Researchers created a new mouse model that mimics the natural development of epilepsy, revealing the crucial role of astrocytes in seizure disorders. The study, led by David H. Gutmann and Kelvin Yamada, found that mice lacking TSC1 in astrocytes developed abnormal neuronal organization and seizures.
Researchers found two Navajo patients missing the osteoprotegerin gene, leading to a rare bone disorder characterized by fast bone formation and breakdown. The study provides a genetic cause for Juvenile Paget's Disease (JPD) and sheds light on bone metabolism control.
Researchers have identified a new signaling pathway in the brain that may be connected to movement disorders. FGF14 was found to regulate nerve cell function and is involved in the basal ganglia, which are affected by Parkinson's disease.
Researchers found that viral infections in infancy can cause long-term changes in the body's anti-viral system, leading to chronic respiratory inflammation and distress. Mice infected with paramyxoviral virus developed airway hyperreactivity and mucus-producing cells, symptoms similar to asthma.
A long-term industry-funded rat study has found no statistically significant increases in any tumor type, including brain cancer, after exposure to radio frequency radiation at common cell phone signals. The study builds on earlier research and suggests the greatest hazard with cell-phones is driving a car while talking.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have found that a defective form of vWF causes chemical bonds to persist longer than they should, leading to a bleeding disorder. The defect in the vWF protein changes the kinetics of the chemical bonds between the protein and platelets, resulting in the disease.
Researchers have identified 22 genes essential to the operations of the body's internal clock, which synchronize behavior and physiology with a near 24-hour cycle. The study found that these genes influence the expression of other genes throughout the body, controlling behaviors like sleep and wakefulness.
A new study found that estrogen combined with calcium and vitamin D supplements improved jaw mass and density in postmenopausal women, reducing the risk of tooth loss. The study also showed that estrogen had a significant impact on bone mineral density in other parts of the skeleton.
A recent study found that eye drops can delay the onset of glaucoma by reducing intraocular pressure by approximately 20%. The Ocular Hypertension Treatment Study (OHTS) followed 1,636 participants with elevated eye pressure and showed a significant reduction in glaucoma development among those who received treatment. This breakthrough...
Researchers found that children's brains show different activity patterns in left frontal and extrastriate cortex compared to adults. The study suggests that brain development continues into early school years, with some areas becoming more active in children.
A new study found that patients receiving the drug Thymoglobulin had two and half times fewer episodes of acute kidney rejection than those receiving Simulect. The study's findings are significant as they show a potential benefit for up to half of kidney transplants from cadavers.
A study using mice found that mutations in the Lmx1b gene cause a reduction in two proteins necessary for mature podocytes to function properly. This disruption leads to immature podocytes and impaired kidney filtering, increasing the risk of kidney problems associated with nail-patella syndrome.
Researchers use helium-3 diffusion MRI to detect emphysema changes in the smallest airways of the lung. The technique reveals enlarged air spaces that allow helium atoms to move freely, enabling the visualization of lung structure at a scale too small for traditional imaging methods.
Researchers have discovered a chemical messenger called fibroblast growth factor 18 (FGF 18) that regulates bone development in growing embryos. FGF 18 appears to coordinate both the lengthening and hardening of bones, which may lead to new understanding of diseases such as achondroplasia and osteoporosis.
A new blood test was developed using a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease, which can detect amyloid plaques and predict dementia risk. The test uses a protein called Ab40, which is not reflective of brain pathology unless an antibody is injected into the animal.
Certain strains of E. coli produce amyloid fibers similar to those found in Alzheimer's disease, forming a meshwork around the bacteria in biofilms. This discovery raises questions about the role of bacterial infections in amyloid diseases, including Alzheimer's, and may lead to new treatment options.
A study by Scott Saunders and colleagues suggests that heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) help regulate morphogen gradients, influencing cell development and differentiation. HSPGs may also play a role in the formation of complex bone structures and organs.
Researchers discovered a small molecular variation that inactivates the neurofibromin tumor suppressor gene, leading to increased tumor development. The finding suggests a new mechanism by which RNA editing can disable tumor-suppressing genes, potentially contributing to cancer progression.
A new study found that risperidone, a second-generation antipsychotic medication, cuts the one-year rate of relapse for patients with schizophrenia in half compared to haloperidol. This reduction could have significant economic benefits and improve patient outcomes.
A new study allows researchers to directly compare the pediatric brain with the adult brain using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The findings reveal that children and adults use different brain strategies to perform tasks, suggesting distinct developmental pathways. By creating a template of healthy child brains, scienti...
Researchers found that prostate cancer patients who underwent seed implantation (brachytherapy) experienced more urinary, sexual, and bowel problems compared to those treated with high-quality conformal external-beam radiation. The procedure's invasive nature may contribute to the higher side effects.
Researchers have identified 156 probable membrane proteins that could serve as new drug targets to combat antibiotic-resistant salmonella. The study also revealed two previously unknown gene clusters required for producing hair-like strands on the bacteria's surface.
Researchers found that 60% of patients received first-line antibiotics and had a 90.1% success rate, while those who received second-line antibiotics had a similar 90.8% success rate but were more expensive.
Researchers have developed a new treatment option for atrial fibrillation using bipolar radiofrequency, which shows promising results in treating the condition. The procedure can be done without using the heart-lung machine and has been tested on sheep with successful outcomes, indicating it may be safe for human patients.
Researchers discovered a new drug that can restore bowel function without affecting pain relief, enabling patients to recover faster and be discharged sooner. The study found significant improvements in recovery times for patients taking the 6mg dose of ADL 8-2698.
Researchers used gene therapy to treat mice with beta-glucuronidase deficiency, a condition that affects approximately 1 in 5,000 babies. The treatment showed promise by improving symptoms for up to a year, but six mice eventually developed cancer, raising questions about the long-term safety of this approach.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found PET scans to be more accurate than CT scans in detecting cervical cancer spread. The imaging method reveals metabolic differences between cancer cells and normal tissue, identifying abnormal lymph nodes.
A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that prostaglandins are required for efficient liver regeneration. The research used mouse models to show that blocking prostaglandin synthesis impaired the liver's regenerative response, highlighting a crucial role for these molecules in liver disease.
Researchers at WashU Medicine discovered an antibody that targets a specific region of the amyloid-beta protein, drawing it out of the brain and into the blood. The study found that mice treated with the antibody developed fewer amyloid plaques in their brains than control animals.
Researchers discovered that beneficial bacteria in the gut influence the expression of genes important to intestinal development and function. The study found that these microbes activate genes involved in sugar and fat absorption, cellular barrier integrity, and blood vessel formation.
Researchers propose a new model of asthma that suggests epithelial cells play a crucial role in the development of the disease. They found that IL-12 p40 production is increased in airway epithelial cells during inflammation and is overactive in people with asthma.
A protein called NR2B makes mice more aware of minor pain for longer periods of time, a phenomenon that mimics what happens in people with chronic pain. The researchers suggest that interfering with NR2B in humans might be a strategy for treating chronic pain.
A study of 15 professional welders found they developed typical clinical signs of Parkinson's disease 15 years earlier than the general population. Brain imaging scans revealed no significant difference in dopamine levels between the welders and control patients, suggesting a possible environmental link.
Researchers at WashU Medicine discovered that Gram-positive bacteria like Streptococcus and Staphylococcus use cholesterol-dependent cytolysins to inject toxins into host cells, paving the way for entry of other proteins. This finding could lead to new approaches in treating antibiotic-resistant infections.
A new study by Washington University School of Medicine found that nitrous oxide is effective in sedating young children during facial suturing, reducing anxiety and pain. The method showed fewer side effects and faster recovery time compared to traditional oral pain medication.
A recent study published in Neurology has imaged language areas of the brain during recovery from stroke, providing insights into normal language processes and potential therapy optimizations. Researchers found that areas on the right side of the brain contribute to language recovery after left-side damage.
Researchers have identified a new genetic risk factor for late onset Alzheimer’s disease on chromosome 10, which may interact independently of the APOE4 gene. The study found a potential mechanism linking this region to elevated amyloid-beta levels in the brain, suggesting new therapeutic opportunities.
The team sequenced the genome of Arabidopsis thaliana, a flowering mustard, enabling scientists to study genes controlling basic plant functions. The knowledge gained will aid in improving crops like wheat, corn, and soybeans, as well as identifying genes in the human sequence.
Researchers identified a two-step process by which malaria parasites break out of red blood cells, paving the way for developing clinically useful inhibitors. The discovery may lead to promising targets for drug development and improved understanding of the disease.
Researchers found a way to grow hepatitis C virus in labs, enabling genetic studies and potential vaccine development. The breakthrough could speed up progress against the disease, which affects 170 million worldwide.
A new technique called constraint-induced movement (CIM) therapy has been shown to improve motor functions in stroke patients, even after 14 days. CIM therapy encourages use of the impaired arm and has been found to improve overall arm strength and coordination.
Scientists have found a novel gene, JM2, that causes an inherited form of type 1 diabetes and autoimmunity in boys. The mutations affect the protein's function, leading to hyperactive immune cells that destroy islet cells, resulting in diabetes and allergies.
Researchers have identified a gene that allows histoplasma to infect and persist in humans. The discovery uses a novel technique that may be valuable in finding drug targets for this disease-causing fungus and others.
A new radiation treatment technique targets head and neck tumors while sparing salivary glands, enabling patients to function more normally. Patients who received intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) experienced improved saliva flow and quality of life compared to conventional radiation therapies.
A six-year study found inhaled steroids to be safe and effective for children with mild-to-moderate asthma, reducing hospitalizations and emergency room visits by up to 43%. The treatment also improved lung growth and reduced symptoms, contradicting previous concerns about long-term risks.
Researchers have identified two proteins p73 and E2F1 that play important roles in programmed cell death, regulating the death of immune cells T cells. This discovery provides new insights into cancer research and the potential treatment of autoimmune diseases.
Scientists have developed genetically-altered mice that resist diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance by producing uncoupling protein-1 in muscle tissue. This protein burns excess energy as heat instead of storing it as fat, mirroring the effects of exercise on weight loss.
A study found that a specialized nurse intervention significantly reduced asthma hospitalizations and missed work days, while also lowering healthcare costs. The program provided social support and education to patients, resulting in improved quality of life and substantial cost savings.
A new study has found that frail and elderly patients with chronic atrial fibrillation are less likely to receive stroke-preventing drugs. Warfarin lowers the risk of stroke, heart attack or death by one-fourth in this population, but underuse is common.
Robert Criss has developed a new method to date water using oxygen-18 isotopes, providing a distinctive fingerprint for each water sample. This technique allows researchers to trace the age of water, track pollutant emissions, and understand the behavior of river systems.