Research suggests that P53 gene mutations accumulate in blood stem cells as people age, increasing the risk of therapy-related AML. The study found nearly 50% of healthy individuals over 68 had P53 mutations, and these mutations can contribute to chemotherapy resistance.
Researchers found 26% of sporadic ALS patients carry potential mutations in known ALS genes, suggesting genetic errors contribute to significantly more cases. Mutations in multiple genes can accelerate disease onset.
Researchers found that the retina can sense infrared light when laser pulses rapidly deliver a double hit of energy, allowing the eye to detect light outside the visible spectrum. This discovery may lead to developing new tools for examining and stimulating the retina.
A new breast cancer vaccine developed at Washington University School of Medicine has shown safety and preliminary evidence of biological efficacy in patients with metastatic breast cancer. The vaccine targets a protein called mammaglobin-A, found almost exclusively in breast tissue, and primes the immune system to attack tumor cells, ...
Researchers have developed a new vaccine strategy that targets unique features of cancer cells, enabling the immune system to destroy or drive into remission tumors. The vaccines, which use samples of DNA from patient tumors and normal tissue, have shown promising results in computer simulations, cell cultures, and animal models.
Researchers found a commonly prescribed muscle relaxant may be an effective treatment for Wolfram syndrome, a devastating form of type 1 diabetes. Dantrolene blocks the enzyme calpain 2, which causes cell death in insulin-producing cells.
Researchers found eliminating orexin slowed brain plaque growth and increased sleep time in mice, indicating its potential as an Alzheimer's prevention target. The study also highlights the importance of addressing sleep abnormalities to reduce Alzheimer's risk.
Researchers found that Losartan, an angiotensin receptor blocker, is as effective as beta blockers in slowing the growth of the aorta in patients with Marfan syndrome. The study included 608 patients and showed similar rates of tears in the aorta and no difference in deaths between the two groups.
A new program has been shown to reduce asthma symptoms and hospitalizations in low-income children by training their parents over the phone. The peer coaching model, which was tested in a two-year trial, resulted in significant reductions in ER visits and hospitalizations among families with Medicaid insurance.
A study of over 43,000 children with head trauma found that falls were the most common cause of head injuries in children under 12, while assaults, sports, and car crashes were more prevalent in teenagers. The findings suggest that CT scans may be overused during diagnosis, and could help policy makers develop injury-prevention measures.
A study found that preschoolers with depression had a smaller right anterior insula, which predicts future bouts of depression. Excessive guilt in preschool years is also linked to brain changes and increased risk of recurrent depression.
Researchers found that people with one inactive copy of the NPC1L1 gene had lower LDL cholesterol levels and a 50% reduced risk of coronary heart disease. The study suggests that targeting this gene may provide protection against heart attack, but further research is needed to confirm its effectiveness.
Researchers analyzed the cat genome to understand domestication, finding changes in genes related to memory, fear, and reward-seeking. They also discovered genetic signatures associated with desirable traits such as docility and unique hair patterns.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has provided $26 million in funding to continue and expand the DIAN-TU trial, a large-scale clinical trial aimed at identifying drugs to stop or slow Alzheimer's disease. The trial is focused on dominantly inherited forms of Alzheimer's disease and will test two treatments in patients with inheri...
A new therapy combining computer-based cognitive training and d-cycloserine has shown promise in helping patients with tinnitus better cope with the condition. The study found that patients who received the treatment experienced greater improvements in daily life compared to those who took a placebo.
Research from scientists at Washington University School of Medicine found that scratching causes the brain to release serotonin, which intensifies itch sensation. Blocking serotonin's communication with nerve cells may help break the itch-scratch cycle.
Researchers found that beneficial immune cells originate in the embryonic heart and can promote regeneration, while harmful macrophages come from the bone marrow. Blocking the influx of bone marrow-derived macrophages protects the resident macrophages, allowing them to promote repair and reduce inflammation.
The researchers sequenced the genome of enterovirus D68 from patients treated at St. Louis Children's Hospital, enabling additional research and potential diagnostic tests. The study found that seven of nine patients with the D68 strain had severe disease requiring ICU admission.
A recent study published in Nature Neuroscience found that digoxin, a medication used to treat heart failure, may have a strong effect on treating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) by blocking an enzyme that destroys nerve cells. The research suggests that reducing the activity of this enzyme or limiting its production can prevent th...
Researchers successfully converted adult human skin cells into medium spiny neurons, a subtype of brain cells affected in Huntington's disease. The newly generated cells survived and functioned like native cells in the mouse brain, demonstrating a promising approach for treating the disease.
Research at Washington University School of Medicine found that 2-5% of people over 40 and 70 have genetic mutations linked to leukemia and lymphoma. These mutations may be a precursor to blood cancers but do not guarantee development of the diseases.
Researchers discovered that chronic inflammation caused by metal allergy can promote the development of rare and aggressive skin cancers like Marjolin's ulcer. The study suggests that patients with metal implants near the skin may need to be monitored for this type of inflammation.
A new study found that providing free contraception and education on various methods significantly reduced teen pregnancies, births, and abortions. Among participants, 72% opted for long-acting forms like IUDs or implants, leading to a 34-per-1,000 pregnancy rate among teens compared to 158.5 in 2008.
Researchers redesigned a molecule to control immune cell activity, changing its target and altering the effects of its signal. This new approach may let scientists selectively block the bad signals that cause or contribute to disease, enhancing good signals that defend against cancer and infections.
A recent study found that healthy individuals carry an average of five types of viruses on their bodies, with some individuals harboring up to 15 viruses. The researchers discovered seven families of viruses, including strains of herpes viruses not associated with sexually transmitted infections.
New research reveals schizophrenia to be a group of eight genetically distinct disorders, each with its own set of symptoms. The study analyzed genetic influences on over 4,000 people with schizophrenia and identified distinct gene clusters that contribute to the condition.
A new study found that people with asthma have a similar immune response to respiratory viruses as those without asthma, suggesting another aspect of the immune system is at play. The researchers compared the key immune response to viruses in the lungs and breathing passages, finding no significant differences.
Researchers developed algorithms to visualize and predict weak spots in tendons, muscles, and bones prone to tearing or breaking. The new algorithms are 1,000 times more accurate than older methods at quantifying large strains near tiny cracks and tears.
Researchers found that monthly transfusions reduced the risk of silent strokes and subsequent brain damage in children with sickle cell anemia. The treatment, which raises circulating blood levels and lowers sickled cells, also decreased the occurrence of painful crises.
Researchers found that mice lacking specific vascular system proteins developed normally but healed poorly from injuries. Increasing FGF signaling may improve wound healing, while inhibiting it in the eye could help patients with age-related macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have identified a potential new class of drugs, histone deacetylase inhibitors, that can dissolve kidney stones by reducing calcium and magnesium levels in the urine. The study shows promising results using small doses of two specific drugs, Vorinostat and trichostatin A.
A study published in PNAS reveals that premature infants' gut microbiota assemble in a predetermined order, with the pace of assembly slowing down as gestational age increases. The research found that environmental factors influenced the pace but not the order of bacterial colonization.
Researchers found that excess uric acid can disrupt normal metabolism, leading to the development of metabolic syndrome. A new study suggests that diet and fructose consumption may contribute to high uric acid levels, which can cause inflammation and oxidative stress in the body.
Researchers have developed a method to grow human GI cells from patient tissue in as little as two weeks, creating over 65 cell lines. This breakthrough enables the study of individual patients' underlying problems and can be used to test new treatments.
A study found that retinoblastoma protein is less active in male brain cells, leading to higher brain tumor rates and poorer survival rates. The researchers believe this discovery could lead to more effective therapies and treatments.
Research finds that stricter math and science graduation requirements in US high schools are associated with higher dropout rates, especially among certain demographic groups. The study suggests a 'one-size-fits-all' approach to educational policies may not be ideal, as different groups respond differently to increased academic rigor.
A new study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that depressed preschoolers are more likely to suffer from depression in elementary and middle school years. The researchers followed 246 children and found that those diagnosed with depression as preschoolers were 2.5 times more likely to develop the condition later on.
Scientists found mutations in the PfHAD1 protein, which normally slows down isoprenoid synthesis. This discovery is relevant for other infectious diseases like tuberculosis and bacterial infections.
Researchers propose a new strategy for preventing age-related diseases, focusing on treating metabolic and molecular causes. They suggest lifestyle interventions such as personalized diets and exercise programs to delay chronic disease onset.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have identified a group of proteins that program common type of brain nerve cell to connect with another type of nerve cell. This finding is an important step forward in understanding the causes of intellectual disability and autism by learning how developing brain is built.
A study published in Nicotine & Tobacco Research found that cigarette smokers are more likely to commit suicide than non-smokers. Implementing higher taxes on cigarettes and stricter smoking policies led to a 15% decline in suicide rates relative to the national average.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have discovered a potential target for malaria drug development by identifying a key protein involved in the parasite's protein secretion process. Disrupting this protein, heat shock protein 101 (HSP101), prevents the parasite from secreting its proteins into the red blood cell.
Researchers have uncovered mutations in a cell-signaling pathway that plays a role in forming tumors. These genetic changes may expand treatments for patients, as drugs targeting some of these pathways are already available or in clinical trials.
A nationwide clinical trial is being conducted to determine whether a commonly used probiotic can safely and effectively treat infants and toddlers with acute gastroenteritis. The five-year study will involve approximately 900 children at various medical centers, assessing symptoms and health outcomes over multiple months.
Researchers found that triple-negative breast cancer tumors rely on an antiviral pathway driving inflammation, which can be treated with JAK inhibitors. Patients missing both p53 and ARF genes may benefit from these anti-inflammatory drugs.
Researchers analyzed tweets from a popular marijuana account and found that 82% of recipients were under 19 years old, with 54% aged 17-19. The study highlights the need for discussion about pro-drug messages on social media platforms and their potential impact on vulnerable youth.
A new study shows that specific immune system signals repel a common parasite but also cause a dormant herpes virus to become active again in mice. The findings highlight complex interactions between infectious agents and the immune system, which can lead to unexpected consequences.
Researchers have found a consistent pattern of gene expression associated with tumor spreading in mice, which was also found in human oral cancer samples. A transcriptional signature predicting metastatic disease was identified with about 93% accuracy.
Scientists have discovered that a defect in the huntingtin gene impairs mitochondria, leading to brain cell death in Huntington's disease. The study found that brain cells rely heavily on their mitochondria, making them vulnerable to disruption.
A study found that genetic variations common in African Americans increase risk of bleeding and death, while Caucasians with a different variant are at higher risk of repeat heart attacks and death. These variations affect the way people metabolize clopidogrel, a blood-thinning drug commonly prescribed after a heart attack.