A study by UT Southwestern Medical Center has confirmed brain regions that encode behavioral-goal memories in songbirds. The researchers used optogenetics to implant these memories in zebra finches without tutoring, enabling them to learn syllables of their song. This discovery opens new avenues for research into identifying brain circ...
Researchers found a key driver of nutrient absorption synchronization with Earth's day-night light cycle, linking it to weight gain. The commensal bacteria program the metabolic rhythms by activating protein histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3), which enhances fat absorption.
UTSW researchers identified a novel mechanism regulating fat creation in mammals. The miR-26 family of microRNAs strongly protects against weight gain and metabolic issues by controlling FBXL19 protein levels.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that at-home measurements are more accurate and less expensive than clinic readings, especially for African Americans. This approach can help identify high-risk hypertensive patients earlier, potentially preventing heart disease.
A potential treatment for polycystic kidney disease has shown a significant reduction in kidney size in afflicted mice, with no evidence of toxicity in animal or human cell tests. The drug is now in early clinical trials in humans, offering hope for a new option for survival beyond dialysis or transplant.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center conducted a large-scale study comparing surgical masks to N95 respirators for flu and respiratory virus protection. The results show that there is no significant difference in effectiveness between the two types of masks, with medical masks being as effective as N95 respirators.
A new study demonstrates that antiviral drugs for hepatitis C reduce liver-related deaths by nearly 50% in patients with a history of liver cancer. The finding reverses prior misconceptions about the relationship between hepatitis C and liver cancer recurrence.
Researchers found that combining therapies reduced tumor relapse and side effects in mouse models of kinase mutated breast cancer. The study suggests using two therapies together, rather than one after the other, to improve treatment outcomes.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have discovered that precision editing the gut microbiome can reduce inflammation-associated colorectal cancer in mice. The study suggests targeting metabolic pathways specific to intestinal inflammation could prevent or reduce cancer risk.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center discovered a new molecular mechanism that indicates PARP inhibitors could be effective in treating all cancers where the drugs are used, including ovarian and prostate cancers. A potential biomarker has been identified, which may indicate when patients can benefit from these drugs.
A new study from UT Southwestern Medical Center found that exercise regimens during space flight, followed by saline injections after landing, can prevent orthostatic intolerance in astronauts. The condition is also diagnosed in patients as Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), causing debilitating dizziness.
Researchers identify barriers to trial accrual, including complexity in staying aware of available trials, identifying eligible patients, and enrolling them. The study suggests addressing these challenges through changes in trial-specific reimbursement and incentives for administrative costs.
A new test developed by UT Southwestern Medical Center aims to identify kidney cancer patients most likely to benefit from immunotherapy. The test uses a diagnostic tracer to visualize tumors and assess PD-L1 expression, which can predict treatment response. The approach has shown promise in early studies.
Researchers identified a potential new therapeutic target for sepsis by uncovering a pathway involving Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) that could suppress the inflammatory response. This discovery offers a promising approach to treating sepsis, which can lead to organ failure and death if not recognized early.
A study published in JAMA Cardiology found that blood donation programs can be used to screen for familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), a genetic cholesterol condition. Researchers identified over 3,000 people with FH in the blood donation records of nearly 1.2 million donors.
A study published in Cell Host & Microbe identifies a previously unknown bacteria-killing protein RELMα that requires dietary vitamin A to work. The researchers found that mice fed a diet deficient in vitamin A made no RELMα, and those missing the protein were more susceptible to infection.
A recent study from UT Southwestern Medical Center reveals that several species of bacteria can invade the bladder walls in postmenopausal women with urinary tract infections. The findings suggest that antibiotic treatment may not be effective due to high levels of bacterial resistance and a lack of targeted therapies.
A new study reveals that actin, a protein responsible for cell movement, also drives the ability of cancer cells to grow when under stress. Enlarged actin sheets called lamellipodia sequester tumor suppressor molecules, allowing cancer cells to resist chemotherapy and grow more aggressively.
Researchers developed a new screening approach that combines DNA sequencing and metabolomics to identify mutant genes causing rare genetic diseases in children. The technique helped pinpoint the gene responsible for a specific disease, enabling faster diagnosis and potential treatment.
The Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program saw a 4 percentage point reduction in penalties across all hospitals and a 14 percentage point reduction in penalties for safety net hospitals. Researchers found the greatest impact on nonteaching, physician-owned hospitals in rural regions.
Researchers at UT Southwestern have found that SR-B1 and DOCK4 proteins ferry LDL particles into and across endothelial cells, driving the development of atherosclerosis. Deleting these proteins from endothelial cells reduces LDL entry and atherosclerotic plaque formation.
A team of UT Southwestern researchers has created a groundbreaking two-hit model to combat HFpEF, a type of heart failure with no effective treatments. By combining high-fat diets with blood pressure-raising drugs, they replicated the human condition and provided an accurate biological picture that can advance treatment development.
One-third of cancer patients use complementary and alternative medicines such as meditation, yoga, acupuncture, and herbal supplements. Many patients do not disclose their use to doctors due to lack of knowledge or perceived need for disclosure.
A study by UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers identified genetic mutations that accumulate in the adult liver and can promote tissue regeneration. The findings suggest that certain mutations provide liver cells with fitness advantages, allowing them to grow and survive better after environmental insults.
Researchers identified two proteins, SIX1 and SIX2, that act as gatekeepers to regulate the immune response. The proteins were found to be involved in reducing inflammation by dampening the noncanonical NF-κB pathway.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center used cryo-electron microscopy to determine the near-atomic structure of the smallest membrane protein solved to date. The study reveals new insights into the primitive function of the cGAS-STING pathway, which could lead to better immunotherapies for cancer and autoimmune diseases.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center discovered that adjusting CRISPR dosages can significantly improve dystrophin production in edited genes. The optimal ratio of components changed based on the DNA sequence being edited, paving the way for optimized gene therapies for other diseases.
Scientists at UT Southwestern Medical Center have developed a method to predict epileptic seizures at least four minutes in advance using EEG monitoring. The study shows that delivering an edible acid called acetate can prevent seizures if detected early, providing new potential therapy options.
Researchers discovered a precise pathway causing neurodevelopmental disorders, including rare condition Kaufman oculocerebrofacial syndrome. Genetic sequencing revealed the buildup of protein BCKDK in the brain, leading to intellectual disability and speech loss.
Research at UT Southwestern Medical Center found exercise reduces visceral fat more significantly than medication per pound of body weight lost. Exercise can melt visceral fat, lowering risk of heart disease and diabetes.
A study led by UT Southwestern Medical Center found that middle-aged athletes who engaged in high-volume exercise (at least 5-6 hours per week) did not have an increased risk of heart disease or mortality. The researchers also found that women were excluded from the study due to lower mortality rates compared to men.
A large study found no significant difference in liver cancer recurrence between patients treated with direct-acting antivirals for hepatitis C. The treatment was also shown to reduce the aggressiveness of cancer when it did recur. This new data reassures providers that treating Hep C is safe and beneficial for these patients.
Researchers sequenced the European gypsy moth genome, revealing its largest moth or butterfly genome ever recorded. The study provides insights into the insect's immune system and potential bioinsecticides to protect forests and orchards from destruction.
A single workout can activate neurons influencing metabolism for up to two days, according to a mouse study from UT Southwestern Medical Center. The finding provides an avenue to explore potential treatments to improve glucose metabolism in diabetes patients.
Scientists have identified a previously unknown structural change within cells that triggers the activation of the inflammasome, a multiprotein complex involved in inflammation. This finding provides a new avenue for developing therapeutics to target the NLRP3 pathway for inflammatory diseases.
A study published in Cell Reports identified an enzyme on the surface of some lung cancer cells that helps feed the cancer, making it a promising treatment target. The enzyme, TMPRSS11B, promotes tumor growth by encouraging lactate export and may be susceptible to antibody or small molecule therapy.
Genetic analysis of African ancestry found a correlation with increased risk factors for heart failure, including thicker left ventricles and higher ECG voltages. This study suggests that African ancestry may be associated with an increased risk of heart failure in young adults.
A new oral drug significantly reduced menstrual bleeding in over 90% of premenopausal women with fibroid tumors. Elagolix also prevented estrogen-deficiency induced side effects like hot flashes and bone loss when prescribed with hormone therapy.
A new study from UT Southwestern found that nearly a third of children with epilepsy had a change in diagnosis based on new data, leading to more effective treatments. The research calls for regular reviews of gene tests to ensure diagnoses and treatments are based on the latest discoveries.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center are part of a national effort to understand the neural circuits behind learning, memory, and behavior. Four scientists have received grants to study topics ranging from mental health to opioid addiction.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified blood-based biomarkers that may help identify patients at greatest risk of developing autoimmune side effects from immunotherapy. The study found that levels of certain cytokines were particularly low before treatment in patients who developed immune-related adverse events.
Dr. Michael Rosen, a leading biophysicist, has been recognized as UT Southwestern's first Allen Distinguished Investigator. His research focuses on protein phase transitions and biomolecular condensates in the cell nucleus.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have made a major breakthrough in understanding the biology of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) skin tumors. They identified Hox-B7 as a marker for cell origin and found that modifying the Hippo pathway can slow tumor development.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center discovered that mature inhibitory neurons can be transformed into a different type of neuron without relying on stem cells. The study reveals the possibility of changing mature neurons in adulthood and may lead to therapeutic strategies for treating neurological diseases.
Women who drank an additional 1.5 liters of water daily experienced 48% fewer repeat bladder infections than those who drank their usual volume of fluids, according to the study. This finding is significant as over half of women report having bladder infections, which are one of the most common infections in women.
A controlled trial found that women who drank an additional 1.5 liters of water daily experienced 48 percent fewer repeat bladder infections compared to those who drank their usual volume of fluids. This increased fluid intake may help reduce the use of antibiotics and combat antibiotic resistance.
A new study from UT Southwestern Medical Center found that nearly 25% of genetic test results were reclassified due to evolving scientific knowledge. This reclassification can significantly impact patients' understanding of their cancer risk and treatment options.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center used CRISPR genome-wide screening to identify the IFI6 gene as a potent antiviral gene targeting flaviviruses, including West Nile and Zika viruses. The study found that cells with a working IFI6 gene inhibited infection by these viruses in cell culture studies.
Researchers used CRISPR gene editing to restore dystrophin protein levels by up to 92% in dogs with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The study provides strong indication of a potential lifesaving treatment for the disease, which affects one in 5,000 boys and leads to muscle and heart failure.
Researchers developed a novel approach using glucose to assess how kidney cancer tumors use glucose. The study found that ccRCC tumors process glucose differently than most tissues, providing a potential target for new treatments.