Researchers used a new model to test the effects of gamma secretase inhibitors on Alzheimer's disease. The study found that these drugs do not cause a surge in amyloid beta levels when treatment is interrupted, contradicting previous animal studies.
A study published in The Lancet Oncology found that zoledronic acid reduced the number of tumor cells in bone marrow at surgery and improved bone density in women with stage II or III breast cancer. The treatment may also help fight certain types of breast tumors directly.
A signaling protein in parasites has been identified as a key regulator of movement and infectivity. By disabling this protein, scientists may be able to prevent parasite infections and develop new treatments.
Researchers found significant patterns in discarded brain wave data, revealing connections between low-frequency and high-frequency brain waves. These connections suggest important aspects of brain architecture and function, potentially shedding light on the brain's organizational structure.
A new study has found that children with hearing loss in one ear tend to have poorer oral language scores than their peers with normal hearing. The researchers discovered a significant link between unilateral hearing loss and lower language skills, particularly among disadvantaged children.
Researchers found that lower oxygen saturation is associated with left ventricle hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction in children with sickle cell disease. The study suggests that the beginning of adult heart disease may start in childhood, highlighting the need for further research.
Researchers found that calorie restriction influences the same molecular pathways related to aging in all animals studied, leading to improved health and reduced chronic diseases. By understanding these pathways, scientists may develop interventions or medicines to promote healthy aging.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine sequenced a patient's genome and that of her breast tumor and brain metastasis, identifying 20 genetic changes linked to the deadly spread. The study suggests that sequencing entire genomes can reveal clues to tumor progression and metastasis, paving the way for new drug targets.
A study published in Pediatrics found that adolescent drinking increases the risk of benign breast disease, a precursor to breast cancer. The study, which followed over 6,900 girls aged 9-15, showed that girls who drank more frequently had higher rates of benign breast disease.
A $3.7 million clinical trial will evaluate customized warfarin dosage based on patient genetics to balance blood clotting risks and benefits in orthopedic patients. The study aims to identify the optimal range of blood clotting speed, using genetic formulas to refine warfarin dosing.
Researchers identified two proteins in urine that accurately reveal 90% of all kidney cancers, offering a promising diagnostic tool. The discovery could save lives and preserve kidney function by detecting the disease at an early stage.
A four-year international trial found that dutasteride reduced the chances of being diagnosed with mid-range aggressiveness tumors, which account for most prostate cancers. The drug was effective at reducing the risk of medium-grade tumors by 31.4% in men with a family history of prostate cancer.
An international team of scientists has decoded the genome of a songbird, the Australian zebra finch, to understand the genetic basis of vocal learning. The analysis suggests that hundreds of genes are activated by singing or hearing songs, including non-coding RNAs that control gene expression.
Researchers link differences in brain network harm to impairment in stroke patients, offering a new predictive tool for clinicians. This approach, known as resting-state functional connectivity, may help determine treatment and assess its effects.
A new study found that increasing dosage or adding asthma drugs to low-dose inhaled corticosteroids improves asthma control in 98% of children. LABA shows the highest response rate, but individual patients require personalized treatment due to factors like Asthma Control Test score, eczema, and ethnicity.
Researchers have identified a new biomarker that defines a subtype of aggressive breast cancer and offers potential for targeted therapy. The biomarker, associated with poorer outcomes, can be inhibited by a protein called Mesd, which has shown promise in slowing tumor growth and reducing side effects.
Researchers mapped chicken retinas, discovering a complex pattern of color receptors that maximizes their ability to see colors. This superior vision may help birds find mates and feed on colorful fruit, and could lead to insights into treating human genetic disorders.
A study found that parents of children with asthma often recognize signs of an impending attack but delay treatment, leading to missed opportunities for early intervention. Researchers suggest that education and awareness can help parents identify early warning signs and take action sooner.
Scientists have identified a new target for cancer treatment, protein STAT3, in neurofibromatosis-1 (NF1) patients. Blocking STAT3 slows tumor growth and increases cell death in mice, offering a promising approach to treat brain tumors.
Scientists successfully produced plant-based monoclonal antibodies that effectively combat West Nile virus infections, rivaling their mammalian cell counterparts. The production technique holds promise for making life-saving treatments more affordable in resource-constrained regions.
A study by WashU Medicine found that making flu shots mandatory in 2008 increased vaccination rates among BJC HealthCare employees to over 98 percent. The program's success was attributed to consistent communication and support from hospital leadership.
Researchers have discovered a key enzyme that allows the malaria parasite to take over human red blood cells. Plasmepsin V is essential for the parasite's ability to secrete proteins into the host erythrocyte.
Parkinson's disease is more common in the Midwest and Northeast, with twice as likely to affect whites and Hispanics compared to blacks and Asians. Environmental factors, such as chemical exposure in farming and agriculture, are considered a major contributor to the disease.
Researchers discovered that a commonly used antibiotic, kanamycin, protects mouse ears from noise-induced hearing loss when given in low doses. The finding has significant implications for the development of new treatments and could benefit groups such as premature babies, soldiers, and airline workers.
Researchers found HIV reduces brain blood flow even among young patients, accelerating the aging process. Blood flow in HIV brains is comparable to that of uninfected individuals 15-20 years older.
Research found that patients with Alzheimer's were 4.6 times more likely to have mental lapses than those without the disease. Cognitive fluctuations include excessive daytime sleepiness, staring into space, and disorganized or illogical thinking.
Researchers found that decitabine increased activity of genes in cancer cells, leading to complete responses and improved survival times. The study suggests decitabine as a potential first-line treatment for older leukemia patients with limited options.
Researchers at Washington University found brain plaques in healthy individuals are associated with increased risk of Alzheimer's diagnosis years later. Annual cognitive tests and MRI scans revealed declining scores, shrinkage in affected brain areas, and eventual diagnosis.
A two-year study found that moderate weight loss improved four key measures of heart health in obese patients, including decreased heart muscle thickness and improved pumping functions. After weight regain, some cardiovascular benefits were retained.
New research suggests HIV-related cognitive deficits share a common link with Alzheimer's-related dementia: low levels of the protein amyloid beta in spinal fluid. This study can help find the cause of cognitive impairment in HIV patients and may impact new Alzheimer's treatments.
A study at Washington University School of Medicine identified mesothelin as a marker for pancreatic tumors, suggesting its potential use in immune therapy against the disease. Mesothelin levels in the blood were found to be significantly higher in patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma compared to healthy individuals.
Scientists discovered a single compound that impairs both bacterial infection and biofilm formation, offering new hope for treating UTIs. The compound targets amyloids, which also contribute to Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine studied 575 patients who underwent surgery and found no evidence of long-term cognitive decline. The study suggests that if older adults physically recover from surgery, they will return to their previous level of cognitive ability within six months or a year.
The completed corn genome, published in Science, contains 32,000 genes and will aid in breeding high-yield crops. The sequence, a significant achievement after years of research, offers insights into plant genetics and opens new avenues for crop improvement.
Researchers found that intensive lifestyle changes reduced the rate of developing type 2 diabetes in people at high risk by 34 percent over 10 years. Lifestyle changes also lowered blood pressure and triglyceride levels in patients.
Researchers have identified a genetic mutation linked to premature lung development and severe respiratory complications. The mutation, found in four children born with multiple abnormalities, may provide insight into potential treatments for newborn lung distress and COPD.
Vision scientists at Washington University School of Medicine identified a process that allows the human eye to adapt to darkness quickly, also enabling it to function in bright light. This discovery may contribute to better understanding of age-related macular degeneration and potential treatments.
Researchers have developed a new mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) that closely replicates human symptoms, including progressive paralysis and muscle loss. The genetically engineered mice also exhibit damage to motor neurons and protein clumps, similar to human ALS pathology.
Researchers discovered that learning a new task alters the brain's spontaneous activity patterns, particularly in regions involved in attention and visual processing. This 'anti-correlation' between brain areas improves task performance and facilitates future skill retrieval.
Researchers are conducting a five-year trial to determine if supplementing pregnant women with extra vitamin D can prevent their children from developing asthma. The study aims to enroll 870 women nationwide and evaluate the risk of asthma in their children at ages 1, 2, and 3.
Researchers found that chronic sleep deprivation accelerates amyloid plaque deposition in mice with Alzheimer's disease. Orexin, a protein regulating the sleep cycle, appears directly involved in this process.
Researchers studied 6,257 adult twins and found that those who started drinking early had a greater genetic risk for alcohol dependence. The younger an individual was at first drink, the more prominent the role played by genetic factors in developing severe problems.
A team of international scientists has identified two more genetic risk factors for Alzheimer's disease, which appear to be involved in elevated risk and confirmed the importance of APOE4. The new genes, APOJ and PICALM, are linked to smaller but still significant effects on Alzheimer's disease risk.
Researchers found that excess liver fat is linked to metabolic problems such as insulin resistance and high blood triglycerides. Losing weight can reverse fatty liver disease, with even brief calorie restriction showing significant reductions in liver fat.
A study found that diabetics with low vitamin D levels can't process cholesterol normally, leading to increased blood vessel buildup and heart attack risk. Increasing vitamin D levels may slow or reverse atherosclerosis development, researchers suggest.
A recent study found that low-dose estrogen treatment can stop disease progression in patients with metastatic breast cancer, with 87% of those without PET flare reactions showing no response. The treatment was also well-tolerated, with fewer severe side effects compared to high doses.
Nanobees, nano-sized spheres carrying the toxic melittin from bee venom, successfully delivered and killed tumor cells in mice. By targeting cancerous tissue with precision, nanobees showed promise in treating established and early-stage cancers.
In a breakthrough study, researchers identified itch-specific neurons in mice that can be targeted to alleviate chronic itching. The discovery suggests that itch and pain signals are transmitted through different pathways in the spinal cord, offering new hope for treatments.
Researchers sequenced a second leukemia patient's genome, discovering genetic changes also found in gliomas and AML-linked mutations. The study highlights the potential of genome sequencing to unravel cancer's genetic basis, paving the way for more effective treatments.
Researchers created a fly model to study Parkinson's-associated dementia, finding that sleep loss caused long-lasting cognitive impairments. Curcumin blocked this effect, restoring normal learning abilities in genetically modified flies.