Researchers at UVA Health System have identified a critical protein, ESP1, that stabilizes the site of sperm-egg fusion. This discovery may pave the way for the development of a male contraceptive by targeting the protein's interactions.
Researchers have found that administering antibiotics for only four days is as effective as treatments spanning eight days for complicated abdominal infections. This breakthrough suggests that doctors can provide treatment that is both effective and conservative in its antibiotic use, reducing the risk of antibiotic resistance.
The discovery of lymphatic vessels in the brain could have significant implications for understanding and treating neurological diseases such as autism, Alzheimer's, and multiple sclerosis. The findings, published in Nature, suggest that these vessels may play a major role in immune responses to neurodegenerative diseases.
Scientists at the University of Virginia School of Medicine have discovered a blueprint for battling human disease using DNA clad in near-indestructible armor, offering a promising template for delivering gene therapy.
Researchers have identified a faulty 'brake' within immune cells that drives excessive inflammation in multiple sclerosis. This discovery produces vital research tools and could lead to new therapies for the disease.
Researchers at the University of Virginia will use single-cell genome sequencing to examine brain samples from people with and without schizophrenia. By comparing these samples, they hope to identify genetic causes of the disease and develop more effective treatments.
Children who watch TV for just an hour a day are more likely to be overweight or obese, according to a new study. The research suggests that even small amounts of TV viewing can lead to unhealthy weight gain and recommends daily limits on screen time.
Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System identified a surprising contributor to Rett syndrome: immune cells bearing a mutated MeCP2 gene. These macrophages amplify disease progression by failing to maintain tissue homeostasis, highlighting the immune system as a promising therapeutic target.
Many cancers, including pancreatic cancer, enslave and deform mitochondria to create an environment conducive to tumor growth. Researchers found that blocking this process may lead to the growth of tumors.
Researchers at the University of Virginia have developed a promising drug that targets a specific altered cellular protein driving acute myeloid leukemia. The compound kills cancerous cells while sparing healthy ones, offering a new paradigm for treating leukemia.
Researchers found delayed radiation therapy offers no protective benefit and may increase risk of complications, contradicting the long-held view. Adjuvant therapy soon after prostate removal is effective in curing patients with low-grade disease.
A potential treatment for myotonic muscular dystrophy has been identified, using an experimental drug that improves muscle function and reduces symptoms in mice. The therapy targets excessive activity of a cellular protein called TWEAK and its receptor Fn14, which correlates with disease severity.
Researchers at UVA School of Medicine have identified interleukin-33 as the biological trigger for a protective immune response to spinal cord injury. This discovery holds promise for improved treatments and diagnostic tests for conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and brain trauma.
Researchers at UVA Health System found that SRC gene promotes growth suppression in bladder cancer, contradicting its role in most cancers. The study suggests caution when using targeted therapeutic agents that inhibit SRC in bladder cancer treatment.
A new at-home test, SpermCheck Vasectomy, has been shown to accurately detect low sperm counts in vasectomized men. The test achieved an accuracy rate of 96% in identifying sperm concentrations below a threshold of 250,000 sperm per ml.
A daily oral dose of MK-677 increased muscle mass in healthy older adults by restoring 20% of lost muscle mass associated with aging. The study shows promise for a treatment that could help prevent age-related frailty and maintain independence as seniors age.
Researchers found a critical genetic link between human taste differences and nicotine dependence using an innovative method to analyze multiple genetic factors. The study identified two interacting genes related to bitter taste sensitivity as playing an important role in developing nicotine dependence.
Researchers at UVA Health System develop novel approach to create less resistant and more effective antibiotics by targeting integral membrane enzyme DsbB. The breakthrough uses nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to understand protein structure and function.
UVA researchers have developed a method to reduce MRSA infections by rotating antibiotics every three months, resulting in a significant decrease in infection rates from 1.9 to 1.4 patients per 100 admissions. In-hospital mortality from surgical ICU-acquired MRSA infections also fell to zero.
Topiramate effectively decreases heavy drinking and associated physical and psychosocial harm, including lower blood pressure and improved liver function. The medication also shows promise in reducing the risk of heart disease and improving overall quality of life for alcohol-dependent individuals.
Researchers at UVA Health System are conducting studies on the use of fat grafting to improve wound healing and minimize scarring in severely injured soldiers. The goal is to enhance recovery outcomes and reduce long-term functional deficits.
Combining stents and photodynamic therapy significantly improves survival rates for patients with advanced liver bile duct cancer, increasing it from 7 months to over 16 months. The treatment's effectiveness is attributed to the number of stent-replacement procedures and PDT sessions.
Coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) may be misused as a screening tool for high-risk patients without symptoms. Experts, including Dr. Christopher M. Kramer, argue that the procedure exposes patients to radiation and contrast dye, posing more risk than benefit.
Researchers found that individuals with Type 1 myotonic muscular dystrophy overproduce the heart protein NKX2-5, yet experience similar cardiac problems. Reducing excessive NKX2-5 levels may protect against these issues, leading to potential diagnostic and therapeutic breakthroughs.
Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System have identified a key enzyme involved in the development of Type 1 diabetes. The discovery, centered on the 12/15-lipoxygenase gene, has significant implications for understanding and treating the disease, with potential applications for preventing or reversing Type 1 diabetes.
Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System have led a clinical trial showing that topiramate significantly reduces heavy drinking days in individuals with alcohol dependence. The study found topiramate to be safe and highly efficacious when paired with a brief intervention by non-specialists.
Researchers at UVA Health System discovered how cells protect themselves from DNA damage caused by UV rays, involving an unexpected connection between proteins. The study reveals part of a pathway inside human cells that regulates when and how cells repair damage to their DNA.
A new method has been developed to grow inner ear hair cells in the laboratory, providing a reliable source of cells for research. This breakthrough is expected to accelerate therapeutic advancements for millions of people worldwide affected by hearing and balance impairments.
Researchers have identified radial spoke protein 44 (RSP44) as a key molecule in immune infertility, a condition causing the immune system to attack sperm. The discovery may lead to new diagnostic tools and treatments for this condition, which affects up to 12% of unexplained infertility cases in women.
Dr. Richard Guerrant receives funding to develop a new treatment approach for C. difficile by targeting its toxins instead of the bacteria itself, aiming to prevent deadly complications and reduce antibiotic use.
Researchers found that N-acetylcysteine can form a molecule that tricks the body into thinking it has an oxygen shortage, leading to pulmonary arterial hypertension. The discovery opens up new possibilities for treating PAH and highlights the need to monitor patients using NAC.
A research group led by Dr. Cato T. Laurencin has received a $2 million NSF grant to explore novel methods for musculoskeletal tissue regeneration. The project aims to engineer new material surfaces that will allow a range of tissues to grow, potentially leading to breakthroughs in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.
Researchers at the University of Virginia are developing a single test to identify more than 20 different food and waterborne pathogens, as well as a treatment that could protect against over 20 potential pathogens. The tests aim to improve public health by detecting outbreaks of E. coli and other parasites more quickly.
Researchers have developed an algorithm that can match any tumor cells with the most effective anti-cancer treatments, predicting clinical responses and identifying new compounds. This 'coexpression extrapolation (COXEN) system' has been successfully tested on bladder cancer cell lines and shows promise for other types of cancer.
Scientists have discovered a way to transfer genes into diseased tissue of the human inner ear, aiming to restore hearing. The breakthrough could lead to the development of gene therapy compounds that produce new hair cells and restore hearing function in humans.
A UVa-led team has discovered that chromatin packing plays a crucial role in determining gene expression timing. By analyzing the replication of genes in different cell lines, researchers found that loosely packed chromatin allows for early gene expression, while densely packed chromatin leads to late expression.
Dr. Mani Mahadevan's research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying DM1, a genetic disorder causing progressive muscle weakness and disability. His team has developed a mouse model to study toxic RNA production, which may lead to a viable treatment for the disease.
A study investigates the impact of methylphenidate on young ADHD drivers' ability to focus while navigating real-world distractions. The research team aims to determine if controlled-release stimulant medication improves driving performance in such situations.
Researchers at University of Virginia Health System discovered microRNAs can suppress HMGA2 overexpression, a key feature of many tumors. This finding suggests microRNAs may have a role in preventing or curing diet-induced obesity-related diseases.
Research at University of Virginia Children's Hospital found that children with asthma are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, behavioral problems, and learning disabilities.
Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System are investigating molecular therapies for prostate cancer. They plan to identify compensatory pathways and develop combination therapies using a laboratory-made screening approach.
Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System have developed a non-invasive, real-time monitoring system to predict sepsis in neonates. This technology analyzes heartbeat signals to identify characteristic patterns that indicate an impending infection. By detecting these patterns early, clinicians can initiate treatment soone...
A University of Virginia Health System researcher found that just four motivational interviewing sessions doubled the odds of women at risk for pregnancy reducing their binge drinking. The technique, called MI, has proven effective in scaling back risky behaviors and promoting contraception use.
A new protein called sperm flagellar energy carrier (SFEC) has been discovered in the sperm tail, which may play a role in disabling sperm swimming. The discovery is significant because SFEC is linked to glycolysis, a process that produces energy in the sperm's tail.
The University of Virginia Health System has received a $583,000 NIH training grant to train four new researchers in kidney disease research annually. This multidisciplinary program aims to address the growing problem of kidney disease by equipping researchers with skills to translate lab research to clinical practice.
A study by researchers at UVa found that the Alzheimer's gene (APOE4) protects children from severe diarrhea and its consequences. The gene helps them survive malnutrition, but may contribute to problems later in life.
Researchers at the University of Virginia are exploring how nutrients in broccoli prevent cancer by bonding with a specific enzyme. This enzyme is linked to inflammatory diseases and cancer, and understanding its role could lead to anti-cancer compounds.
Researchers at the University of Virginia are developing an office-based cancer screening test using biomarkers in urine to detect early signs of cancer. The goal is to improve detection and treatment outcomes, as current tests often rely on invasive procedures or delayed diagnoses.
Researchers at UVA Health System have discovered cancer-testis antigens, called SPANX proteins, which could selectively kill melanoma tumors while sparing the rest of the body's tissues. These antigens may also help develop a vaccine to stimulate the immune system to attack and suppress melanoma tumors.
Researchers found that adults infected with rhinovirus, the cause of half of all colds, can contaminate hotel room objects, leaving an infectious gift for others. The study, conducted in hotel rooms, shows that viruses can survive on surfaces for at least a day.