A new study reveals that over 60% of infant deaths in car seats occur due to misuse, with most happening at home. The safest place for a baby to sleep is on a firm, flat surface outside of these devices.
Researchers discovered that tumors subvert endothelial cells' ability to form new blood vessels, using microRNA to control gene expression. Delivering this microRNA to endothelial cells in mice slowed tumor growth and reduced blood vessel formation.
Researchers identified a new way C. difficile causes severe disease by triggering an immune response through Th17 cells, explaining why patients with inflammatory bowel disease are more susceptible to severe infections and increasing mortality rates.
A new study reveals that soft bedding is responsible for almost 70% of sleep-related infant deaths. The most common causes of suffocation in babies under one year old are overlay, soft bedding, and wedging.
Scientists have discovered a seamless biological structure in Geobacter sulfurreducens bacteria that can transmit electricity through nanowires, revolutionizing electronics and medicine. This breakthrough could lead to miniaturized devices, powerful-yet-tiny batteries, and pacemakers without wires.
Researchers at UVA Health System found that perivascular cells are essential for complete blood vessel formation. The discovery offers new direction for treating conditions like diabetes and heart attacks by growing functional blood vessels.
Researchers at UVA have discovered a new potential contributor to age-related hearing loss: the cuticular plate, a foundation for hair cells. Genetic predisposition can weaken this plate over time, leading to progressive hearing loss.
The integrated Translational Health Research Institute of Virginia has been awarded a five-year grant to advance innovative ideas from discovery to implementation. The institute brings together partners with established strengths in biomedical research, data science, and clinical trials to transform translational research.
UVA is expanding its telehealth capacity to help patients manage chronic conditions like diabetes, prediabetes, and heart disease. The initiative includes remote monitoring, screenings, home rehabilitation programs, and training for healthcare providers.
Researchers at UVA School of Medicine discovered a defect in killer T cells that makes them ineffective against cancer. Repairing this defect could make the cells better cancer killers.
Researchers identified ELMO1 as a surprising contributor to rheumatoid arthritis, which may lead to a new treatment and blood test for early detection. The discovery also challenges the understanding of genes' roles in the body.
A UVA researcher is developing a new approach to determine molecular structures, which could lead to breakthroughs in drug discovery and disease treatment. The method, called Serial Solution Scattering Structure Determination (S4D), aims to collect small amounts of information from many easily prepared samples.
The UVA Health System is launching a program that uses telehealth to connect primary care providers in Appalachia with specialists to improve lung disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Residents in the region have higher-than-average rates of lung cancer and COPD, and limited access to subspecialty physicians.
Scientists at the University of Virginia Health System identified a potential explanation for the death of specific brain cells seen in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. The discovery suggests that naturally occurring gene variation, called 'somatic mosaicism,' may be responsible for this selective vulnerability.
A study from the University of Virginia Health System suggests that an antidepressant drug could stop deadly sepsis by regulating inflammation. The researchers tested the drug in a mouse model and found it to be effective, paving the way for potential human trials.
Researchers have made significant progress with UVA's artificial pancreas, a device that automates blood-sugar level monitoring and insulin injection. The International Diabetes Closed Loop Trial has provided early results from its nationwide clinical trial, examining the algorithm's use in smartphone apps and embedded devices.
Researchers found blocked newborn kidneys can repair themselves after obstruction removal, shedding light on how kidney damage occurs and potentially leading to regeneration methods. They identified precursor cells playing critical roles in this process.
A study from the University of Virginia Health System found that pre-injury exercise can substantially preserve both muscle and nerve. The research used a 'reporter gene' to measure oxidative stress on muscle and nerves after blood flow restoration, revealing clearer protection through exercise.
The FDA has approved focused ultrasound treatment for reducing medication-resistant Parkinson's disease tremors, allowing doctors to perform brain surgery without cutting into the skull. Researchers are now exploring its potential for treating other conditions, including breast cancer and epilepsy.
Researchers at UVA Health System have made a breakthrough in understanding human papillomavirus (HPV) and its role in causing cancers. They discovered that the virus relies on a specific enzyme, USP46, to form tumors, making it a promising target for new therapies.
Researchers are testing Precision Breast IORT, which uses advanced imaging to tailor radiation treatment and potentially improve outcomes for patients with early-stage breast cancer. The study aims to evaluate the technique's effectiveness in reducing breast cancer recurrence rates and immune-dampening effects.
A new study reveals a massive shortage of home-based medical care for frail seniors, particularly in rural areas. The researchers found that only 2-4% of rural Medicare recipients received home-based medical care, highlighting the need for increased access to telemedicine and improved payments for in-home care providers.
A new study found that focused ultrasound thalamotomy improves quality of life in people with medication-resistant Parkinson's disease. The procedure showed significant and sustained benefits in functional disability and overall well-being.
Researchers at the University of Virginia have developed a new approach to understand the interactions between trillions of microbes in the human body. By combining computer simulations and laboratory experiments, they were able to shed light on how microorganisms influence human health and disease.
Researchers have developed a new approach to understand cancer's complex causes, enabling the analysis of multiple gene mutations simultaneously. This will accelerate the development of new treatments and provide insights into strategies for stopping cancer formation and spread.
Children in low-resource countries are suffering from unnoticed infections that are stunting their growth and mental development, with lifelong consequences. Up to 30% of these children are carrying harmful infections that prevent them from reaching their full potential.
A new initiative aims to empower Southwest Virginia residents to direct cancer research projects in their region. With $244,589 funding from PCORI, the UVA Cancer Center Without Walls team is seeking community members to join advisory boards and guide cancer research efforts.
Jonathan Kipnis, a UVA neuroscientist, receives $5.6 million in funding to advance his research on the relationship between the brain and immune system. His work aims to understand how the immune system interacts with the brain and potentially develop new treatments for neurological diseases.
Researchers found a correlation between the type and severity of cold symptoms and the mix of bacteria living inside the nose. Six different patterns of nasal microbiomes were identified, each associated with differences in symptom severity and viral load. Probiotics did not have an impact on cold symptoms or nasal microbiomes.
A new study found that over a quarter of HIV medical providers surveyed couldn't say whether their state had expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. Providers in states that expanded Medicaid were more likely to believe the law would improve HIV outcomes, but all providers agreed it would improve overall healthcare outcomes.
Researchers at UVA have discovered that lymphatic vessels in the brain carry messages from the brain to the immune system, triggering MS symptoms. Blocking these messages may offer a new way to treat the condition, but more research is needed to understand their role and potential therapeutic targets.
A new influenza drug, baloxavir marboxil, has been shown to significantly shorten the duration of flu symptoms in teens and adults, clearing virus more quickly than placebo. The drug's antiviral potency was found to be similar to that of a five-day course of oseltamivir, but with greater effectiveness and no significant side effects.
A new CDC treatment guideline for children with concussions provides guidance on diagnosis, management, and follow-up care. The guideline recommends validated symptom scales for diagnosis and assessing risk factors for prolonged recovery.
Researchers at UVA are developing a new antibody-based approach that combines targeting two receptors on ovarian cancer cells to increase its effectiveness. The approach has shown promising results in lab tests, with antibodies being more than 100 times more effective than existing therapies.
Scientists have developed a way to visualize brain cells communicating through neurotransmitters, providing insight into conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and depression. The new lab technique enables the study of poorly understood neurotransmitters like acetylcholine, which affects memory, mood, and emotional regulation.
A new study found that UVA's Hospital-to-Home program significantly improves survival and other outcomes for heart failure patients while saving money. The program slashed mortality rates by 41% and reduced hospital readmissions by 24% compared to non-participants.
Researchers have found that improving lymphatic vessel function can enhance cognitive ability in aged mice and reduce the accumulation of harmful amyloid plaques. This breakthrough discovery offers new hope for treating or preventing Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases.
New research explains how obesity leads to harmful inflammation, causing diabetes and other health problems. The study identifies two ways to combat this inflammation: blocking harmful oxidized lipids or promoting beneficial phospholipids.
Researchers found that a mother's microbiome determines the risk of autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders in her offspring. By manipulating the microbiome through diet or probiotics, it may be possible to prevent autism-like disorders.
Researchers at UVA School of Medicine have developed a technique to manipulate molecules within cells, enabling precise targeting and minimizing side effects. This breakthrough has significant potential for treating diseases such as cancer, autism, and Alzheimer's.
A new paper highlights physicians' important role in evaluating refugees' claims of torture and persecution to bolster their asylum cases. Forensic exams have been shown to increase approval rates to 89% compared to 37.5% for all asylum seekers nationally.
Immune cells called microglia are precision cleaning machines protecting the central nervous system from damage. By understanding their role, scientists can develop new treatments tailored to individual patients' needs.
Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System have discovered a link between sensitivity to an allergen in red meat and increased plaque buildup in heart arteries. This allergy, spread by tick bites, may increase the risk of heart attacks and stroke, highlighting the need for further clinical studies.
Researchers propose using viruses to restore normal functioning of cells' nuclei, potentially eradicating unwanted effects of aging. Wrinkled nuclear membranes may be responsible for metabolic diseases such as diabetes and fatty liver disease.
Researchers from the University of Virginia have established new guidelines for scientists mapping out the body molecule by molecule to better understand how cells use metals. The guidelines aim to prevent pitfalls that could compromise work in X-ray crystallography, a technique used to reveal small molecular structures.
Researchers created a pioneering 3D cancer model to replicate complex tumor behavior and accelerate treatment development. The model can mimic patients' tumors, allowing doctors to identify the best treatment option based on simple biopsies.
Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System used a homemade microscope to reveal the structure of a cancer-causing virus's 'tether' that anchors it to our DNA. This discovery could lead to cures for viral infections like HPV and Epstein-Barr by disrupting the tether.
A naturally occurring gene variation affecting women's body fat distribution puts them at significantly higher risk of type 2 diabetes. The discovery could lead to the development of drugs targeting this specific gene variation.
Scientists at University of Virginia Health System have found evidence that doctors can load custom blends of immune cells into the brain to battle diseases like Alzheimer's. The discovery enables doctors to tailor immune responses without radiation, a major breakthrough in treating neurological disorders.
A study of over 10,000 infant deaths found that many were caused by unsafe sleep positions or environments. Licensed childcare providers were more likely to follow safe sleep guidelines than babysitters, relatives, and friends. The researchers urge parents to educate anyone caring for their children on safe sleep practices.