costs. The study aims to learn how varying amounts of the medication affect patients with mild hypertension.
Training physicians in mindfulness meditation and communication skills improves primary care quality, reducing burnout and increasing self-awareness. Programs promoting mindful practice, community, and personal growth support clinicians' well-being.
A new study finds that bile plays a critical role in the development of Barrett's esophagus, a precursor to rare and deadly esophageal cancer. Bile shuts off genes responsible for normal esophageal lining and turns on genes producing intestine-like tissue.
A new study suggests creating quality measures for end-of-life care in nursing homes to inform consumers and incentivize improvements. The study proposes two quality measures: hospital transfer rates and hospice care usage, which can be calculated from existing data.
A new study published in Neurology found that antidepressant medications can effectively treat depression in Parkinson's patients without worsening their motor symptoms. The study, led by Irene Hegeman Richard, M.D., showed significant improvements in depression scores with paroxetine and venlafaxine, two commonly used antidepressants.
Research finds astrocytes play a key role in reducing electrical signals, influencing neuron firing and synaptic fidelity. The discovery offers new insights into diseases like epilepsy, schizophrenia, and ADHD.