Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have found that an experimental drug, imetelstat, blocks telomerase activity in isolated human cells and tumor-initiating cells from glioblastoma and prostate cancer patients. The drug shows promise in fighting the diseases by inhibiting telomerase activity.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center pioneered a technique to replace infected aortic grafts with the body's own veins, proving more durable and less prone to new infection than synthetic or cadaver grafts. The procedure has superior durability and lower long-term amputation rates compared to other operations.
Researchers found that ghrelin, a hunger hormone, triggers mice to seek out pleasurable foods even when full. The study suggests that ghrelin may increase the rewarding aspects of eating, driving individuals to continue consuming high-calorie foods despite feelings of fullness.
Researchers found that darbepoetin alfa had no significant impact on cardiovascular problems or death rates in patients with chronic kidney disease and anemia. However, the study revealed a notable increase in stroke risk among those taking the drug, compared to placebo group members.
Researchers used DNA sequencing technology to analyze genetic mutations in small-cell lung cancer cells and compared them to normal DNA. They found over 23,000 mutations and identified a new gene, CHD7, involved in lung cancer.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified distinct traits in patients with atypical progeroid syndrome (APS), a rare premature aging disorder. The study found that APS patients exhibit unique clinical features, metabolic abnormalities, and delayed onset of symptoms, potentially explaining their longer lifespan.
A UT Southwestern study found that physician advice is a key motivator in placing infants on their backs to sleep, reducing the risk of SIDS. The rate of SIDS has plummeted since the "Back to Sleep" campaign was launched in 1994.
The UT Southwestern Medical Center program will train Ph.D. students in translational medicine through a yearlong curriculum and clinical research opportunities.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center discovered that a naturally occurring molecule in muscle tissue can slow the progression of Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS) in mice. The study suggests that the molecule, microRNA-206, may be used to develop potential therapies for ALS by promoting nerve regeneration and delaying symptoms.
Researchers found that injections of rituximab slowed beta cell destruction in patients with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes, suggesting a potential treatment option. The study suggests targeting B cells may improve beta-cell function in early type 1 diabetes.
Researchers found that a prolonged exposure to TGF-ß1 causes cancer cells to become even more aggressive and likely to spread. A potential treatment, nutlin3, blocks the cancer-causing effects of long-term TGF-ß1 exposure, preventing metastasis and killing cancer cells.
A new study by UT Southwestern researchers found that parent mentors can significantly reduce asthma-related complications in minority children. The intervention program, which provided specialized training to caregivers, resulted in fewer wheezing episodes, asthma attacks, and emergency room visits among participating families.
The Inner City Asthma Consortium, funded by the NIH, investigates novel treatments and causes of asthma in urban children. Key studies include evaluating environmental factors influencing immune system development and exploring anti-IgE therapy to decrease viral-induced seasonal asthma exacerbations.
Researchers found that gastroesophageal reflux disease spurs cytokine release, attracting inflammatory cells to the esophagus. This leads to damage characteristic of GERD, including symptoms like heartburn and chest pain.
A landmark review of 25-year cases shows hemicorporectomy can add years and quality of life to survivors with severe pelvic bone infections. About a third of patients survived at least nine years after the procedure, which is often considered a last resort due to limited indications.
The study found major genetic differences between pandemic H1N1 and seasonal flu strains, potentially explaining why children are more susceptible. This difference in molecular makeup may contribute to the lower incidence of H1N1 in older adults due to pre-existing immunity.
The institution has been awarded over $42 million for research projects focusing on cancer, heart disease, kidney disease, autism, neurodegenerative diseases, and diabetes. The grants support the work of researchers like Dr. Joseph Hill, Dr. Craig Powell, and Dr. Elizabeth Maher.
UT Southwestern Medical Center has launched ResearchMatch, a national partnership to match volunteers with scientists leading medical research studies. The initiative provides access to clinical trials and studies across the country, while protecting participants' privacy.
A national clinical trial shows that stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is effective in treating early-stage lung cancer in patients with unrelated medical comorbidities. The primary lung cancer did not recur 98 percent of the time, and more than half of patients were alive three years after diagnosis.
Dr. H. Dwight Cavanagh, a renowned UT Southwestern ophthalmologist, has been awarded the Cornea Society's highest honor, the Castroviejo Medal. His groundbreaking research on corneal biology and transplantation has improved treatments for eye diseases.
UT Southwestern researchers discovered that bacteria employ genetic circuits to generate diversity, increasing their chances of survival in unpredictable environments. This diversity allows individual bacteria to thrive under certain conditions, while others struggle, much like a diversified investment portfolio.
UT Southwestern researchers successfully used a combination of the investigational drug BEZ235 and low-dose radiation to eliminate non-small cell lung cancer in mice. The treatment targeted the PI3K protein pathway, which is often activated in K-RAS mutated tumors, making these cancers resistant to traditional treatments.
A new injection technique combines lidocaine with facial fillers to minimize pain and reduce recovery time. The procedure provides an immediate numbing effect, allowing plastic surgeons to begin injections without waiting for traditional anesthesia to take effect.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have found that the brain plays a vital role in mediating resveratrol's anti-diabetic actions. When injected into the brain, resveratrol alleviated inflammation and activated sirtuin proteins, which may help prevent diet-induced diabetes.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has awarded a $15.7 million contract to develop an open-access national online database and analysis resource center for viral pathogens. The database will contain information on viruses such as herpes, hepatitis C, and smallpox, as well as newly emerging pathogenic viruses.
Dr. Daniel K. Podolsky, UT Southwestern president, has been elected to the Institute of Medicine for his scientific and medical achievements. He joins 19 current UT Southwestern faculty members as a national member.
Researchers found that patients with mild to moderate liver coma survived nearly 2.5 times more with N-acetylcysteine treatment than placebo, offering a new glimmer of hope for those affected by non-acetaminophen acute liver failure.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that applying a second brain protein, Reelin, can prevent excess beta-amyloid from silencing nerves and potentially fighting Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests a promising new tactic against the devastating illness.
A multicenter clinical study found that maximizing chest compression time during CPR substantially improves survival rates. Interrupting chest compressions has a detrimental effect on patient survival, and researchers recommend relatively simple changes to CPR training and practice.
Dr. Roger Rosenberg has been awarded the first Medal for Scientific Achievement by the World Federation of Neurology for his contributions to Alzheimer's disease research. The award recognizes his work on molecular genetics and a vaccine against the disease.
HIV-infected patients are at higher risk for certain non-AIDS-defining malignancies such as anal, lung, Hodgkin's, melanoma and liver cancer. Researchers found a 60% increase in the incidence of these cancers among HIV-positive patients compared to those without HIV.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center used magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) to measure pancreatic fat in humans, finding a significant correlation between fat content and diabetes risk. The study suggests that measuring pancreatic fat could be an effective clinical tool for identifying high-risk individuals.
A new UT Southwestern study suggests that fat from certain foods makes its way to the brain, causing it to send messages to cells warning them to ignore hunger signals. The researchers found that palmitic acid, a type of saturated fatty acid, is particularly effective at triggering this mechanism.
The study emphasizes the importance of including plastic surgeons in disaster-relief efforts, particularly in medical cases involving physical scarring and nerve damage. Plastic surgeons bring expertise in soft tissue trauma, facial trauma, burn management, and other areas that can be made worse by lack of quick attention.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found a significant link between depression and early-stage chronic kidney disease, with 57 out of 272 participants identified as depressed. The study suggests that depression screening should be considered for patients in the early stages of chronic kidney disease.
A new study reveals that telomeres, which regulate cell division, replicate at various times during DNA replication, leading to uncontrolled cell growth. The research also found that telomerase enables unlimited growth in cancer cells by rebuilding most or all of the telomeres.
A study found that traditional measurements and markers of inflammation were not effective in predicting future asthma symptoms and exacerbations in well-treated patients with persistent asthma. Researchers hope to identify better clinical predictors for this complex disease.
A UT Southwestern study found that minorities have worse clinical outcomes and higher rates of complications from carotid endartectomy, a procedure to prevent stroke. Higher rates of poor outcomes were due to elevated patient risk and the individual skill experience of surgeons.
Researchers found that commensal bacteria in the human gut activate the immune system against Toxoplasma gondii by releasing signaling molecules, inducing inflammatory responses. The study suggests looking at gut bacteria to understand susceptibility to infectious diseases and developing novel probiotic strategies.
A five-year study by UT Southwestern Medical Center researcher Dr. Uma Rao found that adolescents with shorter rapid-eye-movement (REM) sleep latency are more likely to develop depression. These teens reached the REM stage earlier in their sleep cycles, indicating a greater risk for depression.
A recent study at UT Southwestern Medical Center suggests that taking insulin as the initial treatment for type 2 diabetes can be just as effective as other options, reducing low-blood-sugar events and weight gain. Insulin-based therapy has been shown to improve patient satisfaction and overall quality of life.
Researchers are testing a tumor-specific protein called recombinant human melanoma antigen A3 (MAGE-A3) to track down and kill cancer cells in patients with recurring melanoma. The study aims to generate a search-and-destroy program targeting deadly melanoma cells through the immune system.
A two-year study found that three treatment combinations for clearing the most common form of hepatitis C virus work equally well, with about 40% clearance rates. Researchers also noted that women achieved higher rates of virus clearance with the standard dose of peginterferon alfa-2b.
A study involving UT Southwestern plastic surgeons found that Dysport is most effective in women and African-American patients, while also being longer-lasting for this demographic. The study confirms the importance of tailoring dosages to individual facial muscle mass for optimal results.
UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers have found that autophagy prevents harmful bacteria like Salmonella from becoming successful pathogens. Decreases in autophagy may lead to abnormalities in the intestinal tract's response to bacterial infections.
Studies have shown that standard doses of anti-tuberculosis drugs may not be effective in modern-day patients due to weight and gender variability. A new model developed at UT Southwestern Medical Center has shed light on the issue, suggesting that different doses are needed for various populations.
UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers have received a $2 million grant to study lung cancer in nonsmokers. They will use a coordinated approach to discover biomarkers and develop a test to detect early-stage lung cancer.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center will conduct basic science research projects to study the development and mechanisms of generating new cardiac muscle cells. The goal is to develop new therapeutics based on small molecules and microRNAs that will overcome barriers to heart regeneration.
Researchers identified that even among high-risk groups, only a few individuals had invasive bladder cancer, highlighting the need to find a higher-risk group to benefit from screening. Abstaining from smoking is crucial in preventing bladder cancer.
In a study mapping the gene profiles of children with severe Staphylococcus aureus infections, researchers found that the innate immune response is overactivated while the adaptive immune system is suppressed. This knowledge could lead to better patient outcomes and more effective therapies.