Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have made a breakthrough in treating autistic children with neuromodulation, which restored social impairments. The study found that stimulating a specific part of the cerebellum improved social behaviors in both mice and humans, offering new hope for autism treatment.
A new study provides insight into the CLOCK gene's vital role in regulating human-specific genes important to brain evolution. The findings suggest that CLOCK regulates genes linked to cognitive disorders and has an important role in human neuronal migration, a process crucial for brain development.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center identified a chemical that suppresses the lethal form of a parasitic infection caused by roundworms. The study developed a mouse model susceptible to the full range of infection and found that a synthetic steroid called Δ7-dafachronic acid significantly reduced worm burden.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center identified a critical link between obesity and type 2 diabetes, finding that insulin delivery is impeded due to abnormal immunoglobulins. The study may lead to new strategies for diabetes risk screening and prevention.
UT Southwestern scientists have developed a method to map protein changes that occur in different subtypes of breast cancer cells in response to DNA damage from new chemotherapy drugs. This could lead to a test to predict an individual patient's response to a particular drug, potentially revolutionizing personalized medicine.
Researchers found that deleting a stem cell transcription factor SOX2 in adult mice promotes recovery after traumatic brain injury (TBI). The study suggests that increased astrocyte reactivity may not be beneficial for brain tissue integrity following TBI.
A new study found that antidepressants are ineffective in treating depressed patients with chronic kidney disease, prompting experts to reconsider treatment approaches. Alternative therapies such as ketamine, electroconvulsive therapy, and psychotherapy may be more effective for these patients.
Researchers solved the structure of mouse TRPML1 ion channel using UT Southwestern's cryo-EM facility, a breakthrough that may aid in treating mucolipidosis type IV, a rare neurodegenerative disease. The study utilizes a novel sample preparation technique and cutting-edge software to reveal atomic-level details of the protein.
Researchers found a strong association between certain beneficial gut bacteria and improved response to immunotherapies in patients with metastatic melanoma. The beneficial bacteria, including three specific species, were found to prime the immune system to attack cancer cells more effectively.
Researchers at CRI discover lactate acts as a fuel source for growing tumors, contradicting the nearly century-old Warburg effect. The finding has significant implications for therapies and imaging techniques for lung cancer.
Research led by Dr. Carlos Arteaga has identified potential targets for treating chemotherapy-resistant triple negative breast cancer, including genes MCL1 and MYC. These genes can be targeted with specific drugs to slow or prevent chemotherapy resistance, improving the outlook for this aggressive form of breast cancer.
A study by UT Southwestern Medical Center found that clinicians' prior image-ordering habits and equipment ownership are strong indicators of unnecessary MRI orders. This highlights the need for physicians to offer financially responsible care, particularly in cases of uncomplicated back pain and headaches.
Researchers found that gut bacteria regulate lipid uptake by hacking into the circadian clocks in gut cells. The microbiome helps establish the essential molecular link NFIL3, which regulates body composition and metabolism. This discovery may lead to new strategies to fight obesity.
Research shows people of South Asian descent with a family history of coronary heart disease are more likely to have high levels of calcium buildup in their arteries. A CT scan may be an important test for those at risk, according to UT Southwestern cardiologists.
Researchers at CRI have developed a new system, CAPTURE, to analyze the entire set of factors that regulate our DNA. This approach offers possibilities to study how different proteins control genome function in cancer and stem cells, and may lead to finding new drug targets.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center report that tumors stressed by cancer immunotherapy release mitochondrial DNA into nearby immune cells, triggering a host alert system. This discovery highlights the critical role of cGAS as an innate immune sensor for DNA and its importance in bridging the body's two immune systems.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that vitamin C regulates stem cell function and suppresses leukemia development. The study used mice with limited ascorbate production to mimic human levels and discovered a link between ascorbate, DNA modifications, and Tet2 enzyme activity.
Research in mice suggests that eating at abnormal times can weaken the daytime potency of an enzyme protecting against UV radiation, leading to increased risk of sunburn and long-term effects like skin cancer. A normal eating schedule may provide better protection from UV rays during the day.
A study found a nearly 60% increase in exclusion criteria for lung cancer trials from 1986 to 2016, making it difficult to conduct clinical trials. The rise in exclusions is largely due to new medical concerns and complexities with targeted therapies, which are often given in pill form.
Researchers at UTSW Medical Center identified a cellular receptor central to the undesirable effects of antipsychotic drugs, which are essential medications for millions worldwide. Co-treating with a weight-loss drug that targets the serotonin 2c receptor prevented weight gain and improved metabolic profiles in mice.
Patients without coronary artery calcium had significantly lower risk of future heart attacks or strokes, even with diabetes, high blood pressure, or bad cholesterol levels. A CT scan may be worthwhile to discuss treatment options and add more information about the patient's 10-year risk.
A study published in Scientific Reports shows that high-frequency alternating magnetic fields can be used to destroy bacteria encased in a slimy 'biofilm' growing on artificial joints. The treatment increased the effectiveness of antibiotic treatment, reducing the need for multiple surgeries and weeks of IV antibiotics.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have discovered a link between the backup immune defense system and mutation seen in Crohn's disease. The study found that a backup pathway uses autophagy's cellular machinery to deliver protein weapons to the cell surface, making it more effective against bacterial attacks.
A new high-precision feeding system for lab mice reveals that timing of food consumption is critical to weight loss and maintaining circadian rhythms. Mice on a reduced calorie plan that ate during their normal feeding/active cycle lost weight despite consuming the same amount as another group fed during their rest time in daylight.
UT Southwestern researchers have developed a method for direct conversion of double bond-containing hydrocarbons into multifunctional compounds with high purity. The new reaction utilizes a specially designed chiral catalyst to selectively create desirable molecules, accelerating pharmaceutical production.
A new combination immunotherapy has significantly improved response rates for kidney cancer patients, with 40% experiencing prolonged responses. This treatment approach has the potential to set a new standard of care for kidney cancer patients, offering durable and reversible side effects compared to current therapies.
A study published in the Journal of Neuroinflammation found that measuring two proteins in the blood can accurately diagnose autism spectrum disorder in approximately 75% of children. The diagnostic accuracy increases to 82% when both proteins are measured together.
A study by UT Southwestern Medical Center found that mildly obese patients who survive a major heart attack tend to have better outcomes, including higher survival rates and shorter hospital stays. Patients considered mildly obese had a 30% increased likelihood of survival compared to those of normal weight.
A study from UT Southwestern Medical Center reveals a network of neurons vital for learning vocalizations in songbirds, which may hold clues to addressing speech disorders in humans. The discovery complements ongoing research into the brain's role in vocal learning and its potential applications for treating neurodevelopmental conditions.
Researchers have developed a new skin cell model to study the genetic mutation ACTA2-R258C, which is linked to early-onset aortic aneurysm and moyamoya-like cerebrovascular disease. The study found that the mutation disrupts cytoskeleton functions, leading to impaired smooth muscle contraction and increased risk of heart disease.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that Vibrio parahaemolyticus bacteria deploy a needle-like apparatus called Type III Secretion System (T3SS) to inject toxic proteins into cells, disabling their ability to produce defensive molecules like reactive oxygen species. This allows the bacteria to escape the gut and cause l...
A new study from UT Southwestern Medical Center has identified the key protein responsible for ketamine's rapid antidepressant effects in the brain. The study reveals that ketamine blocks the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, creating an initial antidepressant reaction and extending its duration.
A new strategy for treating glioblastoma, a difficult-to-treat brain tumor, has shown promising results in mice by combining medications that disable two proteins. This approach could potentially extend or save the lives of patients diagnosed with this lethal form of cancer.
A study at UT Southwestern Medical Center has identified over 100 genes linked to memory processing in the human brain. The researchers hope that these findings will lead to better understanding and treatment of conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and epilepsy.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified a 35-gene signature that indicates higher genetic likelihood of chemotherapy resistance in non-small cell lung cancer. This biomarker can help predict relapse and provide a new pharmacologic approach to target chemo-resistant lung cancer.
A new review of child-related auto fatalities found that the South had the highest number of fatalities and the Northeast the lowest, with a national mortality rate of 16%. Improper restraints and crashes on rural roads were common causes of deaths.
Researchers found that young individuals with isolated systolic hypertension (ISH) have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular problems. The study, which examined 2,001 participants in the Dallas Heart Study, suggests treating ISH patients sooner rather than later to prevent future damage.
A new study found that hospital-acquired anemia affects nearly a third of hospitalized patients, increasing the risk of death or readmission. The severity of anemia was independently associated with a 39% increase in readmission or death within 30 days after discharge.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center developed a new technique for delivering stereotactic partial breast radiation, which was found to be as safe as traditional radiation while significantly reducing treatment time from six weeks to just five treatments delivered every other day. The study showed outstanding tumor control and...
A recent study by UT Southwestern researchers reveals ghrelin's role in preventing hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia in Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. The hormone helps regulate blood sugar levels when glucagon activity is blocked, suggesting a potential new treatment approach for diabetes.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center discovered that a protein called KROX20 is essential for hair pigmentation and a gene called SCF determines the color of hair. The study found that deleting these genes leads to gray or white hair in mice, providing potential insights into balding and aging.
A UT Southwestern Medical Center study found no correlation between high early readmission rates and one-year mortality or long-term readmission rates for heart attack patients. However, hospitals with high penalties tend to serve more ethnic minorities and patients with severe disease.
A recent study found that obesity significantly increases the risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) by different metabolic pathways, particularly in individuals with the PNPLA3 gene variant. The researchers suggest that genetic screening may be valuable in identifying high-risk subgroups.
A new nanoparticle vaccine has been developed to target several different cancer types by delivering tumor antigens to immune cells. The nanovaccine showed anti-tumor efficacy in multiple tumor types in mice, slowing tumor growth and extending animal lives.
A study led by Dr. Juan Pascual found that a modified Atkins diet can help reduce seizures and improve patients' long-term health. Clinical trials testing an edible oil derived from castor beans may also improve cognitive abilities in patients with Glut1 deficiency.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center successfully corrected Duchenne muscular dystrophy using the gene-editing enzyme CRISPR-Cpf1. The treatment restored production of the missing dystrophin protein, providing a promising new tool for treating this progressive disease.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have adapted a weather-forecast tool to assess the effectiveness of therapies for reducing brain injury in newborns who suffered oxygen deprivation during birth. The non-invasive method produces real-time heat maps of the infant's brain, helping doctors determine whether therapies are working.
A study from UT Southwestern Medical Center and Mayo Clinic shows that a remote-controlled robot can evaluate athletes for concussion with the same accuracy as on-site physicians. The technology has the potential to ease access to concussion expertise in rural areas, where few doctors or athletic trainers are available.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that combining five simple tests provides a broader and more accurate assessment of heart-disease risk. The tests, including an EKG, blood tests, and imaging, better predict who will develop heart disease compared to standard strategies.
A new blood test measures C-reactive protein levels to guide depression treatment, potentially improving success rates. Researchers found a strong correlation between CRP levels and medication regimens, providing a biological explanation for treatment selection.