A new study suggests that exercise can reduce the development of macular degeneration by up to 45% in lab mice. The research also implies that regular physical activity may benefit other causes of vision loss, such as glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy.
The Federal Communications Commission awarded UVA Health a $767,139 grant to expand its use of telehealth for patient care during the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding will support remote patient monitoring, virtual urgent care, and videoconferencing to reduce exposure for patients and care providers.
Researchers found that areas with high fire ant populations had lower rates of the meat allergy, which is caused by the lone star tick. The study suggests that fire ants may be competing with ticks for a resource, limiting the spread of the allergy. However, this also means that fire ant bites can cause severe allergic reactions.
Researchers at UVA Health System are pioneering a new technique using focused ultrasound to destroy cancer cells without generating heat. The approach, tested on cell samples in lab dishes, shows promise against glioblastoma and other difficult-to-treat cancers.
A collaborative program developed at UVA Health has helped prevent COVID-19 infections and reduced mortality rates in long-term care facilities. The program, GERI-PaL, combines hospital and community-based resources to assist local facilities in preventing and responding to outbreaks.
Research suggests exercise can slow progression of the debilitating genetic disease by promoting mitochondrial function and reducing oxidative stress in mouse models.
Dietary changes can trigger changes in the host's response to chemotherapy drugs, increasing or decreasing their effectiveness and toxicity. Researchers found that common components of daily diets can have a profound impact on cancer treatment outcomes.
A new web resource has been created to provide scientists with easy access to the latest SARS-CoV-2 protein structures, ensuring the highest accuracy possible for treatments and vaccines. The tool, developed by an international team of experts, also includes assessments of model quality and enhanced versions when available.
The new guidelines aim to improve stroke care by speeding up treatment and preventing the spread of COVID-19. The recommendations emphasize the use of telemedicine to connect patients with UVA stroke experts before arrival at the hospital.
A team of researchers led by Jung-Bum Shin identified Myosin-VIIa as a crucial protein in maintaining proper tension in hair cell mechanoreceptors, enabling sound detection. The discovery sheds light on the biological architecture of hearing and may lead to new treatments for hearing loss.
The prevention of polio epidemics is a signature success of science in the 20th century. A new vaccine developed by Jonas Salk and later improved upon by Albert Sabin helped eradicate polio in the West, with the disease no longer a serious threat.
UVA Health's telehealth tools improved patient care and healthcare provider safety during the Ebola outbreak. The Isolation Communication Management System (iSOCOMS) allowed doctors to provide personal, high-quality care while conserving vital PPE.
University of Virginia researchers are pioneering a new approach using focused ultrasound to deliver treatments directly into the brain. The technology, which can selectively open the blood-brain barrier, has shown promising results in treating conditions like Alzheimer's, epilepsy, and brain tumors.
Researchers are teaming up to understand why critical nerve cells continue to die after spinal cord injuries and aim to develop more effective treatments by enhancing or limiting the immune response. They'll use a new probe developed by one scientist to track dead cells as they're swallowed up by immune cells.
Research suggests exercise can prevent or reduce severity of ARDS, a major cause of death in COVID-19 patients. Regular physical activity increases production of antioxidant EcSOD, which may provide protection against severe respiratory disease.
Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System have made a groundbreaking discovery suggesting that improper cellular cleanup during brain development may cause lifelong behavioral issues. This process, mediated by the AIM2 inflammasome, plays a critical role in ensuring proper brain assembly and function.
Researchers at the University of Virginia have identified inherited genetic variations that can predict patient outcomes and improve treatment success. By analyzing vast amounts of genetic data, doctors can now tailor treatments to individual patients' needs and genetic makeup.
Children with COVID-19 can play a major role in disease transmission, even if they appear asymptomatic. Researchers are working to understand how the virus affects kids and develop strategies to minimize transmission from children to others.
A new guide seeks to provide healthcare providers with useful tools and information to support new mothers with the challenges of exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months. The guide addresses gaps in knowledge and support created in previous decades, providing evidence-based solutions for breastfeeding management.
Obesity increases levels of peroxynitrite-making enzymes in tiny cell membranes, silencing TRPV4 and lowering calcium entry. This leads to increased blood pressure. Targeting peroxynitrite or enzymes that make it may be an effective way to treat high blood pressure in obesity.
A new study reveals that properly designed and maintained green space can reduce violent crime and gun violence. Researchers analyzed over 14,000 papers to identify patterns that inform public policy and urban design. The findings suggest that greening interventions at the urban level can significantly reduce violent crime.
A new study found that Medicaid expansion significantly reduced uninsured rates among low-income residents in the Diabetes Belt. The increase in insurance coverage helped address access to care issues, leading to improved health outcomes and quality of life for those affected by diabetes.
A new study suggests that state-purchased insurance plans are improving HIV outcomes for people living with the disease. The research found that increased enrollment in these programs is associated with better viral suppression rates, which can lead to a reduction in new HIV transmissions and healthcare costs.
A new study of Asian genes aims to improve disease treatment and care by shedding light on human migration history. The research will create detailed reference databases for Asian populations, helping medical researchers identify genetic differences that can cause diseases.
Scientists have discovered a potential way to halt blinding macular degeneration by targeting an enzyme called Dicer, which is lost with age and leads to damage in the retina. The approach uses gene therapy to restore the enzyme, offering a new treatment option for both dry and wet forms of AMD.
The FDA has approved an artificial pancreas system that automatically monitors and regulates blood glucose levels in people with type 1 diabetes. The system, developed by the University of Virginia, uses a continuous glucose sensor and insulin pump to provide seamless integration and automatic insulin dose adjustment.
Bystanders play a crucial role in saving cardiac arrest victims, with early emergency care by bystanders reducing the chance of survival by 7-10% per minute. Recognizing signs of cardiac arrest and performing CPR, including using an automated external defibrillator (AED), can significantly increase survival rates.
A new study found that intravenous levetiracetam, fosphenytoin, and valproate are equally effective in stopping status epilepticus seizures, with each drug working about 45% of the time. The results suggest a major change in clinical practice, recommending increased dosing of commonly used levetiracetam.
A recent study at the University of Virginia has made a groundbreaking discovery about fertilization, revealing that sperm and eggs fuse in a dynamic process where both play an active role. The research may lead to new treatments for infertility, including male contraceptives and improved IVF success rates.
Scientists at UVA have developed a new method to determine the genetic causes of diseases by analyzing the effects of genes on proteins. The technique, using plant extracts, enables researchers to sort immediate from complex reactions, revolutionizing gene function study.
Researchers have developed a comprehensive registry of over 2,750 patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, allowing for more accurate predictions of patient risk and identification of best treatments. The study's findings will help doctors better understand the condition and its complexities.
New research by UVA neonatologist Jennifer Burnsed suggests that seizures caused by inadequate oxygen and blood flow can lead to behavioral issues and learning disabilities later in life. Mapping brain activity during infant seizures may help predict outcomes and inform treatment options.
UVA Children's Hospital is expanding a home monitoring program to enhance follow-up care and communication between families and their care team. The Building HOPE app, developed in collaboration with Locus Health, enables real-time monitoring of children's vital signs and health information.
Scientists discovered a new organelle that prevents cancer by ensuring correct genetic material sorting. The organelle's discovery offers a way for doctors to personalize cancer treatments, sparing up to 40% of patients with breast cancer.
A new artificial pancreas system has been shown to improve blood glucose control throughout the day and overnight, offering a significant advantage over existing treatments for people with type 1 diabetes. The system, which automatically monitors and regulates blood glucose levels, was more effective than traditional therapies in achie...
A UVA Health interventional radiologist has created a virtual reality experience to increase the adoption of thermal ablation for benign thyroid nodules. The procedure offers a less-invasive alternative with reduced scarring and recovery time, and the VR training aims to improve physician awareness and interest.
Researchers at UVA School of Medicine found that oligodendrocyte progenitor cells, previously thought to be harmless, actively participate in the immune system's attacks on myelin in multiple sclerosis. This discovery offers new hope for finding a cure by promoting brain repair and targeting both aspects of the pathology.
Researchers have discovered a key mechanism behind pancreatic cancer's aggressive growth, which may help explain why promising drugs work and when they won't. The finding identifies a weakness in the cancer cells' metabolism that could be exploited to improve treatment outcomes.
Women with breast cancer who experience depression, anxiety, or mental health conditions are more likely to use opioids and have lower survival rates. Researchers recommend alternative pain management options like physical therapy, massage, and acupuncture to improve treatment outcomes.
Researchers have identified key immunological changes in people who develop a meat allergy triggered by tick bites, which can lead to mild hives or life-threatening anaphylaxis. The study provides important insights into why otherwise healthy individuals can suddenly become allergic to mammalian meat.
Researchers reveal E. coli's ability to detect low oxygen levels in the large intestine, allowing it to establish infection and produce harmful toxins. The discovery could lead to prevention strategies by blocking oxygen sensing, potentially limiting infection and avoiding drug resistance.
Four biomedical research projects funded by iTHRIV will address disparities in healthcare access for underserved communities. The projects focus on improving colorectal cancer screening, addressing postpartum depression, and the benefits of urban walking. Community organizations and academic researchers will collaborate to develop sust...
Researchers at UVA have identified Hullk, a non-coding RNA that regulates biological processes in cells. The discovery offers potential for targeting and stopping prostate cancer progression with fewer side effects.
Scientists at the University of Virginia Health System are creating a new industry of microbe 'microbreweries' to produce customized probiotics. By optimizing gut microbiome growth and resource sharing, researchers aim to create tailored blends for various diseases, including autism, cancer, and depression.
A team of researchers from the University of Virginia School of Medicine discovered a sugary coating on ancient single-celled organisms that makes their protein filaments resistant to extreme conditions. The breakthrough could lead to the creation of durable clothing, carpet, and building materials.
Four multi-institutional research projects were awarded up to $50,000 in funding through iTHRIV's Pilot Translational and Clinical Studies Program. These projects aim to address potentially life-threatening disorders such as hereditary angioedema and improve diagnosis and treatment of vascular diseases.
A study by Melanie Rutkowski found that an unhealthy gut microbiome can make breast cancer more invasive and spread quickly. Disrupting the balance of microorganisms in mice resulted in chronic inflammation, priming tumor cells to disseminate and metastasize.
The partnership aims to increase HPV vaccine uptake, which causes over 33,000 cancers annually. UVA will launch a multipronged campaign to educate healthcare workers and the public on the importance of HPV vaccination.
Researchers at University of Virginia Health System are using a unique approach to understand cell communication via pannexin channels. By discovering how cells communicate, they aim to manipulate the channels to better treat major health threats such as high blood pressure and fatty liver disease.
A new study from UVA School of Medicine suggests that co-located mental health services improve HIV viral suppression rates among vulnerable populations, with a notable increase in older and white patients. The researchers are calling for more Ryan White HIV/AIDS clinics to expand their on-site mental health services.