Researchers analyzed 1,678 reincarnation reports and found a striking correlation between unexpected deaths and shorter time between death and rebirth. The association persisted even among families that did not believe in reincarnation, suggesting a systematic phenomenon not readily accounted for by existing psychosocial frameworks.
A new UVA study finds that Black children are more likely to develop severe asthma due to harmful inflammation, regardless of environmental factors. The research suggests tailored treatments for Black children with severe symptoms, and testing for high levels of T2 inflammation in all children with difficult-to-treat asthma.
Artificial intelligence can match human doctors in certain tasks, but human doctors are essential for making complex decisions about patient care. AI may identify a patient's medical condition, but human doctors must consider individual circumstances and make choices that work in the patient's best interest.
Juvmo, a Parkinson's disease drug, has been approved by the FDA and offers a new treatment option for patients, potentially reducing side effects. The drug's unique mechanism of action provides relief from motor symptoms, and its approval marks a significant milestone in the research of UVA Health scientists.
The UVA Weber Symposium will discuss the latest research and advancements in metastasis, a complex area of cancer research and care. The event will bring together top scientists and physicians to present findings on cancer metastasis, genetics, and treatment considerations.
A new drug, Kamuvudine K-9, has been shown to preserve nerve fibers and halt neurological damage in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis. The drug, derived from HIV drugs, has been found to be more effective than existing treatments in restoring function and reducing inflammation.
A new, incisionless liver cancer treatment called histotripsy was associated with low rates of laboratory toxicity and procedural complications in a real-world review of 972 patients. However, the study found that 11% of patients died within 30 days, suggesting that advanced cancer and overall disease burden may be contributing factors.
The new guidelines, developed by leading experts, focus on improving sepsis care by strengthening systems for diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and quality improvement. Emerging technologies, such as next-generation diagnostics and artificial intelligence, are also being explored to enhance sepsis care.
UVA researchers will use AI-assisted tools to develop a digital model showing how hormone differences impact medication effectiveness in women. The model will be tested on bacterial vaginosis and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, with the goal of creating personalized predictions and more targeted drug therapies.
A new study led by the University of Virginia School of Medicine found that lumateperone significantly improved sexual function in patients with major depressive disorder. The medication, an atypical antipsychotic, improved depressive symptoms and was not associated with medication-induced sexual dysfunction.
A trial testing out-of-body experiences found no correlation with target identification, but participants unexpectedly described researchers' locations and activities. The unexpected findings may lead to the development of better evaluation methods and potentially support the case for out-of-body remote viewing.
UVA researchers James Stone and Matthew Panzer contributed to the NATO guidelines, which provide practical recommendations to protect service members from blast-related brain injuries. The guidelines aim to reduce soldiers' risk of suffering blast-related brain injuries by balancing immediate protection with a roadmap for future research.
A new research tool, PGS-TRI, analyzes family data to understand how genetics and environment contribute to autism risk. The tool provides a more precise look at how 'nature' and 'nurture' interact within families, allowing researchers to better understand the complex factors that shape a child's health.
Researchers discovered how anesthesia, surgery, and intensive care stress alter gene activity in the brain, leading to cognitive impairment and delirium. A new drug, vorinostat, reversed these changes, restoring memory formation and regulating the internal biological clock.
A new book by University of Virginia Health System expert Daniel J. Cox outlines a practical alternative to medication for managing pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes. The GEM program emphasizes smart eating, physical activity, and listening to the body to regulate blood sugar levels.
Liver injuries from xenobiotics increased by nearly 400% between 2000 and 2024, with acetaminophen being the top driver. More than 80% of cases required inpatient care, highlighting the importance of poison centers in toxico-surveillance.
Researchers at UVA Health System have made a breakthrough in treating glioblastomas, the deadliest form of brain cancer, by using focused sound waves to deliver drugs exactly where needed. The approach has shown promise in lab mice and could potentially enhance drug delivery performance for some therapeutics.
A new grant will allow researchers to develop a non-invasive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exam to detect early changes in tissue and improve diagnosis and treatment for lymphedema and lipedema. The SALT MRI approach tracks sodium, adipose tissue, and lymphatic fluids to better understand how they affect lymphatic function.
Scientists at UVA have developed a new method to target glioblastoma, the most common and deadly brain cancer, by delivering microRNAs through the brain's natural barrier. The approach shows promise in slowing tumor growth and extending survival in animal models.
Researchers developed a framework to integrate AI into hospitals, emphasizing patient care, staff experience, and economic sustainability. The Total Mission Value framework aims to ensure high-quality patient care remains the top priority amidst AI's transformative potential.
Researchers have identified a widespread source of error in a popular genome study method and created a machine-learning tool to correct it. PATTY uses machine learning to reduce artifacts while preserving real signals in noisy data, giving researchers a clearer view of gene activity control.
Researchers found subtle patterns in brain activity while children listened to speech linked to verbal communication abilities in autistic youths. Altered brain signals suggested the brain may process speech less efficiently, with noisier signals associated with lower scores on everyday verbal communication.
A buildup of bile acids caused by an unhealthy gut can drive breast cancer to other parts of the body, researchers reveal. The study found that replenishing beneficial bacteria or treating patients with FDA-approved bile acid sequestrants may reduce breast cancer metastasis.
Scientists have identified a unique chimeric RNA called UBA1-CDK16 that plays important roles in women's blood cell development and disease severity. The findings suggest the chimeric RNA may serve as a natural brake to protect women from excessive autoimmune activity.
Researchers found that over-the-counter probiotics contain only 36 unique species of bacteria, with most common species being forms of Lactobacillus. The analysis suggests a lack of consistency in the combination of species used to support gut health and vaginal health claims.
Researchers found that patients with Medicare Advantage insurance were more likely to receive certain types of stroke-preventing care and recover faster from strokes. In contrast, patients on traditional Medicare received more intensive post-stroke care and rehabilitation.
The University of Virginia has joined SPARK GLOBAL to leverage resources and expertise in accelerating the development of new medicines. This collaboration aims to reduce time from lab discoveries to clinic trials, delivering tangible healthcare solutions to patients.
Researchers at UVA are testing the SIPsmarter program to reduce sugary drink consumption among children and their parents. The study aims to improve beverage quality and overall health outcomes in rural areas with high rates of sugary drink consumption.
The American Cancer Society has endorsed two new types of stool tests and recommends limiting the use of blood tests for colorectal cancer screening. The guidelines aim to encourage people to get screened while improving detection rates.
Researchers have discovered that errors in the final step of cell division can cause dramatic changes in developing brain cells, leading to abnormalities such as multiple nuclei and cilia. The study found that a protein called p53 acts as a guardian of brain development by triggering the self-destruction of abnormal cells.
A major international study has identified ways to detect patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy at serious risk of sudden death, heart failure or other dangerous outcomes. The findings will help save lives by improving the ability to determine who is at greatest risk and spare low-risk patients from unneeded heart implants.
Two UVA scientists, Edward H. Egelman and James N. Galloway, were elected to the prestigious American Academy of Arts & Sciences for their outstanding contributions to biochemistry, environmental sciences, and research. The recognition acknowledges their collective breadth and depth of excellence in advancing public good.
A new analysis found that prescriptions for curable hepatitis C drugs have declined sharply in recent years, leaving millions without treatment. The researchers urge swift actions to deliver the drugs to those who need them, including increased screening and system-level changes.
Scientists at the University of Virginia Health System have developed a suite of AI-powered tools, called YuelDesign, YuelPocket and YuelBond, to transform how new drugs are created. These tools can design drug molecules tailored to fit their protein targets exactly, even accounting for protein flexibility.
Researchers used base editing to correct the SCN8A gene mutation responsible for severe inherited epilepsy. The approach successfully eliminated or reduced seizures and improved brain function in lab mice, offering new hope for treating genetic epilepsies.
Calls to poison centers about kava, a plant-based drug promoted as a healthy alternative, rose 383% between 2011 and 2025. The number of exposures leading to severe health outcomes also increased, with 32% in 2025.
Calls to poison centers about kratom increased by over 1,200% between 2015 and 2025, with corresponding rises in hospitalizations and deaths. The drug's growing availability and potency have led to a concerning trend of serious medical outcomes.
A new algorithm paired with a continuous glucose monitor can help users better manage their type 2 diabetes by recommending insulin-dose adjustments. Participants who used the algorithm saw significant improvements in time spent in a safe blood-sugar range.
A $3.4 million NIH grant will fund a semi-automated feedback system to support people tracking diet, exercise, and weight in weight-management programs. The system aims to provide personalized feedback to increase tracking and weight loss success.
Severe COVID-19 and influenza infections can prime the lungs for cancer development, according to new research. Vaccination, however, largely prevents these changes, suggesting a reduced risk of lung cancer.
A group of nerve cells in the brainstem has been identified as a stabilizing system for blood pressure, preventing fluctuations between daily activities. The study suggests that loss or dysfunction of these cells can lead to unstable blood pressure and is associated with conditions such as multiple system atrophy.
A study by University of Virginia Health System researchers found that Medicare Advantage patients had better access to preventive care and rehabilitation after a stroke, leading to faster recovery times. In contrast, traditional Medicare patients were less likely to receive these services due to prior authorization requirements.
Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System have identified a molecule that blocks the gene responsible for glioblastoma, a fast-growing and deadly brain cancer. The compound shows promise in preventing the invasive cancer from spreading through the brain without causing harm to healthy tissue.
A sweeping new study has identified tuberculosis as the predominant cause of deadly sepsis among people with HIV in Africa. Immediate treatment for TB significantly increased survival rates, especially when treatment was started before diagnosis.
The new platform developed by UVA Health scientists can produce vaccines much faster, cheaper, and more easily than traditional approaches. The platform's proof-of-concept demonstrates its ability to produce highly immunogenic vaccines that can be manufactured at extremely low cost.
Researchers identify circulating extracellular vesicles produced in diseased kidneys as the culprit behind toxicity in the heart. The discovery could lead to the development of a blood test to identify patients at high risk for serious heart problems and novel treatments to prevent and treat heart failure.
UVA experts Bruce Greyson and Marieta Pehlivanova argue that the NEPTUNE model leaves many unanswered questions about near-death experiences. Despite its sophistication, the model selectively ignores scientific evidence and fails to address key aspects of NDEs.
Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System have discovered how the keto diet protects against epilepsy seizures by regulating brain cell activity. The team found that a specific cellular receptor, HCAR2, plays a crucial role in reducing seizures, and may be targeted for new treatments.
Melanie Rutkowski's pioneering research may lead to novel immunotherapy treatments for ovarian cancer by understanding how faulty cellular signaling interacts with the microbiome. The grant aims to enhance immune system's ability to kill cancer cells and improve patient outcomes.
New research reveals that the immune system has a potent weapon against the brain parasite Toxoplasma gondii: an enzyme called caspase-8. This discovery offers new insights into how our bodies control the parasite and may lead to better treatments for patients with compromised immune systems.