Scientists measured over 1,800 genes in sensory cells from the chicken inner ear, revealing significant differences between the cochlea and utricle. The study provides new insights into the causes of aging-related hearing loss and may lead to therapy that replaces lost sensory hair cells.
In a study published in The New England Journal of Medicine, researchers found that Atkins' dieters lost twice as much weight during the first six months compared to those on a conventional low-fat diet. Over time, both groups regained weight, but Atkins' dieters showed greater improvements in blood lipids, including increased HDL chol...
A national multicenter trial confirms that lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) significantly improves the quality of life and life expectancy for patients with severe emphysema. The procedure, which involves removing diseased sections of lung tissue, allows patients to resume routine activities without breathing difficulties.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in treating liver disease by using bone marrow stem cells from matched donors. The study found that these stem cells can form liver-like cells in damaged livers, producing human albumin and showing promise as a potential treatment for liver disease.
Researchers found that removing a key molecule called beta3 increased lung inflammation and clogged arteries in fat-fed mice. The study suggests that long-term suppression of this molecule may actually exacerbate heart disease.
Mutations in the MSH6 gene occur in at least 1.6 percent of women with endometrial cancer, increasing their risk for developing certain cancers later in life. This study suggests that these mutations may be inherited and recommends genetic testing for family members.
Researchers identified a previously unknown protein-aldolase interaction that drives the parasite's movement into cells. This discovery may lead to the development of small molecules blocking this mechanism and treating diseases like toxoplasmosis and malaria.
A study by Michael DeBaun and colleagues found that children with neuropathic pain require significantly higher doses of morphine and benzodiazepine than those without. Using methadone as an alternative, the team discovered a more effective treatment approach for pain relief in these patients.
Researchers found that mice with a mutation in the fatty acid transport protein 4 (FATP4) gene lack wrinkles and normal hair growth. The study suggests that FATP4 plays a critical role in skin development, potentially leading to new treatments for obesity and other conditions.
A comprehensive analysis of Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron reveals its ability to process nutrients and forge a beneficial alliance with its host, providing new insights into human physiology and potential therapeutic strategies.
A study published in the Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery found that lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) improves breathing capacity by over 50% in select emphysema patients. After five years, patients showed significant improvements in lung function and quality-of-life scores, with an estimated 60% survival rate.
A new gene, Otopetrin 1, has been identified as contributing to the loss of balance. The gene helps regulate otoconia, which detect gravity and maintain balance. Mutations in this gene can lead to balance disorders, but understanding its development may help stimulate otoconia regeneration.
Despite preferring virtual colonoscopy due to its less invasive nature, patients generally dislike the bowel preparation required for both tests. The study found that most patients reported little pain or difficulty with either procedure, but many expressed discomfort with the advance bowel preparation.
Researchers at WashU Medicine discovered a novel molecule that plays a critical role in gut immunology and interacts with mucosal-associated invariant T cells. The findings suggest that this molecule may be involved in various diseases of the gut, particularly those related to intestinal microorganisms.
Researchers found that preschoolers with depression exhibit symptoms similar to those in older children and adults, including anhedonia, sadness, and low energy. The study also highlighted the importance of identifying and treating depression in young children to prevent impairment of normal development.
Researchers discovered a new mouse virus that can help study human noroviruses, which cause 90% of epidemic gastroenteritis worldwide. The findings suggest that innate immunity is essential for fighting off the virus and have implications for commercial facilities using immune-deficient mice.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation reveals that M-CSF and alphaV beta3 integrin collaborate to regulate osteoclast differentiation. The discovery brings scientists closer to understanding the mechanisms behind osteoporosis, a condition affecting 50% of Caucasian and Asian women after age 65.
A new brain atlas developed by neuroscientist David Van Essen aims to improve our understanding of the brain's structure and function. The atlas provides a comprehensive map of the brain's cortical and cerebellar regions, which are essential for thought, learning, emotion, perception, sensation, and movement.
Researcher North studies survivors of disasters, including plane crashes and mass shootings, finding most people are resilient but vulnerable to PTSD. People with a history of psychiatric illness are at high risk for developing PTSD, especially those experiencing avoidance and numbing symptoms after disasters.
Scientists have identified a key protein involved in regulating blood pressure, RGS2, which works by stopping the action of angiotensin II and enabling arterioles to relax. This discovery may lead to new ways of diagnosing and treating high blood pressure in individuals with underlying genetic defects or differences.
Researchers found moderate cell death in brain regions involved in learning and memory, as well as significant learning and memory deficits in infant rats exposed to common pediatric anesthesia drugs. The study suggests that prolonged exposure to these anesthetics may be problematic for developing brains.
A recent study found that critically-ill patients taking linezolid were more likely to survive than those treated with vancomycin. Linezolid was shown to be an effective treatment for pneumonia infections caused by MRSA and S. pneumoniae, leading to improved patient survival rates.
Researchers found that B cells and antibodies are essential for controlling the infection in mice. Without them, even low doses of the virus can be deadly. The study's findings may explain why elderly people and those with weakened immunity are more likely to develop serious disease.
Researchers have discovered a novel protein, Ang4, produced by Paneth cells in the intestinal lining that can kill certain types of gut microbes. This finding suggests that Ang4 may play a crucial role in maintaining gut health and preventing infection.
Researchers at WashU Medicine have successfully grown cells known as Tr1 cells in the laboratory, which can suppress immune responses. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for autoimmune diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as provide insights into infectious diseases like measles and meningitis.
A large Australian twin study found that early marijuana users were two to five times more likely to develop problems with other drugs and alcohol. The study controlled for genetic and familial factors, suggesting a complex relationship between early marijuana use and later substance abuse.
Researchers have successfully treated a patient with TTP, a rare blood disorder affecting 3,000 Americans annually, by suppressing the immune system. The treatment involves using immunosuppressive drugs, which target the underlying problem of the immune system attacking its own tissues.
Researchers identified a protein called CUGBP2 that regulates the production of COX-2, a key culprit in arthritis and cancer. When CUGBP2 levels are high, it triggers cancer cell death by inhibiting COX-2 production.
A study published in Science reveals that Toxoplasma parasites can rapidly adapt to new hosts, allowing them to infect a wide range of animal species and spread worldwide. This discovery raises the possibility of other parasites undergoing similar changes, potentially presenting new threats of infection.
Researchers found that herpes viruses use a viral protein called mK3 to hide from the immune system by marking MHC class 1 molecules as waste. This study provides insights into basic cellular processes and offers novel strategies for understanding viral infections.
Researchers identify a crucial pathway in the retina that allows the pupil to respond to light, even when rods and cones are absent. This discovery suggests a complex non-visual photoreceptive system in the inner retina that helps regulate the body's internal clock and unconscious activities.
Researchers studied rapamycin's molecular action and found it blocks tumor-cell growth by triggering stress responses, stopping cell proliferation. The study identified a new type of gene regulation involving the target of rapamycin (TOR) protein.
Researchers developed new techniques to improve both quality of life and surgical outcomes for patients with oral cancer. The study involved 43 patients, who received tongue reconstruction after half or more of the tongue was removed.
A study found that a quadriplegic individual's brain preserves its ability to 'feel' and 'move' despite severe spinal cord injury. The findings indicate stability in the brain's motor patterns, suggesting a small portion of the spinal cord may still be intact.
A non-invasive imaging technique has been developed to detect plaques beginning to form in blood vessels, according to researchers from WashU Medicine. The technique uses nanoparticles to target growing capillaries and visualize plaque development, with potential applications for early cancer detection as well.
Researchers reveal the role of chaperone proteins in fiber assembly, leading to potential breakthroughs in treating urinary tract infections. The study provides insight into how disease-causing bacteria build and secrete proteins that enable them to cause disease.
Researchers found that patients with moderate to severe Crohn's disease improved significantly after receiving GM-CSF, with 12 out of 15 patients in clinical remission. The treatment targets the innate immune response and has shown promise as an alternative approach to traditional therapies.
A recent study has found that gut bacteria interact with the intestine to regulate blood supply, with Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron stimulating blood vessel development. The research suggests a key developmental program shared by intestinal bacteria and their host is essential for healthy development.
Researchers have developed a new technology using firefly light to monitor herpes infections in mice, allowing for repeated tracking over time without sacrificing animals. This non-invasive method enables the investigation of viral populations and immune system influences.
A new technique called ductoscopy allows surgeons to directly visualize and remove abnormal tissue in the milk ducts, sparing normal breast tissue. This procedure has shown a high success rate in identifying and treating breast cancer, particularly in women with pathologic nipple discharge.
Women with stage IIIb cervical cancer may benefit from different treatments depending on the spread of their disease, according to a new study. The research found that women whose cancer had not spread to lymph nodes had the highest survival rates, while those with upper chest lymph node involvement typically died within months.
Healthy, nondividing cells have a biochemical switch that triggers apoptosis when inactivated by deamidation of Bcl-xL protein. This discovery suggests that tumor cells with the same switch may be resistant to chemotherapy drugs.
A new study demonstrates that learning and speech therapy can alter the way compensatory pathways in the brain work after a stroke. The research supports the hypothesis that brain pathways in the right hemisphere are directly involved in the recovery of language skills.
A recent clinical trial testing celecoxib in pregnant women found that it appears to be a safer alternative for preventing preterm delivery, with fewer side effects compared to indomethacin. The study also suggests that celecoxib is just as effective in delaying delivery and may offer a new option for women at risk of preterm labor.
A study of 270 patients found that bladder cancer recurrence rates increased with each episode, with the average time to second and third recurrences decreasing by 15 and 13 months respectively. Patients whose original tumors tested positive for the Ki-67 marker were at higher risk for first recurrence.
Researchers discovered that bone marrow cells can form new blood vessels in newborns, contrary to previous belief that this process only occurs before birth. The study also found that VEGF accelerates the formation of new blood vessels, with implications for tumor biology and congenital disorders.
Scientists found that herpes virus uses regulators of complement activation (RCA) to evade the immune system. The study reveals that complement plays a crucial role in controlling persistent and latent infection, contradicting previous assumptions.
Researchers created mice lacking SHIP gene to understand how bone forms and breaks down in diseases like JPD. The study reveals that mice with deficient SHIP develop osteoclasts similar to those found in humans with JPD, leading to severely osteoporotic conditions.
A physical map of the mouse genome provides detailed organization and context to the draft sequence, aiding in gene discovery and understanding health and disease. This mapping effort also enables researchers to access specific regions of DNA for further study.
Researchers found that Helicobacter pylori infection leads to mild inflammation, triggering the production of sialyl-di-Lewis x sugar molecule on stomach cells. The bacteria then latch onto this molecule using a previously unknown adhesin protein, worsening inflammation and increasing survival chances.