A Seattle-focused study found that young people with chronic depression are at a higher risk of developing a cannabis-use disorder. The study suggests that preventing or reducing chronic depression during early adolescence could lead to a reduced prevalence of cannabis use disorder.
Scientists from University of Washington and University of Toronto have developed new high-throughput approach to test folding stability of thousands of computationally designed proteins. This study led to the design of 2,788 stable protein structures with potential bioengineering and synthetic biology applications.
A study from the University of Washington found that only about three in five US firearm owners have received formal gun training, with notable gaps in content, particularly on warning signs of suicide. The lack of standardization and education on suicide prevention in firearm trainings has significant implications for public health.
Researchers developed a new method to target select cells in adult brains, using an optogenetic technique. By altering the function of brain circuits and changing behavior, scientists can better understand the roles of specific cell types in the complex brain circuitry.
Scientists have identified specific areas within cells where hormones can transmit information to exact locations. Targeted therapeutics could be more effective by activating enzymes in these regions. The study also highlights the importance of insulating signal effects to reduce side effects.
Researchers found that RIPK3 acts as part of the brain's anti-viral inflammation response, placing an order for chemokines to attract infection-fighting white blood cells. This approach restricts viral pathogenesis without directly stopping virus reproduction within brain cells.
University of Washington researchers find that an asymmetric lower face may indicate early life stress, with one in four US adolescents showing such asymmetries. The study used data from the National Health Examination Survey to investigate lower-face asymmetry as a potential marker for developmental instability.
Researchers found that cooking at home more often is associated with a greater dietary compliance and a lower risk of unhealthy eating. The study showed no increase in costs for eating a healthier diet, challenging common assumptions about income and education. Home-cooked meals were linked to diets lower in calories, sugar, and fat.
Researchers uncovered 91 genes linked to neurodevelopmental disorders, including 38 previously unknown risk factors. The study found overlap between conditions like autism and intellectual impairments, with some genes associated with both. Additional findings suggest less severe mutations may cause autism without intellectual disability.
Researchers uncovered the fovea's computational architecture and basic visual processing, distinct from other regions of the retina. This discovery helps explain differences in central and peripheral vision qualities.
Researchers develop gene therapy to treat myotubular myopathy, a rare inherited disease causing fatal muscle wasting. A single infusion restores normal health in affected dogs, demonstrating potential for treating skeletal muscle disorders.
Researchers discovered that the twin with shorter sleep duration had a depressed immune system compared to their sibling. The findings suggest that chronic short sleep shuts down programs involved in immune response, leading to lower antibody responses and increased susceptibility to illnesses.
A new computational method, FishTaco, integrates taxonomic and functional approaches to identify bacterial species responsible for functional imbalances in the microbiome. Researchers found that diverse combinations of species drive functional imbalances in diseases like type 2 diabetes and inflammatory bowel disease.
Researchers found that a mobile, tablet-based game called Project: EVO improved cognitive benefits and mood in people with late-life depression. A second study showed similar results, with improvements seen in all groups, including the placebo.
A new study comparing two genetic sequencing tests found that results can differ significantly in the same patients, with only 22% of detected alterations matching between platforms. The findings have significant clinical implications, highlighting the need for more detailed comparisons of test results across larger patient populations.
Researchers discovered that Staph bacteria use the nitric oxide synthase enzyme to colonize nasal passages, allowing them to thrive in low-oxygen environments. This mechanism may contribute to the virulence and resistance of staphylococcus bacteria, making it a potential target for prevention strategies.
Researchers discovered that hepatitis C virus induces liver cells to produce microRNAs that inhibit interferon production, blunting the body's antiviral defenses. This finding helps explain why interferon treatments fail in many patients, increasing the risk of liver cancer and treatment resistance.
Researchers have discovered a new class of proteins in Francisella tularensis that promote the growth of bacteria within macrophages, overcoming cellular defenses. The findings shed light on the mechanisms behind the bacterium's severe disease-causing capabilities.
Researchers found that a small fraction of phosphosites remain conserved across species, while new sites are rapidly evolved. This suggests that changes in protein regulation can quickly generate diversity in response to environmental conditions.
A 13-year study found that nearly doubling ICU ventilation use among advanced-dementia patients did little to improve outcomes, raising concerns about late-life suffering and unnecessary care costs.
Researchers at the University of Washington and Labor and Industry found that warmer weather is linked to an increase in traumatic injuries for outdoor agricultural workers in central and eastern Washington. The study, which analyzed over 12,200 claims, suggests that proactive measures are needed to prevent heat-related injuries.
Researchers found that microsatellite instability sites are linked to cancer progression and survival, with some types of cancer experiencing distinct patterns of mutation across their microsatellites. This discovery opens opportunities for new treatments and therapies.
A new study documents abnormal brain development in offspring of a non-human primate infected with Zika virus during pregnancy. The findings provide a model for testing therapeutic interventions to prevent fetal brain injury caused by the virus.
A study by researchers at UW Medicine and Seattle Children's Research Institute found a link between exposure to diagnostic ultrasound in the first trimester of pregnancy and increased autism symptom severity. The study suggests that current FDA guidelines may need to be revised to account for this potential risk.
The study found that calcium channel blockers like verapamil and amlodipine work differently to treat heart arrhythmias and hypertension. Verapamil physically blocks pores to restore normal heart rhythm, while amlodipine indirectly prevents pore opening, relaxing blood vessels without affecting the heart.
Researchers at the University of Washington extended the lives of middle-aged mice by up to 60% with a brief rapamycin treatment. The study also highlights the need to understand how dose and gender influence side effects, revealing potential benefits for humans, particularly older adults.
A study by University of Washington researchers found that the prevalence of diabetic kidney disease has remained relatively stable over 30 years, but its clinical manifestations have changed significantly. Albuminuria rates decreased, while reduced glomerular filtration rate increased.
Researchers at UW Medicine have identified a new type of neuron in the mouse retina that defies traditional categorization. The GluMI cell, which resembles one type of neuron but functions like another, has been found to convey information within the retina.
Researchers from around the world collaborated on an open-source drug-discovery project, identifying compounds to treat malaria, other parasites, and even cancer. The successful trial has sparked over a dozen new drug-development projects, bridging the gap between academia and industry.
Researchers created ten large, two-component protein complexes with icosahedral symmetry, capable of encapsulating materials and self-assembling at the atomic level. The structures can be genetically modified to serve as biomolecular machines for drug delivery, vaccines, and bioenergy applications.
Researchers have designed a self-assembling icosahedral protein nano-cage with a large internal volume, capable of holding more cargo than previously designed nano-cages. The cage's reversible property allows it to disassemble and reassemble under certain conditions.
A wearable artificial kidney has been shown to effectively clear waste products from the blood while maintaining electrolyte balance. The device, still requiring redesign for technical issues, offers an alternative to conventional hemodialysis, providing greater patient satisfaction and mobility.
A decade-long study of thousands of Americans found that exposure to fine particulate matter and traffic-related pollutants accelerates the progression of coronary artery calcium scores. This acceleration is associated with a 20% faster rate of calcium deposits in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease.
Researchers discovered a tension-sensitive molecule, Stu2, that ensures correct chromosome distribution during cell division. This 'fail safe' mechanism helps prevent aneuploidy, a genetic abnormality common in tumor cells.
A study of 36 women found nearly all carried cancer-associated gene mutations, suggesting high accuracy and sensitivity for detecting ovarian cancer. Duplex sequencing technology can identify low-frequency cancer-like mutations, potentially leading to early detection and treatment.
The pandemic E. coli strain H30 causes persistent and deadly infections, often undetected until severe complications arise. Researchers found that patients with underlying conditions and those in healthcare facilities are at higher risk for infection.
A new approach to sequence and assemble primate genomes has been developed using longer sequence reads. This technology has enabled the discovery of missing genes and genetic variation in Western lowland gorillas, providing new biological insights into a living species closely related to humans.
Researchers have excavated substantial genomic remnants of the extinct Denisovans in Oceania populations, shedding light on early human history. The study identified genes inherited from Neanderthals and Denisovans that conferred advantages to the ancestors of modern Island Melanesians.
Patients with rare disorders are sharing health information through the MyGene2 web tool, which helps researchers and clinicians identify genetic causes. The tool improves diagnosis and treatment options by connecting patients with similar profiles and providing a platform for data analysis.
Researchers have captured a snapshot of how coronaviruses enter cells using high-resolution cryo-electron microscopy. The atomic model suggests specific vaccine strategies against SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV. A fusion peptide on the outer edge of the spike protein may be an ideal target for neutralizing coronaviruses.
A small peptide called TAxI has been shown to effectively deliver functional proteins into the spinal cord after a muscle injection. This breakthrough delivery method holds promise for carrying biologic drugs into the brain and spinal cord, potentially leading to new treatments for motor neuron disorders.
Researchers used electrodes implanted in the temporal lobes of awake patients to decode brain signals and predict what object patients were seeing with over 95% accuracy. The study's findings have significant implications for understanding human perception and could lead to new treatments for paralysis and stroke patients.
Researchers discovered that mitochondrial reactive oxygen species induce cell death by NETosis in a process dependent on RNA-protein immune complexes found in lupus patients. The extracellular release of oxidized mitochondrial DNA promotes an inflammatory reaction, and scavengers that clean up the overflow can reduce type I interferon ...
Researchers at UW Medicine developed a method to identify tissues contributing to cell-free DNA by analyzing fragmentation patterns, expanding the scope of liquid biopsies. This approach may aid in diagnosing unknown metastatic cancers and help guide treatment.
Researchers at VA Puget Sound Health Care System and University of Washington find chronic changes in neuron activity in specific brain regions with repeated blasts. Chronic brain damage can lead to emotional difficulties such as mood problems, irritability, and impulsivity in veterans.
Researchers have discovered a compound that induces genes to control infection in several known viruses, including West Nile and Ebola. The findings show promising evidence for creating a broad-spectrum antiviral that can suppress a range of RNA viruses.
Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in protein structure prediction and design, enabling the creation of new proteins with unprecedented accuracy. By leveraging computational design and collaborative efforts, scientists can now devise amino acid sequences that fold into novel structures, far surpassing what is predicted to ...
Individuals with depression are more likely to experience preventable hospitalizations for common chronic conditions, such as diabetes and congestive heart failure. Researchers found that those with depression were 2.35-times more likely to be hospitalized for preventable conditions than without depression.
A new study found that nonhuman primates in Bangladesh and Cambodia harbor diverse astroviruses, including human astroviruses, challenging the paradigm that AstV infection is species-specific. The researchers also detected recombinant viruses that may be more efficiently transmitted.
Researchers discovered that changes in metabolites can distinguish between naive and primed pluripotent cells, enabling the use of embryonic stem cells to grow new tissues and organs. The study also found that manipulating metabolite levels could stabilize cell fate in treating common disorders.