New research from WashU Medicine finds that weight loss after surgery, not the surgery itself, drives improvements in metabolism and remission of diabetes. The study compared patients who lost weight through gastric bypass surgery with those who achieved equivalent weight loss through diet alone.
A new experimental COVID-19 vaccine has been shown to prevent pneumonia and elicit high levels of protective antibodies in mice infected with the virus. The vaccine uses a mild virus genetically modified to carry a key gene from the COVID-19 virus, generating a strong immune response.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine discovered a new tool to enhance tumor immunotherapy by blocking the TREM2 protein, resulting in complete elimination of tumors. A clinical trial could follow with existing anti-TREM2 antibodies already in trials for another disease.
Researchers have identified a blood test target, phosphorylated tau 217, that correlates with the presence of amyloid plaques in the brain. This protein can be detected in the blood of people who have yet to show signs of forgetfulness or confusion, making it a promising tool for early Alzheimer's diagnosis.
A new approach combines CAR-T cell technology with natural killer cells to enhance tumor-fighting ability and reduce side effects. The merged immunotherapy shows promise in treating certain blood cancers, such as leukemia, and may be safer than traditional CAR-T cell therapy.
Researchers created a hybrid virus that targets cells like SARS-CoV-2 but lacks severe disease genes. The hybrid virus can be handled under ordinary laboratory safety conditions, making it ideal for high-throughput analyses.
Researchers found that mice with healthy gut microbiomes were less sick and less likely to spread infection. Introducing certain bacteria or chemical compounds improved immune responses and reduced virus levels.
A decentralized global system could screen wild animals and their products for disease-causing viruses, allowing for early detection of potential pandemics. The proposed system would use rapid genetic sequencing on site and upload to a central database for analysis.
Tofersen, an experimental drug for a rare inherited form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), has shown early promise in a phase 1/phase 2 clinical trial. The study found that the drug is generally well-tolerated and lowers levels of a disease-causing protein in people with SOD1 ALS.
Rural patients receive lower quality care and have higher mortality rates due to limited access to advanced stroke treatments. The analysis found that hospital capabilities for delivering advanced stroke care are lower in rural areas, resulting in substantially higher mortality rates.
A new study shows that oral antibiotics can be as effective as IV treatments for patients with life-threatening infections caused by injecting illicit drugs. This change in treatment protocol has led to a significant reduction in hospital readmissions among these patients.
Researchers developed a COVID-19 mouse model that replicates the illness in people, allowing for accelerated testing of experimental treatments and vaccines. The model can also study risk factors for severe illness, such as obesity and advanced age.
A new study found that antibiotic-destroying genes are widespread in bacteria in soil and on people, threatening public health. A chemical compound has been developed to shield tetracyclines from destruction, restoring their effectiveness against resistant bacteria.
Researchers will sequence parasitic worm genomes to develop genetic tools for monitoring and tracking resistance, leading to new therapies. Two projects focus on river blindness and fascioliasis, causing devastating illness in millions of people globally.
A global trial is testing whether chloroquine can prevent COVID-19 infection or decrease its severity in front-line health-care workers. The CROWN CORONATION trial will recruit over 30,000 workers globally and examine the effectiveness of three different chloroquine dose schedules.
Fruit flies sleep more when unable to fly, adapting to challenging situations. Sleep helps animals respond effectively, according to researchers at WashU Medicine.
The number of stroke evaluations at US hospitals has dropped by nearly 40% during the pandemic, suggesting many people are delaying medical care. This delay can lead to reduced access to life-saving treatments and increased risk of death and disability.
A study in mice suggests gene therapy can build significant muscle mass quickly and reduce the severity of osteoarthritis, even without exercise. The therapy also prevented obesity and improved cardiovascular health.
A new study from Washington University School of Medicine has found that brain tumors in children with NF1 are driven by nearby noncancerous neurons and immune cells. The researchers discovered that targeting immune cells slows tumor growth in mice, pointing to potential new treatments.
Researchers successfully reversed diabetes in mice by using genetically edited stem cells derived from patients with a rare genetic form of insulin-dependent diabetes. The CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool corrected a genetic defect that caused the disease, allowing the human stem cells to normalize blood sugar levels.
A clinical trial is underway to evaluate the effectiveness of chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, and azithromycin in treating patients with severe COVID-19. The study aims to determine whether these medications can decrease the severity or duration of respiratory symptoms.
A new study from WashU Medicine found that captive apes' gut microbiomes are more similar to those of people who eat non-Western diets than their wild counterparts. The research also identified novel antibiotic resistance genes in wild apes and humans, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to protect endangered species.
Researchers found that immune cells from early development, called natural killer cells, are more effective in treating cancer. These cells can be developed from human pluripotent stem cells, providing a new supply of immune cells for immunotherapy.
Researchers found that breast milk with higher levels of epidermal growth factor can activate intestinal cells to keep harmful gut bacteria from migrating into the bloodstream. This could provide a potential new tool to combat late-onset sepsis in premature babies.
A new imaging agent has been developed to identify cancer cells and their supporting compromised cells. The compound binds to activated annexin A2 protein present in many solid tumors, allowing for targeted imaging and potential dual targeting of the tumor and surrounding cells with chemotherapy drugs.
Researchers found that inhibiting IDO1 protein helps radiation destroy tumor cells while preserving healthy tissue. Combining radiation with the inhibitor increased cell death within tumors and improved protection of healthy tissue.
A drug strategy aimed at boosting natural killer cells appears to effectively treat eczema in mice, reducing inflammation and improving skin rash. Researchers hope this approach could help patients with asthma and food allergies as well.
A Zika virus strain in northeastern Brazil was particularly damaging to the developing brain, causing microcephaly in over 80% of cases. Researchers found that this strain led to neurodegeneration and smaller brains, but other factors such as environmental viruses may have also played a role.
A phase 2/3 clinical trial evaluating two investigational drugs for their ability to slow memory loss and cognitive decline in people with a rare, inherited form of Alzheimer's disease did not meet its primary outcome. Despite disappointing results, the researchers continue to explore data from the trial's cognitive and clinical outcomes.
Researchers found that people with Parkinson's carrying APOE4 variant experience faster cognitive decline and more severe dementia. Targeting APOE may reduce dementia risk in Parkinson's patients.
A new study maps TB immune responses in diverse models including genetically diverse mice and blood samples from adolescents with TB. The study reveals similarities and differences between human, mouse, and macaque responses, providing valuable insights for developing effective therapies.
A study of 11,784 children found that 25% received suboptimal antibiotic treatments. The most common cases included 'bug-drug mismatch' and prolonged use after surgery. Healthcare providers often overlooked these cases due to limited review by antimicrobial stewardship programs.
Researchers found that jumping genes, also known as transposable elements, play a crucial role in stabilizing the 3D folding patterns of DNA molecules. This discovery contradicts the long-held assumption that the precise order of letters in the DNA sequence dictates the broader structure of the DNA molecule.
A new study reveals that high-protein diets can lead to increased plaque buildup in arteries, particularly unstable plaque prone to rupture. This can increase the risk of heart attacks. Researchers found that excess amino acids from a high-protein diet activate macrophages, leading to cell death and worsening plaque complexity.
A new study suggests that rare, harmful genetic mutations present in healthy donors' stem cells can be passed on to cancer patients, causing heart damage, graft-versus-host disease and new leukemias. The study analyzed DNA samples from 25 AML patients and their matching donors, revealing 44% of donors had at least one harmful mutation.
Researchers have identified a driver of bone loss related to cancer treatment, found that cell senescence drives bone loss beyond estrogen alone. Two investigational drugs can stop this process, improving quality of life for cancer patients.
A study published in JAMA Oncology found that proton therapy is just as effective as X-ray radiation therapy in treating cancer, but causes fewer side effects and lower hospitalization rates. This could lead to improved quality of life for patients and reduced healthcare costs.
Researchers at WashU Medicine have developed a method to supercharge protein production up to a thousandfold, which could significantly increase the production of protein-based drugs, vaccines, and biomaterials. This breakthrough has the potential to reduce costs and improve efficiency in various industries.
Researchers found that children with mild to moderate asthma who experienced worsening symptoms had distinct bacterial groups in their upper airways, while those with well-controlled asthma had different bacteria. Altering the airway microbiome could potentially help patients with asthma.
Researchers found that pre-operative depression and anxiety can lead to poorer outcomes after hip surgery, including increased pain and slower recoveries. The study proposes screening for mental health issues before hip surgery to improve treatment outcomes.
Researchers created individualized maps of functional networks in the thalamus and basal ganglia, revealing variation in symptom response to deep-brain stimulation. The study suggests that successful treatment depends on tapping into the correct network for each patient.
Researchers found that normal gut bacteria boost norovirus severity in the lower small intestine but block it in the upper small intestine. The study suggests manipulating the gut environment through bile acids or microbiome could stimulate the immune system to shut down norovirus infection.
Critically ill patients undergoing heart stent procedures with Impella ventricular assist devices are at increased risk of bleeding, kidney problems, stroke, and death compared to those using balloon pumps. The study suggests a need for more research on the use of these devices in clinical practice.
A newly discovered antibody protects mice against a wide range of lethal influenza viruses, representing human, swine, and avian strains. The antibody could serve as a template to design a universal flu vaccine and treat severe cases of flu.
A new study reveals that helper T cells play a vital role in cancer immunotherapy, and activating them alongside killer T cells can lead to more effective treatments. The research suggests that combining immune checkpoint therapy with vaccines targeting both types of T cells may be the key to improving treatment outcomes for patients
A new study found that people with dementia whose parents also had dementia develop symptoms an average of six years earlier. Factors such as education and genetic variants accounted for less than a third of the variation in age at onset, suggesting more to be discovered about the factors affecting when symptoms arise.
A new study found that brain immune cells called microglia drive brain damage in Alzheimer's patients. Eliminating these cells reduces tau-linked brain damage, suggesting a potential therapeutic target.
Researchers at WashU Medicine discovered that certain strains of gut microbes can break down harmful compounds in processed foods and produce beneficial nutrients. These microbes could potentially make unhealthy snacks healthier when added to their composition.
Researchers found type 3 innate lymphoid cells (ILC3) are responsible for maintaining the gut's immune system. Targeting clock genes may lead to treatments for digestive ailments, such as inflammatory bowel disease and obesity.
New research from Washington University School of Medicine shows that infectious disease specialists can significantly improve outcomes for hospitalized patients with fungal bloodstream infections. With a 20% lower risk of death and increased use of life-saving treatments, specialist consultation is crucial in reducing mortality rates.