A study funded by the Department of Defense aims to understand the long-term effects of traumatic brain injury on soldiers. The researchers hope to develop better treatments for post-traumatic epilepsy and headache, two conditions often occurring together after TBI.
A team from the University of Utah has received a $275,000 NIH grant to study brain tissue from patients with primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) using advanced technology called deep sequencing. The goal is to identify viruses that might play a role in the development of PPMS and potentially lead to new treatments.
A recent survey found high levels of anxiety and job dissatisfaction among over 2000 medical school faculty in the US. To address this, researchers propose six strategies called 'the Nepenthe principles' to enhance professional development, inclusivity, and creativity, ultimately improving productivity.
A new study published in Autism Research found that parental age, maternal ethnicity, and paternal age are associated with an increased risk of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and intellectual disabilities (ID), while household income has no significant link. The research also identified demographic risk factors such as male gender and...
Researchers found that virtual stroke care using two-way audio-video telemedicine is cost-effective for rural hospitals without a neurologist on staff. The study suggests that improved reimbursement rates and equipment costs could greatly diminish the disparity in stroke care between urban and rural areas.
A mouse model of focal dermal hypoplasia has been developed to study the cause of a rare human birth defect and its relation to the Wnt signaling pathway. The model reveals the essential role of PORCN in embryonic development and highlights the disorder's connection to cancer research.
VAAST, a new probabilistic disease-gene finder, rapidly searches personal genomes for genes with disease-causing mutations. The tool improves upon existing methods with regard to statistical power, flexibility, and scope of use.
Research from the University of Utah Health identifies toddlers as early as 14 months at risk for autism syndrome disorder. A partnership between autism experts and pediatricians using widely accepted questionnaires leads to the identification of 10 toddlers with early signs of ASD, previously missed.
Researchers identified previously undiscovered high-risk genetic features in T-cell acute lymphocytic leukemia (T-ALL) using zebrafish models. These genetic characteristics can predict which patients are more likely to experience aggressive forms of the disease that recur after treatment or do not respond to therapy.
Researchers at the University of Utah Health conducted a comprehensive study finding no evidence of XMRV in CFS patients or healthy controls. The study's results contradict previous findings that linked the retrovirus to CFS, and experts emphasize the need for further research into potential infectious agents associated with the disease.
A study published in the journal Cancer found that synthetic hypericin inhibited the growth of glioma cells and was well-tolerated in patients with recurrent malignant brain tumors. Forty percent of participants completed a three-month treatment regimen without adverse effects.
Researchers found a significant association between Parkinson's disease and an increased risk of prostate cancer and melanoma. The study, using the Utah Population Database, also identified a reciprocal risk for PD among individuals with these two cancers and their relatives.
Researchers found a link between atrial fibrosis detected via DE-MRI and increased thromboembolic risk in AF patients. The study suggests using DE-MRI to supplement existing risk assessment tools for better allocating anticoagulation therapies.
In a study published in Cell Metabolism, researchers discovered a genetic switch called dERR that supports cell division and proliferation in growing fruit flies. This switch is controlled by a nuclear receptor and transcription factor similar to human ERRs, which are associated with breast cancer.
A study of 61 adults found that 86.9% of parents with a genetic mutation supporting melanoma testing in their children cited increased risk awareness as a reason. Participants believed genetic testing could lead to improved prevention and screening behavior, such as reduced sun exposure and protective clothing use.
Scientists have discovered a previously undiscovered trigger mechanism that monitors the structure of the cell's nucleus and delays cell division if it's not correct. This discovery may shed light on how cancer starts and could lead to new research into cancer prevention.
University of Utah researchers discovered a miniature map in the brain that helps us focus attention on different stimuli. This map is found in multiple areas of the brain and has important implications for understanding diseases such as autism, schizophrenia, and attention deficit disorder.
A large-scale genome sequencing project involving 179 people from three continents has confirmed earlier work on genetic mutations and identified new gene mutations that occur often enough to be considered common in humans. The study also discovered new mobile elements, DNA sequences that randomly reshuffle in the genome.
Researchers at the University of Utah Health used MRI to identify areas where the left and right hemispheres of the brains of people with autism do not properly communicate. The study found functional connectivity abnormalities in the entire brain, adding to the understanding of this disorder.
Cells rapidly repair and maintain their structure when exposed to stress, thanks to a newly discovered protein called zyxin. This protein plays a crucial role in maintaining the cell's internal framework, or cytoskeleton, which is essential for cell function.
Scientists at Huntsman Cancer Institute link loss of Apc to DNA demethylase, a system that erases DNA methylation. This system stalls normal intestinal cell development, leading to stem cell-like cells. Inhibition of the demethylase restores normal development and provides new opportunities for colon cancer treatment.
A study by University of Utah neuroscientists found that higher altitudes significantly increase the risk of suicide in the Western US. The research suggests that altitude may contribute to metabolic stress associated with mood disorders, particularly in areas with high gun ownership and low population density.
A new HIV drug candidate called PIE12-trimer has been developed by a University of Utah biochemist, which prevents the virus from attacking human cells. The compound is designed with a unique resistance capacitor that makes it effective against emerging drug-resistant viruses.
Janice Morse was inducted into the Sigma Theta Tau International Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame for her extensive contributions to nursing research, particularly in the areas of suffering and comforting. With over 370 publications and numerous awards, Dr. Morse has had a profound impact on the profession.
ATV accidents result in severe head and spine trauma, costing $3.24 billion annually, with children under 20 years old accounting for 42% of these injuries. The study highlights the need for improved ATV stability, increased helmet use, and rider training to reduce the risk of such accidents.
Scientists discovered that adding antioxidant therapy to traditional antimalarial treatment can prevent long-lasting cognitive impairment in cerebral malaria. Oxidative stress is present in the brains of mice infected with cerebral malaria, and treating with antioxidants prevents cognitive damage.
Jane Dyer, director of the top-ranked nurse midwifery program at the University of Utah Health, has been inducted into the American College of Nurse Midwives. She is recognized for her leadership and commitment to providing care to underserved communities.
The University of Utah has received a $2.4 million, four-year grant to track the growth of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) in Utah 8-year-olds. The grant is part of a nationwide effort to better understand the increasing prevalence of ASDs, which affect about one out of every 110 American children.
The University of Utah researchers are making significant progress in understanding and combating Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), a genetic disease causing progressive muscle weakness. With the support of Families of SMA, they have established a clinical trials network to test novel therapies and advance treatment options for children a...
Researchers found rare genetic changes called copy number variants (CNVs) in nearly 2,300 people, which could account for up to 3.3% of autism cases. The study identified three new genes and pathways contributing to autism susceptibility.
Researchers have discovered a direct relationship between a psychiatric disorder and the immune system, specifically microglia cells derived from bone marrow. Bone marrow transplants cured mutant mice with compulsive hair-pulling behavior, suggesting potential new treatments for obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Researchers found that variations in STX1A expression account for 15.6% of cognitive variation in WS patients, a high level of confidence compared to prior genetic studies.
A new study found that certain HIV drugs can inhibit a retrovirus linked to prostate cancer and chronic fatigue syndrome. Raltegravir and other antiviral medications showed effective virus replication inhibition, suggesting possible treatments for these devastating illnesses.
A team of scientists has identified a potential new target for treating hepatitis C by discovering an inhibitor that binds to the genetic material of the virus, causing a major conformational change that prevents replication. This finding provides a basis for structure-based design of new hepatitis C treatments.
A new study identifies a protein pathway that protects blood vessels from hyper-inflammatory response to infection, reducing mortality rates in mouse models of avian flu and sepsis by up to 50%. The researchers found that activating the Robo4 pathway stabilizes blood vessels, preventing leakage and tissue damage.
Researchers found that adding daclizumab to standard treatment for relapsing multiple sclerosis reduced the number of new or enlarged brain lesions. The study also showed an increase in immune cells called CD56bright natural killer cells, which may help regulate the immune system.
Researchers at the University of Utah discovered that platelets can reproduce themselves in the circulation, increasing their numbers. This finding has significant implications for treating low platelet counts and transfusion medicine.
Researchers have discovered genetic differences in pediatric brain tumors that can help explain tumor development and potentially lead to targeted treatments. The study identified a subset of malignant astrocytomas with specific genetic alterations, which may enable more individualized care for children with brain cancer.
Recent studies in fruit flies have identified a nuclear receptor that plays a critical role in regulating cholesterol levels, similar to humans. The findings suggest that fruit flies can teach humans about their own regulatory mechanisms for maintaining proper balances of cholesterol and stored fat.
Researchers at Huntsman Cancer Institute have discovered a new treatment for pachyonychia congenita, a rare genetic skin condition, using siRNA. The treatment involves preventing the mutated gene from being expressed while allowing healthy keratin genes to function normally.
Patricia Berry, a renowned palliative care expert, has been inducted into the American Academy of Nursing for her significant contributions to nursing. She will work with other leaders to address healthcare issues and promote humane care for individuals with life-limiting illnesses.
The Gamma Rho Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International received the Chapter Key Award for its commitment to membership recruitment, professional development, and community impact. The chapter honors the legacy of nursing leaders who founded it and strives to emulate their example in supporting nursing leadership and education.
A pioneering model of heart disease has been recognized with a $2.5 million NIH Pioneer Award, proposing that an antioxidant molecule may lead to disease when overproduced due to a gene mutation. Researcher Ivor J. Benjamin aims to investigate this theory and develop new treatments for reductive stress-related heart disease.
Researchers at the University of Utah Health have discovered a gene mutation that causes severe epilepsy and febrile seizures in some infants. The SCN9A gene mutation can alter sodium channel function in the brain, leading to seizures, and may be responsible for up to 5% of febrile syndrome patients.
A study identified a genetic variation in humans that allows some people to require less sleep. Researchers created 'insomniac' mice with the same gene variation, which appeared to function normally despite less sleep. The discovery sheds light on two aspects of sleep: biological clocks and body homeostasis.
A study has found that XMRV retrovirus is present in 27% of prostate cancers, associated with more aggressive tumors. The viral proteins were predominantly found in malignant prostatic cells, suggesting a direct link between XMRV infection and tumor formation.
Researchers at University of Utah Health have made a surprising connection between high levels of GSTM4 protein and poor chemotherapy response in Ewing's sarcoma patients. The study suggests that targeting GSTM4 could lead to more effective treatments for individual patients.
Researchers identify three genetic variations on chromosome 6 associated with psoriasis, with HLA-Cw*0602 being the strongest link. The study found that individuals with all three variants are nearly nine times more likely to develop the disease.
Researchers at Huntsman Cancer Institute have discovered that restricting glutamine availability can halt tumor growth by blocking glucose utilization. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new drugs targeting glutamine utilization or MondoA/ TXNIP.
Researchers identified the hSDH5 gene as mutated in a hereditary form of paraganglioma, a rare neuroendocrine tumor. The study found that individuals with the mutation are at risk for developing tumors, and genetic testing can help identify those at risk.