A new study by University of Virginia Health System finds that COVID-19 wastewater testing can detect even small numbers of asymptomatic cases with high sensitivity. The research offers guidance on the most effective methods to perform testing to detect COVID-19 in wastewater, including protocols for sampling and analysis.
New research from the University of Virginia School of Medicine reveals that sleep can increase the risk of sudden death in people with epilepsy. Seizures disrupt the body's natural regulation of sleep-related changes, leading to a slower heart rate and potentially deadly consequences.
A recent study from the University of Virginia Health System found that more than a quarter of American infants in 2018 had not received all recommended childhood vaccines. Disparities were observed among African-American infants, low-income families, and those with lower education levels. The researchers warn that these gaps can lead ...
New research from the University of Virginia School of Medicine has identified a sequence of events during seizures that can progress to death. The researchers found that breathing disruption, or apnea, occurs during seizures and that artificially stimulating breathing can prevent sudden death after a seizure.
A combination of inexpensive oral medications may treat fatigue-inducing anemias, a new discovery suggests. The therapy targets the root cause of anemia: disrupted cellular organelles, specifically the Golgi apparatus.
A new study suggests that home health care growth is 'small and inadequate' compared to the increasing demand in an aging America. Targeted policies are needed to support home-based medical care.
Scientists have developed a new COVID-19 vaccine that targets the spike protein of the virus, offering broad protection against existing and future strains. The vaccine's innovative approach uses a platform that can produce vaccines at very low cost, making it ideal for global vaccination efforts.
Research suggests that autism develops differently in girls and boys, with distinct genetic profiles and brain mechanisms at play. Girls with ASD exhibit unique responses to social cues and have different genetic contributors to the condition.
Researchers at UVA Cancer Center discovered that antibody approaches targeting death receptor-5 could be revived by co-targeting negative biological processes with immune-activating therapy. This combination therapy increased the effectiveness of cancer killer immune cells, shrinking tumors and improving survival in lab mice.
The study provides valuable insights into heart, lung, blood and sleep disorders, shedding light on human evolution and genetic mutation. The analysis identified 400 million genetic variants, with over 78% never described before, offering potential for new treatments and prevention strategies tailored to individual patients.
A new study finds that stem cell transplants after CAR T-cell therapy reduce relapse rates in childhood cancer patients by less than 10% two years later. The research suggests long-term benefits for young patients who receive the treatment, with most experiencing complete remission.
The new guidelines recommend yearly low-dose CT scans for Americans aged 50-80 with a 20 pack-year smoking history or those who quit less than 15 years ago. The expanded criteria aim to reduce lung cancer disparities in Black people and women.
Researchers at University of Virginia Health System propose advanced information system to integrate and evaluate vast amounts of data on pathogens. The system aims to ensure conformity across disciplines and promote understanding and knowledge in biomedical sciences.
Research suggests that maternal exercise during pregnancy can prevent the transmission of metabolic diseases from parent to child. The study found that maternal exercise only during pregnancy completely blocked the negative effects of either mother's or father's obesity on the offspring.
Scientists have developed a tool to monitor brain communications, offering an explanation for why Alzheimer's drugs are ineffective. The new method has broad applicability across neurological and psychiatric diseases, facilitating the development of new treatments and personalized medicine.
Artificial intelligence has already shown promise in pathology, including image classification and diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy. Future developments aim to further enhance diagnostic accuracy and improve patient outcomes through augmented intelligence. The authors emphasize the need for careful validation, performance monitoring, ...
Cold sores are triggered when herpes simplex virus reactsivate due to neuronal hyperexcitation caused by prolonged inflammation or stress. Interleukin 1 beta cytokine plays a key role in this process.
Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in generating human hemogenic endothelial cells outside the body, paving the way for growing organs and treating blood disorders. The discovery, published in prestigious journals Science and Cell Reports, reveals a key trigger that causes these cells to form during embryonic development.
The grant will enable UVA Health to serve more underserved groups and rural communities with acute and chronic illnesses, improving patient outcomes and reducing barriers to care.
African-Americans are more likely to develop cancerous lesions on the right side and suffer from colorectal cancer at a younger age due to unique biological aging patterns. The research found that the right side of the colon in most African-Americans had suffered epigenetic changes contributing to their increased cancer risk.
Researchers found that focused ultrasound improved parkinsonian symptoms by 10 points in treated patients, with potential benefits for those with asymmetrical symptoms and limited treatment options. However, further refinements of the technology are needed to ensure reliability and safety.
Researchers at UVA Health System identified a gene variant MIA3 that produces a protein promoting smooth muscle cell proliferation, leading to thicker, stable protective caps on blood vessel plaques. This discovery could help prevent heart attacks by stabilizing plaque lesions and reducing the risk of coronary artery disease.
A team of researchers has discovered a signaling system within the brainstem that activates almost immediately at birth to support early breathing. This finding may offer important insights into Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other breathing problems.
Residents of Southwest Virginia have set priorities for cancer prevention and early detection, focusing on tobacco cessation, HPV vaccination, lung and colorectal cancer screenings. The region's partnership with the UVA Cancer Center Without Walls aims to improve health outcomes through a collaborative effort.
Researchers have found that excessive calcium triggers inflammation in ischemic strokes, leading to worse outcomes. Targeting this calcium overload may offer a new way to control inflammation and improve patient recovery.
Researchers at University of Virginia Health System identified gene TRIM37 responsible for triple-negative breast cancer metastasis and developed potential treatment approach using nanoparticles. The approach shows promising results in lab mice, offering a new way to target a driver of metastasis and potentially improve overall survival.
A clinical trial found that fluvoxamine prevented COVID-19 infections from worsening and kept patients out of the hospital. The antidepressant drug reduced inflammation and protected against serious breathing difficulties, suggesting it may be a promising treatment for mild to moderate cases of COVID-19.
A promising MS drug called TEPP-46 has shown worsening effects on the disease in mouse models, causing inflammation redirection and T cell changes. The research suggests caution before moving the drug to human trials.
A UVA-led study found significant brain changes in military and law enforcement personnel exposed to low-level blasts, including increased brain injury and inflammation. The study also found differences in blood flow, brain structure, and brain activity.
Researchers at the University of Virginia have discovered that cancer alters the three-dimensional structure of chromosomes to create a comfortable home for itself inside cells. This remodeling is linked to changes in gene expression and can be targeted with specific drugs, offering new approaches to cancer treatment.
A new study reveals that serum albumin binds with dexamethasone, a corticosteroid used to treat severe COVID-19, but low albumin levels or diabetes can interfere with this binding, reducing the drug's effectiveness. The researchers suggest doctors may need to adjust dosing for certain patient groups.
Scientists at UVA Health System created a simpler, more effective method to convert green fluorescent biosensors to red, improving their ability to monitor multiple targets and peer into tissues. This innovation has the potential to accelerate research in fields such as insulin secretion control and neural activity patterns.
A study by researchers at the University of Virginia Health System found that nearly 1 in 8 commercially insured patients received surprise bills for out-of-network expenses after undergoing elective colonoscopies. The team recommends partnering with in-network anesthesia and pathology providers to prevent these unexpected costs.
Researchers at UVA Cancer Center developed a set of metrics to evaluate care provided for brain metastases, aiming to enhance treatment decisions and coordination. The findings, published in JCO Oncology Practice, will help hospitals improve their interdisciplinary treatment programs.
Research reveals genetic differences in fat storage and formation affecting disease susceptibility in men and women. Six genes were identified as potential therapeutic targets for distinct outcomes in each sex.
Researchers found that patients taking HIV and hepatitis B treatment had a 33% lower risk of developing diabetes. The protective effect was replicated in multiple databases, suggesting that these drugs could be repurposed to prevent type 2 diabetes.
Even mild concussions can lead to severe and long-lasting impairments in the brain's ability to clean itself of toxins, potentially seeding Alzheimer's disease and dementia. The discovery sheds light on why repeated brain injuries are so harmful and suggests a reason for varying effects among individuals.
Researchers at UVA Health System discovered that many microglial cells originate from blood monocytes, which transform into troops to defend the brain after infant strokes. This finding sheds light on the development of brain's immune defenses and has implications for understanding newborn brain injury.
The Control-IQ system, manufactured by Tandem Diabetes Care, safely and effectively manages blood glucose levels in children with type 1 diabetes. The study found that the artificial pancreas did a better job keeping the children's blood glucose within the target range.
A new study found that women surgeons are underrepresented in academic surgery but hold a greater than anticipated proportion of NIH funding, earning 49 R01 grants. Women were also more likely to be first-time grant recipients and had fewer research articles published in scientific journals.
Leading coma experts have created a three-part plan to improve patient care and deepen understanding of coma and other conditions. The plan includes better classification of coma types, development of biomarkers to predict prognosis, and clinical trials for new therapies to promote recovery of consciousness.
A new online calculator developed by UVA Health System researchers can predict stroke risk in patients with metabolic syndrome. The tool, available for free, uses a scoring system to assess the severity of metabolic syndrome and identify patients at risk.
A large international study identified key genetic contributors to stroke risk in individuals of African ancestry, providing insight into ethnic-specific and global risk factors. The study found that a common variation near the HNF1A gene was strongly associated with increased stroke risk.
Researchers at UVA School of Medicine discovered that brain defenders called microglia release a unique immune molecule to control the parasite in the brain, preventing symptomatic toxoplasmosis. This finding has implications for brain infections, neurodegenerative diseases and autoimmune disorders.
A group of doctors and data scientists propose creating clinical departments devoted to artificial intelligence to harness its power in transforming patient care. The plan aims to address issues such as inconsistent implementation, poor data quality, and overdependence on AI, and would bring together diverse expertise for faster benefits.
Researchers at UVA have developed an algorithm to classify genomic data using quantum computers, potentially revolutionizing the field of genetic research. The new technology could analyze vast amounts of genetic data exponentially faster than conventional computers.
Researchers have identified AVIL as an oncogene that plays a critical role in the development of glioblastoma. Targeting this gene shows promise as an effective approach for treating the disease.
A single dose of baloxavir marboxil significantly reduced flu infections among household contacts, with only 1.9% developing the illness compared to 13.6% on placebo. The study supports the use of baloxavir for preventing influenza in high-risk settings like nursing homes and healthcare facilities.
Researchers at the University of Virginia have discovered how plants make cellulose, a key component of cell walls. Cellulose is created through molecular machinery that produces three chains, which are then transported to the cell surface and assembled into microfibrils for added strength.
A new analysis by University of Virginia Health System researchers found that Sweden's lack of lockdown during COVID-19 led to more deaths and greater healthcare demand than countries with earlier interventions. However, Sweden fared better than expected when considering public-health mandates alone, similar to France, Italy, and Spain.