A deadly marine cone snail's venom contains a toxin that interacts with human cells in a specific manner, regulating blood sugar levels and hormone balance. This discovery may lead to the design of more effective drugs for treating diabetes and endocrine disorders.
A new study found that hospital pneumonia diagnoses are often uncertain and revised, with over half of all cases involving a change in diagnosis. This uncertainty can lead to poorer health outcomes for patients who initially lack a pneumonia diagnosis but later receive a diagnosis.
A new study found that subclinical hypothyroidism before 21 weeks of pregnancy is associated with a more than quadrupled risk of overt hypothyroidism or thyroid replacement therapy within 5 years of delivery. Individuals with higher levels of antibodies against a thyroid enzyme were also at increased risk.
Researchers used advanced brain imaging techniques to identify key regions and networks involved in creative thinking. The Default Mode Network (DMN) was found to play a crucial role, with activity originating from the DMN before being evaluated by other brain regions.
A nationwide study found that nearly one in 10 pregnant people who contract COVID will develop long-term symptoms, including fatigue and gastrointestinal issues. The study provides important insights into the risk of long COVID in this population and emphasizes the need for healthcare practitioners to be vigilant for its symptoms.
Genital herpes infections have a significant global impact, with estimated health care expenditures and productivity losses totaling $13 billion annually. The study highlights the need for increased investment in preventing herpes transmission, including the development of effective vaccines.
Researchers found that specific time cells are essential for learning complex behaviors where timing is critical in mice. The discovery could aid in early detection of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's by analyzing patterns of time cell activity.
Research suggests that microbes in the human gut influence social behavior, with certain bacteria offering protection against intestinal problems. The study found specific species of Blautia and Bacteroides uniformis that may benefit people with autism and GI disorders.
Scientists have identified the genetic mutation that causes SCA4, a progressive neurological disorder. The mutated gene ZFHX3 leads to impaired protein recycling in nerve cells, causing symptoms such as difficulty walking and balancing. This discovery opens the door to potential treatments for both SCA4 and another related form of ataxia.
Researchers developed a risk calculator to predict individualized risk of right heart failure after left heart pump surgery, tailoring care to each patient. The STOP-RVF calculator uses machine learning and considers variables such as pre-existing health conditions, medications, and demographic information.
Researchers have found that some tumors release a protein with a virus-like structure, triggering an out-of-control immune reaction that can damage brain cells. The immune system targets this protein as if it were a foreign invader, leading to rapid-onset memory loss and cognitive deficits.
A large study of over 9,000 pregnant people found that cannabis exposure during pregnancy is associated with a composite measure of unhealthy pregnancy outcomes, including low birth weight. Higher levels of cannabis exposure were also linked to higher risks of complications.
A large-scale genetic study has identified 12 DNA variants associated with an increased risk of attempting suicide. The research highlights links between genetic factors and health conditions such as impulsivity, smoking, chronic pain, and heart disease.
Researchers found that EHR systems rated as being difficult to operate did not perform well in safety tests. When clinicians experienced difficulties with EHRs, those systems were less likely to flag medication errors.
Researchers found that Metformin reduces muscle atrophy and fibrosis in older adults, allowing them to recover faster from bed rest. The study's findings suggest that targeting cellular senescence with Metformin may be a therapeutic solution for improving muscle recovery in aging individuals.
A study found that a gene variant common in Black individuals may contribute to higher severity of stroke. Mice carrying the variant showed heightened reactivity and greater disability after a stroke, highlighting the need for personalized medicine based on genetics.
A new study published in Pediatrics reveals that family caregivers of children with medically complex conditions experience bias and substandard treatment in hospitals and clinics. The findings emphasize the urgent need for additional medical training to address this issue.
A new study by University of Utah Health finds that non-citizen individuals are more susceptible to food insecurity, even with similar income and education levels. The researchers suggest increasing awareness about safety net programs like SNAP can help reduce disparities in food insecurity between immigrants and US-born citizens.
A new study by the University of Utah Health reveals that people with higher cardiovascular disease risk are more likely to develop musculoskeletal disorders. The study suggests prioritizing cardiovascular health can help prevent these conditions and improve quality of life.
A study found that mice lacking a specific gene make different decisions, repeating a behavior sequence and reducing second-guessing. The research implies genes can bias decision-making, even for seemingly irrational choices.
Researchers have developed a new technique to study the molecular causes of pediatric bipolar disorder by growing brain cells in the laboratory. The approach identified significant changes linked to the psychiatric condition, including a gene mutation that may be responsible for the disorder.
Researchers have discovered a new strategy for treating arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy by restoring the trafficking protein GJA1-20k, which enables healthy connections between heart cells. This finding may also be applicable to treating dangerous arrhythmias associated with other conditions.
Scientists at the University of Utah Health have discovered a complex network of protein-metabolite interactions within cells that enable them to respond to environmental cues and maintain homeostasis. The study, published in Science, highlights the importance of these interactions in regulating metabolic processes and preventing disease.
A nationwide study found that over 25% of parents lied about their child's COVID-19 status or didn't follow guidelines. Some parents misrepresented their child's age to get vaccinated, highlighting the challenges faced by parents during the pandemic.
Researchers compared genetic codes from 62 animals to uncover the story of human body hair loss. The study found that a set of genes and regulatory regions are essential for making hair, and suggests new ways to recover hair after balding or chemotherapy.
A new animal study points to a gene that controls early social behaviors and may be linked to autism. Exposure to certain drugs during embryonic development can alter this gene, leading to social behavior changes similar to those found in individuals with autism. Researchers were able to reverse some effects using an experimental drug.
A nationwide study found that mRNA vaccines significantly reduced the severity of Delta and Omicron COVID-19 infections in vaccinated individuals. The study, involving over 1,199 participants, also showed that breakthrough cases were more likely with Delta and Omicron variants but still limited by the vaccine's effectiveness.
Researchers discovered that stillbirth can be inherited and tends to be passed down through male members of the family, particularly on the father's side. This trend was identified in a large study analyzing health histories of families over multiple generations.
A nationwide survey found that over 42% of Americans misrepresented their COVID-19 status and/or failed to follow public health measures. The most common reasons were a desire to feel normal and exercise personal freedom, with younger age groups and those with greater distrust of science being more likely to engage in misrepresentation.
Researchers have developed brain-like organoids that can be tested experimentally to uncover cellular and molecular causes of autism. The organoids, grown in a dish from human cells, self-organize into layers of cells reminiscent of the cerebral cortex, allowing scientists to study how complex neural structures arise.
Scientists at University of Utah Health discovered that a fungus that causes fungal meningitis shrinks in size to better infect the brain. The 'seed' cells, which are smaller and have unique features, can colonize other organs and spread infection. Research suggests that phosphate may trigger this transformation.
Researchers discovered a rare genetic mutation that may lead to better diabetes treatments for patients, regardless of whether they inherited the mutation. The study found that carriers of the mutation had lower levels of adiponectin and higher levels of ceramides in their blood.
The CHEETAH Center is a leading institution for HIV research, publishing over 300 papers on the virus's inner workings and potential treatments. Researchers are focusing on understanding HIV's life cycle, identifying key components essential for viral infection and replication.
An international team of researchers found that the earliest cases of COVID-19 arose at a wholesale fish market in Wuhan, China, linked to bats, foxes, and other infected live mammals sold as meat or fur. The study confirms earlier reports suggesting animal sales were the source of the pandemic.
A nationwide study found that nearly 8 out of 10 physicians believe the chances of a desired outcome are greater than the probability of individual steps leading to that outcome. This phenomenon, known as conjunction fallacy, can lead to unnecessary delays and harm to patients.
Researchers have developed a test that measures blood levels of ceramides, a waxy substance similar to cholesterol, to predict diabetes remission in gastric bypass surgery patients. The study found that individuals with low ceramide levels prior to surgery had a higher likelihood of achieving diabetes remission two years later.
A team led by University of Utah Health has improved the quality and consistency of care in emergency situations in Rwanda. The project, which began a decade ago, provided advanced training for emergency responders and hospital staff and established standardized checklists for patient care.
Researchers at University of Utah Health have found a natural chemical in soft corals that shows promise in treating cancer. The discovery allows for the first steps of re-creating the chemical in the laboratory, opening up possibilities for producing it on a large scale.
Researchers revived photoreceptor cells in human macula, responding to bright and dim lights. The study restores communication between retinal cells, transforming brain and vision research.
Researchers at University of Utah Health discovered a novel mechanism in which infectious bacteria adjust to environmental stress, leading to improved survival rates. The study's findings suggest that altering the precision with which bacteria make proteins can help them thrive in stressful conditions.
Researchers have designed a fast-acting injectable insulin based on the venom of the Conus kinoshitai marine snail, which doesn't form clusters like human insulin. The new hybrid insulin holds promise for better diabetes control with faster action and reduced clustering.
A new study reveals that genes inherited from moms and dads play distinct roles in shaping behavior, with certain cells relying on the mother's copy of a gene to produce essential neurotransmitters. This discovery has implications for understanding how parental genetics may influence behavior and related health conditions.
Researchers are conducting a five-year clinical trial to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of inebilizumab, an intravenous drug that neutralizes B-cells, in treating NMDA receptor encephalitis. The study aims to identify biomarkers that can predict patient recovery and improve quality of life.
A nationwide study led by University of Utah Health found that pregnant individuals infected with COVID-19 are about 40% more likely to develop serious complications or die during pregnancy than those who aren't infected. The severity of COVID-19 symptoms was a key indicator of heightened risk of pregnancy complications.
Researchers developed AI tools to precisely measure the synergistic effects of existing medical conditions on the heart and blood vessels. The study found that comorbidities significantly influenced transplant risks, with some adults facing 405 times higher risks than those without cardiomyopathy.
Research involving nearly 250,000 US families found that medically assisted reproduction techniques, including IVF, do not significantly affect birth weight and pregnancy term. Once family circumstances are considered, the differences between MAR-conceived babies and naturally conceived children become insignificant.
A new study tracked the spread of a genetic mutation that causes young-onset heart arrhythmia across continents over centuries. The research found that the mutation was passed down from Northern Europe to other parts of the world through migration, and identified a specific gene, KCNQ1, as the cause of the disease.
A nationwide study of 895 US school districts found that opening schools for in-person learning did not increase COVID-19 case rates in surrounding communities, except in the South. The researchers controlled for local policies and community mobility data to analyze the impact of schools on community spread.
A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that children and adults have similar risks of becoming infected with SARS-CoV-2. However, a larger proportion of infected children do not show symptoms of COVID-19, highlighting the need for continued public health safety measures.
A team of scientists at the University of Utah has discovered a new type of interneuron in the mammalian retina called the Campana cell. The discovery marks a notable development for the field, as scientists work toward a better understanding of the central nervous system by identifying all classes of neurons and their connections.