Researchers found a genetic link that explains how certain individuals store fat at the abdomen but remain protected from type 2 diabetes. This discovery could pave the way for personalized medicine, tailoring treatments to individual genetic variations.
Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System discovered that improper calcium signaling in mitochondria accelerates chronic inflammation, leading to age-related conditions. Increasing calcium uptake in macrophages may help prevent harmful inflammation and its effects on the brain.
Researchers have discovered a way to identify pregnant women at risk of preeclampsia by examining lipids in their blood during pregnancy. The approach worked regardless of whether the women were on aspirin therapy, and could predict the risk of preeclampsia with significant accuracy.
A team of UVA Health experts warns that surgeon-scientists are struggling to obtain research funding, which could lead to a decline in innovations for patients. The researchers found that internal medicine trainees are six times more likely to secure R01 grants and career development awards.
Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System have identified a novel mechanism by which hair cells can repair themselves after damage. This breakthrough understanding has the potential to develop new treatments for age-related hearing loss and other conditions.
Researchers aim to identify best practices for increasing viral suppression in low-income populations with HIV. They will examine state AIDS Drug Assistance Programs to understand disparities in care and outcomes.
Scientists at University of Virginia Health System discovered a gene that acts as a master controller for immune tolerance, shedding light on how our immune systems are calibrated to prevent MS. The new understanding could lead to better, more targeted treatments.
Researchers discovered that targeting specific blood vessel enzymes can enhance immunotherapy effectiveness and prevent breast cancer metastasis. By disabling the enzyme DNMT1 in blood vessels, doctors may bolster anti-tumor immune cells entry and increase patients' response to treatment.
The study found that the immune response to spinal-cord injuries is impaired in older individuals, leading to weaker cell responses and reduced recovery. The researchers identified an essential role for the meninges surrounding the spinal cord in mounting the immune response, paving the way for new therapeutic approaches.
The University of Virginia Health System has developed a plan to improve the use of electronic health records, reduce clinician workload, and enhance patient care. The plan outlines three 'essential' steps for improving electronic health reforms, including implementing unique personal safety identifiers to streamline operations.
Dr. John H. Bushweller's team at UVA Cancer Center is developing novel drugs to block abnormal proteins that cause pediatric leukemia. The new approach aims to improve efficacy and reduce toxicity, potentially leading to better patient outcomes.
Researchers at UVA Health System have made a breakthrough discovery about the role of microglia in seizure disorders. The study suggests that enhancing microglial activity could be a promising approach to preventing and managing seizures, offering new hope for patients who don't respond to existing treatments.
The rate of suspected suicide attempts by poisoning among children and adolescents ages 10-19 increased 30% during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to 2019. The most common substances involved were acetaminophen and ibuprofen, highlighting the need for comprehensive approach to suicide prevention.
A recent analysis of three clinical trials found that the UVA-developed artificial pancreas improved blood sugar control by 13 percentage points and decreased hemoglobin A1c levels. The device spent an average of 2.8 more hours per day in target blood sugar range, benefiting both kids and adults with diabetes.
A study published in Circulation Research identifies the FHL5 gene as a key regulator of vascular disease, including heart attacks and aneurysms. The discovery advances our understanding of the underlying causes of vascular disease and provides new insights into genetic risk factors.
Researchers found that infected mosquito saliva contains molecules called sfRNAs that can blunt the body's immune response. These molecules are injected during the mosquito bite, making it more likely for people to become infected with dengue virus.
A clinical study found that children ages 2 to 6 with type 1 diabetes using an artificial pancreas system spent more time in their target blood sugar range, reducing anxiety for families. The system improved nighttime blood glucose control and was used safely by participants.
UVA researchers discovered a metabolic pathway that can modulate COVID-19 inflammation, lung recovery, and host metabolic health. They suggest a potentially viable therapeutic agent that may be combined with existing anti-viral agents to treat severe COVID-19 in patients with underlying metabolic disease.
An international team of researchers has received $3 million to study how early gut development shapes children's health. They will collect tissue samples from diverse groups to understand the impact of environment, genetics, and other factors on gut development.
Researchers at the University of Virginia have identified a promising approach to delay aging by detoxifying glycerol and glyceraldehyde, harmful by-products of fat. By activating an enzyme called AMAR, they found that microscopic worms lived longer and healthier lives, and similar effects were seen in other lab models.
UVA scientists have discovered a new contributor to abnormal blood vessel growth in the eye, which could lead to new treatments for macular degeneration and other vision loss conditions. The discovery identifies a key protein that determines VEGF levels, blocking it has reduced VEGF levels significantly without unwanted side effects.
Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System have identified a vital contributor to hyperactive immune responses and neuroinflammation in multiple sclerosis. Blocking this regulator alleviated harmful inflammation in lab mice, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for new treatments.
A new program, backed by a $1.5 million grant, provides education and training on stroke care for paramedics and healthcare providers in seven Central Virginia counties. The program aims to reduce disparities in stroke deaths among non-Hispanic Black individuals in these communities.
A single dose of azithromycin has been shown to decrease sepsis and death by half in women in labor, making it an important tool for keeping mothers safe before, during, and after delivery. The antibiotic was found to be beneficial for vaginal childbirth as well, reducing mortality rates and the risk of developing sepsis.
Scientists have discovered that wrinkles in the cellular nucleus may be involved in common metabolic diseases such as diabetes and fatty liver disease. The new findings suggest that targeting these wrinkles could lead to novel treatments for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, which affects 40% of people over age 70.
Scientists have identified genes that play key roles in the development of coronary artery disease (CAD), a leading cause of death worldwide. The study found notable differences in gene activity between males and females, as well as between cells that were multiplying and those that were not.
A UVA Health survey found that 45.2% of women report taking days off due to menstrual symptoms, affecting energy levels, mood, and work interest. Digital health apps like Flo can help manage symptoms, improve productivity, and reduce leave, with app users being 18-25% less likely to report impacted productivity.
The UVA Health, Southwest Virginia Coalition is partnering to improve COVID-19 outcomes and chronic health conditions through innovative telehealth models. The consortium will bring together healthcare groups to develop a long-term blueprint for providing care in rural communities.
A new study from the University of Virginia Health System found that mRNA booster shots increase the durability of antibodies to COVID-19. The boosters led to longer-lasting antibodies, even in those who had previously recovered from a COVID-19 infection.
Researchers discovered that enterococci, a type of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, can make C. difficile more potent and dangerous by producing amino acids. This understanding could help doctors identify patients at risk and develop new treatments for the deadly infection.
Research from University of Virginia Health System suggests antidepressants can heighten lifelong brain changes in babies, such as autism, when combined with infection or inflammation during pregnancy. SSRIs interact powerfully with the mother's body, causing harmful changes in the placenta and developing brain.
UVA researchers developed a new tool to analyze genetic data, reducing noise and bias in cancer diagnosis. The tool uses mathematical modeling to identify patterns in chromatin, helping scientists detect tiny numbers of disease cells.
A five-year review of focused ultrasound treatment for essential tremor found that patients experienced significant reductions in tremor symptoms, with benefits lasting long-term and no reported progressive or delayed complications. The study represents the largest long-term assessment yet conducted on the procedure.
Researchers at UVA Cancer Center have identified interleukin-1 as a crucial contributor to the development of myelofibrosis, a potentially deadly bone marrow cancer. Targeting this cytokine could prevent myelofibrosis from progressing and spare bone marrow scarring.
Researchers at UVA Children's will use a sophisticated computer model to better understand and treat Crohn's disease, which can have lifelong consequences for young patients. The team hopes to identify biological markers or metabolic signatures that can be used for early diagnosis and personalized medicine.
Researchers identified a kinase molecule that directs microglia activity, potentially treating neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and MS. The molecule, called spleen tyrosine kinase, targets plaque buildup and debris accumulation in the brain.
Researchers have identified a previously unknown biological contributor to postpartum depression: impaired autophagy, which limits the body's ability to clean up old genetic material. This finding may lead to new treatments and early identification of women at risk before they become ill.
Researchers used advanced imaging techniques to understand the structure of bacterial propellers, which are made of a single protein. The study reveals that bacteria push themselves forward by coiling these appendages into corkscrew shapes, and that similar structures have evolved independently in archaea.
The Leducq Foundation has awarded $7.5 million to UVA researchers, led by Mete Civelek, to investigate sex differences in atherosclerosis and $8 million to Coleen McNamara to advance immunotherapy for cardiovascular disease. These projects aim to improve understanding of heart disease and develop new treatments.
Researchers at UVA Health have developed a new magnetic-resonance imaging (MRI) technique to track peripheral artery disease, which affects over 200 million people worldwide. The CEST approach produces comparable results to the current gold standard without requiring specialized equipment.
Researchers at UVA Health System have made a groundbreaking discovery that could boost platelet production on demand to alleviate blood shortages. The finding offers hope for patients with thrombocytopenia and those receiving cord-blood transplants.
Research from UVA Cancer Center finds that an unhealthy gut microbiome can trigger changes in normal breast tissue, facilitating cancer's spread to other parts of the body. The study suggests that targeting the gut-mast cell relationship could help prevent breast cancer recurrence and metastasis.
A new genomic test can predict a patient's risk of developing severe COVID-19, according to research from the University of Virginia Health System. The test, called CovGENE, analyzes genes expressed in a person's blood to determine if they may experience a severe disease course with increased risk of death.
A new study found that premenstrual mood symptoms are incredibly common worldwide, affecting over 64% of women. The most common symptoms reported were food cravings, mood swings or anxiety, and fatigue. The researchers hope to increase awareness and improve treatment options for women with premenstrual symptoms.
Recent evidence suggests hormone therapy at menopause does not significantly increase the risk of invasive breast cancer. However, estrogen combined with progesterone increases breast cancer risk for women with an intact uterus. Menopause experts offer reassurance to women and their healthcare providers about the safety of hormone ther...
Researchers at UVA have discovered the mechanism behind gene regulation during organ development, shedding light on how genetic material interacts with transcription factors to create different cell types. The study's findings could offer insights into the initiation of certain cancers and inspire new therapeutic development.
Researchers at the University of Virginia School of Medicine have successfully engineered a material that can conduct electricity with zero resistance, paving the way for revolutionary technologies. The breakthrough uses DNA to guide chemical reactions, overcoming a long-standing challenge in materials science.
Researchers discover gene AVIL responsible for deadly brain tumor also causes two forms of childhood cancer, rhabdomyosarcoma. Blocking AVIL activity prevents formation of the disease in lab samples and mouse models.
Adults with chronic kidney disease are more likely to have a low intake of fruits and vegetables compared to similar individuals without the condition. This study suggests that increasing fruit and vegetable consumption may be beneficial for overall health.
A multidisciplinary team at UVA Health will use deep brain stimulation to treat refractory neuropathic pain, aiming to modulate pain signals from the insula. The study may shed light on the fundamental nature of pain and identify biological indicators for effective treatment.