Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University have discovered that certain antidepressants, known as FIASMAs, can halt the growth or kill four different intracellular bacterial pathogens. These drugs target cholesterol trafficking in cells, bypassing direct bacterial targeting and potentially providing an alternative to antibiotics.
Research led by Virginia Commonwealth University links e-cigarette use among young adults with childhood abuse or neglect. The study explores the potential role of impulsivity in this relationship and highlights the need for prevention and intervention efforts targeting vulnerable populations.
A new study found that college students' perception of how much their peers are drinking is a key predictor of whether they will increase their alcohol use. The study examined genetic risk, roommates' drinking habits, and peer perceptions to find that the most influential factor was students' perception of peer drinking habits.
Researchers found that a warming winter climate has led to a 41% increase in woody vegetation on protected areas, altering the rate of marsh to upland conversion and accelerating island erosion. The study provides new insights into the ecological and geomorphic processes occurring on Virginia's barrier islands.
Researchers found that mda-7/IL-24 reduces the expression of an enzyme called DICER, which processes microRNAs for specific cellular functions. This effect occurs only in cancer cells and provides potential therapeutic targets for cancer treatment.
Researchers used virtual focus groups on Facebook to understand attitudes and behaviors towards HPV vaccination in rural and urban areas. They found that parents in rural areas were more likely to use emotional language and biology-related words, suggesting a need for targeted messaging campaigns.
A new study by Virginia Commonwealth University found that Pinterest is a valuable tool for coping with chronic pain, sharing self-care tips, and supporting others. The platform also has potential as an underutilized resource for health care organizations to share high-quality information.
Researchers at VCU have developed a technique to observe subtle changes in clusters of matter, shedding light on their catalytic properties and potential applications in drug discovery. This breakthrough enables the study of molecules on nanoclusters in real-time, revealing fast-paced configuration and position changes.
A new study by Virginia Commonwealth University and Lund University in Sweden found that children of parents with alcohol use disorder are more likely to get married at younger ages and less likely to marry at older ages. They are also more likely to marry a person who has alcohol use disorder themselves.
A team of researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University has gained the clearest view yet of a patch of cell membrane and its components, revealing an unexpected hexagonal structure. This discovery opens up new possibilities for pharmaceutical research, particularly in targeting medical drugs that interact with cell membranes.
Researchers at VCU are testing a vaccine that blocks heroin and fentanyl effects in patients with opioid use disorder. The vaccine prompts the immune system to generate anti-opioid antibodies, preventing drug molecules from crossing the blood brain barrier.
Researchers have identified Toll-like receptor 3 as a new target for treating pulmonary hypertension by increasing its levels through high-dose RNA stimulation, potentially reducing inflammation and cell death in the lungs.
Scientists have developed a first-of-its-kind model of immune responses in cellular immunotherapies, such as stem cell transplantation and CAR T-cell therapies. This breakthrough research aims to personalize treatments and reduce complications like graft-versus-host disease. The model has the potential to identify optimal donors for tr...
A stage four sarcomatoid kidney cancer patient has achieved complete response to immunotherapy treatment, marking a significant breakthrough in the fight against this aggressive form of cancer. Researchers are now recruiting patients with sarcomatoid kidney cancer in clinical trials with checkpoint inhibitors.
Researchers are investigating how a gene that regulates estrogen and neurotransmitter levels could be tied to cognitive decline in patients undergoing chemotherapy. The study aims to understand the underlying factors of treatment-related cognitive dysfunction, also known as chemo brain.
Researchers at VCU Massey Cancer Center identified the enzyme cyclophilin A as a potential target for treating breast cancer. By inhibiting this enzyme, they were able to slow or halt the growth of breast cancer cells. The discovery builds on previous work and holds promise for rapid development of novel therapies.
A new study found that an experimental drug called AZ32 selectively sensitizes brain tumors to radiation, extending the survival of mouse models with human glioblastoma multiforme. The combination therapy forced GBM cells to undergo mitotic catastrophe, leading to cell death.
Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University have created a new approach to synthesize metal-based superatoms that can effectively move charges while maintaining structural stability. This innovation could lead to the development of more efficient batteries and better semiconductors, essential components of computerized devices.
A novel combination of an epigenetic drug and a BCL-2 inhibitor has been identified as a promising target to reverse the development of high-risk neuroblastoma. The study found that this combination increases cell differentiation, allowing cancer cells to mature normally, making them more vulnerable to treatment.
Researchers found that participants with higher levels of mindfulness reported less distress from being excluded and showed reduced brain activity in areas associated with physical and social pain. Mindfulness may provide a solution to the painful effects of social rejection.
Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University have discovered a mechanism that protects glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) stem cells from programmed cell death. The study found that protective autophagy is regulated by the gene MDA-9/Syntenin, and inhibiting this process can lead to cancer cell death.
Scientists developed a high-speed microscopy platform that can measure tumor sensitivity to drugs in hours, rather than days, and has shown promising results in treating melanoma
A recent study published in JCI Insight suggests that analysis of microbial DNA and RNA can predict hospitalizations for patients with cirrhosis with high accuracy. The researchers found that these analyses can identify beneficial bacteria and detect pathogenic bacteria, which are linked to inflammation and infection.
Researchers have identified two genes, PIAS1 and IRF8, that play a crucial role in regulating the replication of Epstein-Barr virus. By understanding how these genes interact with the virus, scientists may develop new treatments for cancer types associated with EBV infection.
Researchers found that standard practices for comparing cervical cancer radiation therapy treatments may be misleading. A new mathematical formula could improve outcomes by providing more accurate predictions and personalization of treatment plans.
A recent study found a genetic relationship between hCMV reactivation and GVHD, suggesting personalized antiviral treatments could reduce complications in stem cell transplant patients. Researchers sequenced the DNA of 77 donors and recipients, identifying similarities between hCMV peptides and those expressed in GVHD-affected tissue.
A VCU-led study found that individuals who exhibit sadistic tendencies are more likely to seek revenge against those who have wronged them. The research identified a multidimensional link between physical aggression, impulsivity, and aggressive pleasure in relation to revenge-seeking behavior.
A new nanomapping technology combines high-speed atomic force microscopy with a CRISPR-based chemical barcoding technique to map DNA nearly as accurately as DNA sequencing. The technology can process large sections of the genome at a much faster rate, using parts found in DVD players.
Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University have designed solid-state electrolytes that are as conductive as their liquid counterparts while being very stable. This breakthrough could enable the creation of safer and more powerful lithium-ion batteries.
Researchers found that neratinib can block the function of Ras oncogenes through an unexpected process, killing non-small cell lung cancer cells resistant to afatinib. The study also discovered that neratinib triggers a seismic event in the plasma membrane, rapidly reducing expression of mutated K- and N-Ras genes.
A Swedish national adoption study found that children of divorced parents are more likely to get divorced due to genetic factors, not environmental influences. The study suggests that targeting basic personality traits linked to divorce may be a better approach for therapists.
Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University have discovered a stable tri-anion particle, made of boron and beryllium and cyanogen, which could be used in aluminum ion batteries. The discovery was recognized as a VIP paper by Angewandte Chemie and has potential applications in various industries.
Researchers at VCU Massey Cancer Center have found a potential cure for colon cancer by targeting the gene CtBP with a drug called HIPP, which reduces pre-cancerous polyps by half and increases mouse lifespan. This breakthrough may also extend to other cancers depending on the same mechanism.
Researchers discovered a mechanism that makes lung cancer cells dependent on mutated versions of the p53 gene, opening the potential for new treatments. They also showed that ChK1 inhibitors could effectively stop cancer cell multiplication in patients with gain of function p53 mutations.
A recent study by Virginia Commonwealth University researchers has challenged traditional views of human papilloma virus (HPV) in HPV-related head and neck cancers. The study found that most HPV-related head and neck cancers have episomal HPV, not integrated HPV, which is associated with better treatment outcomes.
A novel combination of sorafenib and pemetrexed showed promise in a phase 1 clinical trial, with 61% of patients experiencing tumor growth delay. The therapy was particularly active in breast cancer patients, with one complete response and multiple partial responses.
Researchers have uncovered a novel function of the gene PLK1 that promotes prostate cancer cell migration and metastasis through epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). This discovery challenges previous understanding and highlights new potential targets for cancer therapies.
Researchers at VCU have developed computer models that can simulate the recovery of the immune system in patients undergoing stem cell transplants. The models use DNA sequencing and matrix mathematics to predict which patients may suffer complications such as graft-versus-host-disease.
Researchers at VCU Massey Cancer Center have developed a combination therapy that targets the MYCN and BCL2 proteins to kill neuroblastoma cells. The therapy, which uses investigational drugs ABT-199 and MLN8237, shows promising results in laboratory experiments and advanced mouse models.
Researchers at VCU Massey Cancer Center describe how p53 gene mutations activate mTORC1, leading to abnormal cell proliferation. The study identifies a potential target for existing drug pemetrexed, which may have greater clinical utility against cancers with p53 dysfunction.
Researchers at VCU Massey Cancer Center found that depleting CHD4 protein makes AML cells more susceptible to chemotherapy agents, reducing DNA damage repair and tumor-forming properties.
Researchers developed a novel model to predict the amount of nicotine emitted from e-cigarettes, achieving up to 90% accuracy. The study found that higher voltage devices paired with high-nicotine liquids can deliver more nicotine than traditional cigarettes.
Massey researchers have identified three patterns of lymphocyte recovery following stem cell transplantation that are significantly associated with clinical outcomes. The study found Group B patients experienced the best clinical outcomes, while Groups A and C had poorer survival rates. The discovery builds on previous research into th...
Researchers at VCU Massey Cancer Center have found a promising combination of an experimental drug and common antibiotic Minocycline to target pancreatic cancer cells. The synergistic effect of the two drugs eliminated Stat3 expression, a key protein regulating tumor growth.
Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University have synthesized a powerful new magnetic material containing iron, cobalt, and carbon atoms, which can store information up to 790 kelvins. This material has long-range magnetic order and rivals the properties of permanent magnets, potentially reducing dependence on rare earth elements.
A recent study found that women in states without Medicaid expansion are less likely to receive breast and cervical cancer screenings compared to those in expanding states. The disparity is significant, with uninsured women facing a 7.9% lower rate of mammograms and a 4.9% lower rate of Pap tests.
Researchers developed a unique approach using microscopic gas bubbles to deliver directly to cancer cells a viral gene therapy in combination with an experimental drug. The treatment strategy used a novel 'cancer terminator virus' and demonstrated enhanced prostate cancer cell death while sparing healthy cells in preclinical experiments.
Researchers analyzed saliva of cirrhosis patients to predict inflammasions and hospitalization, revealing a new target for research. The study found that oral microbiota reflects changes in gut microbiota in cirrhosis with hepatic encephalopathy.
A study by Virginia Commonwealth University researchers has found a biological clue that may help explain why some drinkers develop a dependence on alcohol. The discovery could lead to the development of more effective drugs to combat alcoholism.
Penta-graphene, a two-dimensional carbon allotrope composed exclusively of pentagons, has been discovered to possess high strength, thermal stability, and unusual properties. The material's unique structure inspired by the Cairo tiling may have applications in various fields.