A new study by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine found that women with kidney cancer who have substantial abdominal fat are more likely to die within 3 1/2 years after diagnosis, while those with little belly fat tend to live longer. For men, the amount of abdominal fat does not appear to affect survival rates.
New study reveals that ultra-slow waves are not just noise in the brain, but a fundamental process that coordinates complex brain activity. The waves enhance electrical activity in areas and persist even under anesthesia, suggesting they may be linked to consciousness.
A study found that antibiotic use can increase the risk of severe West Nile disease in mice by weakening their immune response. The research suggests that antibiotics can disrupt the balance of gut bacteria, making it harder for the body to fight off viral infections.
Researchers at WashU Medicine have developed an antibody that targets APOE protein, leading to the removal of amyloid plaques from mouse brains. This breakthrough could potentially halt brain damage triggered by plaques in early stages of Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers at WashU Medicine found a direct correlation between amyloid plaques and tau protein production in the brain. Targeting tau production may lead to new treatments for Alzheimer's disease.
A new study published in JAMA Oncology found that higher doses of radiation therapy did not improve survival rates for patients with intermediate-risk prostate cancer. However, the study did show lower rates of recurrence and tumor growth in the group receiving the higher dose, which could lead to better quality of life.
A study found that gut microbes influence parasitic worm infection severity and recurrence in developing countries. The researchers identified specific gut bacteria associated with increased inflammation, which may make it harder for worms to establish themselves.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have discovered a new way to fight sepsis by boosting the immune system with a drug that increases key immune cells. The approach has shown significant and lasting improvements in patients, offering hope for improved survival rates.
Researchers at WashU Medicine have discovered a way to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs) without using antibiotics. By targeting specific sugar-protein interactions, they found that decoy molecules can trick E. coli bacteria into releasing their grip on the bladder and kidneys.
Researchers at WashU Medicine used CRISPR to engineer human T cells that can attack human T cell cancers without succumbing to friendly fire. The new approach also allows for the use of therapeutic T cells from any healthy donor, eliminating the need for a matched donor or patient's own T cells.
Researchers found that mature cells in different organs activate the same genes and undergo similar processes when dividing again, leading to potential new targets for cancer treatment. This discovery could support using universal strategies to treat or prevent cancer in various organs.
A large-scale study of genetics and smoking habits sheds new light on the complexities of controlling blood pressure, identifying potential genes of interest for new treatments. The research found surprising links between blood pressure and genes related to addiction, metabolic problems, and kidney disease.
Researchers at WashU Medicine developed a new approach to combat cervical cancer by targeting the tumor's fuel supply. A combination of radiation and three drugs that cut off glucose metabolism effectively shuts down tumor metabolism, making it vulnerable to treatment.
The Amazon molly's unique reproductive method has allowed it to thrive for millennia, defying expectations that asexual reproduction would lead to extinction. The fish's hybrid genome and high genetic diversity have enabled it to adapt to environmental changes without accumulating harmful mutations.
Scientists at WashU Medicine have transformed skin cells from patients with Huntington's disease into brain cells, allowing them to study the degenerative disorder. The resulting neurons exhibited 'symptoms' of the disease, including DNA damage and cell death, which were prevented by correcting malfunctioning genes.
A new study at WashU Medicine identified specific features of the influenza virus genome that could improve surveillance for pandemic flu. The researchers found that certain strains of the virus require similar genetic material to recombine and create a new hybrid virus.
Researchers at WashU Medicine found that temporarily shutting off neuronal signals to a healthy part of the brain may aid stroke recovery. Mice with clipped whiskers showed improved recovery of right forepaw use, while those with intact whiskers had limited improvement.
A new study from Washington University School of Medicine found that West Nile and Powassan viruses can cause brain damage and fetal death in mice, similar to Zika. The study suggests that these flaviviruses may also pose a risk to developing fetuses in humans.
A new study reveals that people with preclinical Alzheimer's disease experience significant disruptions in their internal body clocks, even after controlling for other factors. These circadian rhythm disruptions are linked to increased risk of developing the disorder and may serve as a biomarker for early detection.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have developed a novel technique using nanoparticles and light to target and kill metastatic cancer cells. The technique, which harnesses the power of chemotherapy drugs and radiation, shows promise in treating multiple myeloma and aggressive breast cancer.
Scientists have solved the puzzle of why some people with primary ciliary dyskinesia have non-functional cilia. Researchers found that mutations in non-motor proteins cause cilia to assemble incorrectly, leading to respiratory infections and other symptoms. The study offers new hope for treatment and potential screening for medications.
A study in mice suggests that West Nile virus infection can lead to persistent neurological problems due to unresolved inflammation. Targeting this inflammation with an arthritis drug may prevent some of these problems with memory.
Researchers at WashU Medicine identified a way to prevent fat cells from growing larger, leading to weight gain and obesity. By activating a specific protein pathway in mice, they found that high-fat diets did not lead to obesity.
Researchers found that mature cells can revert to a stem cell-like state, carrying accumulated mutations that predispose them to developing into precancerous lesions. This new understanding could lead to the development of treatments targeting mature cells, potentially preventing cancer recurrence.
Researchers at WashU Medicine used noninvasive radiation therapy to treat five patients with ventricular tachycardia, a life-threatening heart rhythm. The treatment resulted in a significant reduction in arrhythmia events, with some patients experiencing no episodes over the course of a year.
A large clinical trial shows that clot-busting drugs do not prevent post-thrombotic syndrome, a complication that can cause chronic limb pain and swelling. The procedure did reduce the severity of the syndrome, but with an increased risk of major bleeding.
Researchers identified a compound targeting APOE protein in mouse brains, reducing amyloid beta plaques and neurological damage. The findings suggest APOE could be a potential target for treatment or prevention of Alzheimer's disease.
A new study found that even large physician practices struggle with the new payment system, and those that don't report data face significant financial penalties. The researchers suggest improving infrastructure to support smaller practices and reducing the burden on reporting performance data.
Researchers found that CT scans and cardiac stress tests provide no information to determine whether a patient is having a heart attack, leading to unnecessary costs and extended hospital stays. The study suggests over-testing and over-treating patients with chest pain in the ER.
Cells can sense and mend damaged DNA caused by certain chemotherapy drugs. Researchers discovered a previously unknown repair complex that targets this type of damage. This finding could lead to more effective chemotherapy treatments by amplifying the killing power of existing drugs.
Researchers found that neurons' firing rates adjust based on option values, leading to adaptive judgments. The brain uses a neural circuit to correct for differences in scale, ensuring maximal payoff and rational decision-making.
A study from Washington University School of Medicine found that a defective gene linked to autism influences how neurons connect and communicate in the brain. Mice lacking this gene formed more connections, leading to difficulties in learning and social interactions.
Research found that multiple adverse experiences in early childhood are linked to depression and physical health problems in kids as young as 9-15. The study identified a potential pathway in the brain that explains how stressful experiences influence poor health.
Researchers found significant decreases in both substance-use disorders and delinquent behaviors among teens from 2003 to 2014. The study suggests that changes in adolescent behavior are driving these declines, rather than policies alone.
Researchers found that high-risk TREM2 variants can hobble the immune system's ability to protect against amyloid beta, but later in the disease, the absence of TREM2 protein protects the brain from damage. The study suggests targeting the TREM2 protein as a means of preventing or treating Alzheimer's may be complicated and that doctor...
A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that genetic testing can help set safe doses of common blood thinner warfarin. The study showed that patients who received warfarin dosing guided by their genetic makeup had a 27% reduction in adverse events, including bleeding and blood clots.
A new study shows an antibody that prevents dengue disease also protects mice from Zika. Administering the antibody soon after infection can protect fetuses from Zika-related birth defects.
Researchers have discovered that the presence of ApoE4 exacerbates brain damage caused by tau tangles, leading to neurodegeneration and memory loss. Blocking ApoE4 in the brain may prevent these effects, offering a new potential therapeutic target for Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers at WashU Medicine have identified a way to convert white fat into beige fat, a type of fat that burns calories and protects against obesity. By blocking a specific protein in white fat cells, scientists can induce the production of beige fat, leading to weight loss and improved metabolic health.
A study found that only 9% of medical schools teach their students about medical marijuana, leaving physicians-in-training unprepared to address patient questions. The research highlights a mismatch between state laws and medical education, emphasizing the need for more training on the benefits and drawbacks of medical marijuana.
Researchers at WashU Medicine convert skin cells from healthy adults into motor neurons, retaining their age and potential for studying neurodegenerative diseases. The technique eliminates ethical concerns and allows for the study of human motor neurons in the lab.
Researchers found that Zika virus can kill glioblastoma stem cells, which are resistant to standard treatments. The virus targets these cells without harming noncancerous brain cells, making it a promising potential treatment option.
Researchers developed a test that detects Zika virus presence in blood in minutes, using gold nanorods on paper. The test relies on an immune response caused by the virus and doesn't require refrigeration, making it suitable for resource-limited settings.
A clinical trial shows promise for treating Niemann-Pick type C by slowing disease progression with cyclodextrin. The study found significant improvements in gait, cognition, and speech, with half of patients experiencing no worsening or improvement in neurological severity score.
Researchers at WashU Medicine found that a specific bacterium, Lactobacillus reuteri, can induce the development of tolerance-promoting immune cells in mice when fed a tryptophan-rich diet. This could lead to relief for people with inflammatory bowel disease.
A new study shows that a particular gut microbe can prevent severe flu infections in mice by breaking down flavonoids, which are commonly found in foods like black tea and blueberries. The research identifies a specific metabolite called desaminotyrosine that enhances interferon signaling, reducing lung damage from flu infection.
Researchers used CRISPR to study dyskeratosis congenita, a rare condition that causes progressive DNA damage leading to blood cell failure. The study reveals new ways to potentially treat the disease by blocking signaling pathways involved in blood cell formation.
Researchers created high-fidelity maps of neural brain connections, revealing unique features of each individual's brain. These findings may help diagnose and treat neurological diseases such as migraines, Alzheimer's, and brain injuries.
E. coli bacteria hijack trace amounts of copper in the body to fuel growth and reproduce, a finding that could lead to new treatments for hard-to-treat UTIs. The 'nutritional passivation' strategy involves binding to metals like nickel, cobalt, and chromium to bring in controlled amounts of essential nutrients.
Researchers have developed a blood test that can detect amyloid beta plaques in the brain, a key characteristic of Alzheimer's disease. The test measures levels of three different amyloid subtypes and has been shown to be highly accurate in identifying individuals with altered levels of amyloid in their brains.