A radiologist at the University of Virginia Health System has created a virtual reality teaching tool that puts viewers in the midst of complex procedures, revolutionizing medical education. The tool allows physicians and trainees to experience intricate procedures like an 'interventional radiology heptathlon' with unparalleled clarity.
A large international study has identified 22 new genetic risk factors for stroke, contributing to a better understanding of the disease's molecular mechanisms. The findings highlight the importance of genetics in identifying novel drug targets and may lead to personalized treatments for this complex disease.
A new discovery about the immune system may allow doctors to treat harmful inflammation that damages the brain in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's. The finding could also be used to save patients from deadly sepsis, a full-body infection that kills hundreds of thousands of Americans every year.
Researchers at UVA School of Medicine have discovered a 'complicated symphony' controlling the production of oxygen-carrying red blood cells, shedding light on iron-restricted anemias and potential new treatments. The study identified key proteins and mechanisms involved in the development of anemia.
A new clinical trial has found that a stem cell transplant treatment can significantly improve the survival and quality of life for patients with severe scleroderma. The experimental procedure uses chemotherapy and radiation to destroy the body's malfunctioning immune system, then replaces it via a stem-cell transplant.
A recent study published in Nature Medicine has identified a critical trigger for the damaging inflammation that causes macular degeneration. The enzyme cGAS plays a key role in detecting foreign DNA and is activated in the dry form of age-related macular degeneration, leading to vision loss.
Researchers at UVA Cancer Center are developing a tool to assist patients in making treatment decisions based on their tumor's genomic information. The tool aims to provide personalized comparisons of treatment options, incorporating factors like age, personal priorities, and health conditions.
Researchers are conducting a clinical trial using focused ultrasound and immunotherapy to destroy metastatic breast cancer cells. The treatment aims to prompt an immune response, allowing the body's white blood cells to recognize and kill the cancer cells.
A recent international study found that breastfeeding for at least two months significantly reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by almost half. This finding suggests that any amount of breastfeeding provides some level of protection against SIDS, regardless of whether it's exclusive or partial.
A small pilot study found that focused ultrasound treatment improved hand tremor by up to 62% in participants with Parkinson's disease, with minimal side effects. Further research is needed to confirm the effectiveness and potential role of this scalpel-free surgery approach.
Researchers developed a plan to eliminate unnecessary medical testing by providing educational efforts, auditing testing patterns, and harnessing electronic medical records. This initiative aims to reduce medical bills while improving patient outcomes, safety, and satisfaction.
A daily five-minute conversation that focuses on hospitalized patients' overall well-being and medical symptoms significantly improved their satisfaction with medical care. Patients who received BATHE showed a high degree of satisfaction and rated their medical care as excellent.
A new study found that simplified health information and instruction can improve outcomes for families with low health literacy in childhood obesity treatment programs. Families saw similar improvements in body mass index, sugar-sweetened drink consumption, and quality of life, regardless of their ability to understand health information.
A new scoring system calculates risk based on vital signs and indicates whether patients are at low, medium or high risk of death. The tool has been shown to outperform existing scoring systems in predicting patients' risk of death.
Researchers have developed a method to accurately measure tiny changes in molecular interactions, which can predict cognitive impairment and diagnose mental illness. The technique uses optical tweezers to gauge the effects of gene mutations, offering a new approach to understanding complex diseases.
A new study found a significant association between opioid use and non-adherence to hormone therapy among breast cancer patients. The study highlights the challenges of managing chronic pain in cancer survivors, who often face 10 years of treatment.
New research finds that antibiotic use reduces the diversity of microbes in the gut, making it harder for the immune system to fight off infections. This disruption can compromise the intestinal barrier and leave the gut vulnerable to severe infection.
A new study found that a mobile health program using text messages and emails successfully encouraged mothers to follow safe sleep practices for their babies, resulting in improved compliance rates. The intervention significantly reduced the risk of sudden unexpected infant death (SIDS) and infant mortality rates.
Researchers have discovered a unique membrane structure in the indestructible Acidianus hospitalis Filamentous Virus 1, allowing it to survive extreme temperatures. This discovery has potential applications in creating super-strong materials and delivering medicine directly to cancer tumors.
Researchers identified potential kidney damage from aggressive blood pressure treatments in mice and patients with high blood pressure. The study found that blocking renin cells, which are sometimes targeted in treating high blood pressure, can cause obstructive vascular lesions in the kidneys.
Researchers found that infants born with high birthweight were at risk of obesity from an early age, highlighting the importance of early attention and lifestyle changes. The study suggests that pediatricians may counsel parents of high birthweight babies to prevent weight gain and related health problems.
Researchers at UVA are receiving $8.6 million in federal grants to support cutting-edge projects that could dramatically increase the number of lungs available for transplant and save lives. The funding supports efforts to detect post-transplant complications, prevent IR injury, and better understand its causes.
Researchers found a 30% drop in postoperative complications among Michigan Medicaid patients following Medicaid expansion, with lower predicted risks of major complications and mortality. Increased access to primary care may have contributed to these improvements.
Researchers at UVA School of Medicine have identified a 'master switch' that controls platelet production in the bone marrow, offering new hope for treating platelet shortages and neonatal thrombocytopenia. The discovery may lead to the development of new treatments using existing compounds with improved efficacy and reduced side effects.
Researchers at UVA Health System discover that a single type of stem cell turns into both blood and heart tissue, shedding light on cause of ventricular non-compaction cardiomyopathy. The S1P1 gene is vital for proper heart formation.
A pilot study found that a University of Virginia-developed artificial pancreas helped young children with Type 1 diabetes better control their condition. The device automatically monitors and regulates blood-sugar levels, reducing the need for frequent finger pricks and insulin injections.
A new UVA technique analyzes gene mutations at unprecedented scale and speed, enabling customized treatments for patients. This method may also help rescue failed experimental treatments by identifying the right mutation and gene activity.
Scientists have developed a way to track genes inside living cells, mapping their positions in three dimensions. This approach could lead to a better understanding of gene interactions and their effects on health, potentially leading to new treatments and cures for cancer and other genetic diseases.
A new online metabolic calculator developed by a University of Virginia doctor predicts patients' risk of developing heart disease and diabetes with higher accuracy than traditional methods. The tool takes into account multiple factors, including obesity, high blood pressure, and ethnicity, to provide a more comprehensive risk assessment.
Researchers have found that a hormone called hepcidin helps fight off bacterial pneumonia by limiting the spread of bacteria in the blood. Stimulating hepcidin production could be lifesaving for vulnerable patients, including those with iron overload or liver disease.
Scientists at UVA have discovered an unexpected connection between the immune system and the testes, which may explain why some cancer vaccines are failing to work. This finding could lead to new treatments for autoimmune disorders and male infertility, as doctors target specific antigens released by the testes.
Researchers at UVA find that Lactobacillus bacteria can reverse depression symptoms and anxiety in mice by altering kynurenine levels. The discovery could lead to new strategies for treating depression and other conditions.
Researchers have identified 90 genes in fat cells that may contribute to obesity and cardiometabolic diseases. The study used a large dataset of Finnish men with detailed health records, revealing the effects of gene variations on human health and disease risk.
Researchers are studying novice drivers with autism to determine if specialized training can improve their driving skills and reduce collisions. They will use a high-tech driving simulator and on-road driving to compare the performance of drivers with and without autism.
Duchenne muscular dystrophy affects 1 in 3,500 boys, stealing their ability to walk by age 12 and typically killing them by mid-20s. Researchers at UVA will use a multi-scale computer model to understand how muscle damage and inflammation drive the disease.
Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System found that asthma drugs Accolate and Singulair may prevent severe pneumonia by blocking the infection of alveolar air sacs. Early treatment with these drugs could potentially reduce mortality rates from influenza pneumonia, which can be deadly.
Researchers found significant differences among dialysis testing methods, which can lead to inaccurate information and expensive nutritional interventions. They recommend revising federal guidelines to address the inconsistencies and improve care for patients with end-stage kidney disease.
Clinical trials are now enrolling at the University of Virginia Health System to test an artificial pancreas that automatically regulates blood-sugar levels in people with type 1 diabetes. The trials will examine safety, effectiveness, and cost as well as physical and emotional health.
Nurse practitioners have surpassed doctors in providing house calls, with over 1.13 million visits in 2013, according to a new study. However, regulations in many states are limiting the profession's growth and increasing demand for in-home care.
A study of over 100,000 surgical cases at UVA Health System found patients' pain scores improved even as opioids were given fewer times. The average amount of opioids given per surgery declined 37%, while non-opioid pain medications increased by 120%.
A study published in Health Affairs found that the Affordable Care Act resulted in an 8% increase in early-stage colorectal cancer diagnoses among U.S. seniors aged 65 and older, but had no distinguishable effect on breast cancer diagnoses over the same time period.
Rare type 2 innate lymphocytes found in meninges around the brain may play a critical role in battling Alzheimer's, multiple sclerosis, and other neurological diseases. The discovery suggests these cells could be the missing link between the brain and gut microbiota.
Scientists have identified over a dozen genes linked to bone density and strength, using a novel approach that could speed up the development of new osteoporosis treatments. By mapping these genes onto existing genome-wide association study locations, researchers predicted 33 genes controlling bone mineral density.
A new study found that most women in Virginia are unaware of the increased cancer risk associated with dense breasts. Only 1 in 8 women knew their breast density was a risk factor for breast cancer.
Scientists have discovered a complex interaction between zinc and serum albumin, revealing multiple binding sites that facilitate the transport of zinc throughout the body. This finding provides new insights into how the body maintains delicate balances necessary for good health, known as homeostasis.
Rural Appalachia faces alarming disparities in cancer care, including higher mortality rates, late diagnoses, and limited access to comprehensive treatment. The region has seen a decline in cancer incidence nationwide, but its cancer death rate has increased, with rural residents facing significantly worse outcomes.
A new study revises the understanding of childhood diarrhea's causes, finding nearly 90% of cases are linked to pathogens. The research provides a roadmap for developing vaccines and treatments for six top causes, aiming to reduce deaths by 70 percent annually.
Scientists have long assumed chimeric RNA indicates cancer, but new research reveals these fusions can also be a normal part of human genetics. Researchers are working to develop more accurate biomarkers and therapeutic targets by understanding the complexities of normal genetic programming.
An experimental cancer drug called pevonedistat has shown significant promise in stopping melanoma, possibly other cancers. The drug works by blocking a specific protein that allows malignant cells to replicate rapidly.
A clinical trial led by Jeff Elias at the University of Virginia Health System found that focused ultrasound is safe and effective in reducing shaking caused by essential tremor. Participants showed significant improvement in disabilities and quality of life, with mean tremor scores improving by 47% at three months.