The Human Connectome Project has released a major dataset on brain connectivity, featuring high-resolution imaging and behavioral information from 68 healthy adult volunteers. The data will enable scientists to explore relationships between brain circuits and individual behavior.
A Missouri survey found that 65% of tanning salon operators would allow children aged 10-12 to use tanning beds, despite evidence showing a link between tanning bed use and an increased risk of skin cancers. Many employees claimed no risks or benefits from indoor tanning, but these claims are false.
Scientists found that distinct niches exist in bone marrow to nurture different types of blood stem cells, which could improve the success of stem cell transplants and chemotherapy. The discovery suggests that targeting specific support cells may be therapeutic for treating certain cancers.
A new study in rats indicates that gentle brain cooling after injury may prevent seizures in humans, a finding that could lead to a safe and relatively simple way to treat patients with head injuries.
Researchers found that fragile X syndrome alters signaling in brain cells, leading to prolonged electrical surges and potential attention problems. Restoring the gene FMRP restored normal signaling.
Researchers discovered a genetic mutation in CELF6 that disrupts serotonin signaling and leads to common autism behaviors like communication difficulties and resistance to change. The findings provide new insights into the biological pathways underlying autism.
Emerging cancer drugs targeting tumor cells may also stimulate osteoclasts to tear down bone, increasing the risk of tumor spread. Researchers recommend closely monitoring patients' bone health when taking these drugs.
Surgeons have found improved surgical treatment for neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome, a condition causing pain and numbness in the shoulder and arm. Adolescents tend to do better after surgery than adults, with significant improvements in symptoms and function.
A study found that people who grew up in states with lower minimum drinking ages were more likely to binge drink later in life. The researchers tracked over 39,000 participants and found that those who lived in states with lower drinking ages were 19% more likely to binge drink monthly, especially among men who didn't attend college.
A study of young twins in Malawi reveals that dysfunctional gut microbes contribute to severe acute childhood malnutrition. The researchers found that feeding malnourished children a high-calorie, nutrient-rich food temporarily improved their gut microbiomes, but the benefits were short-lived. The findings suggest that repairing gut mi...
Researchers found a 44% drop in mortality with cefdinir and a 36% drop with amoxicillin when antibiotics were added to therapeutic food treatment. This study has changed how children are treated worldwide, providing a lifesaving impact on hundreds of thousands of children annually.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine reprogrammed eye cells to prevent degeneration and allowed mice with retinitis pigmentosa to see. The study aims to develop therapies that can alleviate many forms of visual impairment by modifying existing cells in the eye.
Researchers found that estrogen levels can affect infection susceptibility, bladder health and the inflammatory response to infection in mice with simulated menopause. Boosting estrogen levels may get a second look as an approach for reducing urinary tract infections in menopausal women.
Scientists at Washington University School of Medicine identified a mutated gene, SF3B1, in eye melanoma tumors that predict a good outcome. The mutation is found in a distinct subtype of melanomas unlikely to spread and become deadly.
A new study by Washington University School of Medicine found that children suspected of having appendicitis are more likely to receive ultrasound scans instead of CT scans at St. Louis Children's Hospital, reducing radiation exposure. Researchers aim to find ways to reduce CT imaging use without compromising patient care.
New research sheds light on the complexities of learning problems in neurofibromatosis 1 patients. The study found that both increased RAS function and reduced dopamine levels contribute to cognitive dysfunction in individuals with NF1. Developing personalized therapies is now a priority.
Research found that sickle cell patients experience a significant increase in emergency department visits and hospitalizations as they transition from childhood to adulthood. The study, which analyzed data from over 3,200 patients, showed that emergency room visits tripled between ages 15-24.
Researchers found that some women with HER2 negative breast cancer may still benefit from anti-HER2 drugs due to undetected mutations. The study identified 25 patients with HER2 mutations without amplification, and most responded well to treatment. A phase II clinical trial is now underway to test the effectiveness of these treatments.
Researchers analyzed microbial DNA in 252 stool samples to catalog genetic variation, finding over 10 million single-letter changes in collective DNA. The data could aid understanding of how human genes interact with microbes to maintain health or cause disease.
A recent study found that heavy smokers who experienced significant price hikes from increased taxes reduced their smoking by an average of 35% more than lighter smokers. This suggests that higher taxes can lead to a substantial decrease in smoking behaviors among the most heavy users, which is a positive development for public health.
A study identified a single gene, ABCA3, associated with significant cases of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in full-term babies. The researchers found that mutations in this gene account for about 10% of RDS cases and can be treated with neonatal intensive care.
Researchers have designed new drugs that inhibit excess mucus production in airway cells, a major cause of death in respiratory conditions like asthma and COPD. The drugs target the MAPK13 protein, which is involved in the mucus pathway and can reduce mucus production by 100 fold.
Researchers have identified a cell growth pathway that is unusually active in pediatric brain tumors, known as gliomas. The study suggests that tools developed to diagnose and treat NF1 may also be helpful for sporadic brain tumors.
Research found that people with diabetes who have adequate vitamin D are less likely to develop clogged arteries. In contrast, insufficient vitamin D leads to immune cells binding to blood vessels and trapping cholesterol.
The ICTS will focus on translating genetic and genomic research into patient care, developing new therapeutics, and disseminating research findings. The grant supports Washington University's strengths in genetic and genomic research and its efforts to advance clinical and translational research.
Researchers have compiled the largest human genetic variation catalog, involving over 1,000 individuals from 14 ethnic groups. The massive resource will help medical researchers find the genetic roots of rare and common diseases in populations worldwide.
A new study found that resveratrol supplementation did not improve metabolic function or prevent health problems in healthy, post-menopausal women. The study suggests that resveratrol may have a synergistic effect when combined with other compounds in red wine.
A study has found a key difference between brains of people with Alzheimer's disease and those who are cognitively normal but have brain plaques. Researchers detected smaller molecules of amyloid beta called oligomers, which were more closely correlated with dementia symptoms.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine applied Toyota's lean manufacturing process to improve stroke treatment times, reducing average door-to-needle time from 58 to 37 minutes. The new protocol eliminated inefficient steps and allowed for simultaneous patient care tasks.
Researchers found that mice exposed to a drug that increases TSLP levels are protected from developing skin tumors. Elevated TSLP also triggers an immune response that targets and destroys cancer cells. The study suggests that hyper-vigilance of the immune system may have benefits in fighting off skin cancer.
Scientists have reduced graft-versus-host disease, a life-threatening complication of stem cell transplants, by altering the circulation and trafficking of donor T-cells. The new approach maintains the therapeutic anti-leukemia effect while minimizing harm to healthy tissues.
A recent study reveals that basal-like breast tumors and ovarian tumors have similar genetic origins, suggesting potential for shared treatments. The research found unique genetic signatures within each subtype, highlighting the need for personalized cancer therapies.
Researchers found that genetic diversity in natural killer cells contributes to lung cancer susceptibility. In mice, manipulating the immune system can significantly block tumor growth. The study suggests a key role for natural killer cells in lung cancer, potentially offering new targets for therapy.
Wolfram syndrome is a rare disorder that causes diabetes, hearing and vision loss, nerve cell damage, and early death. Researchers have identified a mechanism related to mutations in the WFS1 gene that affects insulin-secreting beta cells, which could lead to new treatment targets for the disease.
A new study found that smokers with lung cancer have 10 times more genetic mutations than those who have never smoked. The researchers identified over 3,700 mutations across all patients and found at least one mutated gene in each non-smoking patient that can be targeted with existing drugs.
A nationwide consortium of scientists has reported a comprehensive genetic analysis of squamous cell carcinoma of the lung, revealing almost 75% of patients' cancers have targetable mutations. The research provides insight into the molecular biology of lung squamous cell carcinoma and identifies potential targets for therapies.
Researchers at WashU Medicine have identified Wnt5a as a critical protein for reconstructing glands in the intestinal lining, which is key to repairing damaged gut tissue. The study provides new insights into the process of gut regeneration and potential therapeutic targets for diseases like inflammatory bowel disease.
Researchers found that sleep disturbances occur when Alzheimer's plaques appear in the brain, disrupting the normal sleep-wake cycle. The study suggests that sleep problems could be an easily detectable sign of pathology, potentially indicating whether new treatments are succeeding.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that children taking inhaled steroid drugs for asthma are slightly shorter at their full adult height compared to those who don't use the medication. The study followed over 1,000 children aged 5-12 and found a mean difference of about half an inch in adult height.
Researchers found at least seven shared antibiotic-resistance genes between soil bacteria and disease-causing pathogens, suggesting recent gene transfers. The discovery highlights the potential for environmental bacteria to contribute to human health risks.
Researchers have identified thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) as a target for therapies in diabetes and Wolfram syndrome. The molecule is involved in the initiation of local inflammation that can lead to systemic inflammation.
Researchers at WashU Medicine found that administering antibiotics before cesarean section surgery cuts infection rates in half. The study, published in Obstetrics & Gynecology, followed over 8,000 women and found significant reductions in surgical site infections after policy change.
Researchers found that disabling a protein called FAS reduces white fat stores, allowing brown fat to thrive and burn more energy. Inhibiting PexRAP also shows promise as a potential treatment strategy for obesity and diabetes.
A new study reveals that hundreds of random mutations in leukemia cells are linked to aging, not cancer. Researchers found that even healthy individuals accumulate genetic changes over time, which can increase the risk of developing acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
Cardiologists at WashU Medicine have developed a noninvasive imaging technique to detect coronary artery disease in pediatric heart transplant patients, reducing the need for invasive tests. The technique uses contrast-enhanced cardiac MRI to assess coronary arteries and has shown promising results, although further study is needed.
A $4.7 million study aims to investigate why people with diabetes suffer from unusually severe forms of heart disease. The researchers suspect that abnormal lipid metabolism is a key culprit, leading to inflammation and damage to heart cells.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have developed the most detailed chronology to date of the human brain's slow slide into full-blown Alzheimer's disease. The timeline reveals changes in brain structure and function decades before symptoms of memory loss and cognitive decline appear.
Researchers use intravital two-photon imaging to track individual immune cells as they swarm into the heart muscle, causing inflammation and tissue damage. The technique allows for real-time observation of inflammation in the heart, paving the way for new therapeutic targets.
Researchers found that OxyContin's abuse-deterrent formulation significantly reduced inhalation and injection, prompting users to switch to heroin. The study reveals a surge in heroin use across the US, with overdose risks increasing due to dealers cutting heroin with other substances.
Scientists at Washington University School of Medicine found that stem cells from a specific part of the developing brain contribute to brain tumors caused by neurofibromatosis type 1. The study suggests that understanding the unique characteristics of these stem cells may lead to more effective treatments for pediatric brain tumors.