Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found people with Parkinson's disease have significantly higher blood levels of a particular pesticide than healthy individuals. The study may provide the basis for a beta-HCH blood test to identify those at risk for developing the disease.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have discovered a gene that activates in mouse embryonic stem cells, allowing them to grow and divide rapidly in the lab. This breakthrough could enable scientists to maintain ES cells from other species, leading to new discoveries in medical research.
Researchers at UT Southwestern and UT Arlington are developing magnetically controlled surgical instruments to enhance maneuverability and reduce entry ports in laparoscopic surgeries. The Magnetic Anchoring and Guidance System (MAGS) uses magnets outside the abdomen to attract instruments inserted inside, allowing for greater range of...
Dr. Nima Sharifi received a $375,000 grant to study genes that determine prostate cancer resistance to androgen deprivation therapy. The funding supports his laboratory's work in developing new therapies.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified a protein called CHIP that binds to the mutated protein LRRK2, promoting its breakdown. This finding provides a potential therapeutic target for treatments to halt the action of the mutated protein.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center used the fungus Neurospora to study the biochemistry and genetics of body clocks. They found that a protein called FRQ marks time by a sequence of changes in its chemical structure, which controls many biological processes including cell division, hormonal release, and sleep/wake cycles.
Dr. Eric Olson has been awarded the Lefoulon-Delalande Foundation Grand Prize for his pioneering work on gene regulation in the cardiovascular system. His research has illuminated fundamental principles of organ formation and provided new insights into cardiac development, advancing our understanding of congenital heart defects.
A new MRI test involving breathing oxygen may help oncologists determine the best treatment for some cancer patients. The BOLD technique detects oxygen levels in tumors without invasive procedures, providing insight into how tumors behave and what treatments might be effective.
Dr. Daniel K. Podolsky receives the 2009 Julius Friedenwald Medal for his lifelong contributions to gastroenterology and groundbreaking scientific achievements. He credits his colleagues and mentors for his success, highlighting UT Southwestern's role in his career.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center discovered two biochemical signals promoting the development of memory cells in immune cells. These signals, interferon alpha and IL-12, play distinct roles in driving immediate and long-term immunity.
UT Southwestern researchers accelerate efforts to eradicate worm infections by targeting a biochemical system that controls development and reproduction in parasitic nematodes. The compound dafachronic acid sends signals for the worms to mature from infective to feeding stages, making hosts sick.
Researchers found that only 22% of participants met trial criteria, had shorter bouts of depression, quicker response to medication, and fewer side effects compared to excluded patients. The study suggests that antidepressants should not be seen as a panacea and calls for more research on treatment-resistant depression patients.
Researchers created short lengths of molecules that resemble ribonucleic acid to bind to CAG repeats, preventing cells from creating abnormal proteins. These compounds were effective against Huntington's and Machado-Joseph diseases, but further tweaking is needed to minimize effects on normal proteins.
UT Southwestern researchers have discovered a link between immune cell malfunction and kidney damage in lupus patients. They also found that certain genes, such as kallikreins, appear to protect the kidneys from immune attack, suggesting potential new treatments for the disease.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that PCSK9, a protein responsible for regulating 'bad' cholesterol, works almost exclusively outside cells. This discovery provides opportunities to develop therapies to block the protein's disruptive actions and reduce plasma cholesterol levels.
A new procedure using saline-infusion sonography allows doctors to visualize and diagnose diseases in the lining of the uterus, improving diagnosis accuracy. The study found that the procedure correctly diagnosed benign polyps and cancers more often than blind biopsies.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that the protein Thymosin beta-4 initiates migration of heart cells and blood vessel growth after a heart attack, encouraging new growth and repair of damaged heart cells. The molecule affects developmental gene expression as early as 24 hours after systemic injection.
UT Southwestern University Hospital has received the Commission on Cancer Outstanding Achievement Award, recognizing its commitment to providing high-quality cancer care. The award is based on rigorous evaluations of the hospital's cancer program standards, including leadership, data management, and clinical services.
Researchers found that dopamine causes certain brain cells to become more flexible and changes brain-cell circuitry to process important information differently than mundane information. This can help improve learning, particularly in remembering salient events.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified a new biological indicator, RIP1, that may help identify the most aggressive forms of adult brain cancer. High levels of RIP1 are commonly found in glioblastoma tumors and are associated with poor prognosis and resistance to chemotherapy.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified a gene linked to lupus, IRAK1, located on the X chromosome. This discovery may help explain why females are 10 times more susceptible to the disease than males.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that African-Americans tend to store fat in subcutaneous adipose tissues, which may protect them from insulin resistance and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. This fundamental difference in lipid metabolism could lead to targeted therapies for populations prone to NAFLD.
Dr. DeBose-Boyd, an associate professor of molecular genetics, will receive $1.5 million in funding to support his innovative cholesterol research directions. His work focuses on regulating and controlling cholesterol production, with potential implications for preventing and treating heart disease.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that patients with type 2 diabetes excreted less calcium through their urine when consuming a high-fiber diet. This suggests that dietary fiber reduces the body's capacity to absorb calcium, leading to potential benefits for bone health.
A new study by UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers has pinpointed damage inside the brains of Gulf War syndrome patients, linking their illness to chemical exposures. The research identifies areas of the brain that function abnormally, including the basal ganglia, hippocampus, and thalamus.
Researchers found that collagen injections can improve symptoms of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in some patients, even after surgical treatment fails. The procedure involves injecting collagen into the tissue surrounding the urethra to tighten the sphincter and prevent leakage.
Researchers found that estrogen activates genes encoding nitric oxide synthases, leading to enhanced lung function and reduced ventilation support needs. Estrogen also prevented low blood pressure and closed the ductus arteriosus, a shunt that connects the pulmonary artery to the aorta.
UT Southwestern researchers have identified a new receptor in E coli that senses stress cues from its host, triggering the release of toxins and causing disease. The discovery provides insight into how bacteria respond to stress and could lead to the development of new treatments for diseases such as sepsis.
Researchers at UT Southwestern used a computer-based tool to analyze millions of abstracts and found nearly 70,000 highly similar citations. Journal editors' reactions to the investigation revealed varying attitudes towards dealing with plagiarism, with some admitting to having borrowed previously published material.
UT Southwestern researchers Dr. Jennifer Kohler and Dr. Joseph Ready have been awarded Sloan fellowships to support their research in chemistry. They will each receive $50,000 over two years to pursue innovative projects in carbohydrate interactions with cancer cells and antibiotic development.
Burn rehabilitation experts at UT Southwestern recommend a hierarchy of treatment strategies to alleviate chronic itching caused by burn scars. Topical creams and ointments are often effective, while oral antihistamines may be necessary for more severe cases. Other non-medicinal treatments like lasers and massage can also provide relief.
Researchers have identified a key molecular mechanism regulating brain's ability to compensate for sleep deprivation. Adenosine receptors help restore normal working memory and attention skills during rebound sleep.
Researchers have identified a manganese protein essential for Lyme disease bacteria to become virulent. The study found that manganese is crucial for the bacterium's growth and survival, raising questions about its role in pathogenicity.
UT Southwestern researchers discovered that mice without the AGPAT2 enzyme accumulated excessive liver fat, leading to metabolic complications. A fat-free diet reduced liver triglycerides by approximately 50% in these mice.
A study by UT Southwestern Medical Center found that automation in hospital information systems was associated with decreased fatalities, lower costs, and shorter lengths of stay for patients with various medical conditions. Hospitals with well-designed technology systems had better patient outcomes.
Researchers have identified two new classes of chemicals that can be used to study and possibly manipulate a cellular pathway involved in many types of cancer and degenerative diseases. These compounds target the Wnt protein pathway, which plays a crucial role in embryonic development and tissue maintenance.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that mice lacking collagen VI developed 'healthy' obesity when fed a high-fat diet, without inflammation or insulin resistance. The study highlights the role of collagen VI in modulating fat-cell physiology and its potential as a target for intervention.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center are evaluating a new mechanical arm, Armeo, to help patients with strokes and traumatic brain injuries regain arm strength through virtual exercises. The device allows for increased repetitions of tasks, potentially leading to quicker recovery.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have found that a natural brain chemical called orexin works by increasing the body's sensitivity to leptin, leading to reduced weight gain. Increased orexin levels in mice also boosted metabolism and resulted in greater weight loss when administered with leptin.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center identified a compound that liberates cholesterol trapped in cells, shedding light on its transport and suggesting a possible therapeutic target for NP-C disease. The findings show improved liver function and decreased neurodegeneration in mice treated with the compound.
Researchers found that rapid-fire inputs initiate a cellular memory process in single cells lasting as long as a minute, holding moment-to-moment information. The study has implications for addiction, attention disorders and stress-related memory loss.
UT Southwestern researchers found that drug-coated stents are less risky for heart bypass patients compared to bare-metal stents, with a 51% lower rate of re-narrowing and reduced need for repeat procedures.
A study published in Hepatology found that people on low-carbohydrate diets produce more glucose from lactate or amino acids, burning liver fat for energy. This suggests that optimizing diet may help manage and treat diseases such as insulin resistance, diabetes, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
In a national clinical trial, adolescents with moderate to severe depression who first received a placebo treatment responded just as well over the long term as those who received active treatment. The study found that 82% of children and teenagers in the placebo group responded well after receiving active treatment for the entire period.
Researchers found that half of individuals under 50 with low short-term risk may not remain low-risk throughout their lives. Long-term risk estimation could provide new information on risk prediction, supporting its inclusion in clinical practice.
Dr. Rama Ranganathan received the Edith and Peter O'Donnell Award for his groundbreaking work on understanding how networks of interactions produce complex biological systems. His research aims to develop tailor-made proteins with specific functions, which could lead to new treatments for diseases.
UT Southwestern University Hospital has received awards for its successful efforts to increase organ donation rates, surpassing the 75 percent goal among eligible donors. The hospital achieved this feat through a combination of effective strategies and strong transplant team leadership.
A recent study by UT Southwestern Medical Center found that managed-care plans did not improve the quality or outcome of care for patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy. The study examined data from over 11,400 cases and found no difference in rates of inappropriate surgery between managed-care and fee-for-service plans.
Up to 20% of children and adolescents experience anxiety disorders, which can lead to educational underachievement and increased rates of depression and substance abuse later in life. Effective treatments include antidepressant medications, cognitive behavioral therapy, and a combination of both, with partial treatment not being adequate.
Researchers have identified a gene mutation in SFTPA2 that is linked to an inherited form of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a lethal lung disease affecting older adults. The same mutation is also associated with lung cancer.