Researchers have identified and studied antibodies from human survivors of Ebola Bundibugyo that neutralize and protect against infection with several different Ebola virus species. The newly discovered antibodies bond at a different site on the Ebola virus than other antibodies currently used to develop Ebola therapies.
A study by University of Texas Medical Branch researchers found that opioid-related hospitalization rates increased among Medicare patients without prescribed opioids after the 2014 federal change limiting hydrocodone product dispensing. This increase may indicate illegal use of these drugs.
Researchers at UTMB discovered a molecule that blocks the metabolic brake in obese white fat cells, increasing metabolism and reducing fat tissue mass. The drug-treated mice lost over 7% of their body weight and had lower blood cholesterol levels compared to placebo group, without suppressing appetite.
The current flu vaccine is predicted to be effective against the majority of H3N2 flu viruses in the US, but may not protect against minority groups. Scientists have identified a mutation that can shift the vaccine virus to the minority group, potentially decreasing its effectiveness.
Frequent alcohol consumption can lead to the death of stem cells responsible for creating new nerve cells in adult brains. Females are particularly susceptible to this damage, which may help develop new approaches to treating alcoholism.
A potential Zika vaccine has shown to completely prevent infection, transmission from pregnant mothers to developing fetuses and protect males against testicular infection and injury. The vaccine also prevents a lowered sperm count after one vaccination.
Researchers found that the Ebola virus exploits a protein called Tim-1 in T-cells to spread and cause disease. The study suggests that blocking this protein could lead to effective treatments for Ebola.
Researchers found that oxidative stress produces microfractures in amniotic membranes, increasing the risk of early water breakage and preterm birth. The study used specialized microscopic techniques to detect these fractures in donated amniotic membranes.
Researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch have developed a treatment for Lassa fever that provides 100% protection against the deadly virus in nonhuman primates, even when administered up to eight days after exposure. The treatment uses monoclonal antibodies and has been shown to be well-tolerated.
Experts recommend a physical and breathing exam, comprehensive health history, and trigger questionnaires to diagnose asthma. Effective treatment also involves spirometry testing, medication management, and written action plans to control symptoms and prevent future attacks.
Researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch have developed a Zika vaccine that can protect the developing fetus against infection and birth defects during pregnancy. The study showed that two different potential vaccines could prevent the Zika virus from infecting the fetus.
Researchers at UTMB discovered that the protein Slit is required for maintaining interconnecting pathways in the nervous system. Slit-Robo signaling controls this process, and Mummy enzyme modifies Slit to regulate Robo distribution.
Researchers have discovered a way to increase the effectiveness of doxorubicin in treating colon cancer while minimizing its toxic side effects. The new combination therapy uses aldose reductase inhibitors to block oxidative signals that drive cancer growth.
Researchers found that Ebola virus binds directly to white blood cells, causing their death and disrupting the immune system. This study provides new insights into the mechanisms of Ebola infection and may lead to the development of targeted therapies for Ebola virus disease.
A new live-attenuated Zika vaccine has been successfully developed in mice, offering complete protection against the virus after a single dose. The vaccine's safety profile is promising, with no adverse effects observed in mice compared to other clinically approved vaccines.
A successful antibody treatment protected nonhuman primates against the deadly Marburg and Ravn viruses even when given five days after becoming infected. Monoclonal antibodies show promise in providing protection during advanced stages of disease with highly dangerous viruses.
A study published in ACS Chemical Neuroscience confirms that lorcaserin decreases the urge to use opiates like oxycodone, reducing use and craving. The researchers found that lorcaserin alters serotonin signaling to reduce cue reactivity associated with opiate use.
Researchers found that over 60% of BRCA tests performed on unaffected women have increased since 2004, mainly driven by marketing efforts. However, study findings suggest that this trend may not lead to better diagnosis of those at risk, as many women without harmful mutations are still being tested.
Scientists at UTMB and Duke University Medical Center found a new gene interaction that increases the risk of developing multiple sclerosis. This discovery could lead to more accurate tests to identify those at greatest risk and potentially uncover new avenues for treatment.
A prospective study found that symptoms of depression, drinking alcohol, or using marijuana increased the risk of synthetic marijuana (SC) use one year later. SCs are potent chemicals similar to THC, often sold as potpourri or incense and appealing to adolescents due to ease of access and affordability.
Researchers at UTMB have discovered that the Asian lineage of the Zika virus halts brain stem cell proliferation and hinders their ability to develop into brain nerve cells. This finding provides insight into the mechanisms behind Zika-induced microcephaly, a serious birth defect characterized by small brain and head development.
Researchers at UTMB have identified inflammation as a major contributor to permanent vision loss after head trauma. Limiting inflammation may help preserve cell function and prevent nerve damage.
Researchers have created a new detection test for Zika that is faster and more accurate than existing tests. The new test can identify the virus in a tiny blood sample in under four hours, marking a significant improvement over current options.
Researchers at UTMB have developed an oral vaccine against salmonella that can be taken by mouth to protect against poisoning. The vaccine was shown to produce strong immunity in mice and holds promise for future use in humans.
Researchers at The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston have developed a novel chikungunya vaccine using an insect-specific virus that doesn't affect humans. The new vaccine elicits strong immune defenses and protects mice and nonhuman primates from disease when exposed to the chikungunya virus.
Researchers at UTMB engineered Ebola virus variants to study the components disabling the human immune system. The study found that IIDs promote replication of viral particles in cells and counteract the activity of immune cells.
Researchers at UTMB have created a Zika virus replicon system that strips the virus of its infectious genes, reducing safety risks. This tool will aid in vaccine development and understanding viral replication and mutations.
Researchers from UTMB have developed three new potential vaccines against the plague that protect animals from developing pneumonic plague as late as four to five months after vaccination. The vaccines were engineered by deleting and modifying genes in Yersinia pestis bacteria, resulting in safe vaccine candidates.
A study from UTMB found that patients with strong social support spend less time in an inpatient rehabilitation facility. The researchers analyzed data from 119,439 Medicare beneficiaries and discovered a positive correlation between social support and reduced length of stay.
Researchers found that female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes can pass the Zika virus to their eggs and offspring. This discovery highlights the importance of using larvicides to curb the spread of the virus. The study suggests that controlling adult mosquitoes may not be enough to eliminate the virus.
School nurses play a critical role in identifying and preventing digital dating violence, which can involve harassment, stalking, or controlling a partner via technology and social media. The American Association of School Nurses emphasizes the importance of conversation about healthy relationships, safe internet use, and online behavior.
Researchers at UTMB have protected nonhuman primates against Ebola Sudan four days after infection using a siRNA-based treatment. The treatment was effective even when animals showed signs of disease and had detectable levels of the virus in their blood.
Researchers at UTMB identified a molecule called p38 MAPK linked to premature birth, found in stressed exosomes from placental tissue. This discovery sheds light on the triggers of preterm delivery, which affects an estimated 15 million babies worldwide each year.
Researchers found direct evidence that Aedes aegypti mosquitoes transmit Zika virus, helping control efforts. The study identified Zika virus in several samples of A. aegypti but not in other mosquito species.
Researchers at The University of Texas Medical Branch found that adolescent and young adult cancer survivors are more likely to be current cigarette smokers. The study highlights the importance of addressing smoking during medical visits to encourage survivors to quit.
A new study from UTMB reveals that pulmonary rehabilitation therapy is underutilized despite its health benefits and cost-effectiveness in managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The study found that the majority of economic burden of COPD stems from hospitalizations, which can be reduced by PR.
A new study reveals that the splicing regulator RBFOX2 plays a key role in diabetic cardiomyopathy, impairing normal gene expression patterns and leading to abnormal calcium signaling in the heart. This understanding may lead to the development of new tools for diagnosing, preventing or treating this form of heart damage.
Researchers genetically engineered a Zika virus infectious cDNA clone, enabling rapid vaccine development and exploration of the virus's evolution and transmission. The study unlocks insights into why the Zika virus causes severe diseases and epidemics.
Researchers at UTMB identify 94 effective non-antibiotic drugs against Yersinia pestis and other antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Trifluoperazine, doxapram, and amoxapine show promise in treating plague and other infections.
A study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that consuming high fructose during pregnancy increases the child's risk for heart disease. The research, conducted by UTMB researchers, showed that female offspring had higher peak glucose levels, blood pressure, and insulin resistance.
A large-scale population-based study found that older men using testosterone therapy had lower rates of hospital readmissions compared to non-users. The study, published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings, analyzed data from over 6,000 men and showed a 9.8% rate of 30-day hospital readmissions among testosterone users versus 13% for non-users.
Researchers have successfully developed a new treatment for the deadly Junin virus, providing complete protection against the disease. The laboratory-engineered antibody demonstrated effectiveness in guinea pigs and showed promise as a therapeutic solution for patients.
A new study from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston finds that higher rates of breastfeeding and vaccination significantly reduce the incidence of ear infections in babies. The study also suggests that lower smoking rates contribute to this decline.
Higher concentrations of BPA in pregnant mothers' blood are associated with an increased risk of preterm birth. The study found that women with higher BPA levels were more likely to deliver their babies early compared to those with lower levels.
Researchers found that women who take the birth control pill are less likely to suffer serious knee injuries compared to those who do not use hormonal contraception. Women between 15-19 years old with ACL injuries were 22% less likely to be taking birth control pills.
A study by UTMB found that APPs prescribed short-acting inhalers and consulted with pulmonary specialists more often, leading to lower ER visits for COPD and higher follow-up rates. However, they had lower vaccination rates and less frequent clinic visits after hospitalization compared to physicians.
Researchers have identified antibodies in the blood of survivors that can kill various types of Ebola, providing a potential single treatment against several strains. The study's findings could lead to the development of treatments for Ebola and other related viruses.
A new study finds that traumatic brain injury induces mental impairments using mechanisms linked with Alzheimer's disease, specifically the toxic form of tau protein. The research suggests that TBI may share a common mechanism with neurodegenerative diseases, increasing the risk for dementia and other neurological disorders.
A study found that 52% of primary care physicians make unnecessary specialist referrals, with 39% prescribing brand-name drugs over generics. Physician behavior is influenced by factors like patient requests, interactions with reps, and years of experience.
Researchers have developed a new diagnostic method for a deadly fungal lung infection in leukemia patients, offering improved early detection and treatment options. The breakthrough uses distinct test results to identify the infectious mold, potentially refining diagnostics and improving survival rates.