A new study published in JAMA Neurology found no significant difference in overall disability between military personnel with mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) from blast and non-blast causes. Both groups suffered moderate to severe disabilities, as well as similar rates of depression, PTSD, and cognitive impairment.
Children with rare mutations in fibrillin-1 and fibrillin-2 genes are four times more likely to develop severe scoliosis than peers with normal versions. Drugs blocking a major growth pathway may prevent scoliosis in affected children.
A study by Washington University School of Medicine links prolonged sepsis episodes to the reactivation of dormant viruses in the body. The research suggests that drugs to rev up the immune system could be incorporated into treatment for prolonged sepsis, potentially saving lives.
Scientists discovered that blocking GLUT8, a molecule carrying large amounts of fructose into liver cells, prevents fatty livers in mice. The study suggests the liver acts as a sink for processing fructose, potentially harming overall metabolic syndrome.
A nationwide survey reveals that heroin users are attracted to the drug for its lower cost and ease of use compared to prescription painkillers. The study found that most people switching to heroin began with OxyContin or other opioids, highlighting a significant shift in the US heroin market.
Researchers found that most genes from soil bacteria are not poised to contribute to antibiotic resistance in infectious bacteria. The study suggests that sharing of these genes between species is rare, and gene sharing may be driven by exposure to new antibiotics.
The new diffuse optical tomography (DOT) technology tracks brain processes in multiple regions and networks, providing a non-radiation alternative to fMRI. DOT has the potential to be helpful in many medical scenarios as a surrogate for functional MRI.
Research at Washington University School of Medicine found that vitamin D supplements had a limited benefit for asthma treatment. Patients who achieved sufficient blood levels of vitamin D showed improved asthma control, including reduced treatment failures and asthma attacks.
Scientists found that inhibiting COX-2, an immune protein causing inflammation, eliminated recurrent urinary tract infections in mice. COX-2 inhibitors, such as ibuprofen, showed promise in reducing susceptibility to repeat infections without increasing future risk.
Researchers found that antidepressant citalopram reduced amyloid beta production in mice and humans, potentially slowing Alzheimer's progression. The study suggests a possible new treatment approach for the devastating disease.
A mouse study found that NAD levels decrease with age in the brain, leading to a loss of neural stem cell function. The researchers discovered that supplementing NAD synthesis could prevent this decline, offering potential therapeutic implications.
Researchers found that females susceptible to MS produce higher levels of the blood vessel receptor protein S1PR2 than males, leading to the inflammation that causes MS. The study's findings have implications for developing new treatments, including a drug that disables S1PR2.
Researchers found that long noncoding RNAs distinguish between two major types of heart failure and change expression patterns after LVAD support. These RNA molecules may play a role in coordinating the regulation of multiple genes involved in heart function.
A new study found that cigarette smoking among obese women interferes with their ability to taste fats and sweets, making them more likely to consume high-calorie foods. The study suggests that this may contribute to the consumption of more calories, exacerbating weight-related health issues.
A new study has identified PLAC8 as a critical protein involved in the spread of colon cancer. Elevated levels of PLAC8 have been linked to abnormal cell behavior, leading to faster tumor growth and increased invasiveness.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine found three types of potentially harmful gut microbes in preterm babies who developed late-onset sepsis: E. coli, group B strep, and S. marcescens. These findings suggest new strategies to detect and prevent severe bloodstream infections in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).
Researchers at WashU Medicine are studying asymmetric hearing loss, which affects communication difficulties beyond mild disability. They aim to understand brain reorganization and develop new treatments to restore hearing in adults and children with one ear deaf and the other ear partially or fully hearing.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine found that biomarkers of neuronal injury in Alzheimer's disease decrease as symptoms of dementia appear, contrary to previous findings. This reversal suggests a slowing of cell death and may be an important criterion for assessing the success of treatment trials.
New research from Washington University School of Medicine finds that increased brain cell activity boosts brain fluid levels of tau protein, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests that brain cells may be secreting tau when they send signals, potentially leading to the spread of disease.
A new study by transplant surgeons at Washington University School of Medicine found that moving organ donors from hospitals to a regional stand-alone facility significantly reduces costs and improves efficiency. The average cost of retrieving a liver dropped 37% after the change, while travel time for surgeons was reduced from 8 hours...
Researchers found that memory T cells play a crucial role in lung transplant acceptance, suggesting that current immune-suppression strategies may contribute to organ rejection. The study aims to develop new strategies to selectively target immunosuppression in lung transplants and boost the ability of memory T cells.
A review of scientific literature indicates that depression should be added to the list of risk factors associated with heart disease. Studies found that depression increases the likelihood of having a heart attack or dying from heart disease.
Scientists at Washington University School of Medicine have identified a rare genetic disease caused by the misplacement of a normal protein, phosphotransferase. The protein ends up in the lysosomes, causing a shortage of enzymes and leading to skeletal and heart abnormalities.
A new study reveals that babies who develop leukemia during the first year of life inherit a strong genetic predisposition to the disease. The research found that infants with leukemia have an excess of damaging changes in genes linked to leukemia, which can be passed from both parents.
Scientists at WashU Medicine have developed a new approach to treating muscular dystrophy, using nanoparticles loaded with rapamycin to improve recycling of cellular waste. The treatment showed significant improvements in skeletal muscle strength and cardiac function in mice with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Researchers found that quitting smoking is associated with lower rates of mood/anxiety disorders and alcohol use disorder. The study analyzed data from over 4,800 daily smokers and found significant improvements in mental health outcomes after quitting or reducing cigarette smoking.
A new study reveals that girls with NF1 are at greater risk of vision loss from brain tumors, while boys are more vulnerable to learning disabilities. The research identifies gender-linked differences in male mice that may help explain these findings.
Scientists at Washington University School of Medicine have discovered a potent stimulator of new bone growth, which could lead to new treatments for osteoporosis. The study found that the WNT7B protein enhances bone formation through the mTOR pathway.
Researchers discovered a stem-loop structure in viral RNA that blocks host cell immune proteins, allowing viruses to evade the immune system. By altering this structure, scientists hope to develop treatments that restore natural virus-fighting capabilities and stop or slow viral infections.
A new study estimates that one in five women with ovarian cancer has an inherited genetic mutation that increases their risk of developing the disease. The research identified 222 inherited genetic variants associated with ovarian cancer, including major changes in genes critical for DNA repair and cell division.
Scientists have decoded the genome of Necator americanus, a blood-sucking parasite that infects an estimated 700 million people worldwide. The research reveals clues to how the worm invades and survives in humans, providing valuable insights for developing new diagnostic tools and vaccines.
A study in mice reveals two major pools of immune cells that promote healing and drive inflammation in the heart. Healthy hearts maintain a population of embryonic macrophages, while adult macrophages are recruited during cardiac stress, leading to inflammation. The findings provide new insights into the complex interplay between these...
Researchers discovered that brain regions synchronize their activity to make it possible for people to pay attention, with the process likened to tuning multiple walkie-talkies to the same frequency. The findings have implications for understanding attention deficits in brain injuries or strokes.
Researchers have made a significant breakthrough in understanding the mechanism of a common form of malaria. The study reveals that the parasite attaches to red blood cells using a two-step process involving two copies of a parasite protein coming together like tongs around two copies of a host protein.
Researchers have sequenced the elephant shark genome, providing new insights into bone formation and adaptive immunity. The study reveals a family of genes essential for bone development and identifies a lack of immune cells in sharks, despite robust immune responses.
Researchers found that certain brain regions exhibit enhanced gene activity levels, similar to those in young brains, allowing for the establishment of new connections. This ability may support lifelong learning and memory formation.
Researchers analyzed nearly 20,000 people with severe psychiatric illness, finding that 30% engaged in binge drinking, 75% were regular smokers, and 50% used marijuana regularly. These findings are concerning because individuals with severe mental illness tend to die younger due to health problems caused by chronic substance use.
Researchers developed a gene delivery method targeting tumor blood vessels in mice, avoiding healthy tissues. The approach uses a deactivated virus carrying a gene of interest to hijack abnormal blood vessels and alter the tumor microenvironment.
Researchers identified three types of mutations in the estrogen receptor gene ESR1 that cause resistance to hormone therapy, including gene amplification, point mutation, and translocation. These findings provide insights into how to develop targeted treatments for drug-resistant breast cancer.
Researchers found that diabetes drugs have different effects on the hearts of men and women, with metformin improving heart function in women but worsening it in men. The study suggests that sex differences play a role in how patients respond to treatments.
Researchers have identified two rare gene variants in the phospholipase-D 3 gene (PLD3) that double an individual's risk of developing late-onset Alzheimer's disease. The study found that these variants were present in affected family members but not in healthy elderly relatives, suggesting a significant role in disease development.
A recent study found that random fluctuations in brain cell activity may influence our choices when faced with equal options. The research suggests that the orbitofrontal cortex plays a key role in decision-making and that neuronal signals can be biased by random noise, leading to close calls.
Researchers found that disabling a circadian clock gene blocks the brain's antioxidant surge, allowing free radicals to cause more damage. This can lead to neurodegeneration and age-related brain cell injury, similar to Alzheimer's disease.
A study by Washington University School of Medicine found that healthy children have numerous antibiotic resistance genes in their gut microbes. The research highlights the need for responsible antibiotic use to prevent the spread of resistance and serious illness.
A new study found that the uninsured struggle to choose health insurance plans due to a lack of understanding about key terms. The research suggests that healthcare navigators can play an important role in simplifying information and improving communication to help people make informed decisions.
Researchers discovered that a protein called HDAC5 plays a crucial role in triggering the regrowth of damaged nerve cells. By activating HDAC5, scientists hope to develop treatments that enhance axon regrowth and potentially restore sensation in nerve injuries.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine are studying the quality and effectiveness of generic drugs for treating depression. They aim to determine if generic versions of bupropion HCl ER tablets work as well as brand-name Wellbutrin XL in treating depression, with a focus on safety and potential side effects.
A new study at Washington University School of Medicine found that nurturing home life can offset negative brain changes in poor children. The research suggests teaching nurturing skills to parents can provide a lifetime benefit for their children.
A recent study confirms that medication and lifestyle changes are safer and more effective at preventing stroke than surgical stenting. The study found no significant benefit of surgery in reducing the risk of new strokes or death among patients with narrowed brain arteries.
Researchers discovered 127 genes that appear to drive the development of a range of tumors in the body across 12 major cancer types. The study found common links among genes in different cancers, as well as mutations exclusive to particular cancer types.