A new AI-based technology analyzes mammograms to predict a woman's five-year breast cancer risk, outperforming standard methods by 2.2 times. The system provides an absolute risk score comparable to national incidence rates, enabling targeted prevention and early detection.
Researchers at WashU Medicine discovered that mast cells stand guard at tiny gates through which fluid waste leaves the brain, mounting a response when a pathogen is detected to close the gates and prevent invaders from entering. Enhanced mast cell activity before an infection reduced bacterial load.
Recent studies reveal disparities in access to hepatitis C treatment for children and recently pregnant women, with significant racial and geographic disparities. The studies highlight the need for targeted resources to reach these vulnerable populations.
A new study found that increasing apolipoprotein M levels can slow or block progression of age-related macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness in people over 50. The researchers also found that ApoM triggers a signaling pathway that breaks down cholesterol deposits.
The Cirrus Resting State fMRI Software uses AI technology to rapidly map the brain and identify sensitive areas controlling critical functions. The technology, developed at WashU Medicine, enables more precise neurosurgeries with improved accuracy and accessibility for patients.
In an international clinical trial, a new CAR-T cell immunotherapy demonstrated promising results against aggressive blood cancers, including T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia and T cell lymphoblastic lymphoma. Most patients who received the full dose of cells achieved full remission, with response rates ranging from 70-90%.
Researchers found that lemborexant improves sleep patterns and reduces abnormal tau protein buildup, which causes inflammation and brain cell death. The study suggests lemborexant could help treat or prevent neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, progressive supranuclear palsy, and corticobasal syndrome.
Researchers found that a brain chemical associated with alertness and learning alters brain connectivity by signaling through astrocytes, rather than directly on neurons. This discovery calls for greater focus on astrocytes as therapeutic targets in the treatment of attention, memory, and emotional disorders.
Researchers found that lecanemab treatment resulted in rare and manageable side effects, especially in patients with very mild or mild Alzheimer's symptoms. Only 1% of patients experienced severe side effects requiring hospitalization, highlighting the feasibility and safety of the drug in real-world settings.
A clinical trial finds that moxidectin is more effective than current treatment ivermectin for lymphatic filariasis, a disease affecting millions in Africa. Moxidectin has a persistent effect and may require fewer rounds of treatment, potentially accelerating its elimination.
A new study from Washington University School of Medicine found that 81% of participants would choose to know their theoretical risk, but only 60% opted for real results. The research highlights the importance of considering ethical concerns and ensuring participants truly want their research results.
Research reveals a temperature-controlled switch in sperm that triggers hyperactive movements needed for fertilization. Understanding this mechanism could lead to improved male contraception and treatments for infertility.
A phase 3 clinical trial shows that adding pembrolizumab to standard-of-care therapy increases tumor shrinkage and prolongs cancer-free survival by nearly two years. Patients with locally advanced head and neck cancers benefited from this addition, marking a significant change in standard-of-care for the disease.
Researchers analyzed inherited genomes of 1,000 cancer patients to understand how germline variants impact protein function and physiological activities. The study identified rare and common cancer-causing genetic variants associated with increased cancer risk and disease severity.
A surgical procedure called Birmingham hip resurfacing enables aging athletes to remain highly active, even many years after the procedure. Studies have shown that patients who underwent this procedure were able to return to high-impact sports and maintain their activity levels for an average of 14 years after surgery.
A study published in Science discovered a direct connection between cancer-related inflammation and the loss of motivation characteristic of advanced cancer. Blocking the inflammatory pathway restored motivation in mice with cachexia, suggesting a potential treatment for apathy associated with chronic illnesses.
A recent study published in Cell revealed that a specific intestinal immune cell prevents food allergies by breaking the threshold between friend and foe in the gut. Researchers at WashU Medicine identified this cell as RORγt+ dendritic cells, which maintain tolerance to harmless food allergens, preventing allergic reactions.
Researchers developed a blood test that accurately diagnoses Alzheimer's disease and measures its progression. The test correlates with the amount of tau aggregates in the brain, distinguishing between early- and late-stage diseases.
Researchers at WashU Medicine have found that rejuvenating the network of vessels outside the brain can improve memory in old mice. The study lays the groundwork for developing therapies to overcome the challenges faced by conventional medications, which struggle to reach the brain due to the blood-brain barrier.
A clinical trial shows that removing amyloid plaques from the brain can delay Alzheimer's symptoms, supporting the amyloid hypothesis. The treatment reduced the risk of developing dementia in people destined to develop early-onset Alzheimer's disease.
Scientists have identified a key component in launching immune activity and overactivity, providing a potential target for therapies that could prevent debilitating illnesses. The researchers discovered a protein in cells that spurs the release of infection-fighting molecules, which is essential for controlling the disease.
A new rat study by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine suggests that biological differences in males and females may contribute to the gender disparity in opioid misuse. Female rats with chronic pain showed no increase in opioid intake, whereas male rats increased their fentanyl consumption over time.
Researchers developed a custom-designed compound that mimics natural cannabis molecules to alleviate chronic pain without psychoactive side effects. The modified synthetic cannabinoid compound showed promise as a nonaddictive pain reliever, offering prolonged relief and minimizing tolerance.
Researchers at WashU Medicine found that new Alzheimer's therapies can add up to 10 months of independent living with lecanemab and 8 months with donanemab. The study provides a more meaningful measure of treatment benefits, focusing on day-to-day impacts on patients' lives.
A US clinical trial will assess the safety and efficacy of a nasal COVID-19 vaccine developed using technology from Washington University in St. Louis. The trial, sponsored by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, aims to evaluate the vaccine's ability to induce strong immunity in the nose and upper respiratory tract.
The Primary Prevention Trial aims to determine whether stopping early molecular changes can prevent Alzheimer's disease from taking hold. The study will enroll people as young as 18 with few or no detectable Alzheimer's-related molecular changes in their brains.
The Human Pangenome Reference Sequencing Project aims to accurately reflect human genetic diversity worldwide. With $14 million in NIH funding, the project will add genomes from an additional 200 individuals to its existing dataset of 550 diverse backgrounds.
A study found that individuals with sickle cell disease have brains that appear 14 years older than their actual age, and socioeconomic status is also linked to brain health in adults. This can lead to cognitive problems and challenges in school and work.
Researchers found that inhibiting protein RSK1 reduces inflammation and stops progression of blood cancers like myeloproliferative neoplasms and acute myeloid leukemia. The RSK1 inhibitor is already in clinical trials for breast cancer and shows promise as a treatment for blood cancers.
A new type of cell-based immunotherapy has been shown to be safe and effective in treating B-cell lymphomas, with early data suggesting it could offer a less toxic alternative to CAR-T cell therapies. The approach uses off-the-shelf CAR-natural killer cells that can target cancer cells in two different ways.
A $5 million NIH grant will support research on the causes of chronic post-surgical pain, with the goal of developing personalized risk-assessment, prevention, and management tools. The study will examine genetic, molecular, neuro-immune, and behavioral patterns in over 300 surgery patients to identify key contributors to pain.
Lanza joins 170 inventors from around the world who have generated over 20,000 licensed technologies and hold more than 2,000 patents. His nanoparticle-based innovations, including targeted PFC nanoparticles, are being used to detect blood clots and treat breast cancers.
People with severe depression who received vagus nerve stimulation showed significant improvement in depressive symptoms, quality of life, and ability to complete everyday tasks after a year. Despite this, the therapy remains unaffordable for many patients due to high costs.
The study aims to identify early warning signs and potential treatment for cerebral small vessel disease, a condition linked to vascular dementia. Researchers will analyze cerebrospinal fluid and brain tissues using cutting-edge technologies to map mRNA within cells affected by the disease.
WashU Medicine receives a $10.8 million grant to support cutting-edge leukemia research and renew its SPORE program in blood cancer. The grant will fund four major research studies and a career-enhancement program to train the next generation of physician-scientists.
A Phase I clinical trial found that patients receiving itacitinib before and after a 'half-match' stem cell transplant experienced lower-than-expected rates of graft-versus-host disease, with no severe cases reported. The study also showed improved overall survival at one year, with 80% of patients remaining free from chronic graft-ver...
A new study improves breast cancer risk prediction by analyzing up to three years of previous mammograms, identifying individuals at high risk 2.3 times more accurately than the standard method. The AI method considers subtle changes in mammogram images and holds up well across diverse settings.
Researchers at WashU Medicine engineered a probiotic that delivers immunotherapy directly to the gut, shrinking tumors in mice. The probiotic uses a yeast-based system to produce immune checkpoint inhibitors, potentially treating hard-to-reach cancers.
Researchers have identified three distinct subtypes of Chiari type-1 malformations with distinct characteristics, enabling physicians to develop treatment protocols for patients. The study used artificial intelligence to analyze data from over 1,200 patients and identified patterns that can inform medical decision making.
Researchers linked disease-related proteins and genes to identify specific cellular pathways responsible for Alzheimer's genesis and progression. The study identified 38 proteins with causal effects in Alzheimer's progression, including 15 potential targets for medicines.
The joint Center for Health AI will focus on making care more personalized and effective while being more efficient and manageable for physicians. AI will be used to streamline workflows and administrative tasks, reducing burnout among healthcare workers and improving patient experience.
A small clinical trial found a vaccine designed to prevent recurrence of tumors in patients with triple-negative breast cancer to be well-tolerated and stimulate the immune system. After three years, 16 out of 18 patients remained cancer-free.
Scientists at WashU Medicine have successfully forced glioblastoma cells to display immune system targets, potentially making them vulnerable to immunotherapies. The strategy involves a combination of two FDA-approved epigenetic therapy drugs that induce the production of unusual proteins called neoantigens.
A team of researchers has identified a genetic link between rare brain malformations and protein folding defects in children. The study found that specific genetic changes can affect the function of proteins within cells, leading to abnormal cell behavior.
Researchers have created detailed 3D maps of multiple tumor types, revealing how cells are organized within the tumor and how it changes when spreading to other organs. These maps could lead to new approaches in therapy and transform the way cancer is understood and treated.
Scientists discovered that fragments of immune-stimulating proteins, called guardian peptides, are produced by the brain and spinal cord to maintain a healthy balance between defending against injury and infection and guarding healthy tissue. These peptides activate regulatory T cells to dampen abnormal immune reactions.
Researchers discovered a beneficial gut bacterium that produces an enzyme capable of metabolizing key molecules involved in regulating appetite, immune responses, and neuronal function. The discovery highlights the importance of gut microbes in human physiology and may lead to new strategies for maintaining health and treating diseases.
A new study suggests that immunotherapy may be an effective treatment strategy for heart failure by blocking scar tissue formation and improving heart function. Researchers identified a type of fibroblast cell responsible for scar tissue and used a monoclonal antibody to reduce its formation, showing promising results in mouse models.
Researchers developed an implantable device that detects an overdose, rapidly delivers naloxone to prevent death and alerts emergency responders. The device was tested in animal studies, showing promising results with rapid rescue and full recovery within minutes.
Washington University School of Medicine researchers will study how vaccines trigger long-lasting immune responses, comparing them with effective lifelong immune responses. They aim to understand factors that enable enduring immunity after vaccination and inform the design of nasal vaccines for respiratory viruses.