Researchers at WashU Medicine identified a drug that helps sensory neurons regrow after spinal cord injury. The drug, fenofibrate, activated support cells and improved recovery by about twice as much as a placebo. This finding offers potential for repurposing an FDA-approved compound to restore sensory function.
Physician attitudes and beliefs contribute to racial disparities in referrals for genetic counseling and testing. Black women are less likely to be referred for these services, despite having a higher breast cancer mortality rate than white women.
Researchers discovered that RSV's NS1 protein alters immune gene expression to evade the immune response. The study provides crucial data for targeting NS1 in drug or vaccine development and may shed light on the link between RSV and asthma.
Researchers have developed a chemical compound that interferes with the entry of coronaviruses into human cells, targeting the transmembrane serine protease 2 protein. The compound, MM3122, has shown potential in preventing infection and reducing disease severity, with effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV, and MERS-CoV.
Researchers will investigate hidden signs of brain damage in REM behavior disorder, aiming to identify biomarkers that predict impending neurological disease. The goal is to delay the onset or prevent dementia or Parkinsonism through clinical trials.
Researchers have found a specific protein, circulating fatty acid synthase (cFAS), in the blood that can accurately detect severe peripheral artery disease and narrow the arteries in the legs. The study suggests that cFAS may contribute to plaque formation characteristic of cardiovascular disease.
A new analysis suggests that most never-smokers' lung tumors have actionable mutations, making them treatable with existing FDA-approved drugs. The study found that 78-92% of lung cancers in patients who have never smoked can be targeted with precision drugs.
Researchers found that radiation therapy triggers heart muscle cells to express different genes and increase sodium ion channels, reducing arrhythmias. The treatment also continued to show benefits for at least two years in surviving patients.
Researchers at WashU Medicine and University of Pittsburgh discover that Rift Valley fever virus uses a protein linked to cholesterol metabolism to infect cells. The finding could lead to therapies preventing or reducing the virus's impact by interfering with its entry into cells.
A new algorithm uses amyloid PET scans to gauge brain levels of Alzheimer's protein and estimate when symptoms will arise. By analyzing age and single scan data, the algorithm yields an estimate of how far a person has progressed toward dementia.
The university will lead the data and administrative center for a multicenter project investigating how variations in the human genome sequence affect its function. Researchers aim to identify which genomic variants are relevant for health and disease, improving understanding of human health and developing new treatments.
Researchers have genetically engineered cells that can deliver a biologic drug in response to inflammation, reducing inflammation and preventing bone damage in mice with rheumatoid arthritis. This approach could provide personalized treatments for arthritis patients, limiting side effects associated with current therapies.
Researchers analyzed epidemiological models to examine the impact of delayed public health orders in St. Louis, finding that a two-week delay could have resulted in nearly sevenfold more deaths by June 15. The study highlights the importance of early and coordinated implementation of local public health policies.
Researchers developed urine and blood biopsies to diagnose and monitor bladder cancer and peripheral nerve tumors. The tests could help patients avoid unnecessary surgeries and improve cancer management with accurate tumor detection at various stages.
A community-based fall-prevention program helped reduce in-home falls among older adults by nearly 40%, resulting in cost savings of $1,613 per person. The program provided personalized plans to address fall risks and made simple home modifications such as grab bars and slip-resistant surfaces.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine found that COVID-19 vaccination elicited a response in nearly nine out of ten people with weakened immune systems. However, the responses were only about one-third as strong as those mounted by healthy people. Despite this, the discovery is encouraging news for a population at hig...
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found that infection triggers the expression of a protein called IL-33, leading to overgrowth of air spaces and increased mucus production. The researchers suggest that blocking this process could prevent chronic lung damage caused by viral infections.
Researchers at WashU Medicine have identified an antibody that is highly protective at low doses against a wide range of viral variants. The antibody targets a part of the virus' spike protein that differs little across variants, making it unlikely to lose potency as the virus mutates.
Researchers at WashU Medicine have identified two antibodies that protect animals from disease caused by alphaviruses, which could form the basis of treatments or serve as a template for a universal vaccine. The antibodies worked against all tested alphaviruses and prevented arthritis and brain infections in animals.
A new study from WashU Medicine found a strong association between high physical activity and maintaining cognitive function among breast cancer patients treated with chemotherapy. The research suggests that moderate to vigorous exercise may help ward off 'chemo brain,' a decline in cognitive function common during cancer treatment.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine found that COVID-19 vaccination antibodies are effective against the delta variant. The study analyzed antibodies generated by people in response to the Pfizer vaccine and found that 12 out of 13 antibodies recognized both alpha and delta variants, while one antibody failed to rec...
A study in mice and human blood samples found that HDL3 protects the liver by blocking gut bacterial signals that cause inflammation. The researchers identified a special type of HDL called HDL3 that is produced by the intestine, which blocks lipopolysaccharide signals that activate immune cells.
Researchers at WashU Medicine have identified potential new treatment targets for Alzheimer's disease, focusing on defective proteins and existing FDA-approved drugs. The study provides hope for clinical trials to begin sooner, targeting brain damage caused by amyloid buildup.
Researchers at WashU Medicine have shown that cell-based immunotherapy using natural killer cells may be effective against solid tumors, including melanoma. The therapy has been successful in treating patients with recurrent leukemia and other blood cancers.
Researchers found that COVID-19 vaccines induce a robust and potentially long-lasting immune response with the formation of germinal centers in lymph nodes. Vaccination led to high levels of neutralizing antibodies effective against three variants of the virus, including the Beta variant from South Africa.
Researchers at WashU Medicine discovered a single mutation in SARS-CoV-2 that allows the virus to enter human lung cells through an alternative route, which may evade COVID-19 antibodies or vaccines. The study suggests the virus can change and adapt in unexpected ways to cause infection.
Research suggests that combination therapies made from two antibodies retain potency against a wide range of COVID-19 variants, preventing emergence of drug resistance. The findings support the use of combination therapy for treating infections with this virus as more variants emerge.
Researchers found that a protein associated with reduced heart disease also protects against Alzheimer's-like brain damage in mice. Increasing levels of LDL receptor may slow or stop cognitive decline, offering a promising treatment strategy for dementia.
The study found that gantenerumab reduced amyloid plaques, lowered soluble tau and phospho-tau levels, and slowed neurofilament light chain rise in participants with dominantly inherited Alzheimer's disease. The drug showed potential benefit as a secondary endpoint.
A study published in Cell identified specific nerve cells and proteins that trigger the sneeze reflex, which may lead to new treatments for infectious respiratory diseases. The researchers found that stimulating these cells with a molecule called neuromedin B could induce sneezing, even without exposure to allergens or viruses.
Scientists have identified two brain areas involved in tracking uncertainty about unwelcome events, such as negative news. The anterior cingulate cortex and ventrolateral prefrontal cortex were found to encode information about attitudes toward good and bad possibilities separately.
Researchers discover that children with average risk medulloblastoma can receive a smaller volume of radiation boost without reducing survival rates. However, reducing the dose of radiation given to the whole brain and spine over six weeks had a negative impact on survival.
A single treatment involving breathing in a mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide significantly improved symptoms in people with treatment-resistant depression. Symptoms of depression improved rapidly following treatment, with benefits lasting for several weeks.
Researchers found numerous novel genes promoting microbial resistance in international travelers' gut microbiomes. The study highlights the global spread of antimicrobial resistance through travel and emphasizes the need for broader surveillance.
The FDA-approved drug sotorasib has been shown to reduce tumor size and improve survival among patients with non-small-cell lung cancer caused by a specific DNA mutation. The study involved 126 patients who showed significant responses to the treatment, including 34% achieving partial response and 3% complete response.
Researchers discovered that immune cells from the skull bone marrow guard the brain and spinal cord, while others arrive from the bloodstream, carrying genetic signatures that may promote autoimmunity. This finding could inform understanding and treatment of brain disorders such as neuro-COVID, Alzheimer's disease, and multiple sclerosis.
Researchers developed a nanofiber-integrated cell encapsulation device that protects insulin-secreting cells from the immune system, allowing them to secrete insulin and control blood sugar levels. The implant was successful in mice with diabetes for up to 200 days without suppressing the immune system.
Researchers found that light exposure triggers the formation of brain tumors in genetically prone mice, which could help prevent similar tumors in children at high risk. The study suggests using cool sunglasses or repurposing drugs to block unwanted neuronal activity and reduce tumor growth.
A new study from Washington University School of Medicine found that low testosterone levels in men are linked to more severe disease. Men with low testosterone had a higher risk of requiring intensive care or dying from COVID-19, while those with higher testosterone levels were less likely to experience severe symptoms.
Researchers found that people who had mild COVID-19 developed antibody-producing cells that can last a lifetime. These cells will continue to produce antibodies against the virus even after infection has resolved.
Eating a Western diet impairs gut immune function, increasing the risk of infection and inflammatory bowel disease. Paneth cell damage caused by high sugar and fat consumption can lead to excessive inflammation.
A recent study found that only 6% of people with alcohol use disorder receive treatment, despite most having access to healthcare. The researchers suggest that primary care doctors may not feel comfortable addressing drinking issues due to lack of training, leading to a gap in treatment.
A new study finds that non-Hispanic African American women with triple-negative breast cancer have a 28% increased risk of death compared to their white counterparts. The disparity is attributed to lower rates of surgery and chemotherapy, as well as differences in tumor biology and socioeconomic factors.
A new study found a link between drinking sugar-sweetened beverages and an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer in women under age 50. Heavy consumption during adolescence and young adulthood can increase disease risk, suggesting public health efforts to reduce sugar intake may be beneficial.
Researchers found that treating mice with experimental Alzheimer's drugs paired with a treatment to improve brain drainage reduced amyloid deposits more effectively than the anti-amyloid drugs alone.
A new study found that the anti-aging compound NMN improved insulin sensitivity in skeletal muscle of postmenopausal women with prediabetes. However, it did not lower blood glucose or blood pressure, and more research is needed to determine its clinical benefits.
A major study reveals COVID-19 survivors have an almost 60% increased risk of death over six months compared to the general population. The research catalogued numerous diseases associated with long-term complications of COVID-19, pointing to a massive health burden.
Researchers found that about 25% of study participants developed vision loss from glaucoma, a lower rate than expected. The conventional thinking was that most patients with elevated eye pressure should receive treatment due to high costs and potential side effects.
A new study found that breastfeeding mothers who receive a COVID-19 vaccine can pass protective antibodies to their babies through breast milk, providing long-lasting immune protection. The research tracked antibody levels in breast milk over an extended period and confirms the potential immune benefit of breast-feeding infants after v...
A new study by researchers at WashU Medicine found that children hospitalized with RSV are likely to get sicker if they have high levels of defective viral genomes. These defective genomes can trigger a strong antiviral immune response, but timing matters in determining the course of illness.