A recent study found that using a handheld ultrasound device to nudge patients' kidney-stone fragments can significantly lower their risk of returning for another operation within five years. The procedure has been shown to reduce the recurrence rate by 70% in patients with small fragments remaining in the kidneys.
A pilot study found that ultra-low-dose ketamine can reduce or eliminate withdrawal symptoms associated with quitting fentanyl, enabling patients to transition to buprenorphine treatment. The treatment was successful in 16 out of 37 patients who completed the transition, with 92% remaining in treatment for at least 30 days.
A novel LED device with alternating orange and blue wavelengths has been shown to effectively reset circadian clocks in humans. The study found that the light outpaced other devices in advancing melatonin levels, offering a new approach to counteract seasonal affective disorder.
The UW Medicine program aims to improve the detection and management of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias among American Indian and Alaska Native elders. Trainees will learn to recognize early symptoms, manage dementia locally, and promote culturally appropriate community outreach.
Researchers engineered miniature linear and split-belt treadmills to study insect locomotion, gaining insights into proprioception's role in natural activities like walking. The study showed that flies can modify their steps to continue walking straight despite rotational perturbations.
Researchers at UW Medicine have developed a new gene therapy that delivers protein packets to replace defective genes in muscles, halting disease progression and reversing pathology. The therapy uses adeno-associated viral vectors and aims to restore normal muscle health, with human trials expected to begin in two years.
Researchers have developed ENGRAM, a method that records cell signals and biological states as they occur inside living cells. This approach offers a novel way to capture biological information in living systems, potentially helping answer questions about cellular pasts and futures.
A common diagnostic strategy for endometrial cancer can fail to catch the disease in 4-11% of Black patients, according to a new study. Tissue biopsies are recommended instead of transvaginal ultrasound for Black women with concerning symptoms.
Researchers create detailed wiring diagram of motor circuits in fruit flies, revealing complex nerve coordination for leg and wing movements. The study advances understanding of how the central nervous system coordinates individual muscles for various behaviors.
Scientists designed ring-shaped proteins targeting growth factor receptors to control human stem cell development. The resulting vascular networks formed tubes, healed, and absorbed nutrients, offering a new approach to repairing damaged hearts and kidneys.
A study by University of Washington School of Medicine found that a cognitive test is an inaccurate predictor of athletes' concussions. Instead, symptom reports were the most accurate indicator of concussion. The study involved 92 NCAA Division I athletes who sustained a concussion and their teammates as matched control subjects.
A study found a 50% increase in out-of-state patients seeking abortion care in Washington state since the Dobbs decision. The researchers documented an average one-week delay in care, affecting the health of pregnant individuals.
Researchers developed AI software to analyze animal behavior, enabling precise linking of brain circuits and neurons. The program reconciles differing results by providing transparent explanations for machine-learning predictions, facilitating cross-lab comparisons and reproducibility in behavioral research.
Researchers found a bias in X-chromosome inactivation that protects females from harmful mutations linked to autism. The study suggests the paternal X chromosome is inactivated in 60% of cells, preventing mutation effects.
Researchers have identified a novel class of antimicrobial toxins, dubbed umbrella toxins, produced by soil bacteria Streptomyces. These toxins are large protein complexes that specifically target other Streptomyces species, making them a promising lead in the fight against antibiotic resistance.
A study found that the number of U.S. collegiate athletes who died by suicide doubled between 2002 and 2022, accounting for a greater portion of total deaths. Athletes' mental health issues were attributed to pressures such as school expectations, performance demands, and social media scrutiny.
A genomic study has revealed the unimaginable diversity of human and nonhuman primate centromeres, highlighting their speed of evolutionary change. Centromeres differ vastly in size, structure, and epigenetic makeup, with unique sequences and organization emerging from different evolutionary forces.
Research at the University of Washington School of Medicine found that veterans who suffered mild traumatic brain injuries from blasts had changes in spinal fluid proteins similar to those seen in people with Alzheimer's. The study suggests a possible link between mTBI and an increased risk of developing dementia.
Scientists used new techniques to analyze gene activities during mouse prenatal development, revealing hundreds of cell types and their formation. The study showed that massive transcriptional changes occur at birth, potentially necessary for survival outside the womb.
Researchers use machine learning to combine mismatched datasets and reduce variation by over 95%, retaining meaningful differences. The approach has potential to provide deeper understanding of normal metabolism and identify biomarkers for disease.
A study found that diets high in ultraprocessed foods increase phthalate levels in pregnant women, potentially causing oxidative stress and adverse fetal development. Pregnant women are advised to limit their consumption of fast food and packaged goods, opting for fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean meats instead.
Researchers have discovered that immune cells can form memories of pathogens at multiple phases during an infection, with the ability to switch between memory and effector cell fates. This flexibility enables individuals to better adapt to uncertain situations and respond effectively to different threats.
A study found that BIPOC individuals who were infected with COVID-19 experienced greater negative aftereffects in health and work loss than did similarly infected white participants. Despite similar symptom prevalence, Hispanic participants had more negative impacts following a COVID-19 infection.
A recent study in Uganda found that asymptomatic individuals with low-level malaria infections had highly variable parasite dynamics and species present. Frequent sampling every other day or daily was sufficient to detect a proportion of infections similar to daily testing, but less frequent tests may miss up to one-third of cases.
Scientists at the University of Washington School of Medicine developed a novel protein design approach using AI, creating proteins that bind to challenging biomarkers with exceptionally high affinity and specificity. The breakthrough has implications for drug development, disease diagnosis, and environmental monitoring.
A clinical trial found that an experimental drug, BI 690517, reduced albuminuria in 70% of patients when paired with a standard-care medication. The study also showed that the combination of the two drugs mitigated the risk of hyperkalemia.
A panel of experts recommends new guidelines for conducting ethical research on humans aboard commercial spaceflights, prioritizing social responsibility and scientific excellence while minimizing risks and balancing benefits. The guidelines aim to ensure that research benefits society at large and respects participants' autonomy.
A randomized clinical trial of 3,839 women found that skipping genetic counseling before or after taking a remote screening for ovarian or breast cancer did not increase distress, anxiety, or depression. The study suggests that eliminating mandatory pre-test and post-test counseling may increase testing completion rates.
A new study by UW Medicine researchers found that women living farther from a medical clinic are more likely to use telemedicine for medication abortion. Multiracial women and those in rural areas were more likely to opt for telehealth services, while Black women were more likely to receive in-clinic care.
Researchers have identified essential genes for the growth of Patescibacteria, a group of tiny microbes that live on larger bacteria. The study provides insights into their unique biology and potential biotechnology applications.
New SARS-CoV-2 variants, such as BQ.11 and XBB.1.5, bind to cells more tightly and evade antibodies more efficiently than earlier variants, allowing reinfections and breakthrough infections. Previous infection or vaccination can generate antibodies that recognize some proteins on newer variants, reducing the risk of serious illness.
Researchers found that the incidence of gut-colonizing ciprofloxacin-resistant E. coli increased in Seattle-area women over age 50, affecting about 1 in 5 women. The study suggests prioritizing strategies to control drug-resistant E. coli's ability to colonize the gut.
A study published in The Journal of Rural Health found that rural US youth who engage in heavy drinking are more likely to carry a handgun, with a 43% increased risk. The study suggests that evidence-based prevention programs can address both behaviors and potentially lower firearm-related harm among adolescents.
Researchers successfully created stem-cell derived organoids from human stem cells that secrete three essential enamel proteins. These proteins form a matrix that undergoes mineralization to create a hardened enamel structure. The breakthrough offers hope for developing novel treatments to repair and regenerate teeth.
The International Association of Bioethics has proposed a framework to guide the selection of future conference sites, including those with anti-LGBTQ+ laws. The framework identifies multiple values and principles at stake, aiming to broaden conversation within bioethics about international conferencing ethics.
A recent study found that patients with type 1 diabetes using insulin pumps for extended periods do not exhibit significantly more pathology in their skin compared to short-term users. Despite this, researchers still struggle to understand the underlying causes of skin damage and inflammation at infusion sites.
In a groundbreaking procedure, Adriana Rodriguez received a dual-organ transplant, with her healthy liver transplanted into another patient to mitigate rejection risk. This innovative approach, known as HALT-D, demonstrates the potential for immunoprotection and has implications for highly sensitized patients requiring multiple organs.
A study published in Diabetes journal has discovered neurons in the brain that can detect and respond to changes in blood sugar levels. This discovery may help doctors reduce blood sugar levels in patients with diabetes by targeting these neurons.
The study found that patients with long COVID experience different symptom clusters and patterns of symptoms over time. The research provides valuable insights into the complex nature of long COVID and its treatment, which can inform evidence-driven approaches for millions of people affected by lingering symptoms.
Researchers propose using blood and urine biomarkers to classify subpopulations of acute kidney injury (AKI) patients, identifying therapies specific to individual patient populations. The study found two molecularly distinct AKI subgroups associated with differing risk profiles and long-term outcomes.
The Human Pangenome Reference Consortium expands and updates the human genome project with nearly full genomic data from 47 people of diverse ancestry. Researchers at UW Medicine made significant contributions to drafting the pangenome reference and studying variation within repetitive DNA, which could improve equity in human genome re...
Researchers discovered that a certain short-wave or blue sensitive cone circuit is absent in marmosets and differs from the macaque monkey's circuit. This finding suggests that humans have unique neural wiring for color vision that may be linked to recent evolutionary adaptations.
Researchers successfully applied reinforcement learning to protein design, creating proteins with improved antibody generation and accurate nano-structures. The approach may lead to more potent vaccines and novel applications in regenerative medicine.
Scientists have developed a method to activate protein functions using brief flashes of light, enabling precise control over when and where chemical reactions occur. This technology has potential uses in tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and understanding biological processes.
Researchers at the University of Washington School Medicine have engineered stem cells that do not generate dangerous arrhythmias. These 'MEDUSA' cardiomyocytes can engraft in the heart, mature into adult cells and beat in sync with natural pacemaking without generating dangerous heart rates.
People with recent atrial fibrillation diagnosis have a 13% higher risk of developing dementia. A stronger link is seen in younger patients and those without chronic kidney disease. The study's findings may lead to important clinical and public health implications.
Researchers used machine-learning algorithms to design new light-emitting enzymes called luciferases that can efficiently recognize specific chemicals and emit light. This breakthrough could lead to custom enzymes for a wide range of applications in biotechnology, medicine, environmental remediation, and manufacturing.
A retrospective review of 27,710 medical records found no clinical measurable difference in AFP levels between non-Black and Black patients. The study urges an end to race-based adjustments for AFP prenatal testing, citing a lack of scientific basis for the practice.
A genomic study of the Seattle 2017-2022 Shigella outbreak revealed its origin as international travelers from areas where Shigella was common. The study also found that multi-drug resistant Shigella has become a growing global health concern, primarily affecting men who have sex with men and those experiencing homelessness.
Regulatory T cells suppress self-reactive T cells by controlling protein synthesis, maintaining immune tolerance and preventing autoimmunity. A small molecule inhibitor called RocA also shows promise in mitigating inflammatory responses.