A new study from the University of Utah Health discovers that sperm delivers more complex genetic material than previously thought, which may promote healthy baby development. The research also raises concerns about how a man's aging, health, and lifestyle affect fertility and embryo development.
Research suggests that being firstborn, having a breech birth, or maternal age over 35 may increase autism risk. This study analyzed Utah children with ASD and found significant correlations between these factors.
A study published in the American Journal of Human Genetics found a significant evidence for a gene on chromosome 9q21 that may contribute to pelvic floor disorders. The researchers analyzed DNA from 70 women from 32 families with at least two cases of pelvic floor disorders and found significant evidence for a genetic predisposition.
Researchers have found that a delayed-enhancement MRI method holds promise for predicting treatment outcomes and measuring disease progression in patients with atrial fibrillation. The study revealed that those with extensive scar tissue damage were at greater risk of AF recurrence after treatment.
Researchers have developed new powerful software that reduces the time it takes to process brain mapping data from decades to a few months. This technology allows scientists to build brain maps from their desktops, enabling the exploration of traumatic brain injury, neurodegenerative diseases, and epilepsy.
Researchers discovered that premature newborns lack the ability to form a 'death NET', a crucial white blood cell trap that kills bacteria. This defect may contribute to severe infections like sepsis and pneumonia in preterm babies, highlighting the need for new treatments.
A follow-up study published in the Journal of Autism Research found that 41 Utahns with autism had a higher social outcome than similar studies, with 24% having a very good social outcome. The study suggests that early intervention and strong social networks may play a role in determining social outcomes for individuals with autism.
Study finds GTF2IRD1 contributes to visual-spatial performance while GTF2I plays a role in social behavior, shedding light on complex aspects of human behavior. The research used genetic analysis to identify the genes' effects on cognitive abilities and behavior, providing new insights into Williams syndrome.
A new test can predict which women with breast cancer are likely to respond to chemotherapy and which type of chemotherapy will work best for them. The test, known as the Breast Bioclassifier, has been validated on thousands of women and can help doctors prescribe targeted treatments that may not require chemotherapy.
A study published in Nature Medicine suggests that statin drugs can stabilize blood vessels and prevent leaks in people with cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM). The disease, which affects an estimated 1.5 million people in the US, has no known drug therapy and often requires brain surgery or radiation treatment.
A recent study identified four new DNA 'hotspots' linked to psoriasis, an autoimmune disease that causes scaling and inflammation. The study also confirmed the association of two previously identified sites with psoriasis, revealing potential genetic markers for the disease.
Researchers at the University of Utah are enrolling patients in a clinical trial using their own bone marrow cells to regenerate heart muscle and improve blood flow. The study aims to improve heart function and quality of life for those with congestive heart failure.
A study by University of Utah researchers reveals that interaction between Wnt and Fgf growth factor signaling pathways is crucial for proper collective cell migration. Proper division of labor between the two pathways enables cells to migrate directionally, but defects in these interactions may lead to cancer progression.
Scientists have discovered similarities in a region of chromosome 7q31 among siblings with colon cancer, suggesting a potential gene cause. Siblings sharing this genetic region tend to develop cancer 3.8 years earlier than non-sharing siblings.
Researchers at University of Utah Health developed an MRI-based method to detect and measure scarring on the left atrium's wall in patients with atrial fibrillation. The study found that higher percentages of LA wall injury are linked to a lower recurrence rate of arrhythmia.
A two-year multicenter study on dietary supplements found no significant effect on slowing cartilage loss in osteoarthritis patients. The study, published in Arthritis & Rheumatism, compared the effects of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate to placebo, but found none had a clinically significant impact.
Researchers discovered a previously unknown link between two genes associated with aging and certain types of cancer. A low-calorie diet affects the activity of these genes in worms, slowing aging progression. The study's findings have implications for understanding metabolism, longevity, and disease in humans.
Researchers at the University of Utah have identified two early steps in adult stem cell differentiation using DNA 'tattoos' on planarian cells. The study found 259 genes associated with stem cells and their daughters, shedding light on how multipotent stem cells take differentiation decisions.
Researchers discovered that eosinophils release mitochondrial DNA, binding it to toxic granule proteins to form a net that traps and kills bacteria. This mechanism is linked to improved survival rates and lower bacterial numbers in mice with widespread infections.
Researchers at the University of Utah have developed a rapid test for hepcidin, which helps diagnose anemia related to chronic illness and diseases of iron overload. The test can distinguish between causes of iron overload, enabling doctors to provide more accurate diagnoses.
Common genetic variations affecting nicotine receptors can significantly increase the risk of lifelong nicotine addiction in European American youth who begin smoking before age 17. The study found that possession of a high-risk haplotype can lead to a 1.6-fold to almost 5-fold increase in risk of heavy smoking as an adult.
Researchers discover at least one or two additional types of adult stem cells beyond Bmi1-expressing cells, found primarily in the upper third of the intestine. This finding complicates stem cell therapy for diseases such as Parkinson's and heart disease, requiring recognition of organ-specific stem cell complexity.
Dr. Marrouche's pioneering work with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has improved the curative rates and safety of radiofrequency ablation procedures for atrial fibrillation. His research has led to significant reduction in complications and arrhythmia-free outcomes for patients.
A study published in Proceedings of National Academy of Sciences identifies the erythropoietin (EPO) gene as a contributor to increased risk of severe diabetic eye and kidney diseases. The research highlights the importance of considering blunting EPO's effects in future therapeutic strategies, such as anti-VEGF therapy.
Researchers found a blood vessel protein, Robo4, that reverses or prevents damage from two devastating eye diseases. The study's discovery could lead to new drugs to treat and prevent age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.
Researchers found a genetic link to cold sore susceptibility on chromosome 21, identifying six candidate genes. This discovery may lead to the development of new drugs to reduce the frequency of herpes outbreaks and improve treatment options for millions affected by the virus.
Researchers found a founder mutation in two large US families that may contribute to significant colon cancer cases. The mutation increases risk by 2-3 times by age 80, but can be prevented with proper screening and care.
Researchers at the University of Utah Health found that lung transplantation rarely extends children's survival and can even increase their risk of dying. The study analyzed data from 514 patients with cystic fibrosis and found that only one patient showed a clear benefit from transplantation, while others were at a higher risk of death.
A PET scan significantly improves the accuracy of diagnosing Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) by measuring brain sugar uptake. The study found that FDG-PET scans correctly diagnosed FTD and Alzheimer's in almost 90% of cases, increasing accuracy by 14%.
The University of Utah has been awarded a five-year, $19.2 million NIH grant to establish an HIV research center focusing on the structural biology of the virus. This research aims to understand how HIV takes control of host cells and develop new treatments.
Severely obese patients who undergo gastric bypass surgery show significant reductions in mortality rates from coronary heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. The study found a 56% lower mortality rate from coronary heart disease, a 60% lower death rate from cancer, and a 92% lower death rate from diabetes.
Reduced glutathione levels contribute to heart disease due to alpha B-Crystallin mutation; new class of drugs targets genetic pathway.
A new study by PECARN reveals that steroid treatment does not prevent hospitalization or improve symptoms in infants with bronchiolitis, the most common cause of infant hospitalization. The study's findings provide solid evidence for treating bronchiolitis with simple supportive care.
Researchers at University of Utah have developed a faster and less expensive technique for mutating vast, non-gene stretches of DNA. This new approach enables the evaluation of regulatory sequences that control gene expression, potentially leading to breakthroughs in human disease research.
Researchers at the University of Utah Health have made a significant breakthrough in understanding the origins of synovial sarcoma, a deadly cancer that affects young adults. By engineering mice to develop this cancer, scientists discovered that it originates from muscle cell precursors known as myoblasts.
Researchers developed a novel method to produce small chemicals from symbiotic bacteria found in sea squirts, which have anticancer properties. The ability to manipulate these chemicals using genetic pathways opens possibilities for developing new cancer and HIV treatments.
Researchers have discovered a new gene, HTRA1, that significantly increases the risk of developing Age Related Macular Degeneration. This discovery may lead to new treatments and preventive strategies for patients with AMD.
Researchers discovered a new target for future colon cancer treatments, a molecule involved in 85% of colon cancer cases. CTBP's accumulation in tumor cells with APC mutations leads to low retinoic acid production, causing improper cell development.
Researchers discovered a biochemical signaling pathway between blood platelets and monocytes that triggers production of Cox-2, an enzyme involved in heart attack, stroke, and other inflammatory diseases. This finding offers hope for developing new drugs to modify Cox-2 production and prevent or lessen the severity of these conditions.
University of Utah scientists reverse evolution by reconstructing a 530-million-year-old gene from two modern mouse genes. By combining key portions of Hoxa1 and Hoxb1, they effectively recreated a gene with the function that the original Hox1 performed more than 530 million years ago.
Researchers discover that a specific gene mutation increases gene activity to speed up the internal clock, contrary to previous beliefs. This finding has significant implications for developing treatments for circadian rhythm disorders such as depression and insomnia.
Netrins, a family of proteins, accelerate blood vessel growth and restore nerve growth in ischemic and diabetic mice. This breakthrough has significant implications for treating diabetes and peripheral vascular disease.
A new study from the University of Utah Health found that children are more likely to be hit by minivans and trucks than by cars while playing in driveways. The research highlights the importance of educating parents and young children about safe play and established rules.
Researchers found that humans and chimps harbor different kinds of mutations that influence PTC taste sensitivity. Humans carry two functional forms of the gene, while chimps have a broken form that likely emerged due to changes in their diet and environment.
The GAIT study found that glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate were ineffective in patients with mild knee pain, while those with moderate to severe pain saw significant relief when taking the supplements in combination. The results suggest that a personalized approach to managing osteoarthritis pain may be necessary.
Satellite and side population cells, a major source of muscle repair cells, arise from somites in the embryo. These cells are better at forming muscle than those not produced by somites, offering new hope for treating Duchenne's muscular dystrophy.
A study by Utah researchers confirms that a specific region on chromosome 3 is linked to autism, with results showing strong similarities to Finnish studies. The researchers used genetic markers to analyze the DNA of 31 family members, seven of whom have autism or an autism-related disorder.
Researchers discover smedwi-2 plays critical role in regulating daughter cell differentiation for tissue maintenance. Silencing this gene leads to animal death, despite intact stem cells, highlighting early specification of progeny
Researchers at the University of Utah are developing a hydrogel that helps grow new tissue for repairing diseased organs. The gelatin-like substance, made from sugar chains, is essential for organ printing, which aims to print living, three-dimensional tissue for transplantation.
Researchers found a special type of nucleosome bearing protein Htz1 that allows genes to be read by cellular machinery in a regulated manner, enabling gene expression. This discovery has implications for understanding how gene activation and repression is altered in cancer cells and developing targeted treatments.