A new study from WashU Medicine reveals that patients from underrepresented groups and lower socioeconomic neighborhoods are less likely to receive specialized dementia care. Black patients are also more likely to be diagnosed with advanced-stage dementia, exacerbating healthcare disparities.
Researchers at Washington University have developed a breath test that can quickly identify those infected with COVID-19, providing accurate results in under a minute. The device uses an electrochemical biosensor to detect the virus, which has potential applications for use in doctors' offices and public events.
A new biomarker, MTBR-tau243, tracks Alzheimer's disease progression by measuring levels of a specific form of tau in cerebrospinal fluid. The finding has major implications for diagnosing and staging the disease, and could accelerate the development of effective treatments.
A study found that anti-inflammatory drugs like abatacept and infliximab reduced mortality in severely ill COVID-19 patients when used with standard care. However, these medications did not affect recovery time. The findings suggest that multiple treatment options are available for severe cases of COVID-19.
A new study from Washington University School of Medicine suggests that growing up in poverty may influence the wiring of a child's brain. The study found a link between neighborhood and household poverty and white matter tracts, which allow for communication between brain regions.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine developed a catalog to classify protein variants associated with limb girdle muscular dystrophy. The approach enables doctors to determine the pathogenicity of variants, leading to more precise diagnoses and potential therapies.
Researchers found a distinct gut microbiome in people with pre-symptomatic Alzheimer's, differing from healthy individuals. This discovery opens the possibility of analyzing gut bacteria to identify risk factors and designing preventive treatments.
Research in mice suggests that prostate cancer cells adapt to testosterone-deprivation therapy by producing cholesterol and generating their own testosterone. Treating aggressive tumors with inhibitors slows tumor growth. The study also points to a possible drug combination and sheds light on racial disparities in prostate cancer.
Researchers found that women with denser breasts who developed cancer had slower declining density over time. The study suggests using past history of density in addition to current estimates to better understand risk levels and potentially identify which breast is at risk.
Researchers have found four key red flags for early-onset colorectal cancer, including abdominal pain and rectal bleeding, which can indicate an increased risk in younger adults. Early detection through timely endoscopy and follow-up is crucial to improve survival rates.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have identified a potential mechanism behind hallucinations triggered by kappa opioid receptors, aiming to develop painkillers without these side effects. Targeting specific binding sites on the kappa receptor may relieve pain without inducing euphoria and addiction.
A study published in Science Translational Medicine suggests that preterm infants' gut microbiomes play a role in the development of dangerous bacterial bloodstream infections. The researchers found that the most common bacteria causing these infections are also commonly found in the gut, and that antibiotics can disrupt the balance of...
A recent study published in Brain found that stress increases Alzheimer's risk in female mice by elevating amyloid beta levels, while male mice do not exhibit this effect. The researchers identified a cellular stress response pathway in brain cells that is active in females but not males.
Researchers have identified a possible way to help break the cycle between sleep disturbances and Alzheimer's disease. A small study found that people who took a sleeping aid experienced a drop in key Alzheimer's proteins.
A recent study published in Nature has identified specific brain areas that integrate planning, purpose, physiology, behavior, and movement. Researchers found that stimulating certain areas of the brain can calm both the body and mind, providing new insights into the mind-body connection.
A phase 3 clinical trial shows that motixafortide combined with standard therapy increases the number of stem cells that can be harvested in over 92% of patients. The combination also enhances the collection of primitive stem cells, which have greater potential for reconstituting blood cell types.
A new study creates an experimental combo vaccine by adding a key protein from norovirus to a harmless strain of rotavirus, generating antibodies against both viruses. Mice produced neutralizing antibodies in response to the vaccine.
New research from Washington University School of Medicine reveals that updated booster shots targeting specific COVID-19 variants can elicit a broad antibody response capable of neutralizing new variants. Periodic boosters may be necessary to maintain population immunity as the virus continues to evolve.
Researchers identified 1,068 transposable element-derived transcripts with potential to produce tumor antigens that could serve as targets for new immunotherapies. Many of these candidate proteins were present in multiple tumors and across tumor types, suggesting a universal antigen-based therapy.
A study found a common genetic signature that increases the risk of developing multiple substance use disorders. The research identified genes associated with dopamine signaling and could lead to universal therapies for addiction.
Researchers developed noninvasive imaging technology that creates 3D maps of uterine contractions in real-time, offering new insights into preterm birth and labor. The technology can track changes through progressive contractions and may help identify ways to prevent preterm birth.
Researchers identified a way to treat surrounding breast tumors that have spread to bone, making them vulnerable to the immune system's attack. Boosting T cells and macrophages eliminated metastatic breast tumors in mice, suggesting a new approach for treating bone-spreading breast cancers.
A study by Washington University School of Medicine suggests targeting T cells to prevent neurodegeneration and treat Alzheimer's disease. The research indicates that microglia partner with T cells to cause brain damage in the disease, and blocking their entry can avoid most neurodegeneration.
A new multicenter study led by Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis found that adding the drug aripiprazole (Abilify) to an antidepressant improves treatment outcomes for older adults with clinical depression that has not responded to standard treatments. The study, published in The New England Journal of Medicine, sho...
A new study from WashU Medicine identified a possible treatment strategy for poikiloderma with neutropenia, a rare bone marrow failure syndrome. Researchers found that inhibiting an enzyme called PAPD5 can restore normal blood cell formation by stabilizing microRNA molecules.
Researchers have discovered that cancer patients who don't respond to immunotherapy often lack CD5+ dendritic cells, which are essential for effective T cell activity. Boosting these cells may help more patients benefit from immunotherapy.
Researchers developed a computer software called CellOracle that can predict the role of individual genes in early embryonic development. The tool helps scientists identify key genes involved in development but may have been missed by older methods, providing new insights into birth defects and cancer.
Researchers developed a new imaging technique revealing abnormal circulation patterns of brain fluid in developing brains. Disruptions to cerebrospinal fluid flow may underlie cognitive deficits and developmental delays in conditions like hydrocephalus.
Researchers at WashU Medicine have identified a previously unknown signaling pathway that protects cells from DNA replication stress, which is common in cancer. Targeting this pathway with inhibitors and chemotherapy drugs could make cancer treatments more effective.
A recent study suggests that the gut microbiome affects brain behavior, immune cells and neurodegeneration. Altering the gut microbiome could be an effective way to prevent or treat neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
Researchers at WashU Medicine discovered a link between obesity and diabetes, highlighting the importance of an enzyme in fatty acid processing. The study suggests that defects in this enzyme contribute to insulin hypersecretion and beta cell failure, paving the way for potential therapeutic interventions.
Researchers discovered that urinary tract infections can arise after sterile tubes are inserted into the urinary tract, even when no bacteria are detectable beforehand. This study suggests that screening patients for hidden reservoirs of dangerous bacteria could supplement infection-control efforts and help prevent deadly infections. B...
A mouse study found that proteins made by stem cells in mice with dry eye disease may be new targets for treating injuries to the cornea. The researchers identified a key gene, SPARC, that is activated in response to injury in dry eye disease and found higher levels of its protein are associated with better healing.
Researchers at WashU Medicine identified a key transition point in the shift from chronic to aggressive leukemia, where blocking a molecule called DUSP6 prevents disease progression. Inhibiting this molecule also reduces inflammation in models of the disease.
A large study found that exercise and mindfulness training did not improve cognitive function in healthy older adults, with no measurable benefits after 6 or 18 months. The researchers plan to continue studying the group to see if these practices may help prevent future cognitive declines.
Researchers found that a vaccine against the toxin produced by E. coli protects infant mice from intestinal damage, suggesting it could boost global efforts to combat childhood malnutrition. Vaccinating kids against E. coli diarrhea may prevent long-term effects like stunting and micronutrient deficiencies.
Researchers develop new method to identify crucial protein fragments driving autoimmunity, enabling better diagnostics and therapies. The study finds cross-reactivity between human and microbial proteins drives autoimmunity in at least two diseases.
Researchers have developed a CAR-T therapy approach that effectively targets and eliminates rogue immune cells responsible for autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis. The treatment shows promise as a potential cure for debilitating conditions.
A new biomarker has been identified with up to 89% accuracy for corticobasal degeneration, a primary tauopathy. The discovery could accelerate progress toward therapies for this rare brain disease, which is often misdiagnosed due to similar symptoms.
A single drug compound attacks prostate cancer on several fronts by triggering immune cells to attack, helping them penetrate the tumor, and cutting off its ability to use testosterone as fuel. The study found that the drug activates anti-cancer T cells in a novel way and increases their ability to penetrate tumors.
Fungal lung infections are a growing problem nationwide, with 48 states affected by soil fungi causing serious lung infections. Outdated maps may lead to delayed or incorrect diagnoses.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine studied 350 people to understand how Alzheimer's disease affects the brain. The study found that gene APOE is active in the areas most damaged by the disease, leading to symptoms like language and vision problems.
Scientists at WashU Medicine have discovered that immune cells surrounding the brain play a crucial role in clearing toxic clusters of proteins. Treating old mice with an immune-stimulating compound rejuvenates these cells, improving waste clearance and holding promise for treating neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.
A new study reveals how aging triggers a loss of crucial autophagy in neurons affected by Huntington's disease. Enhancing autophagy with a chemical compound called G2 protects these cells from death, suggesting a potential treatment for the condition.
Researchers found that blocking SARM1 prevents axon loss in neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson's and ALS. The study suggests new therapeutic approaches for diseases defined by axon loss, with potential treatments involving small molecule inhibitors or gene therapy.
Researchers studying fruit flies found that brain neurons adapt to help the flies stay awake despite tiredness in dangerous situations, and fall asleep after an intense day. Time-restricted feeding also improved sleep quality in the flies, suggesting a potential therapeutic approach for humans.
Researchers at WashU Medicine identified a visual pathway in mice brains that is activated when animals see others scratching, triggering a reflex response. This discovery advances understanding of itching triggers and may point to solutions for itch-related conditions in humans.
A phase 3 clinical trial showed tofersen reduces SOD1 and neurofilament light protein levels, slowing down disease progression. Longer-term use may help stabilize muscle strength and control in people with genetic ALS.
A study by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine found that low testosterone levels are an independent risk factor for COVID-19 hospitalization in men. Men with chronically low testosterone who developed COVID-19 were 2.4 times more likely to require hospitalization than those with normal testosterone levels.
A new study from Washington University School of Medicine suggests that levels of neurofilament light chain (NfL) in the blood can predict neurotoxic side effects in patients undergoing CAR-T cell therapy. High NfL levels are present even before treatment begins and remain elevated throughout treatment.