UTSW researchers found that COVID-19 increased pediatric mental health visits by 42.8% in 2020, with female adolescents and non-Hispanic patients most affected. A $2.5 million grant will fund a study on optimal oxygen therapy for preterm infants to reduce mortality and lung disease.
UTSW researchers discover Fic enzyme plays crucial role in guiding cellular response to stress, linked to diseases like cancer and metabolic syndrome. The findings suggest a 'stress thermostat' that can be controlled to slow or stop disease progression.
Scientists have identified estrogen-related receptor gamma (ESRRG) as a key molecular driver of retinoblastoma. Blocking ESRRG kills retinoblastoma cells, even under low-oxygen conditions. This breakthrough discovery offers new hope for treating this rare cancer.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center discovered that fat cells near breast tumors can transform into other cell types, creating a fertile ground for the disease. This transformation allows these cells to supply energy to neighboring tumor cells, contributing to their growth.
Researchers at UT Southwestern have identified a gene therapy target for polycystic kidney disease (PKD), which could lead to the arrest or cure of the condition. By blocking the inhibition of PKD1 and PKD2 gene expression, the researchers found that kidney cyst growth was hindered in ADPKD models.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified a new drug target for treating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. A protein called Pak2 has been found to interact with other molecules in immune cells, preventing chronic inflammation in the gut.
UTSW study reveals medical school programs are expanding but underfunded, lacking standardization and measurement of competencies. Culinary medicine could transform the problem into the solution, addressing top risk factor for early death in the U.S.
A new study found that lactate can rejuvenate immune cells fighting cancer, reducing tumor growth in mice. The treatment improved the effects of cancer vaccines and CAR-T cell therapy, suggesting a potential supplement to existing immunotherapies.
A multidisciplinary effort to improve care for older patients with hip fractures has led to expedited surgery, shorter hospital stays, and better follow-up care at UT Southwestern Medical Center. The program, launched in 2021, prioritizes early pain management and standardized care protocols.
A novel mutation in the Kcnc3 gene causes learning deficits in mice, specifically in spatial learning and memory. The study uses a forward genetics approach to identify the causal mutation, providing new insights into the genetic basis of learning and memory.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found a significant link between early onset of Type 2 diabetes and hypertension and the development of primary open-angle glaucoma. The study suggests that these conditions may predispose individuals to POAG, highlighting the importance of early detection and screening protocols.
A review of ERAS programs in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery reveals improved patient recovery, reduced postoperative complications, and shorter hospital stays. Implementing ERAS protocols also reduces opioid consumption without increasing complications or healthcare costs.
A recent clinical trial at UT Southwestern Medical Center successfully tested stereotactic ablative radiation therapy (SAbR) for patients with oligometastatic kidney cancer. The study found that more than 90% of patients with disease control at one year without systemic therapy, and no serious side effects were experienced.
A collaborative effort by UT Southwestern computational biologist Qian Cong and molecular biologists at the University of London elucidated the 3D structure of the Type IV secretion system (T4SS) complex. The study's findings provide a blueprint for designing drugs that can slow the development of antibiotic resistance.
Researchers at UTSW capture atomic-resolution images of an enzyme for Wnt lipidation, a pivotal process in human development and cancer. The findings suggest that novel cancer-fighting drugs could be developed by targeting this activity.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified a critical mechanism in the replication of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The NiRAN domain plays a crucial role in synthesizing the RNA cap, which is essential for viral replication.
UT Southwestern researchers have identified a molecular pathway responsible for glioblastoma's spread and found an existing drug that curbs tumor growth in animal models. A clinical trial is underway testing the effectiveness of tofacitinib in treating glioblastoma.
Researchers found that people with obesity gained an average of 4.3% of their body weight during the pandemic, with those reporting high levels of stress, anxiety, and depression experiencing the most weight gain.
Researchers developed AI programs that accurately predicted DNA's regulatory elements and 3D structure, shedding light on genetic mutations' impact on diseases. The tools, named Sei and Orca, can sort noncoding DNA into sequence classes and predict how mutations affect gene activity.
A new set of guidelines aims to increase patient diversity in lung cancer clinical trials by relaxing eligibility requirements. The recommendations, published in JAMA Oncology, suggest that patients with prior or concurrent cancers, brain metastases, and mild liver impairment can be included in trials.
A study by UT Southwestern researchers found an 'infodemic' of misinformation and disinformation on Twitter using #scamdemic and #plandemic hashtags, with 80% of users left to post false information. The work aims to combat echo chambers and promote accurate health messaging on social media.
Women with active rheumatic disease are at risk of hypertension, preeclampsia, and fetal loss during pregnancy. Effective disease management with safe medications is crucial for a successful pregnancy outcome.
UTSW researchers found that triptan migraine drugs can decrease appetite and lead to weight loss in obese mice. The study suggests a potential repurpose of these drugs for obesity treatment.
Researchers captured the first images of an autoantibody bound to a nerve cell surface receptor, providing insight into neurological autoimmune disease. This discovery could lead to new ways to diagnose and treat autoimmune conditions.
The American Broncho-Esophagological Association has established new standards for swallowing fluoroscopy, providing a comprehensive guide for clinicians to improve patient care. The guidelines cover areas such as patient selection, fluoroscopic study choice, radiation safety, and training requirements.
Researchers used artificial intelligence to discover a new family of sensing genes in enteric bacteria that work together like VtrA and VtrC. This finding could help fight GI infections, particularly those caused by Vibrio parahaemolyticus and other related bacteria.
The new CoVarScan test detects SARS-CoV-2 variant signatures, providing accurate results in hours, unlike lengthy whole genome sequencing.
Scientists develop nanoparticles that break down physical barriers around tumors to reach cancer cells, releasing gene editing systems like CRISPR-Cas9. The new therapy effectively stops ovarian and liver tumor growth in mice.
Researchers have developed a blood test that can predict which patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease are at highest risk of developing liver cancer. The test analyzes protein levels in blood samples and has been shown to accurately identify those who should be screened regularly for liver cancer.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center identified a novel function for the TAO2 protein, which inhibits influenza virus replication. Down-regulating TAO2 levels prevents viral replication in cells without causing major toxic effects.
A UT Southwestern study reveals that RNA exosomes are crucial for B cell development, which is critical for the immune system's ability to fight infection. The findings also explain why patients with a rare disease associated with RNA exosome deficiency experience immunodeficiency and recurrent infections.
Researchers at UT Southwestern developed a first-of-its-kind ultrasound-guided cancer immunotherapy platform that delivers immune-stimulating agents to cells. The technology, MUSIC, was shown to significantly reduce tumor growth and produce anti-tumor memory in treated mice.
UTSW scientists identify protein complexes that assemble into droplets resembling oil droplets in water, concentrating proteins and triggering an immune response. The study reveals how polyubiquitin chains, NEMO, and IKK come together to activate NF-κB and regulate immunity.
ERX-41 effectively kills various cancer types, including triple-negative breast cancer, by exploiting a previously unexploited vulnerability. The compound targets endoplasmic reticulum stress and increases protein folding errors, leading to cancer cell death, offering new hope for treating these aggressive cancers.
A new study from UT Southwestern Medical Center found that telemedicine and continuous glucose monitoring helped reduce the negative impacts of COVID-19 on children with Type 1 diabetes. Despite a decrease in office visits, disease management remained unchanged, but disparities persisted among minority and low-income patients.
A multicenter study of 736 AIH patients who underwent liver transplants found risk factors including age, immunosuppressant use, and serum IgG levels. Recurrent AIH also affected survival rates, with 81% of patients dying within five years.
Researchers found that a protein called nuclear hormone receptor 49 (NHR-49) moves from the cytosol to the nucleus when lipids are depleted, triggering a cascade of gene activity. This mechanism allows cells to universally gauge lipid levels without distinguishing between different types of lipids.
A recent study by UT Southwestern Medical Center confirmed that sarin nerve gas is the underlying cause of Gulf War illness, a condition affecting thousands of veterans. The research found that a specific gene variant modulates the risk of developing GWI symptoms after exposure to sarin.
Researchers at UT Southwestern discovered that timing feedings to match the active period of the circadian cycle extended the life span of lab mice more than three times as much as caloric restriction alone. The findings showed improved metabolic health, lower inflammation and cancer incidence in long-lived animals.
UTSW researchers have identified a subset of cancer-associated fibroblasts that can be targeted to enhance immunotherapy in pancreatic cancer patients. The study found that these cells, known as antigen-presenting cancer-associated fibroblasts (apCAFs), interact with immune cells by displaying proteins called antigens on their surface.
A study analyzing over 400 singer patients found that nodules were the most prevalent injury, affecting 58% of singers. The study also identified professional status and prior vocal training as risk factors, but noted that conservative management can help many singers recover from injuries.
A recent study by UT Southwestern and Parkland Health scientists found that pregnant women were diagnosed with COVID-19 at a higher rate during the Omicron surge compared to previous phases of the pandemic. However, they were less likely to develop severe illness, with Omicron cases being about 80% less severe than Delta cases.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have discovered a new binding site on the STING protein, which plays a critical role in launching immune attacks. This finding could lead to new ways of manipulating STING to prompt stronger immune responses or stem its action in autoimmune diseases.
A team of UTSW researchers has identified a molecule produced by male parasitic worms called gli1, which prompts female sexual maturity and lays eggs responsible for schistosomiasis. Dosage with the peptide b-alanyl-tryptamine can trigger sexual maturity in females without a male present.
A new study from UT Southwestern Medical Center found that babies and toddlers on ventilators are at high risk of accumulating middle ear fluid, which can lead to hearing loss and delays in speech development. The study followed 94 children and found that 74% developed middle ear effusion while on mechanical ventilation.
Researchers at UT Southwestern identified a four-protein complex crucial for ribosome production, shedding light on the process of ribosome biogenesis. The findings may lead to new treatments for conditions like cancer, ribosomopathies, and neurodevelopmental disorders.
A review article by UT Southwestern researchers highlights the root cause of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), a condition affecting millions globally. Joint metabolic and immune dysfunction is proposed as the underlying mechanism, opening up possibilities for therapeutic targets.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that cognitive decline is the biggest factor in determining how long patients with Alzheimer's disease will live after diagnosis. The study, based on national data from autopsy-confirmed cases, identified seven factors that predict life expectancy variances among participants.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have discovered a single protein that can reprogram mature astrocytes into stem-like cells capable of producing neurons and other cell types. This breakthrough may lead to new ways to treat brain injuries, strokes, and degenerative conditions such as Huntington’s disease.
Diagnosing heart attacks after heart surgery is difficult due to current diagnostic tools' shortcomings. UTSW faculty members propose more innovation to accurately interpret troponin levels and distinguish between surgical complications and normal heart manipulation.