Researchers at Huntsman Cancer Institute have developed a new tool to estimate prostate cancer risk based on family history, which can help clinicians decide whether a PSA test is appropriate. The study found that two-thirds of Utah men have some increased risk of developing prostate cancer due to their family history.
A team of researchers discovered a protein called Rqc2 that specifies which amino acids are added to stalled proteins, blurring the lines of what we thought proteins could do. The study suggests potential implications for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, ALS, or Huntington's.
Researchers found that methamphetamine users are three times more likely to develop Parkinson's disease than non-users, with women facing nearly five times the risk. The study suggests long-term effects of meth use may manifest years after initial use, leading to increased incidence in women.
A study published in Science highlights the importance of nutritional immunity in fighting infectious diseases. The research reveals that humans have developed a defense mechanism to starve bacteria by hiding circulating iron, but pathogens have adapted to steal this resource.
New research reveals RSV mortality rates are significantly lower than previously estimated, affecting mostly premature babies and those with preexisting conditions. Most hospitalizations due to RSV can be managed with minimal complications.
A team at Recursion Pharmaceuticals aims to accelerate the development of therapies for rare diseases by leveraging custom-designed software and human cellular models. The approach has already led to the identification of potential treatments for cerebral cavernous malformation, a rare hereditary vascular disease.
A new study published in the Journal of Behavioral Medicine found that Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement (MORE) increases brain activation to natural healthy pleasures, reducing opioid cravings. Participants who received eight weeks of MORE instruction exhibited increased brain activity in response to enjoyable experiences.
Researchers discovered lactate plays a key role in ASPS tumor cells' behavior, fueling their growth and aggressiveness. The study also confirms the fusion gene ASPSCR1-TFE3 as the driver of this rare cancer.
A new study found that black children are less likely to be diagnosed with and receive broad-spectrum antibiotics for ear infections compared to white children. This disparity may be due to overtreatment and overdiagnosis in white children, and undertreatment and underdiagnosis in black children.
By rewriting genes from a fungus to produce a specific compound of potential therapeutic importance, researchers have successfully synthesized natural drug compounds in large quantities. This innovative approach leverages the native machinery of an organism to address long-standing challenges in drug synthesis.
Researchers at the University of Utah have discovered that cancers select against a protein complex called the mitochondrial pyruvate carrier (MPC), which counteracts the Warburg effect and supports uncontrolled growth in cancer. Re-introducing MPC into colon cancer cells impairs several properties of cancer, including growth.
Researchers found that dietary iron plays a crucial role in regulating the liver's circadian clock, which can disrupt blood glucose levels. Eating high-iron foods at night may exacerbate this issue for shift workers, increasing the risk of metabolic disorders. More research is needed to determine optimal iron intake for shift workers.
Researchers discovered two microRNA molecules that control chronic inflammation, with one promoting and the other preventing the condition. The study sheds light on the role of T follicular helper cells in chronic inflammation and offers hope for preventive measures.
A University of Utah-led study used advanced imaging techniques to understand the inner workings of Protein Kinase A (PKA), a master switch regulating cellular functions. The research found that PKA changes shape with only one sensor, revealing new insights into its unique biological functions and potential targets for disease treatment.
A new study reports the discovery of a universally conserved drug target for Ebola, which can be used to develop effective anti-Ebola agents against all known species. The researchers have produced a peptide mimic that displays a functionally critical region of the virus, making it suitable for use in high-throughput drug screens.
A University of Utah study reveals benzodiazepines increase ICU mortality by 9.1% compared to propofol. Patients treated with benzodiazepines spent more time on mechanical ventilation and were at higher risk for complications like delirium.
Researchers developed two mouse models with mitochondrial distribution defects that mimic neurological problems similar to ALS. The study found that impaired movement and muscle clasp were symptoms of the disease, suggesting a link between mitochondria distribution and motor neuron disease progression.
A new study published in Annals of Surgery shows that providing pricing information upfront can influence patient choice of surgical procedures and potentially lead to cost savings. When parents were aware of the cost difference between open surgery and laparoscopy for their children's appendicitis, they were almost twice as likely to ...
Scientists have developed a genetically engineered mouse line that allows them to study calcium levels in living brain cells, enabling new research on epilepsy, Alzheimer's, and other neurological diseases. This breakthrough opens up possibilities for new treatments and a deeper understanding of the immune system's role in brain function.
A study at Huntsman Cancer Institute found compound mutations containing T315I confer complete resistance to all available TKIs, highlighting the need for new treatment options. Researchers have created a dataset that can help clinicians decide which drug will be most effective for each mutation combination.
A University of Utah-led study identifies a genetic variation in Tibetans that contributes to their adaptation to high altitudes. The EGLN1 gene change protects Tibetans from complications caused by low oxygen levels, allowing them to thrive in thin air.
Robert E. Marc, a renowned vision scientist at the University of Utah, has been awarded the Paul Kayser International Award for his significant contributions to understanding vitreoretinal diseases and disorders. The award recognizes Marc's groundbreaking work on retinal mapping and neural pathways.
Huntsman Cancer Institute will become a key partner in the National Clinical Trials Network, providing access to clinical trials for patients across the Intermountain West region. The institute's unique research assets, including the Utah Population Database and Center for Quantitative Imaging Excellence, will enable multi-institutiona...
Researchers have discovered an enzyme that stimulates the overproduction of fatty acids and triglycerides, leading to insulin resistance and diabetes. A new drug candidate is being developed to target this enzyme, potentially treating metabolic syndrome.
Wolfgang Baehr will receive the Nelson Trust Award and funding to continue researching retinal diseases that lead to blindness. The award supports his work on understanding phototransduction and retina diseases.
A new study by University of Utah Health shows that early surgical follow-up with primary care physicians significantly reduces hospital readmissions for patients undergoing high-risk surgeries. Patients who received post-operative complications had a 20% lower readmission rate when they saw their primary care provider within 30 days.
Researchers have developed a clinically relevant mouse model for squamous cell lung cancer, driven by the misregulation of genes sox2 and lkb1. The discovery uncovers new treatment strategies and provides insights into potential targeted therapies.
Researchers propose that human faces developed robust features to protect against facial injuries during hand-to-hand combat, challenging the long-held hypothesis that these traits arose from eating hard foods. The study's findings support the idea that violence played a significant role in shaping human evolution.
Researchers have identified four new genes that increase familial breast cancer risk, with RINT1 also linked to a broad spectrum of gastrointestinal and gynecological cancers. The study has significantly expanded the panel of genes known to account for increased breast cancer occurrence within families.
A retrospective study of over 1.2 million adults found that reduced glomerular filtration rate is an independent risk factor for renal and urothelial cancer, but not other types of cancer. Lower GFR levels were associated with increased rates of incident renal cancer and urothelial cancer.
A new tool called pVAAST combines linkage analysis with case control association to identify disease-causing mutations in families, increasing the power to find gene variations that cause disease. By sequencing family genomes, researchers can pinpoint the gene responsible for a particular illness.
Scientists at the University of Utah have uncovered the early steps of totipotency in sperm precursors, revealing a four-gene code that enables these cells to become stem cells and mature into various cell types. The discovery sheds light on the process of fertilization and provides insights into cancer and epigenetic regulation.
Researchers found that human neural stem cells can repair damage caused by multiple sclerosis (MS) in mice, allowing them to walk again. The breakthrough has significant implications for developing a new treatment approach for MS patients.
A study of Utah youth with suspected sports-related head injuries found that emergency room visits and head CT scans have increased since the state's concussion law was passed in 2011, potentially leading to unnecessary radiation exposure. Researchers are calling for legislators to consider the effects of the law on treatment protocols.
Research reveals that smoking during pregnancy can lead to adult diseases such as lung disease and metabolic syndromes. The study found that rat pups exposed to tobacco smoke in utero had a higher risk of developing metabolic disease and respiratory issues later in life.
A new software tool, Phevor, has been developed to identify disease-causing gene mutations in undiagnosed illnesses by analyzing exomes of individual patients and small families. The tool has successfully identified diseases with unknown gene mutations in three separate cases.
Researchers find the lateral habenula controls sensitivity to the negative effects of drinking alcohol, leading to increased drinking behavior when the region is inactivated. This study provides new insights into addictive behaviors and may help identify individuals at risk of becoming problem drinkers.
Researchers found that combining chitosan with antibiotics reduced reservoir populations of bacteria in mouse bladders, making them susceptible to treatment. The compound might one day serve as an augmentation therapy for recurrent UTIs.
A study by researchers from Huntsman Cancer Institute found that about 6 percent of colorectal cancers are missed during colonoscopies, particularly in patients over 65 and those with a family history of the disease. The cancers may develop rapidly after the procedure or be overlooked due to factors like polyp size or location.
Researchers found that moderate exercise can stimulate stem cell regeneration in mice, but losing the antioxidant protein Nrf2 hinders muscle recovery. Sarcopenia, age-related muscle loss, occurs naturally and is linked to reduced antioxidant production.
Researchers developed a mouse model that simulates precursor lesions like IPMN, identifying enzyme Brg1 as key to their formation. The study also found epigenetics play a role in PDA, offering potential avenues for intervention.
A national poll shows that only 35% of respondents would seek aggressive preventive treatment if they had a family history of cancer and genetic testing indicated a predisposition to cancer. Despite current laws prohibiting discrimination, concerns about employment and insurability remain a major barrier to genetic testing.
A new cell mechanism has been discovered that drives the spread of breast cancer to other parts of the body. Researchers found that a protein called RON kinase signals tumor cells to become active, reprogramming genes responsible for metastasis. Inhibiting RON turns off this entire program, making it a promising target for therapy.
Researchers found that K-Ras mutations allow cancer cells to survive and invade tissues without normal survival signals. The study suggests that these mutations promote invasion by subverting the mechanism of normal cell death.
Researchers discovered a genetic variation that predisposes mice to severe, inflammatory arthritis. The study implicates a lysosomal enzyme as a contributor to the development of the disease.
A study found that educating the public about medical information access and bio tissue research improves attitudes, with participants supporting safeguards and anonymity. The study's results suggest that once the general public understands the risks and options, they are more willing to contribute to research.
Three University of Utah Health Sciences faculty members, Carl Wittwer, Lisa Cannon-Albright, and Glenn Prestwich, have been elected as fellows of the National Academy of Inventors for their groundbreaking research and inventions. Their work has resulted in major disease-related discoveries, numerous patents, and biomedical inventions ...
A recent study found that nearly two-thirds of women who have had hysterectomies and half of women over 65 with no cervical cancer history received unnecessary Pap tests. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has recommended against these groups for the test since 2003.
A recent study published in Stem Cells has identified brown fat stem cells in adult humans, which may lead to new treatments for heart and endocrine disorders. The discovery could help increase the body's own ability to make brown fat or find novel ways to directly implant the cells into patients.
Scientists have made a breakthrough in understanding the regulation of PDE3A enzymes, which regulate cardiac contractility. The discovery of individual isoforms and their interactions with different proteins suggests that developing targeted drugs could reduce sudden cardiac death risk.