A study of over 100,000 surgical cases at UVA Health System found patients' pain scores improved even as opioids were given fewer times. The average amount of opioids given per surgery declined 37%, while non-opioid pain medications increased by 120%.
A study published in Health Affairs found that the Affordable Care Act resulted in an 8% increase in early-stage colorectal cancer diagnoses among U.S. seniors aged 65 and older, but had no distinguishable effect on breast cancer diagnoses over the same time period.
Rare type 2 innate lymphocytes found in meninges around the brain may play a critical role in battling Alzheimer's, multiple sclerosis, and other neurological diseases. The discovery suggests these cells could be the missing link between the brain and gut microbiota.
Scientists have identified over a dozen genes linked to bone density and strength, using a novel approach that could speed up the development of new osteoporosis treatments. By mapping these genes onto existing genome-wide association study locations, researchers predicted 33 genes controlling bone mineral density.
A new study found that most women in Virginia are unaware of the increased cancer risk associated with dense breasts. Only 1 in 8 women knew their breast density was a risk factor for breast cancer.
Scientists have discovered a complex interaction between zinc and serum albumin, revealing multiple binding sites that facilitate the transport of zinc throughout the body. This finding provides new insights into how the body maintains delicate balances necessary for good health, known as homeostasis.
Rural Appalachia faces alarming disparities in cancer care, including higher mortality rates, late diagnoses, and limited access to comprehensive treatment. The region has seen a decline in cancer incidence nationwide, but its cancer death rate has increased, with rural residents facing significantly worse outcomes.
A new study revises the understanding of childhood diarrhea's causes, finding nearly 90% of cases are linked to pathogens. The research provides a roadmap for developing vaccines and treatments for six top causes, aiming to reduce deaths by 70 percent annually.
Scientists have long assumed chimeric RNA indicates cancer, but new research reveals these fusions can also be a normal part of human genetics. Researchers are working to develop more accurate biomarkers and therapeutic targets by understanding the complexities of normal genetic programming.
An experimental cancer drug called pevonedistat has shown significant promise in stopping melanoma, possibly other cancers. The drug works by blocking a specific protein that allows malignant cells to replicate rapidly.
A clinical trial led by Jeff Elias at the University of Virginia Health System found that focused ultrasound is safe and effective in reducing shaking caused by essential tremor. Participants showed significant improvement in disabilities and quality of life, with mean tremor scores improving by 47% at three months.
Scientists identified a target that could lead to the development of new drugs targeting small cell lung cancer while sparing healthy cells. The research found that amplifying a gene's effect spurred tumor growth in mice, but blocking it suppressed tumor growth.
A new strain of C. difficile is killing up to 15% of infected patients due to its potent toxin that destroys protective cells, leading to increased inflammation. Researchers suggest blocking the toxin could lead to a new treatment to stop this deadly strain.
Researchers at UVA Health System have discovered a critical role of M-CSF in battling pneumonia. Without this cytokine, infected mice experience severe outcomes, including increased bacterial loads and organ failure.
Researchers at UVA discover that the immune system directly affects social behavior, with blocking a specific molecule causing abnormal hyperactivity in mice. Restoring the molecule restored normal brain connectivity and behavior.
The FDA has approved the ExAblate focused-ultrasound device to treat essential tremor in patients who do not respond to medication. The procedure shows promise as a less invasive alternative to deep-brain stimulation, with significant reductions in tremor symptoms after three months and one year.
A low-cost, tablet-based system allows physicians to assess stroke patients remotely while en route to the hospital. The study found that the system's diagnoses correlated highly with bedside assessments, enabling faster and more accurate treatment.
Researchers at UVA Health System identified a link between C. difficile infection and allergy-causing immune cells, offering potential solutions for prevention through targeted probiotics. The discovery has immediate implications for therapy, as maintaining the natural gut microbiome may prevent life-threatening infections.
Researchers at UVA Health System have identified promising drugs that could lead to the first antidote for radiation exposure from dirty bombs or nuclear accidents. The study suggests that these compounds, including rapamycin, might alleviate the effects of ionizing radiation.
Researchers discovered the Oct4 gene plays a critical protective role in preventing heart attacks and strokes by stabilizing atherosclerotic plaques. Manipulating its expression may help block age-related decline in the body's ability to carry out repairs and heal wounds.
A new US report assesses the massive burden of chronic kidney disease on Medicare, revealing staggering statistics and expensive treatment options. The report aims to inform national healthcare policy and improve care for patients with kidney disease.
A new study found that treatment using Gamma Knife radiosurgery is often safer than leaving untreated AVMs, particularly for patients with a high life expectancy. The research suggests that younger patients are more likely to benefit from treatment, with a 10-year life expectancy of 50 years or more.
Researchers linked high C-Reactive Protein levels to increased ischemic stroke risk, identifying gene variations that drive these risks. A new discovery may allow doctors to predict patients' risk of having a second stroke using a commonly performed blood test and their genetic profile.
The study confirmed the role of known genes, ruled out others and identified a new gene associated with strokes caused by large artery atherosclerosis. The research found that each identified gene is associated with a specific stroke subtype, suggesting a need for subtype-specific risk factor investigation.
Research suggests excessive bacterial growth in small intestine may be causing malnutrition and stunting in children living in low-income countries. A study of 103 2-year-old children in Bangladesh found that one in six showed signs of small intestine bacterial overgrowth, which was associated with gut inflammation and stunted growth.
Researchers have revealed the unique spring-like structure of E. coli pili, which allows it to withstand strong urine flow and infect the urinary tract. This discovery may lead to the development of new treatments for UTIs.
A device developed by UVA researchers aims to automate blood-sugar levels in people with type 1 diabetes through two clinical trials, which could lead to FDA approval if successful. The artificial pancreas will be tested at nine locations worldwide, including Europe.
Researchers discovered an unexpected link between two common prostate cancer treatments, radiation and androgen ablation. This connection allows doctors to better determine which treatment will benefit individual patients, potentially leading to improved prostate cancer treatments.
Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System have identified the stem cells that develop into the blood vessels within the kidney, a critical step toward growing replacement kidneys. By understanding how these vessels form and function, scientists may be able to create functional organs for patients in need.
New research finds that gut damage from infection is the primary cause of malnutrition and vaccine failure in infants. The study suggests that prevention measures such as improved sanitation, targeted vaccination, or treatment of infections can help combat malnutrition.
Scientists at UVA Health System find a way to prompt red blood cell production through dendritic cells, which could benefit people with diabetes, kidney disease, and cancer. The approach may one day allow doctors to produce red blood cells on demand, benefiting those who cannot receive blood transfusions due to religious beliefs.
Researchers used a new method to evaluate health-care access in Appalachia, finding that insurance and geospatial access played crucial roles in late-stage diagnosis and adjuvant hormone therapy. The study suggests traditional metrics like travel times may not accurately capture the barriers faced by patients.
Researchers found that low-income Virginians with HIV who enrolled in Affordable Care Act healthcare plans had better virologic suppression rates (85.5%) compared to those receiving care under the state's AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) (78.7%). Patients enrolling earlier in ACA insurance also tended to have better health outcomes.
A team of researchers at the University of Virginia Health System is exploring the link between glucose metabolism and heart function. They aim to identify a therapeutic window where intervention can prevent cardiac dysfunction and subsequent heart failure.
Researchers develop diagnostic test to assess adolescents' risk of cardiovascular disease based on metabolic syndrome severity score, which considers factors like blood pressure and cholesterol levels. The test has the potential to encourage healthy behaviors in teenagers to prevent future heart disease.
A study found that bariatric surgery slashed participants' weight by a third and eliminated precancerous uterine growths in those that had them. It also improved insulin levels and glucose use, altering the composition of gut bacteria.
A new article in the New England Journal of Medicine offers life-saving guidance on handling mid-air medical emergencies. Healthcare providers are urged to plan ahead, using good judgment to protect themselves and others.
Researchers at University of Virginia Health System identify two new cancer-causing gene mutations in MCM8 and MCM9 genes, which may be particularly susceptible to cancer-fighting drugs like cisplatin and olaparib. These mutations could lead to more targeted and effective treatments for lung and prostate cancers.
Researchers successfully silenced genes in human cells to induce immunity against the parasitic disease caused by E. histolytica, which affects 50 million people worldwide. The study identified key genes involved in managing potassium flow into and out of human cells, paving the way for new drug targets.
Wladek Minor is rescuing vital submicroscopic data with a $20,000 grant, making it accessible for scientists and industry. His online search engine simplifies data access, speeding up research and potentially leading to new treatments.
Researchers discovered a new method to attack cancer cells by targeting the SAS1B protein, which appears on cancer cells but not healthy tissue. This approach could lead to reduced side effects and improved fertility preservation for female patients.
Researchers have identified spiky filaments within sperm that may play a key role in facilitating fertilization. The discovery, 14 years in the making, provides new insights into the fine dissection of the protein architecture of the sperm's acrosomal matrix.
Scientists have finally understood the structure of a flexible plant virus that has resisted description for over 75 years, revolutionizing efforts to stop such viruses and potentially leading to new vaccine delivery methods.
A new study suggests that the NCAA's lack of regulation on full-contact practices comes at a 'high' cost to college players. Researchers found that subconcussive head impacts increased with padding levels, emphasizing the need for changes to reduce head injuries.
A third of insured breast cancer survivors in Appalachia are not taking critical follow-up treatment, despite having insurance that would cover it. Researchers found that geographical barriers, slower adoption of new technologies, and lack of proper counseling on medication side effects contribute to the issue.
Researchers at UVA Health System have identified a new potential cause of the recent child paralysis outbreak, Enterovirus C105. While it is unclear if this virus is responsible for the outbreak, experts are cautioning against over-interpretation and emphasizing the need for further analysis.
A new study reveals that smooth muscle cells play a more complex role in the formation and stability of atherosclerotic plaques than previously thought. The researchers found that 82% of smooth muscle cells within advanced lesions cannot be identified using traditional methods, leading to confusion about cell identity.
A $1.35 million grant will fund research on predicting deadly avian flu outbreaks by understanding the influenza virus's transmission from birds to humans. The team, led by Lukas Tamm of the University of Virginia School of Medicine, aims to develop a new tool for predicting outbreak risk based on viral envelope changes.
A small pilot study found an experimental treatment approach can send deadly leukemia into remission in patients who have failed standard therapy. The combination of immunotherapy and gene manipulation buys critical time for patients to receive a potentially life-saving stem cell transplant.
Researchers have evaluated the best potential sources for adult stem cells to be used for treating diabetic retinopathy. They found that cells taken from donors without diabetes are more effective than those from patients' own bodies. This discovery provides a crucial framework for evaluating stem cells for future treatments.