A study from VCU School of Medicine and Richmond VA Medical Center found that up to 10.3% of veterans with dementia have high FIB-4 scores, indicating a likelihood of cirrhosis. Early detection and targeted interventions can reverse cognitive decline in these patients.
A new paper by VCU's Christopher S. Reina offers a roadmap for businesses to integrate mindfulness, wisdom, and ethics to support employee well-being. The research demonstrates that transforming organizations is a matter of rethinking their ethos and grounding it in humanistic principles.
A recent VCU-led study found that rising temperatures can make it harder for dragonfly nymphs to control mosquito larvae populations. As a result, there could be nearly twice as many mosquito larvae reaching adulthood in warmer temperature pools.
A novel inhibitor drug, KRB-456, has been discovered to target the KRAS G12D mutation in pancreatic cancer patient-derived tumors. The study demonstrates that KRB-456 significantly inhibits tumor growth in mice, offering a promising therapeutic option for KRAS-driven cancers.
Researchers have discovered a promising new treatment option for pancreatic cancer, using polyinosine-polycytidylic acid (pIC) delivered directly into tumor cells. The approach suppresses tumor growth, induces cancer cell death, and enhances survival in animal models with the most common form of pancreatic cancer.
Researchers found that a specific gene, MDA-9, initiates a cellular chain reaction sparking prostate cancer metastasis. The study's findings hold significant implications for treating prostate cancer and other forms of disease.
A VCU-led study found that pharmacists' ability to treat patients with hypertension could prevent millions of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular events. The study estimates a cost savings of $1.1 trillion over 30 years, with significant economic and quality-of-life impacts.
A team of scientists at VCU Massey Cancer Center discovered a previously unknown interaction between proteins that supplies energy to tumor cells, holding significant implications for colon cancer treatments. By blocking heat shock protein 27 activity, researchers confirmed a decrease in mitochondrial function and death of cancer cells.
Researchers have demonstrated the effectiveness of five noninvasive tests for liver disease, which could revolutionize diagnosis and treatment. These tests use disease biomarkers and may enable breakthrough discoveries in developing new treatments for patients with liver disease.
A team of clinical psychologists at VCU Massey Cancer Center is implementing a virtual telehealth therapeutic intervention program to treat insomnia among military members, veterans and their family members with brain cancer. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) will be used as the front-line treatment option.
A statistician at Virginia Commonwealth University has been awarded a $1.7 million grant to investigate the long-term effects of neighborhood exposures and racial segregation on cancer risk. The researcher aims to better understand how geographic and socioeconomic factors contribute to disparities in cancer incidence and mortality.
A survey of over 9,000 teachers found that they perceived more conflict with Black boys and closer relationships with white girls. The study highlights systemic racism and white privilege in the US educational system, which can impact teacher-child relationships.
Researchers Yuesheng Zhang and his team aim to understand how mutated p53 proteins regain their cancer-fighting abilities through the manipulation of interactions with peptidase D (PEPD). The goal is to develop novel treatment strategies targeting PEPD to restore antitumor properties in various forms of cancer.
A new study by VCU researcher David Chester found that aggression is not always the product of poor self-control, but rather can be the result of successful self-control to inflict greater retribution. The study argues for a more nuanced view of aggression and challenges common interventions aimed at reducing violence.
Researchers found that younger age is associated with an increased risk of heart failure in adolescent and young adult cancer survivors treated with sunitinib or sorafenib. Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of health complications and death among AYAs diagnosed with cancer, with hypertension being a common complication.
Researchers found 7 aerophones made from bird bones at the Eynan-Mallaha site, dating back to circa 12,000 years ago. The flutes imitate raptor calls, similar to those of kestrel and sparrowhawk birds hunted by Natufian people.
A study of nearly 4,000 patients with cirrhosis found that mortality rates were more than twice as high in lower-income countries compared to high-income countries. The research highlights the need for improved access to medical care and preventive measures to address liver disease.
The Medicines for All Institute will work on 14 new global health projects, reducing costs of medicines for tuberculosis, malaria, HIV, and neglected tropical diseases. With the $18.7 million grant, Medicines for All aims to improve access to low-cost medications for people living with these diseases.
Researchers have discovered DNA methylation markers in newborn blood that may indicate a higher risk of developing schizophrenia later in life. The study, published in Molecular Psychiatry, used statistical analysis and compared results to adult brain samples to validate findings.
Scientists discovered that deleting a protein called sphingosine kinase 2 (SphK2) reprograms the tumor microenvironment, decreasing S1P levels and increasing p53 tumor suppressor gene accumulation. This creates an inhospitable environment for aggressive breast tumors.
Corneal graft rejection can be as high as 10% due to poor patient compliance with medications, which require frequent eyedrop administrations. Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University developed nanoparticles to encapsulate eye medication, decreasing graft rejection while requiring fewer and smaller doses. The approach reversed s...
The pediatric death rate in the US sharply rose between 2019 and 2021, offsetting years of progress in medicine and public health. The alarming spike is primarily due to deaths from homicide, accidental drug overdoses, motor vehicle accidents, and suicide among those ages 10-19.
Researchers at VCU Massey Cancer Center found that simultaneous activation of Prdm16 and Smad4 proteins slows down pancreatic cancer progression. The study suggests a novel therapeutic approach to tackle this deadly disease.
A recent study analyzing 177 mass shooters found that social isolation was the most important external indicator leading up to attacks. The researchers suggest that addressing social isolation could be an ideal target for interventions at both individual and societal levels.
Researchers at VCU Massey Cancer Center have discovered a novel combination therapy that dramatically suppresses the growth of AML cells, including those resistant to venetoclax. The dual mTORC1/2 inhibitors synergistically enhance AML cell death when paired with venetoclax.
Researchers at VCU Massey Cancer Center discovered the inactivation of NF1 as a potential genetic driver for pancreatic cancer. The study suggests that targeting NF1 could create vulnerabilities for therapeutic advantage in mutant KRAS-bearing tumors.
Researchers at VCU Massey Cancer Center have found strong evidence for testing a novel drug in liver cancer treatment. MDA-9 inhibition may be an effective approach for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), with potential synergies with other therapeutics.
Researchers at VCU Massey Cancer Center have identified a new therapeutic target for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), a more aggressive and deadly form of disease. Using CRISPR/CAS9 screening, scientists pinpointed the UBA1 enzyme as an ideal target, which can be inhibited by the novel drug TAK-243 to effectively kill cancer cells.
A new study has uncovered a previously unknown genetic process that could inform the development of novel treatment options for glioblastoma (GBM), a virtually incurable brain tumor. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling pathway and long non-coding RNA molecules, such as lncEPAT, play critical roles in GBM tumorigenesis.
A VCU-led study found that evangelical Christians who sought information from their religious leaders were less likely to get vaccinated, while those who spoke with a health care provider were more likely. The study highlights the influence of faith-based and healthcare providers on vaccine decision-making.
A study of over 2,700 twin pairs found that adolescent drinking can lead to long-term physical health issues and life dissatisfaction in midlife. The research suggests that prevention strategies targeting teens with alcohol misuse may help mitigate these consequences.
Cancer patients in rural areas experience higher mortality rates and are more likely to miss radiation appointments, leading to poorer overall survival. The study suggests that targeted support programs like patient navigation can help reduce disparities in cancer care.
Researchers at VCU Massey Cancer Center have discovered a new target for treating high-risk neuroblastoma, a deadly pediatric cancer. A novel compound called SHP099 has shown promising results in shrinking tumors and killing cancer cells.
A recent study by Virginia Commonwealth University researchers found that mindfulness in workplace interactions can bring about a more harmonious and healthy organization. The study explores how individuals bring mindfulness to work and its effects on relationships and group outcomes.
Researchers found that participants who were more aggressive towards outgroup members exhibited greater activity in the brain's reward circuitry. This suggests that frontostriatal mechanisms play a significant role in motivating aggression towards outgroup members.
A recent scientific review suggests that the oral microbiome may hold key answers to pancreatic cancer development, diagnosis, and treatment. The study found a distinct association between oral microbiome patterns and pancreatic tumors, with certain disease-driving bacteria identified in both.
Researchers identified five daily workplace experiences that impact creative performance, including ideal days, crisis days, and toxic or disengaged days. Understanding and managing these experiences is crucial for companies to develop a distinct competitive advantage.
A new study found that cancer patients currently undergoing treatment are more likely to believe false information about COVID-19, while those no longer in treatment are less vulnerable. This is due to heightened anxiety and increased information seeking, which can impact their critical thinking abilities.
A new study by Virginia Commonwealth University researchers finds that triplatin is effective against triple negative breast cancer with high sulfated glycosaminoglycans (sGAG) levels. The drug accumulates inside cancer cells, causing damage and slowing tumor growth.
A VCU-led study surveyed 216 dental faculty members, assessing personal and work-related burnout, resiliency, and loneliness. The study found average scores for burnout and loneliness, highlighting the need for dental schools to provide education, training, and incentives to reduce burnout and increase resilience among faculty.
A study found that many Medicaid-enrolled women in Virginia were unaware of dental pregnancy benefits, despite comprehensive coverage enacted in 2015. The survey revealed significant gaps in oral health knowledge among reproductive-age women by insurance status, with Medicaid-enrolled women facing barriers to care at higher rates.
Researchers investigated social distancing behavior among university students worldwide and found that confidence in one's ability to protect themselves and others was crucial for change. The most effective public health messaging emphasized the protection of social distancing as an action people could easily carry out.
A VCU study found that people with advanced liver scarring caused by obesity and diabetes are dying from liver disease, underscoring the need for new treatments. The research provides a roadmap for future therapies to prevent liver transplants and save lives.
Researchers at VCU used fMRI to examine brain activity of couples experiencing intimate partner aggression, finding a unique brain signature in the medial prefrontal cortex. The study also found that blunted activity in this region predicted real-world acts of intimate partner violence.
A VCU study found that 4 out of every 5 COVID-19 survivors regain their sense of smell and taste within six months, with younger adults more likely to recover. Those with nasal congestion are more likely to recover their sense of smell, while those with head injuries or shortness of breath have a lower likelihood.
The VCU Massey Cancer Center has established a Translational Research Center in Lung Cancer Disparities (TRACER) to address racial disparities in lung cancer. TRACER will investigate the interaction between stress, smoking, and gene expression to raise lung cancer risk in Black men.
A genome-wide association study has identified 579 locations in the genome linked to self-regulation disorders, including addiction and child behavioral problems. The study found a significant genetic risk score that predicts various life outcomes, such as education levels, obesity, and opioid use disorder.
Black, Hispanic, Indigenous and Asian Americans remain underrepresented in pancreatic cancer clinical trials, despite federal mandates. The lack of diversity hurts patients and science alike, with racial and ethnic minorities accounting for a disproportionate burden of pancreatic cancer cases.
Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University have discovered a way to manipulate zinc's chemical properties, creating a +3 oxidation state that alters its fundamental behavior. This breakthrough could lead to the synthesis of novel materials with tailored properties for various industries.
A study by Virginia Commonwealth University found that cancer patients reported lower rates of marijuana use between 2013 and 2018, with only 9% using the substance. Higher pain levels and certain demographics were linked to increased marijuana use in this population.