Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have developed a new antibiotic solution that may help prevent capsular contracture, a common risk associated with breast implant surgery. The solution, created by Dr. William P. Adams Jr., inhibits bacterial growth from organisms commonly found around implants and has shown promise in prev...
Researchers studied a c. elegans worm with a genetic mutation affecting its feeding behavior and discovered that it altered the potassium channel EXP-2, leading to muscle relaxation and reduced food intake. This study provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms controlling behavior in humans.
Researchers discover a method to find peptides that mimic antibodies by binding to specific peptide epitopes, opening up new possibilities for biomedical research and medical diagnostics. The discovery could lead to more field-practical sensors to detect biowarfare agents and other applications.
A new ovarian tumor index helps physicians accurately diagnose ovarian tumors as either cancerous or benign. The index uses real-time ultrasound findings, patient age, and other characteristics to provide a valuable way for clinicians to plan further testing, surgery, or other clinical management.
A nationwide clinical trial showed that Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) improved the condition of 40% of patients with severe treatment-resistant depression, enabling them to return to work and normal activities. The treatment has been compared to electroconvulsive therapy and may have potential as an alternative for some patients.
A mouse tumor model of neurofibromatosis type 1 has been developed, allowing researchers to study the genetic lesions that lead to malignant tumor formation. The study found that mutations in both NF-1 and p53 genes accelerate tumor growth, providing a potential target for new treatments.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center designed and tested synthetic inhibitors against telomerase, a key enzyme in cancer cell immortality. These inhibitors successfully caused progressive telomere shortening and cell death in human breast and prostate cancer cells.
Researchers found that perforin, crucial for destroying abnormal cells, also plays a regulatory role in controlling the immune system's response to infections. This discovery may lead to new treatments and cures for diseases like lupus and multiple sclerosis.
Researchers found calcium citrate absorbed 22-27% better than calcium carbonate, effective in preventing bone loss and stabilizing bone density. The studies confirmed the benefits of calcium citrate in maintaining bone health in early menopause.
The Medical Event Reporting System for Transfusion Medicine aims to stop blood-transfusion errors before they happen. Researchers will analyze near misses to identify lessons that can prevent the next headline.
UT Southwestern Medical Center investigators have developed a rare case of familial filicide in which twin sisters tried to kill their own children. A new classification system, identifying 16 subtypes of filicide, aims to aid understanding and strategies for prevention.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center discovered that alpha-lipoic acid reduces oxidative stress and blood levels of bad cholesterol. The compound may improve blood-glucose control and has potential implications for aging and heart disease prevention.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center discovered that cocaine affects the central nervous system, causing vessel constriction, rapid heartbeat, and subsequent heart attacks. By blocking the sympathetic nervous system, they found a potential pathway to develop a life-saving antidote for cocaine overdoses.
Researchers have successfully developed an immunotoxin that kills over 99% of latent HIV-infected cells using a monoclonal antibody and ricin. The treatment targets CD45RO molecules found on the surface of memory T cells, which are difficult to target due to their low abundance.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center discovered the crystal structure of an enzyme that repairs DNA damage caused by sunlight and cigarettes, a key component in the nucleotide excision repair system. The discovery sheds light on how this system differentiates between healthy and damaged DNA and recognizes various lesions.
Researchers have developed a statistical technique to determine how different positions in a protein interact with each other. This breakthrough will help scientists understand protein function more efficiently, leading to the development of more effective drugs for various diseases.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified casein kinase I (CKI) as a novel component of the Wnt-signaling cascade, essential for proper animal development. The discovery may lead to new approaches for influencing developmental processes and developing cancer treatments.
Sulindac has been shown to cause the regression of benign colon polyps, helping prevent colon cancer development. The drug inhibits cancer cell growth by promoting programmed cell death and preventing NF-kB activation.
A team of international researchers has identified the gene responsible for congenital generalized lipodystrophy, a severe form of lipodystrophy characterized by selective loss of body fat from birth. The discovery is expected to provide insights into common obesity and metabolic disorders.
UT Southwestern researchers have identified a severe enzyme deficiency responsible for some Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) cases. The SCHAD enzyme deficiency affects an infant's ability to break down fatty acids, leading to a brain energy crisis and potentially fatal coma.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center created mice with narcolepsy by removing the neuropeptide orexin. The mice exhibited rapid eye movement (REM) sleep at the beginning of a sleep period, unlike normal mice, indicating a potential link to treatments for the disorder.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have converted dendritic cells into cells that deliver death signals, potentially preventing and treating inflammatory diseases. This technology could lead to the prevention and treatment of inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Researchers have identified the molecule transported by Rim protein in photoreceptor cells, a key factor in the development of Stargardt's disease and age-related macular degeneration. By understanding this process, scientists may be able to develop new treatments to slow or prevent the progression of these diseases.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that fluctuations in the hormone Insl3 influence testicular descent in mice, a finding they believe applies to human cryptorchidism. The study also revealed that Insl3 regulates gubernaculum development, leading to underdevelopment and sterility in mice with no Insl3 activity.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have discovered a key component of the proteasome that plays a crucial role in DNA repair and sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation. Deleting a part of this protein complex increases UV sensitivity, highlighting its involvement in repair mechanisms.
A genetic trait has been found to predispose people to Gulf War syndrome, a condition where veterans of the war may have gotten ill from chemical exposures. The study reveals that people with high levels of a specific enzyme did not get sick, while those with low levels did.
A newly discovered gene family, Morc, regulates important biological processes and may play a role in cell division in all tissues. The researchers also believe that the Morc family members may malfunction in cancer cells.
UT Southwestern researchers have created a novel protein cross-linking method that utilizes brief exposure to visible light to initiate bonding between proteins. This technique is about 1,000 times more efficient than existing chemical methods and allows for precise control over the reaction timing.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have discovered a nuclear receptor, FXR, that controls bile acids and cholesterol production. The finding has important implications for developing drugs to control dietary cholesterol in humans.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have developed a novel method to turn off genes involved in telomerase activation, which enables continuous cell division in cancer cells. The study used peptide nucleic acid (PNA) molecules to block telomerase activity, showing significant promise for developing new cancer drugs.
UT Southwestern Medical Center is conducting a three-month study to test the efficacy of St. John's Wort in treating major depression. Participants will be given either St. John's Wort, sertraline, or a placebo and monitored by physicians to understand its effectiveness.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that babies weighing below 5 pounds 13 ounces are more likely to face mortality or disability compared to those weighing less. The study included approximately 127,000 newborns and showed that pre-term infants' risk of adverse outcomes increased with decreased growth.
A recent study analyzed gender differences in precancerous changes in smokers' lung tissue, finding that women develop a distinct pattern of bronchial changes and are more susceptible to tobacco-related carcinogens. This research underscores the importance of considering gender in lung cancer screening methods.
A new method, Epithelial Aggregate Separation and Isolation (EASI), enables rapid and simple isolation of purified epithelial cell populations from tumors. This advance will facilitate molecular studies on tumors and their precursor lesions.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found PENS to be significantly more effective in decreasing pain scores after each treatment than other methods, improving quality of life for patients with severe lower back pain. Following 12 treatments, patients reported increased physical activity and improved sleep.
Scientists isolate UFD1 gene, linked to cardiac and facial anomalies in children with 22q11 deletion syndrome, a condition affecting one in 4,000 births. The study suggests that dysregulation of this gene leads to the development of heart and craniofacial structures.
Estrogen has been found to improve blood vessel function and provide protection against coronary artery disease in premenopausal women. The hormone works by causing endothelial cells to produce more nitric oxide, leading to increased blood flow and reduced risk of heart disease.
Researchers demonstrate that human cells grown in the laboratory and immortalized by telomerase are not transformed into cancer cells, exhibiting normal behavior despite extended lifespan. The findings hold promise for new therapies for age-related diseases and cancer.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have found a way to track thymus function and produced new T-cells in patients with HIV. The discovery could lead to therapies that increase T-cell production and aid in recovery from both HIV and cancer treatments.
Scientists have identified a gene that plays a crucial role in detecting bacterial infections, potentially leading to the prevention of endotoxic shock. The discovery may enable the creation of a test to screen for people with genetic defects and provide a new approach to preventing deadly infections.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have found a link between nitric oxide and skeletal muscle function, shedding new light on Duchenne dystrophy. The study reveals that nitric oxide plays a key role in regulating blood flow to contracting muscles.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified a mutation that prevents sperm maturation in mice, which could lead to treatments for male sterility and development of new male contraceptives. The morc gene is expressed only in males during the earliest stages of sperm production.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center discovered that vitamin E can prevent the early stages of plaque formation by inhibiting the attachment of white blood cells to endothelial cells. Vitamin E's antioxidant properties help reduce the risk of atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have discovered how aspirin reduces inflammation by targeting a specific kinase. Aspirin inhibition prevents NF-kB activation and suppresses inflammation, making it an excellent target for developing novel anti-inflammatory agents.
Researchers discovered that mice lacking myoglobin survive normally despite their inability to transport oxygen. Further study will explore alternative genes that enable the heart and muscles to function correctly.
The Southwestern Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery has launched two state-of-the-art endosuites at Zale Lipshy University Hospital, enabling surgeons to perform complex procedures with minimal incision and bleeding. The suites are designed to teach practicing surgeons and students, offering enhanced care and educational opportunities.
A new human tumor-suppressor gene, PPP2R1B, has been identified as a potential indicator of susceptibility to lung and colon cancers. The study suggests that the gene's mutations may be inherited, making some individuals more susceptible to cigarette smoke-related chemicals.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have developed a new test to accurately measure kidney function, enabling patients to spend less time in the clinic. The new procedure involves injecting a small amount of radioactive isotope solution and estimating how quickly it disappears from the blood and appears in the urine.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have developed an animal model for human colorectal cancer, which will facilitate research into the molecular mechanisms of the disease. The model, based on a colon cancer mouse, allows for testing of chemoprevention agents and new drug treatments.
Scientists have identified a correlation between activated CD44 and disease flare-ups in pediatric patients with lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. The study suggests that monitoring blood levels of activated CD44 may enable early prediction of exacerbations, potentially leading to improved treatment outcomes.