A team of neuroscientists and engineers has developed a tiny, implantable device that can detect overactivity in the bladder and use light to tamp down the urge to urinate. The device works in laboratory rats and may one day help people with incontinence or frequent urination needs.
A study suggests that older adults with newly diagnosed heart failure can continue to drink moderate amounts without worsening their condition. Moderate drinkers had an average survival benefit of over a year longer than abstainers.
Researchers have identified a single mutation in the MAPT gene as the culprit behind inherited frontotemporal dementia, leading to impaired communication between brain neurons and neurodegeneration. The study offers new potential treatment targets for both this condition and Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers identified a suite of genes that must be turned off for axons to regenerate in peripheral nerves after injury. To regrow, neurons must transition back to an immature state and re-engage developmental programs. The study provides evidence for the idea that cells must become less mature to regenerate.
Researchers at WashU Medicine have designed a 'flight data recorder' for developing cells, revealing the paths they take as they progress from one type to another. This tool has potential to boost regenerative medicine by guiding skin cells into new liver cells and may also be applied in cancer research.
A recent study identified a gene that regulates alcohol metabolism and found associations between this gene and risk for depression and other psychiatric disorders. The study also discovered different variants in the same gene affect risk levels in European and African populations.
Researchers used diffusion tensor imaging to assess white matter health and found that individuals who went on to experience cognitive decline had significantly more signs of damage. The study predicted cognitive decline with 89% accuracy, rising to 95% when focusing on specific brain areas.
Researchers discovered that lab-grown kidney cells can contain rogue brain and muscle cells, making them imperfect models for human kidneys. However, they found a way to prevent most of these off-target cells from forming, which could accelerate progress in developing better treatments for kidney disease.
Researchers identified 90 genetic points associated with increased risk for both cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer's, including genes involved in lipid metabolism. The study found that targeting these genes may help lower Alzheimer's risk by managing cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Studies in mice with psoriasis-like conditions found that stiff blood vessel walls trapped cholesterol, promoting plaques and increasing cardiovascular risk. Neutralizing a specific immune cell type reduced collagen density and cholesterol deposits, suggesting a preventable link between autoimmune diseases and heart disease.
Researchers found that relapsed leukemia cells have reduced expression of genes involved in immune recognition, making them invisible to the immune system. Interferon gamma has been shown to turn back on these hidden immune markers, suggesting a potential therapeutic approach for AML patients who relapse after transplantation.
A new study found that while formula and breast milk encourage similar bacteria growth in infants' digestive tracts, the bacteria work differently. Breastfed babies' microbiomes compensate for protein levels by increasing amino acid synthesis, whereas formula-fed babies produce a distinct set of amino acids.
Researchers discover cerebellum's involvement in higher-order cognition, including attention, thinking, planning, and decision-making. The cerebellum was found to be responsible for quality control over thoughts and actions, with 80% of its networks devoted to these functions.
A new study has found that women with higher BMIs are more than twice as likely to develop colorectal cancer before age 50. The researchers estimate that around 22% of these cases could have been prevented if participants had a normal BMI between 18.5-24.9.
A new study links scoliosis to the body's inability to utilize the essential dietary mineral manganese. Children with severe scoliosis are twice as likely to carry a gene variant that makes it hard for their cells to take in and use manganese, which is required for growing bones and cartilage.
Researchers developed an implantable device that delivers electrical pulses to damaged peripheral nerves in rats, promoting nerve regeneration and recovery. The device lasts about two weeks before being absorbed into the body, providing a continuous boost to the healing process.
Researchers found that viruses like West Nile and Zika can kill neurons in the gut, disrupting bowel movement and causing intestinal blockages. The study provides clues to sudden onset of digestive woes and potentially points to a new strategy for preventing such conditions.
A new study from Washington University School of Medicine found that consuming one to two drinks four or more times per week increases the risk of premature death by 20%, compared to drinking three times a week or less. This increased risk was consistent across age groups and outweighed potential benefits in cardiovascular health.
Researchers developed a new MRI technique that analyzes overlooked data to reveal brain cell density and connectivity. This may aid in diagnosing brain conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, and autism.
Researchers found that a single mutation in TB bacteria makes them resistant to antibiotics and elicits a weaker immune response, leading to higher mortality rates. The study suggests that the same approach may not work for drug-resistant TB strains.
A DNA-based analysis can predict likelihood of disease recurrence in MDS patients after a stem cell transplant, helping doctors guide treatment decisions. The test identifies mutations before and after transplantation to detect residual cancer cells.
A natural plant compound called FR900359 has been identified as a potential treatment for uveal melanoma, shutting down the overactive signaling that drives cell growth. The compound traps G alpha q in its inactive state, preventing tumor cell growth and potentially reversing cancer-like changes.
A large genomic analysis has linked certain DNA mutations to a high risk of relapse in estrogen receptor positive breast cancer, while other mutations were associated with better outcomes. The study identified three genes - DDR1, PIK3R1 and NF1 - with relatively uncommon mutations that were associated with cancer recurrence and spreading.
Scientists have detected signs of Alzheimer's disease in the eyes of patients who showed no symptoms, using a non-invasive technique called optical coherence tomography angiography. The study found that patients with elevated levels of Alzheimer's proteins had significant thinning in the center of their retinas.
Researchers found that trehalose improves insulin sensitivity in mice by activating a gene called Aloxe3, which boosts calorie burning and reduces fat accumulation. Trehalose also has beneficial effects on the liver's metabolism, similar to fasting.
A recent study found that vagus nerve stimulation significantly improves quality-of-life measures in treatment-resistant depression patients. The therapy shows promise for individuals who don't respond to traditional antidepressants or experience only partial improvement.
Researchers found a newly discovered stem cell that controls the size of the olfactory epithelium's surface area, which regulates its development. This discovery could help explain why dogs have such a superior sense of smell due to their complex turbinate structures.
Scientists have identified genetic errors common in metastatic prostate tumors, including alterations in the androgen receptor region. The study found that about 80% of aggressive tumors had similar genetic changes, which could lead to new treatment options for patients with aggressive forms of prostate cancer.
A new study found that a bundled-payment system did not lower Medicare costs for patients hospitalized for serious medical conditions. Despite providing financial incentives, hospitals saw no significant reductions in costs, with average costs remaining largely unchanged.
Researchers have developed a new ALS therapy that extends survival and reverses signs of neuromuscular damage in mice and rats with SOD1 mutations. The investigational drug, an antisense oligonucleotide, has shown impressive effects in preclinical trials.
Researchers are testing whether drastically cutting calories twice a week can change MS symptoms. A study found that intermittent fasting reduced MS-like symptoms in mice, with changes in immune cells and gut microbiome.
Researchers have found a non-opioid drug that targets immune cells to relieve pain, providing an alternative to addictive opioid drugs. The investigational drug, EMA401, inhibits the angiotensin II type 2 receptor on macrophages, leading to pain signal transmission.
Macrophage receptors trigger intestinal contractions, leading to severe diarrhea in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. The discovery opens up new avenues for developing targeted treatments for this debilitating side effect.
A new study from WashU Medicine demonstrates that an interactive Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) can reduce depression rates and lower symptom severity in children as young as 3. The therapy program focuses on enhancing emotional development and also improves parent mental health.
Children and adolescents treated with antipsychotics for 12 weeks experience significant gains in body fat and decreased insulin sensitivity. Antipsychotic medications can be helpful but also have side effects involving fat gain and insulin resistance, important precursors to diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Researchers found that a type of immune cell called B cell lymphocytes are responsible for damaging inflammation in the heart after a heart attack. Pirfenidone, an approved lung drug, was shown to effectively reduce this inflammation and protect the heart from further damage.
A study published in Annals of Clinical and Translational Neurology found that people taking immunosuppressant drugs are less likely to develop Parkinson's disease. Corticosteroids such as prednisone reduced the risk by 20%, while IMDH inhibitors were about one-third less effective.
Dupilumab alleviates asthma symptoms and improves lung function in moderate to severe asthma patients. The drug significantly reduced asthma exacerbations by half in some patients, with improved rates of emergency room visits and hospitalizations.
A study by Washington University School of Medicine found that people with blood type A are more likely to experience severe diarrhea caused by E. coli. Researchers identified a protein responsible for this blood-group difference, which could lead to the development of a vaccine targeting this protein.
Scientists have identified a molecular handle that chikungunya virus uses to get inside cells, which could lead to ways to prevent or treat disease caused by the virus. The researchers found that blocking this handle reduces chikungunya infection and signs of arthritis.
Aging is associated with a decline in Merkel cells, which control the itch response. Researchers identified Piezo2 as a protein that plays a role in suppressing itch, providing hope for future treatments of touch-related itching.
Scientists have discovered key steps in how bacteria eat antibiotics, transforming them into food. The findings could lead to new ways to eliminate antibiotics from land and water, slowing the spread of drug resistance. Researchers may engineer bacteria like E. coli to clean up contaminated soil and water.
Scientists have developed a new drug compound that shows promise as a future treatment for Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, an inherited neurodegenerative condition affecting peripheral nerves. The researchers found that the problem lies in mitochondria's inability to travel distances, leading to nerve atrophy and muscle loss.
A compound derived from immune cells has been found to treat psoriasis in mice, with the potential to be effective against other autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. The study suggests that the compound suppresses an inflammatory pathway that is overactive in these conditions.
A new study shows that functional connectivity MRI can detect fundamental differences in how individual brains are wired, distinguishing healthy people from those with brain diseases or disorders. The technique was found to be powerful enough to distinguish people who were extraordinarily alike.
Researchers found that a drug called nalfurafine hydrochloride can deliver itch relief by targeting kappa opioid receptors on neurons in the spinal cord, potentially treating many types of chronic itching.
Researchers found norovirus infects tuft cells, which multiply virus quickly and set off severe infections. Targeting these cells with a vaccine or drug may prevent or treat norovirus infections.
Researchers have identified genetic links between ALS and frontotemporal dementia, suggesting that treatments for one may also work for the other. The study found common genetic variations associated with both disorders, including those near the MAPT gene and BNIP1.
The Cancer Genome Atlas project has identified 300 genes that drive tumor growth and found that just over half of tumors carry genetic mutations targetable by existing therapies. The research provides unprecedented understanding of cancer's genetic basis, enabling better-informed clinical trials and future treatments.
Research at Washington University School of Medicine found that aging immune cells contribute to inflammation and abnormal blood vessel growth in macular degeneration, potentially leading to vision loss. The study identified microRNA-150 as a potential therapeutic target for preventing progression to advanced forms of the disease.