UT Southwestern researchers found blocking a specific enzyme step can halt tumor growth. The study suggests this approach may provide new therapy options for patients with end-stage prostate cancer, which has limited treatment choices.
Researchers found that interferon blocks the development of immune cells causing asthma, providing proof-of-principle for a potential therapy. The protein targets the transcription factor regulating Th2 cell function, potentially stopping asthma-causing chemicals from being released.
A study by UT Southwestern Medical Center found that disrupting two genes controlling circadian rhythms can lead to diabetes. The researchers discovered that mice with defective CLOCK and BMAL1 genes developed pancreatic cells unable to release sufficient amounts of insulin, leading to diabetes.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center discovered a compound called P7C3 that preserves newly created brain cells and boosts learning and memory in animal studies. The study found that P7C3 protects newborn neurons from dying, restoring normal structure and function of the hippocampus in knockout mice.
A recent study by UT Southwestern researchers suggests that the brain enzyme PI3 kinase plays a key role in regulating body heat and calorie burn after consuming high-fat meals. Mice with reduced PI3 kinase activity gained weight due to impaired thermogenic response, highlighting potential new targets for combating obesity.
A new study suggests that a protein called SIRT1, found in specific neurons of the brain, is essential for maintaining normal body weight. Without this protein, mice on high-calorie diets gain more weight and are more susceptible to obesity.
A study by UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers found that family-centered rounds improve patient-family involvement in care and provide senior physicians with opportunities to train medical trainees. Benefits include increased parental understanding of discharge goals and improved team communication.
A new synthetic molecule targeting non-nuclear estrogen receptors may activate cardiovascular benefits of estrogen without increasing cancer risk. The study suggests this approach could be beneficial for women, particularly those with high cholesterol and diseased arteries.
A study by UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers found that APOE4 interferes with brain cell recycling of surface receptors, increasing Alzheimer's disease risk. The harmful molecule prevents the Reelin-binding receptor from being recycled back to the surface.
Researchers found that cancer cells lacking COMMD1 are more invasive and likely to metastasize, suggesting a possible drug target. Enhanced COMMD1 levels in mouse melanoma cells reduced metastatic lung tumors.
Researchers found that reducing beta-amyloid levels in young mice with a Down syndrome-like genetic anomaly significantly improved their ability to learn. The study suggests that drugs targeting gamma-secretase may offer therapeutic benefits for children with Down syndrome, who develop cognitive decline and dementia in adulthood.
Radiofrequency ablation proved as effective as surgical removal of tumors in curbing cancer recurrence rates for up to five years after treatment. The minimally invasive procedure showed superior preservation of kidney tissue, leading to improved quality of life and length of life for patients.
A national study found that continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment may be a viable alternative to routine intubation and surfactant administration in preterm infants. Infants treated with CPAP required less frequent intubation, fewer days on ventilators, and fewer steroid drugs after birth.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center compared the outcomes of two surgical procedures designed to alleviate symptoms of stress urinary incontinence. Both procedures, transvaginal sling and transobturator midurethral sling, appear to be similarly effective in women up to 12 months after the procedures were performed.
Researchers found that people with allergic asthma are more susceptible to respiratory viruses like the flu due to impaired immune response. Elevated IgE levels in dendritic cells may interfere with antiviral proteins, worsening asthma symptoms.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have developed a novel technique to produce genetically modified rats, offering potential for biomedical research on human diseases. The new method enables the creation of rat lines with mutations in specific genes, including those linked to cancer, diabetes, and mental illness.
Researchers at UT Southwestern identified 172 compounds with potential as new anti-malarial drugs, offering a promising tool in combating the disease. The compounds were discovered through high-throughput screening of a vast chemical compound library.
Chronic kidney disease patients with depression are more likely to be hospitalized, progress to long-term dialysis treatments or die within a year compared to those without depression. Depression is associated with poorer health outcomes, including higher rates of hospitalization, dialysis, and mortality.
Research from UT Southwestern Medical Center found that heavy alcohol use and binge drinking significantly increase the risk of pancreatic cancer in men. Men who consumed large amounts of alcohol were up to 6 times more likely to develop pancreatic cancer compared to those who drank little or no alcohol.
A recent study found that teenagers with treatment-resistant depression can become symptom-free within six months of switching medications or combining a medicine switch with cognitive behavioral therapy. Those who showed improvement in symptoms early on were more likely to experience lasting benefits.
A study published in the International Journal of Obesity found that male and female fat cells have distinct genetic profiles, which may contribute to differences in fat storage patterns. The researchers used mice with different sex hormone levels to determine whether hormones play a role in fat distribution.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified a genetic sensing mechanism that allows E. coli to form colonies in cattle, and found that interfering with this system can prevent the bacteria from colonizing and reaching humans. This discovery could lead to new strategies for preventing food-borne illnesses.
Researchers found that a genetic mutation causes Interference in the Pruning process of nerve connections. The protein FMRP plays a role in this process, and the study may lead to better understanding of Fragile X Syndrome.
UT Southwestern Medical Center is part of a nationwide study offering free genetic testing for lung cancer patients. The study aims to identify mutations in malignant lung tumors and develop targeted therapies. Participants will have access to their test results and guidance on potential clinical trials.
A study found that pregnant women with flu often experience symptoms like nausea and a rapid heartbeat. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent complications, according to the UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers.
A national study suggests that the standard heel-stick test is not effective at identifying cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in newborns, with only 17 out of 60 infected children identified. The test's limited value has major public health implications, as congenital CMV infection is a leading cause of hearing loss in children.
Researchers analyzed medical records of over 239,000 women to find no significant difference in preeclampsia, preterm birth, or other complications. The study suggests that commonly used medications can be safely administered during pregnancy.
Researchers have discovered how ubiquitin activates RIG-I, triggering the body's immune response against viral infections. This finding provides one of the missing pieces in understanding how the body fights off infection and could lead to new antiviral therapies.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that leptin and insulin work together in specific neurons to regulate blood sugar levels and female fertility. The study suggests a functional redundancy between the two hormones, implying that one can compensate for the lack of the other.
UT Southwestern researchers discovered that new brain nerve cells play a crucial role in stress resilience. Mice susceptible to stress exhibited enhanced neurogenesis, with surviving cells surviving longer than those produced by resilient mice.
Mariam El-Ashmawy, a UT Southwestern Medical Center student, has been awarded a $44,000 annual fellowship from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute to support her studies towards a doctoral degree in science. The Gilliam fellowships aim to increase diversity in college and university faculty members.
UT Southwestern researchers found that a type of blood pressure medication shows promise in overcoming some drug-resistant tuberculosis. However, the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacterium may be resistant to treatment in more people than previously thought. The studies challenge current thinking on how TB works and how best to kill it.
A recent report highlights significant disparities in healthcare for minority children in the US, including higher mortality rates, more prevalent diseases like HIV/AIDS and asthma, and limited access to quality care. The study calls for improved data collection methods and increased funding to address these inequities.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that leptin administration showed better management of blood-sugar variability and lipogenesis, the conversion of simple sugars into fatty acids. Leptin therapy also reduced food intake and increased lean body mass in non-obese type 1 diabetic mice.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that a synthetic compound called JP1201, mimicking the action of a 'death-promoting' protein, can enhance chemotherapy's efficacy and prolong life in mice with pancreatic cancer. The study demonstrates promising results for potential therapies against this devastating disease.
A clinical trial has shown that stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) can eliminate primary tumors in nearly 98% of lung cancer patients. The treatment is fast, convenient and effective, with more than half of patients alive three years after diagnosis.
A new study from UT Southwestern Medical Center found that gastric bypass surgery can increase the risk of developing kidney stones in patients. The researchers discovered significant changes in urine composition, including elevated oxalate levels and low citrate levels, which can lead to stone formation.
A new study found that lowering the platelet dosage in transfusions can help address frequent shortages in platelet supplies without increasing bleeding risks. The research involved 1,272 patients who received at least one transfusion and reported similar bleeding events regardless of the platelet dose used.
A recent study from UT Southwestern Medical Center found that combination therapy yielded better results than individual drugs in treating enlarged prostate. The treatment, which combined dutasteride and tamsulosin, reduced the risk of BPH progression by 25% and PSA levels by 50%.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that blocking new growth of specific brain nerve cells increases vulnerability for cocaine addiction and relapse. Increasing adult neurogenesis may prevent addiction before it starts, potentially improving the length and quality of life for millions of drug abusers.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that a gene mutation in mice leads to learning problems and obsessive behaviors. The study suggests a potential way to treat repetitive behaviors in humans using a specific drug targeting nerve function abnormalities.
A new study from UT Southwestern Medical Center found that deaf children with cochlear implants report a similar quality of life to that of normal-hearing peers. The earlier a child is implanted and wears the device, the better their overall quality of life and school performance.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center discovered that a simple urine test for four proteins might be able to detect early kidney disease in people with lupus. The findings suggest the tests could pinpoint kidney disease better than existing tests, potentially leading to earlier diagnosis and treatment.
Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding surgery may be a better alternative to gastric bypass surgery for treating obesity in teens. While studies show greater weight loss with the bands, complication rates and cost-effectiveness remain concerns.
A review of nearly 20 years of literature found that depression does not always lead to cognitive difficulties such as memory problems or difficulties concentrating and paying attention. Processing speed was the cognitive function most often affected by depression, with a slower capability when individuals are depressed.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center discovered a single gene mutation that induces endometrial cancer, which can be treated with a specific drug therapy. The study found that women with this mutation may respond well to 'rapalogs' and could benefit from targeted treatment.
Dr. Kim Orth's pioneering work focuses on mechanisms bacteria use to cause disease, expanding the frontiers of chemistry through innovative research. Her discoveries have important implications in medicine, especially in understanding and treating infectious diseases.
Researchers found that prostate cancer cells can lose the DAB2IP protein, which acts as scaffolding to prevent cell growth, allowing them to break free and spread to other parts of the body. The study suggests that restoring this function could inhibit cancer progression.
A new review of scientific literature found that only a few anti-spasticity medications used for children with cerebral palsy have sufficient research backing their use. The American Academy of Neurology has released a new practice guideline on effective treatments, highlighting the need for more research on commonly used drugs.
A new study by UT Southwestern Medical Center suggests that appendicitis may be caused by undetermined viral infection or infections. The researchers evaluated data over a 36-year period and found seasonal variations and clustering of cases, supporting the theory that appendicitis may be a viral disease.