A new study shows that females vaccinated before pregnancy and infected with Zika virus while pregnant bear pups who show no trace of the virus. Two vaccines provided substantial protection against Zika infection, reducing viral genetic material in fetuses and placentas.
A twin study found that genetics play a major role in how children look at the world and their preference for gazing at people's eyes and faces. The study suggests that genes can modify a child's life experience, influencing visual behavior.
A new study suggests that certain viruses in the intestines may affect a person's chance of developing Type 1 diabetes. Children with less diverse gut viral communities are more likely to generate self-destructive antibodies, while those carrying a specific circovirus group are less likely to develop the disease.
A study found that disrupting one night of sleep in healthy adults causes an increase in amyloid beta, a brain protein associated with Alzheimer's disease. A week of poor sleep also leads to an increase in tau protein, which has been linked to brain damage in Alzheimer's and other neurological diseases.
Researchers at WashU Medicine found that hydroxychloroquine effectively blocks viral transmission to the fetus, protecting it from Zika infection. The study used mouse models to demonstrate that suppressing autophagy promotes Zika virus survival and infection in the placenta.
A new study from Washington University School of Medicine links popular heartburn drugs to an increased risk of death, particularly among those using the medications for extended periods. The research found that users of proton pump inhibitors had a 25% higher risk of death compared to those taking H2 blockers.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have discovered clues to how respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes disease. The study reveals that a specific protein, NS1, interferes with the body's ability to fight off RSV, potentially leading to new targets for vaccine or treatment development.
A new study from Washington University School of Medicine has found that a molecular decoy can target and reduce E. coli bacteria in the gut, reducing the risk of UTIs. The treatment, known as mannoside, works by binding to the bacteria's pilus, allowing it to be flushed out with urine.
A study of predominantly African-American women found that decreases in vaginal microbiome diversity between the first and second trimesters are associated with preterm birth. Researchers hope to design targeted therapies focused on the microbiome to prevent early delivery.
Trehalose boosts autophagy in macrophages, allowing them to reduce atherosclerotic plaque. The study shows promise for treating atherosclerosis and other metabolic conditions.
A new study published in The Lancet found that ketamine does not reduce postoperative pain or prevent delirium, but may cause hallucinations and nightmares in older patients. Researchers evaluated 672 surgery patients and found no significant effect of ketamine on postoperative pain or delirium.
A new study from WashU Medicine shows that stroke patients can regain some control over their paralyzed hands using a brain-computer interface. After 12 weeks of therapy, participants' scores increased an average of 6.2 points on a scale measuring motor skills.
Researchers have developed a photoacoustic imaging technology that can produce detailed images of cells, allowing for more accurate assessment of tumor margins during surgery. The goal is to speed up the process and enable real-time feedback to surgeons, reducing the need for second surgeries.
A new biomarker, GDF15, has been identified as a potential predictor of vision loss in glaucoma patients. The biomarker, which measures stress to cells rather than cell death, was found to be elevated in mice and humans with glaucoma, correlating with disease severity.
Scientists rewired mouse stem cells using CRISPR to produce biologic anti-inflammatory drugs that protect joints and tissues from chronic inflammation. The engineered cells can sense TNF-alpha and release a protective drug to combat inflammation.
A recent study found that qualified female scientists were disproportionately overlooked by organizing committees at neuroimmunology conferences in 2016. Despite having published high-impact papers recently, women were less likely to be invited as speakers compared to their male counterparts. The study highlights the need for more wome...
A team of scientists has discovered an antibody that can measure tau levels in the blood, which accurately reflects brain damage. This breakthrough could lead to a non-invasive test for tau-based diseases, monitoring disease progression, and measuring treatment effectiveness.
Researchers will create a software program that integrates MRI scans with navigational systems to build personalized 3-D maps of brain functions and anatomy.
A recent study published in Molecular Psychiatry found no significant connection between a serotonin gene variant and depression risk when exposed to stress. The research, which analyzed data from over 40,000 people, suggests that previous conclusions on the link were overstated and may have been replicated without true effect.
A new study found that a type of vaginal bacteria, Gardnerella vaginalis, can trigger recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) by damaging bladder cells and allowing E. coli to multiply. The researchers suggest that this may be why some women experience UTIs after having sex.
Researchers found a link between partial loss of the ANGPTL3 gene and lower cholesterol levels, as well as a reduced risk of coronary artery disease and heart attack. The study suggests that inhibiting ANGPTL3 could lead to new therapies for preventing heart attacks.
Researchers analyzed proteins in breast tumors and found multiple protein targets that could respond to drugs, including PI3K inhibitors and mTOR inhibitors. The study also identified potential benefits for HER2 positive breast cancer patients if analysis of tumor proteins is taken into consideration.
Researchers developed a custom-built microscope to study living nerve synapses, resolving events in the synapse with high precision. They found that the active zone is more like a rain shower than a single jet, with about 10 locations reused too often and a limit to how quickly these sites can be reused.
Scientists at WashU Medicine have implicated SARM1 in the self-destruction of axons, a process that leads to nerve cell damage in neurodegenerative diseases. The study suggests that blocking this pathway could slow or prevent disease progression and has implications for treating peripheral neuropathy.
Researchers at WashU Medicine discovered that mice scratch in response to seeing other mice scratch due to the release of gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP), a key transmitter of itch signals. This behavior is hardwired into the brain and not a form of empathy.
A new study suggests that performing coronary angioplasty through a wrist artery instead of the groin can improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs. The procedure saves approximately $3,700 per patient and could result in a nationwide cost savings of $300 million annually.
A recent NICU study found that preemies are exposed to noise levels higher than recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, while also lacking essential language stimulation. The researchers recommend engaging parents in providing sensory exposures to promote healthy development.
A combination of a rheumatoid arthritis drug and an antiviral targeting the chikungunya virus eliminates signs of arthritis in mice at its earliest stage. The treatment shows promise for patients with no existing treatment options, with further studies planned to investigate human efficacy.
A study found that brain connectivity patterns in newborns can predict the development of anxiety and depression. Healthy full-term babies had similar brain connection patterns to adults, while premature infants showed decreased connections between the amygdala and other brain regions, increasing the risk of early symptoms.
Enteroviruses cause millions of infections worldwide, with infant fatality rates approaching 20 percent. A new study uses a miniature gut model to reveal how these viruses enter the intestine, targeting specific cells and facilitating bloodstream entry.
The CIViC knowledgebase is an open-access resource that allows anyone to contribute information on cancer mutations. Experts in the field curate and moderate submissions, providing a valuable resource for clinicians to identify important mutations and connect genetic errors with targeted drugs.
Researchers develop antisense oligonucleotide to lower tau protein levels in mice, reversing neurological damage and improving survival. The treatment also shows promise in monkeys, suggesting a potential therapeutic approach for Alzheimer's and other tau-related diseases.
Researchers have discovered a common weak point in cancer cell metabolism, allowing them to identify drugs that block backup fuel supply routes. This strategy has shown promise against many hard-to-treat cancers, including sarcomas, and may lead to more effective treatments with fewer side effects.
A new technique allows scientists to precisely regulate protein production from genes, enabling the design and study of biological systems. This breakthrough can be used to produce desired products, such as medicines, or study disease-related genes, including those implicated in cancer.
Researchers found that persistent infections stimulate the immune system, keeping it primed and ready for future encounters. This leads to long-term immunity, but also carries risks of reactivation and disease. The study aims to design vaccines that elicit life-long immunity without sterilizing the pathogen.
Smokers with serious mental illnesses like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are motivated to quit, yet many don't receive treatment or counseling. Researchers found that only 13% of patients who wanted medication to aid quitting received it.
Welders exposed to low levels of manganese exhibit neurological symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease, including slow movement and difficulty speaking. Current OSHA safety standards may not protect workers from the dangers of welding fumes.
Scientists have detailed the structure of TREM2, a molecule implicated in Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases. The study shows that certain mutations alter the surface or internal structure of TREM2, leading to impaired function and neurodegeneration.
A worldwide clinical trial is underway to test a new investigational drug that aims to prevent and delay the onset of Alzheimer's disease. The drug, developed by Janssen Research & Development, targets the enzyme beta secretase to lower amyloid beta production.
Clinically depressed children show blunted response to rewards in brain activity, a key finding that may help explain the biological underpinnings of depression. Researchers hope this discovery can lead to new treatments and improve long-term outcomes.
Researchers found that female sex hormones activate immune cells, damaging nerves necessary for vision in children with a rare genetic disorder. Blocking these hormones or suppressing specific immune cells may help save eyesight.
Scientists identified a gene NAMPT that fuels glioblastoma growth and resistance to radiation therapy. Inhibiting NAMPT may improve treatment outcomes for most aggressive forms of the disease.
Researchers found that AML patients with TP53 mutations respond to milder chemotherapy drug decitabine, achieving remission and median survival over a year. The study suggests using targeted therapy for younger patients carrying the mutation.
Researchers have made significant progress in understanding the genetic diversity of Onchocerca volvulus, the parasite that causes river blindness. The study reveals gene flow between savanna and forest strains, with genes from the savanna strain flowing into the forest strain due to differences in climate and black fly behavior.
A new study shows that a combination of two topical drugs triggers a robust immune response against precancerous skin lesions, reducing their number by up to 88%. The therapy activates T cells to attack abnormal skin cells, offering a more effective and better-tolerated treatment alternative.
A new technique allows researchers to quickly and cheaply generate DNA variants in a particular stretch of DNA, enabling the distinction between harmless and potentially hazardous genetic variations. This technique has the potential to speed up gene catalog creation and aid clinicians in interpreting genetic mutations.
Researchers have identified a human antibody that prevents Zika virus infection in pregnant mice and protects adult mice. The antibody also prevented damage to the placenta and fetuses, suggesting it may be used to prevent Zika-related birth defects.
A study by Washington University School of Medicine researchers found that blocking the production of fat inside immune cells may prevent chronic inflammation in people with diabetes. This could have a profound impact on health and potentially lead to new treatments for cancer and other conditions.
Researchers developed a new chemical compound Fluselenamyl that detects amyloid clumps better than current FDA-approved compounds. It potentially could be used in brain scans to identify early-stage Alzheimer's disease or monitor response to treatment.
A new study suggests that Zika infection can cause testicular damage, leading to reduced fertility and low testosterone levels in male mice. The virus targets Sertoli cells, which are essential for maintaining the barrier between the bloodstream and the testes.