Researchers at USF found that combining nutrients called NT-020 increased adult neural stem cell proliferation and boosted learning and memory performance in aged rats. The study suggests aging may be linked to reduced neurogenesis due to inflammation.
A new study suggests that a father's involvement before birth may play an important role in preventing death during the first year of life. Infants born to absent fathers were more likely to experience lower birth weights, preterm births, and small size, as well as higher rates of neonatal mortality.
A study by University of South Florida and Johns Hopkins University found that pediatricians should not hesitate to discuss a child's weight with parents. Pediatricians can help identify overweight preschoolers and prevent serious health problems like Type II diabetes and heart disease.
A University of South Florida-led study finds that mannitol boosts the therapeutic effectiveness of human umbilical cord blood cells in treating cerebral palsy. Mannitol helps open the blood-brain barrier to facilitate entry of beneficial cells and promote neurotrophic factor effects.
Researchers found that folate supplementation prevented heart valve defects and restored heart function in mouse embryos exposed to alcohol. High doses of folate were necessary to protect against defects, contradicting current dietary recommendations.
USF researchers recommend delaying umbilical cord clamping to increase the transfer of stem cells, which may help prevent anemia and other health problems in newborns. The study suggests that this delay can be beneficial for pre-term infants and those born in areas with limited access to healthcare.
A multicenter NIH trial led by the University of South Florida found combination antibiotics to be effective in treating Chlamydia-induced reactive arthritis. The study showed significant improvement in patients treated with combination antibiotics, with 22% experiencing complete remission and no adverse side effects.
The University of South Florida will train 100 e-ambassadors to help doctors use and adopt electronic health records, improving patient safety and convenience. The initiative aims to bridge the gap in adopting new systems and make EMRs more responsive to physicians.
A sun protection intervention program increased hat use at school, but had no effect on self-reported hat use at home or skin pigmentation. The program's success highlights the importance of educating children about sun protection and modeling healthy behavior.
A team of researchers at the University of South Florida discovered that a common herpesvirus can integrate its DNA into human chromosomes, allowing it to be passed down through generations. This finding raises concerns about disease risk and the potential for viral reactivation in individuals born with the virus's DNA in every cell.
Studies implicate beta amyloid protein in shared disease mechanisms with Alzheimer's, Down syndrome, and atherosclerosis. Damage to microtubule network disrupts cholesterol metabolism and insulin signaling.
A new study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease suggests that long-term cell phone exposure may protect against and even reverse Alzheimer's disease. The research found that electromagnetic waves generated by cell phones erased brain deposits of beta-amyloid, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease, in mice.
A large-scale study found that less than half of eligible patients with heart failure receive cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) devices. The therapy is particularly beneficial for patients with disorganized heartbeats, but widespread variations in CRT use were observed among practices and patient characteristics.
USF researchers Paul Sanberg and Douglas Shytle developed TC-5214, a promising alternative to antidepressants, which has shown effectiveness in treating treatment-resistant depression. The $1B deal with AstraZeneca could generate substantial revenue for the university.
Researchers are adapting cognitive behavioral therapy to treat anxiety in early adolescents with autism. The study aims to reduce anxiety and improve mental health outcomes in this population, addressing the growing need for effective treatments.
Researchers at USF Health found that inhibiting the chaperone protein Hsp70 can reduce brain levels of toxic tau protein associated with Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests that targeting Hsp70 could lead to more effective treatments for Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases.
A recent animal model study found that exposure to high concentrations of oxygen hastens memory loss in Alzheimer's mice. The study suggests that the combination of brain beta amyloid and hyperoxia may trigger Alzheimer's symptoms, particularly in those at increased risk. Researchers propose reducing oxygen exposure as a potential prev...
Researchers at the University of South Florida found that caffeine significantly decreased abnormal levels of beta amyloid protein in the brains and blood of Alzheimer's mice, reversing their memory impairment. Caffeine administered to elderly non-demented humans also affects their blood levels of β-amyloid.
A new study found that blood stem cell growth factor (GCSF) reversed memory impairment in mice with Alzheimer's disease by reducing beta amyloid deposits and promoting new neuron production. The treatment showed promising results in both bone marrow and brain, offering a potential therapy for the disease.
The USF-Moffitt Cancer Center has been awarded a $6 million grant to create a National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities Center of Excellence. The center will focus on reducing health disparities among minority and underserved communities in Florida through research, education, and community outreach.
Researchers at Natura Therapeutics and the University of South Florida are studying the green tea compound TeaMem, which may block a key process in Alzheimer's development. The NIH grant will investigate TeaMem's role in preventing AD pathology and cognitive impairment.
A new study by University of South Florida researchers finds that black young adults are hospitalized for stroke at a rate three times higher than their white and Hispanic peers. The study highlights the urgent need to reduce major stroke risk factors among African-Americans.
A new study found that patients starting rasagiline earlier experienced less progression of Parkinson's disease symptoms and signs, including rigidity and activities of daily living. The long-term study showed a 16% less progression in the early-start group compared to those who delayed treatment for six months.
Researchers found MRI brain scans accurately diagnose Alzheimer's disease even before symptoms interfere with daily function. The study suggests incorporating MRIs into the assessment of patients with memory problems can standardize and improve early diagnosis.
Researchers found that individuals with lower educational achievement and smaller head sizes were more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease, suggesting an early sign of the illness. The study suggests that brain damage related to Alzheimer's may begin earlier in life, compromising intellectual ability and leading to reduced education.
The University of South Florida has been awarded a seven-year, $128 million NIH grant to coordinate worldwide studies on the prevention and treatment of juvenile diabetes. The TrialNet project will screen over 150,000 children and adults to investigate new therapies for early signs of diabetes.
Transplanting human umbilical cord blood cells into mouse models with ALS delayed disease symptom progression and increased lifespan. The moderate-strength dose of HUCB cells proved most effective in providing neuroprotection for motor neurons.
A new study published in the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology reports a significant disparity in infant mortality rates between black and white mothers, with obese black mothers facing a higher risk of newborn death. Researchers analyzed over 1.4 million births and found that high BMI was an independent risk factor for neonatal mortalit...
A University of South Florida study found that protein MAEBL is essential for malaria parasites to invade mosquito salivary glands, allowing transmission to humans. By silencing the receptor for MAEBL, researchers hope to block passage of the parasite through mosquitoes.
A new study found that human umbilical cord blood cell therapy reduced amyloid-ß plaques by 62% and cerebral amyloid angiopathy by 86% in mice with Alzheimer's-like disease. The treatment targeted the pathogenic inflammatory response associated with CD40-CD40L activity.
Injecting human umbilical cord blood cells (UCBC) into aged laboratory animals rejuvenates the hippocampus region of their brains by reducing inflammation and increasing neurogenesis. This study presents a potential cell therapy approach to improve brain function in aging individuals.
Researchers at USF Health found that Akt protein can influence tau protein, leading to nerve cell death in Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests regulating Akt levels may be beneficial for treating diseases of aging, including cancer and diabetes.
A University of South Florida fetal surgeon successfully treated a rare condition where placental blood vessels block the birth canal and can rupture during labor. The laser procedure sealed off the abnormal fetal blood vessels, eliminating prolonged hospitalization and allowing the pregnancy to progress with a vaginal delivery.
The University of South Florida's global health initiative will expand its research training partnerships in India to fight AIDS among adolescents. The program, valued at $1.36 million, will partner with Vadodara Medical College to train Indian physicians and healthcare professionals.
A new study suggests that newer antidepressants are likely to reduce suicide risk in teens, contrary to earlier warnings. The researchers found a significant protective benefit from these medications, with only a small group of people being adversely affected.
Researchers found that transplanted stem cells triggered the brain's self-repair mechanisms by boosting nerve survival and blood vessel development. The study suggests that stem cells may be more effective at repairing damaged brain tissue than previously thought.
A study by USF Health found that rheumatologists consistently rate their patients' functional disability higher than the patients themselves, particularly in advanced stages of the disease. The researchers used the Stanford Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index (HAQ-DI) and evaluated 223 patients, finding that rheumatologist...
New study links unexplained late-life weight loss with Alzheimer's disease severity, suggesting it may be an early predictor. Researchers found that weight loss preceding dementia by more than 10 years is associated with the severity of brain changes in Alzheimer's patients.
A study by USF researchers debunks the theory that older women can generate new eggs, challenging a controversial finding made by Harvard scientist Jonathan Tilly. The researchers found no evidence of egg stem cells in ovarian cells biopsied from 12 women between 28 and 53 years old.
A new mouse model of HIV-related dementia shows that green tea extract EGCG reduces neurotoxicity of proteins secreted by HIV. The study suggests a potential natural compound for preventing and treating the devastating disease.
Researchers have developed a novel transdermal vaccine approach that effectively clears brain-damaging plaques from a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. The vaccine works by triggering the immune system to recognize abnormal protein Ab as a foreign invader, reducing cognitive deficits and senile plaque burden.
Researchers sequenced the purple sea urchin genome, detecting an unusually large number of innate immunity genes and early components of adaptive immune system. The findings suggest that complex genetic regulatory circuits were assembled in a late evolutionary event.
Researchers identified a key step in cocaine-induced heart enlargement, where high concentrations of the drug lead to increased calcium within heart muscle cells, prompting the accumulation of primitive fetal proteins. This process can cause irregular heart rhythms and sudden death, affecting young people between 18-29 years old.
A recent study found that Florida medical students are discouraged from pursuing obstetrics and gynecology careers due to high malpractice premiums and liability concerns. The survey results suggest a significant shortage of specialists in the field, with many students considering leaving the state to practice.
Researchers found that nicotine withdrawal symptoms begin as early as 30 minutes after quitting, impacting smokers' cravings, mood, and behavior. This discovery challenges the common assumption that withdrawal symptoms occur later in the process.
A recent USF Health study published in Osteoporosis International found that low-carbohydrate diets do not increase bone loss. Patients on the diet lost significant weight without compromising their bone health. The study's lead author notes potential limitations, but emphasizes the benefits of a balanced approach to weight management.
A pilot study found elevated Bcl-2 levels in patients with ovarian cancer, associated with 92% of cases, while CA125 tests identified only 68%. The research aims to develop a safe, non-invasive detection method for ovarian cancer.
Lifelong calorie restraint is crucial for preventing excess weight and age-related health issues such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Studies with rhesus monkeys show that maintaining a constant healthy body weight can improve overall health and prolong lifespan.
A recent study published by the University of South Florida has found that drug use is linked to an increased risk of brain hemorrhage in young adults. The study analyzed data from 307 patients with intracerebral hemorrhage and found that cocaine, marijuana, and amphetamines were common substances of abuse among those under 50.
The USF College of Public Health is collaborating with 12 institutions to develop and implement strategies focused on eliminating racial and ethnic health disparities. The initiative aims to build a model for the nation, leveraging partnerships between communities and institutions to address health disparities.