The University of Virginia Health System has been awarded a $5.5 million grant to develop new contrast agents for detecting and treating atherosclerosis, a disease that increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. The researchers aim to create tiny ultrasound contrast agents that can be used during simple examinations to detect vuln...
The University of Virginia School of Medicine has received a $35.7 million grant renewal from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences to continue its Cell Migration Consortium research. The consortium, comprising nearly 40 researchers globally, aims to understand cell migration and its role in diseases like cancer.
A study by researchers at the University of Virginia Health System found that OROS methylphenidate (Concerta) improves driving performance in teen drivers with ADHD, reducing inattentive and hyperactive errors. The study suggests Concerta should be the initial treatment for teens with ADHD.
Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System have successfully reversed myotonic muscular dystrophy in mice by removing toxic RNA from muscle cells. The disease causes progressive muscle wasting and other symptoms in about 40,000 people worldwide.
Research suggests that pioglitazone HCl may reduce Alzheimer's progression by decreasing the body's inflammatory reaction to amyloid plaque, a toxic component of the disease. The study showed promising results without serious side effects.
Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System developed a new test for peripheral arterial disease (PAD) using MR spectroscopy, a technique from the 1970s. The test measures phosphocreatine recovery time in leg muscles after exercise, indicating PAD severity and potential complications.
A new genetic test has been developed with a 78% accuracy in predicting individuals with low renin levels and salt sensitivity. The test is based on the number of variations found in salt-regulating genes, with more gene variants associated with bigger health problems.
Researchers at UVa Health System have identified a critical role of the CXCR2 receptor in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), a leading cause of lung failure. The discovery opens new avenues for developing targeted therapies, including aerosol treatments that could potentially hit the lungs without compromising the immune system.
Researchers found that the temperature of a person who has consumed a beverage can affect the accuracy of oral electronic thermometers. The study suggests that parents should wait for at least 30 minutes to take their child's temperature after consumption.
Researchers at UVA Health System are investigating a novel approach to combat chronic kidney disease by targeting inflammation with adenosine drugs. Preliminary results show promising decreases in inflammation, urinary protein loss, and kidney scarring.
Researchers at UVa have isolated a natural compound, INS2, that works by sending a message inside cells to respond to insulin, helping cells dispose of excess glucose. The study found that the more compound injected, the more blood sugar decreased in diabetic rats.
Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System have identified a new type of pain-sensing neuron in rats, which may serve as a target for future therapies to treat neuropathic pain. The T-type calcium channels in these cells may act as a volume control for pain impulses.
A landmark breast cancer screening trial conducted by UVa Health System found no significant difference between digital and standard x-ray mammography in detecting breast cancer. The trial, DMIST, enrolled nearly 50,000 women and used both digital and film mammograms.
Metal stents have been shown to be a safe and effective treatment for bile duct obstructions caused by pancreatic cancer. The study found that 90% of patients had open stents after three months and 80% after one year, with minimal complications.
A new type of T lymphocyte called the Tn cell has been discovered by researchers at U.Va. that regulates neutrophil production. The process is known as the neutrophil turnstile, which uses negative feedback to adjust neutrophil numbers in response to bacterial presence.
Scientists have discovered that an estrogen receptor, ERβ, plays a crucial role in regulating defeminization, a process by which males lose female-like behavior. The study found that neonatal males are exposed to estrogen produced by their testes, leading to changes in gene expression and neural architecture.
A new study in JAMA found that over 75% of patients with malignant brain tumors underwent common procedures like radiation therapy, MRI, or surgery. However, the study also discovered that some practice patterns contradict published guidelines, such as the infrequent use of chemotherapy and anti-depressant medications.
Researchers have discovered a rare plant compound, SL0101, that inhibits the RSK protein, which is linked to breast cancer cell growth. The compound, found in Forsteronia refracta, prevents the growth of breast cancer cells without affecting normal cells.
Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System have discovered a protein called Chd1 that recognizes a flag on histones and attracts other proteins to turn genes on. This finding sheds light on how chemical information carried on histones is recognized and read during gene regulation.
Researchers challenge traditional hypotheses on Crohn's disease, suggesting a more complex role for cytokines in the immune response. This could lead to new treatment strategies involving the blockade of multiple cytokines.
Researchers found a correlation between the presence of the CXCR3 protein and increased survival in Stage III metastatic melanoma patients. This discovery may lead to improved vaccines that 'turn-on' cancer-killing immune cells and instruct them to find tumors.
The U.Va. Health System's new TomoTherapy system provides precise radiation therapy with 3-D imaging, reducing high-dose exposure to healthy tissue and potential side effects for cancer patients. The technology also enables faster treatment times and improved accuracy in targeting tumors.
Researchers have discovered a long-sought protein called TRPA1 that converts sound into nerve impulses, transmitting to the brain. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for deafness and balance disorders in the next five to ten years.
Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System have received a $5 million grant to develop new drugs targeting leukemia. The project aims to selectively inhibit altered proteins in leukemia patients, leading to improved treatment outcomes.
A recent study by a U.Va researcher found that walking regularly is associated with benefits for cognitive function later in life. Men who walked over two miles per day had significantly lower dementia risk compared to those who walked less than a quarter mile per day.
A study published in EMBO Journal found that resveratrol, a compound in grape skins, can starve cancer cells by inhibiting the action of NF-kB. This inhibition leads to apoptosis, or cell death, in cancer cells. Resveratrol's effectiveness against cancer is linked to its ability to block NF-kB's inflammatory response.
UVa researchers have identified a gene, Stat-4, that plays a key role in the development of type 1 diabetes. Disrupting this gene may help prevent the disease, and a new anti-inflammatory compound, Lisofylline (LSF), has shown promise in inhibiting its activation.
Researchers at U.Va. Health System devise method to extract membrane proteins by using chemicals that allow them to be reversibly folded and refolded. This allows for structural and functional studies of the proteins using crystallography or nuclear magnetic resonance imaging.
UVa researchers have identified a mechanism that can correct improper microtubule attachments during cell division. A protein called Aurora B loads MCAK onto the chromosome in an inactive state, which is activated to remove improperly attached microtubules.
Researchers at UVA Health System have developed a cellular model of Parkinson's disease that can be used to study the disease's pathological features and test potential treatments. This model replicates the characteristic Lewy bodies found in brain tissue from patients with advanced Parkinson's disease.
Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System have discovered that Lisofylline can protect insulin-producing beta cells from autoimmune destruction, allowing transplanted islet cells to function for over 65 days without immunosuppression. This breakthrough could lead to a new treatment approach for type 1 diabetes patients.
Researchers identified TL1A, a cytokine that regulates immune response, as a potential target for treating IBD. The protein's expression correlated with inflammation severity in Crohn's disease, but not ulcerative colitis.
A new peptide-based vaccine has shown promising results in treating advanced melanoma by inducing a strong immune response in patients. The vaccine, which includes granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GMCSF), resulted in significant tumor regressions and stable disease in some patients.
Researchers found that minorities were less likely to receive an insanity opinion than whites, but the difference was small. The study also suggests that a community-based forensic mental health system in Virginia is reliable for offering insanity opinions.
A large-scale study of 560 patients with malignant gliomas suggests that surgical resection is a critical factor in improving survival rates and quality of life. The study found that younger, more active patients tend to benefit more from aggressive treatment, while age and overall health also play significant roles.
Researchers at UVa and Rockefeller University found that SipA, a Salmonella protein, tethers to actin, allowing bacteria to infect cells. The study's findings may lead to the development of new treatments against severe infections.
Researchers discovered that sensory cells in mouse inner ear develop rapidly between days 16 and 17 of gestation, mirroring human fetal development. Understanding this process is crucial for regenerating sensory hair cells in the human ear.
A study by University of Virginia Health System found that drivers with type-1 diabetes are more likely to be involved in car crashes and experience hypoglycemic episodes. The study revealed that only 20% of type-1 diabetic drivers were at increased risk, emphasizing the need for personalized treatment to mitigate this risk.
U.Va. researchers have identified T-type calcium channels as a key regulator of low-voltage-activated calcium channels, a crucial process in various cell types. This breakthrough could lead to the development of more specific and effective drugs for cardiovascular diseases.
A study found that over half of illicitly distilled moonshine samples contained high levels of lead, a toxic substance that can harm those who abuse it. The researcher hopes to raise awareness about the dangers of drinking moonshine.
A new study found that antibodies in female mice attached to their babies' cells stimulate a T-cell response, leading to ovarian destruction and inflammation. The researchers suggest that exposure to the mother's antibody during critical periods of development is crucial for avoiding autoimmune disease.
Researchers discovered that lisofylline treatment reduced the incidence of Type 1 diabetes in mice by 67%, indicating its potential to protect insulin-producing cells. The study published in Pancreas journal suggests that lisofylline may slow down or prevent the disease in people at high-risk.
A U.Va. researcher has made significant breakthroughs in treating the parasite that causes amebiasis, a disease responsible for millions of cases and deaths globally each year. The researcher's team developed an FDA-approved diagnostic test to improve diagnosis accuracy and a potential vaccine based on immunity in children.
Researchers found activated platelets can deposit pro-inflammatory factors on monocytes and vessel walls, contributing to atherosclerotic lesions. The study suggests that targeting platelet P-selectin may be an effective way to limit the formation of these lesions.
Researchers at UVA have identified a gene called RhoGDI2 that plays a crucial role in preventing the spread of cancer. The study found that replacing this gene in human metastatic cancer cells can suppress their ability to metastasize, suggesting new therapeutic options for treating metastatic disease.
A new study suggests that antibiotics are not always beneficial for childhood ear infections, with some cases clearing up on their own. The review also found that giving children a flu shot can reduce the likelihood of otitis by 30 percent during flu season.
A U.Va. study is investigating the effectiveness of echinacea in treating colds by standardizing extracts from the plant. The researchers plan to recruit approximately 450 subjects and administer three different concentrations of echinacea constitutents to test their impact on viral replication and inflammatory responses.
Researchers at U.Va. have identified a new component called Npap60 that helps load cargo and ensures correct delivery into the cell nucleus. The study reveals an unusual switch mechanism that allows the protein to distinguish between different nuclear entry codes.
Scientists have identified a gene involved in autoimmune disease using molecular techniques on mouse models. The research aims to develop more specific treatments by understanding the role of histamine receptors in autoimmune disease.
The new treatment combines antiviral and anti-inflammatory drugs to target the root cause of cold symptoms, not just its symptoms. Researchers found that adding interferon to the treatment increased effectiveness compared to individual medications alone.