A new study confirms that the predominant outcome of non-fatal pediatric drowning is locked-in syndrome. Researchers found that 60% of children who survived drowning events were classified as locked in, with cognitive and sensory networks preserved in their brains.
Researchers found a correlation between cortical gray matter thickness and dementia risk, with thinner ribbons indicating higher risk. The study suggests that this biomarker could be used to identify people at high risk of dementia, potentially allowing for early intervention.
A study by University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio researchers found that corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) activates immune cells in the dura membrane under the skull, leading to pain signals. This discovery may lead to the development of a small-molecule drug therapy to inhibit CRF and MrgprB2 interaction.
Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center discovered a gene therapy approach that can restore motor functions in mice with Contactin-Associated Protein 1 (Cntnap1) mutations. The study found that turning on the normal gene earlier improves the rescue outcome, and the next phase is to test this approach in humans.
Researchers have pinpointed the molecular mechanism by which a large portion of BRCA1 mutations cause cancers in women. The study found that the E3 ligase activity of BRCA1 is crucial in several stages of DNA repair and tumor suppression, reinterpreting previous findings.
Scientists at Mays Cancer Center found that altering androgen receptor multivalent interactions may lead to new treatments for prostate cancer. The study suggests that precise levels of these interactions are crucial for proper hormone-induced gene expression.
A team of researchers at Mays Cancer Center has identified protein markers that could signal the early development of metastatic lung cancer. These markers have led to a $1.6 million grant and will pave the way for a clinical trial in patients with advanced lung cancer.
A survey of 10,981 US adults found that toxic molds, fossil fuels, and antibiotics are common causes of chemical intolerance. The study suggests that reducing exposure to mold, pesticides, and other contaminants may help prevent future cases.
Researchers found that urine levels of adenine are predictive and causative biomarkers of looming progressive kidney failure in patients with diabetes. An oral therapeutic drug showed promise in mice by reducing kidney adenine levels and protecting against diabetic kidney disease.
The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio will leverage the funding to translate scientific discoveries into therapeutic benefits, with a focus on reducing health disparities among Mexican Americans, active military personnel, and veterans. The research aims to push ideas along toward national application in the clin...
A study published in Hepatology reveals that abnormal pre-mRNA splicing is associated with liver disease caused by excessive alcohol consumption. The researchers propose targeting specific splicing factors as a novel approach to mitigate the disease.
A program integrated community health workers into patient outreach to improve health, doubling annual visits to older adults with type 2 diabetes and dementia. The program resulted in a 17% reduction in hospital admissions and an 11% decline in emergency room visits among homebound patients.
The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio has developed an AI algorithm that can accurately count brain lesions on MRI scans in seconds. This tool helps neuroradiologists evaluate patients' brain diseases at earlier stages and identify the most significant lesions associated with stroke and small-vessel disease.
A multinational study identified immune resilience as a critical factor influencing life span, HIV/AIDS, flu, sepsis mortality, recurrent skin cancer, and COVID-19 mortality. Individuals with optimal levels of immune resilience were more likely to resist infections and recover from inflammatory stressors.
A clinical trial combining TVB-2640 and bevacizumab showed a six-month progression-free survival improvement in patients with recurrent high-grade glioblastoma, warranting further study. The treatment's side effects were mild, but the overall survival of participants was not statistically significant compared to historic controls.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that intensive blood pressure treatment significantly reduces the risk of adverse cerebrovascular events such as stroke. Participants with hypertension who received intensive treatment showed reduced white matter lesions and improved blood flow, indicating better overall brain health.
Infants have a unique homing property that directs certain immune cells to the skin at birth, protecting them from disease-causing bacteria. This skin-homing ability is crucial for lifelong immunity and local tissue development.
Researchers developed a small-molecule drug that limits magnesium transport into cellular power plants, resulting in skinny, healthy mice. The findings hold significant implications for preventing cardiometabolic diseases like heart attack and stroke, as well as reducing liver cancer risk.
Researchers found 21 Alzheimer's disease-related genes associated with obesity, including those linked to neuro-inflammation and amyloid-beta protein deposition. Obesity in midlife and women is more closely linked to dementia risk than late life or men.
Researchers at UT Health San Antonio identified a new inflammatory trigger in Alzheimer's disease and progressive supranuclear palsy, involving 'jumping genes' that form double-stranded RNA mimicking viral infections. This discovery opens new doors for understanding astrocyte biology and their role in transposable element control.
A new study by University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio shows that treatment for combat-related PTSD can be both fast and effective, with clinically significant reductions in symptoms in over 60% of patients. Long-term remission was observed in more than 50% after three weeks of outpatient therapy.
A team of researchers has identified multiple candidate genes that influence longevity in mice, with subtle genetic variations leading to different health outcomes as we age. The discovery is significant, as it may lead to the development of effective treatments for human aging and diseases.
A study published in Neurology found that eating omega-3 fatty acids can protect the brain from aging and cognitive decline in midlife. The research, conducted by the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, suggests that even small amounts of omega-3s can have a significant impact on brain health.
A new clinical trial found that the bionic pancreas device was more effective at maintaining blood glucose levels within normal range than standard-of-care management among people with type 1 diabetes. The device requires minimal user input and provides more automation, resulting in improved glycemic control.
A study published in Nature has identified 61 additional genetic loci associated with stroke and six genes that are potential targets for drug therapy. The research also found a significant overlap between stroke and dementia, suggesting common biology between the two conditions.
A study found that building trust with community health workers (promotores) can lead to long-term self-care in type 2 diabetes patients. 32.4% of participants achieved 'self-care generativity,' while 40.5% progressed to 'stabilization.' The model, called Nosotros, could be replicated to improve chronic disease management.
A global consortium study aims to understand the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on the brain, with researchers evaluating over 1,000 participants worldwide. The study, led by UT Health San Antonio, uses advanced brain imaging and neuropsychological tests to assess cognitive function and identify potential causes of long-term brain changes.
A recent study published in the Journal of Urology found that robotic IVC thrombectomy is not inferior to standard open surgery and has lower complication rates. The robotic approach also showed a lower blood transfusion rate, making it an attractive option for patients with optimal candidacy.
A three-year study found that telehealth consultations with a pediatric infectious disease specialist reduced antibiotic usage in 8 Texas nurseries serving rural and medically underserved areas by 32%. The consultations helped healthcare providers make more informed decisions about when to use antibiotics, ensuring the proper balance b...
A systematic literature review found that existing chemical risk assessments are inadequate and contradictory. The review of 74 toxicology studies and 74 epidemiological studies revealed an underestimation of the levels of flame retardants needed to cause harmful health effects.
A new therapy called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Headache (CBTH) significantly reduced related disability in veterans following a traumatic brain injury. It also showed comparable reductions in co-occurring symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), with low drop-out rates and ease of use for therapists.
Researchers at UT Health San Antonio found that rapamycin causes an increase in beta-amyloid protein plaques in mouse models, contradicting its potential benefits. However, a novel method to decrease plaques was discovered by deleting the Tsc1 gene from microglia, leading to increased Trem2 levels and decreased plaques.
A phase 3 randomized study showed that momelotinib significantly improved outcomes for patients with myelofibrosis, a rare and fatal bone marrow cancer. The oral pill met all primary and secondary endpoints, showing a trend toward overall survival benefit within six months.
A compound called ERX-41 has been shown to kill a range of hard-to-treat cancer types, including breast and ovarian cancers, by targeting a previously unexploited vulnerability. This could lead to new drugs being developed to fight these cancers, which currently have few effective treatments.
The NIH-funded study will enroll 1,050 patients with periodontitis to collect data on the efficacy of antibiotics in treating the condition. The goal is to develop evidence-based clinical guidelines and advance oral health, particularly given the critical need to reduce antibiotic misuse and combat superbugs.
Researchers from The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio have identified 33 genes associated with Alzheimer's disease, doubling the known list. This discovery adds 42 new genetic variants to the existing gene list, shedding light on emerging pathways of Alzheimer's biology and potential treatment targets.
Researchers at UT Health San Antonio have identified a novel mechanism by which tau protein causes neurons to die, which can be altered pharmacologically. This discovery provides a new framework for studying vertebrate models of tauopathy and eventually clinical trials.
A breakthrough discovery has identified a novel approach to tackle metabolic diseases by inhibiting a liver enzyme that regulates appetite and energy expenditure. The treatment, which stabilizes key proteins in the blood, resulted in significant weight loss and improved insulin sensitivity in obese mice.
A study published in JAMA Network Open found that Black patients with cancer faced significantly poorer COVID-19 outcomes, including higher hospitalization rates and death tolls. Structural racism in healthcare systems is believed to be a key factor contributing to these disparities.
Researchers have identified a blood biomarker called glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) that may uniquely aid prediction of dementia in Mexican Americans. The study analyzed 745 participants over four years, finding that higher levels of GFAP predicted increased risk of developing dementia.
Researchers compared two treatment methods for wide-neck aneurysms: microsurgery with clips and coils/stents deployed via catheters. Microsurgery was found to be longer-lasting, but endovascular therapy showed superior clinical outcomes in unruptured aneurysms.
Researchers discovered that inhibiting the breakdown of a neuroprotective molecule called 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) in astrocytes promotes recovery from traumatic brain injury. The study suggests that targeting this molecule could lead to the development of new therapies for TBI-induced disease.
Researchers at UT Health San Antonio have discovered that specific RNA molecules can bind to and inhibit the activity of two proteins (METTL-3 and METTL-14) that drive DNA changes in leukemia. This finding provides a potential therapeutic target for treating this cancer.
Researchers identified a mechanism by which two antiviral genes, SAMD9 and SAMD9L, promote childhood cancer when mutated. The study found that this protein region performs the toxic function through binding to nucleic acids.
A new study found that infection-fighting B cells retain better memory of the coronavirus spike protein in patients who recover from less-severe cases of COVID-19 than those recovering from severe cases. This hints at subtle differences in the quality of immune response based on COVID-19 severity.
Research by University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio scientists found that mice missing one copy of the Tbx1 gene exhibit slower cognitive processing. The gene's deletion led to diminished myelin insulation around nerves, impacting signal conduction between brain regions.
Researchers at UT Health San Antonio discovered that norepinephrine release in the visual cortex is tied to processing of imagery and cells' activation. This local regulation enhances sensory-specific attention and may represent a mechanism to enhance focus.
A pilot study found that yoga improved quality of life in men with new prostate cancer diagnoses, reducing fatigue and increasing immune response. The study also showed a reduction in inflammatory markers and an improvement in sexual function.
The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley have been designated as a new National Institute on Aging (NIA)-designated Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. The centers aim to promote research collaboration, encourage data sharing, and offer information and clinical trials f...
Researchers developed a novel concept to predict COVID-19 severity using immunologic resilience, which was linked to patient outcomes such as mortality, hospitalization, and SARS-CoV-2 levels. The study found that patients with inferior immune health grades had higher risks of severe illness and poorer outcomes.