Scientists discovered that p-glycoprotein and a similar protein collaborate to limit drug traffic through the brain. This finding could lead to improved treatment of diseases like AIDS, depression, cancer, and more.
Researchers link Fas and FasL interaction to immune-privilege in the eye, affecting age-related macular degeneration. Deficiency of Fas or FasL leads to increased growth of new retinal vessels.
Researchers found that changes in the brain characteristic of Alzheimer's disease begin years before clinical symptoms like memory loss. The study used brain tissue from over 60 subjects, including healthy individuals and those with dementia, to identify amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles.
A landmark study involving women with invasive cervical cancer showed that adding chemotherapy to radiation therapy significantly improves survival rates and disease-free survival. The study found that 73% of patients who received both treatments survived for at least five years, compared to 58% of those given only radiation.
A study is testing smart cards for pregnant women to access their medical records. The card contains a computer chip summarizing the patient's record, which can be updated with new information upon each visit. This system aims to improve healthcare efficiency and reduce redundant tests.
Researchers have successfully developed a novel therapy that uses a fusion protein to selectively kill HIV-infected cells by triggering a chain of suicidal events. This approach has potential applications in treating other infectious diseases such as hepatitis C and malaria, and may also be used to target cancer cells.
Neurosurgeons successfully tested a new magnetic surgery system on the world's first human patient, allowing for precise navigation of surgical tools through the brain. The innovative technology has far-reaching potential for various applications, including implanting electrodes, repairing aneurysms, and delivering targeted treatments.
A study published in Nature Medicine suggests that high glucose levels during pregnancy can lead to embryonic cell death, resulting in higher rates of miscarriage and birth defects among diabetic women. The researchers found that controlling blood sugar levels is crucial for pregnant women with diabetes.
Researchers found that when E. coli attaches to the bladder lining, it triggers a natural defense mechanism where bladder cells commit suicide and slough off, but some bacteria can avoid being removed by invading deeper tissue. This could explain why patients experience recurrent bladder infections despite antibiotic treatment.
Researchers have discovered a protein, gephyrin, crucial for central nervous system synapse development and molybdenum utilization. The absence of this protein leads to symptoms similar to human diseases, including stiff baby syndrome and molybdenum cofactor deficiency.
Researchers found that famous faces activate both sides of the brain, whereas unfamiliar faces only activate the right side. This suggests that paying attention to a person's name and face can improve memory recall.
Research finds that people with inherited depression have fewer glia cells in the brain's subgenual prefrontal cortex, a region involved in stress responses. This difference is not seen in those without a family history of depression.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have created a way to create harmless vectors from harmful viruses. They showed that the vectors are efficient couriers of genes and can be used to study gene regulation and functions, as well as deliver DNA vaccines.
Researchers found that brain areas active during eye movements also control visual attention, shifting focus to peripheral areas. This discovery suggests a shared neural basis for these functions, with potential implications for understanding early mammalian cognition and primate social behavior.
Researchers used PET images of people tracing maze patterns to find distinct brain areas active during learning and skilled performance. The brain's 'right premotor cortex' and 'left cerebellum' are active early on, while the 'supplementary motor area' takes over after practice.
Scientists have isolated the WFS1 gene responsible for Wolfram Syndrome, a rare form of insulin-dependent diabetes. The disorder is characterized by insulin-secreting cell death and progressive neurodegeneration, leading to blindness and premature death. Understanding this gene may lead to new treatments for common forms of diabetes.
A study of over 4,700 twin brothers found that combat had a minor role in health issues such as hypertension, respiratory difficulties, and gastrointestinal disorders. Inherited factors accounted for 90% of reported health problems, with combat experience explaining less than 1%. The research suggests that environmental experiences oth...
Patients with complete blockage of the carotid artery and hemodynamic failure face a six to seven times higher stroke risk. Oxygen metabolism in the brain is crucial to stroke risk, and available treatments offer little alteration to risk.
Researchers discovered a specific code that unlocks T cell activation, preventing immune cells from attacking the body's own cells. The code is: B1, C2, A1, A2, B2, C1.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have successfully grown new kidneys in rats by placing developing rat kidneys inside adult rat abdominal cavities. The resulting organs function and thrive, suggesting a possible alternative to traditional kidney transplantation.
Researchers found that the brain enhances pain signals through silent synapses, which can lead to persistent pain. Blocking these pathways may lead to better treatments for chronic pain.
A new study on the fossilized skull of Mr. Ples, a relative of early humans, throws doubt on previous interpretations of brain evolution. The research suggests that some estimates of brain size in early hominids may be too high and that 3-D digital models can provide accurate measurements.
A new study finds that when remembering words, the brain activates the left side, while unfamiliar faces are processed by the right. However, both sides become active for objects with names.
A new Alzheimer's disease treatment, metrifonate, has been shown to improve behavioral disturbances and mental performance in patients with mild-to-moderate dementia. The study found that metrifonate slowed the mental decline associated with Alzheimer's disease over a six-month period.
A new version of the PSA test detects 95% of prostate cancers and helps distinguish between cancer and benign conditions. The study reduces unnecessary biopsies and provides personalized risk assessments for men with borderline results.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have shown that a compound called BAF protects newborn rats from brain damage. The findings suggest that administering BAF after the damaging procedure is just as effective as giving it ahead of time, and that it also protects when injected systemically.
A study at Washington University School of Medicine found that 3-D models of the pelvis are more accurate than X-ray images in preparing surgeons to revise hip replacements. This added information helps with crucial planning stages for complicated surgeries, reducing complications and improving patient outcomes.
Researchers have generated mice with human apoE3 or apoE4 genes, showing that apoE3 promotes nerve cell outgrowth while apoE4 does not. This study provides new insights into the biological effects of apoE variants and may offer a common mechanism for their adverse effects on neurodegenerative diseases.
A team of researchers led by Stephen M. Highstein will study the response of saltwater fish to near-zero gravity conditions on a space shuttle mission. By analyzing signals from the fish's brains, they hope to reveal clues about why astronauts suffer from motion sickness in space.
Scientists have discovered that Helicobacter pylori resistance to metronidazole is caused by mutation in the rdxA gene. This gene codes for an enzyme that converts metronidazole into hydroxylamine, a mutagen and cancer-causing chemical.
Researchers found that when H. pylori attaches to stomach cells with a specific molecule called Leb, it triggers an immune response that can lead to ulcers, inflammation, and increased risk of stomach cancer. The study provides a genetically well-defined model for studying bacterial attachment and its role in disease.
A study of 6,100 veterans found that diuretics and diuretic plus beta-blocker regimens were the most effective in lowering blood pressure, producing average pressures of 140.1/81.9 mmHg. In contrast, calcium channel blockers had the highest average pressures of 149.0/86.5 mmHg.
Researchers found that even mild forms of Alzheimer's can be distinguished from normal aging-related memory changes. The brains of patients with even mild Alzheimer's were found to have amyloid plaques, indicating early disease onset.
Hultgren's research focuses on understanding how bacteria attach to human tissue, a key event in disease onset. He has made significant breakthroughs in developing vaccines against urinary tract infections.
The FDA panel unanimously approved a new test for detecting prostate cancer, which catches almost all cancers and reduces unnecessary biopsies. The free PSA test, measuring unbound PSA in the blood, identifies patients who could benefit from surgery or treatments, reducing cancer-free men's biopsies by 20%.
Researchers have isolated a bacterial protein that allows Helicobacter pylori to attach to the gastric lining, a key step in developing a vaccine against peptic ulcers and gastric cancer. The discovery of BabA protein, found on the surface of H. pylori, could lead to an effective, cheap vaccine that boosts immunity after every exposure.
A study found that older women, especially minorities, get the fewest mammograms due to fears of finding a lump and erroneous beliefs about breast cancer. Tailoring messages to address these concerns can encourage more women to undergo screening.
Researchers have discovered a new genetic variation that increases the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. The study found that changes in the APOE gene can lead to higher levels of beta-amyloid, contributing to the development of senile plaques in the brain.
Researchers found a genetic mutation that increases susceptibility to allergies, making individuals 10 times more likely to develop allergies. The discovery could lead to targeted medications and help identify high-risk individuals for intervention strategies.
A NASA instrument package will measure atmospheric conditions on a record-breaking solo balloon flight around the world. The mission aims to simulate planetary missions and educate the public on Earth's lower atmosphere.
Researchers have discovered a way to quickly determine if women with advanced breast cancer are responding to hormone therapy using positron emission tomography (PET). The finding could reduce the need for harsher chemotherapy and improve quality of life for patients.
Dystonia results from a deficiency in dopamine receptors, according to researchers at Washington University School of Medicine. A study found that dopamine levels were 97-98% lower on the treated side of the brain during dystonic symptoms.
Researchers developed a synthetic human hormone that triples platelets received from each donor, improving recovery of platelets in patients undergoing chemotherapy. An increased supply would give physicians more options for treating chemotherapy patients and make transfusions more affordable.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine discovered that E. coli can live inside immune-system cells lining the bladder wall, making it harder to treat bladder infections. The bacteria use sticky appendages to cling to these cells and evade antibiotics.
Researchers found that potassium ions play a critical role in triggering programmed cell death or apoptosis in nerve cells. By blocking potassium channels, they may be able to prevent nerve cell death and reduce brain damage in patients with stroke, spinal cord injuries, or neurodegenerative disorders.
Scientists found that mice lacking the macrophage elastase enzyme showed no signs of emphysema after heavy smoking. This discovery challenges previous theories and offers new hope for emphysema treatment. Researchers are now exploring metalloproteinase inhibitors to prevent the disease.
Researchers found buckyballs protect nerve cells from various types of damage, including stroke and spinal cord injury. In a mouse model of ALS, modified buckyballs delayed symptoms and increased lifespan by up to 15%.
Tuberculosis bacteria use the C2a protein to lure macrophages to their death, a strategy that makes them effective pathogens. Understanding this mechanism may lead to the development of a novel vaccine to prevent tuberculosis.
Researchers have created a mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, allowing for study of both skeletal muscle and heart disease. The double mutant mouse develops severe symptoms, including muscle wasting and heart disease, similar to humans with the disorder.
Dr. Nathaniel H. Murdock has been elected president of the National Medical Association (NMA), a group serving 22,000 minority physicians. His top priority is preventing teen pregnancy through education, which he believes is key to addressing this issue.