A new type of bone-forming stem cell, DDR2+, has been found to cause premature skull fusion in infants. The researchers discovered that the abnormal proliferation of this stem cell leads to an excess of bone-making cells, resulting in craniosynostosis.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine discovered a distinct type of stem cell that secretes protein MFGE8, favoring tumor metastases to the spine. This finding helps explain why solid tumors often spread to the spine and could lead to new orthopedic and cancer treatments.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine have discovered a unique site on BK channels that allows small molecules to selectively access the channel, potentially leading to the development of targeted drugs. This finding could help treat a range of diseases, including epilepsy and hypertension.
A study led by Weill Cornell Medicine researchers found that some ion channels can rearrange into a larger structure, enabling drug delivery. The discovery solves a long-standing mystery about ion channel dynamics and has implications for pharmaceuticals.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine discovered a new relationship between cancer cells and the immune system, showing how prolonged activation of the STING pathway leads to cellular signaling changes that aid cancer's spread. This finding explains why drugs activating STING have been unsuccessful in clinical trials.
A new targeted treatment called zolbetuximab has been shown to extend survival for patients with advanced gastric or gastroesophageal junction cancer that overexpresses a specific biomarker. The treatment significantly increased progression-free and overall survival, with improved results compared to standard chemotherapy.
A new study by Weill Cornell Medicine researchers found that severe COVID-19 infection can alter the immune system's response, causing long-lasting changes to gene expression in immune system stem cells. This can lead to symptoms of prolonged inflammation and 'long COVID' in affected individuals.
Researchers developed a new technique, GoT-Splice, to analyze RNA splicing in individual cells, revealing how mutations in genes controlling this process lead to diseases. The study linked these mutations to specific changes in immature red blood cells and discovered disruptions in the gene BAX.
Pregnant individuals who received a full course of COVID-19 vaccination and a booster have the strongest immune protection from the disease. Boosting after previous infection increases antibody levels in both mothers and newborns, providing maximum possible protection to infants as SARS-CoV-2 evolves.
Researchers have developed a new gene-editing tool that enables the precise study of single-base mutations in cancer-causing genes. This technology allows for detailed experiments in tissues, which may lead to better understanding of genetic changes influencing patient response to cancer therapies.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine developed a non-opioid designer molecule to calm hyperactive pain-sensing neurons, showing promising results in preclinical studies. The novel drug effectively reversed neuropathic pain signs without cardiac side effects or sedation.
A study of 290 hospital referral regions found that 53.1% experienced load imbalance due to overcapacity, with Black patients disproportionately affected. The research emphasizes the need for better coordination of patient transfers and real-time data sharing across hospitals.
A new method revealed a 43% increase in physician turnover rate between 2010 and 2018, from 5.3% to 7.6%, with rural practices and burnout linked as contributing factors. The study also found that female doctors and those in larger practices were more prone to turnover.
A study by Weill Cornell Medicine found that state laws allowing medical cannabis use did not reduce prescriptions for opioids or other therapies for chronic non-cancer pain. The results challenge previous studies suggesting a link between medical cannabis laws and reduced opioid prescribing.
Researchers created the Cancer Atlas of Metabolic Profiles (CAMP) to analyze gene activity and metabolite levels in tumor samples. The atlas reveals two broad classes of gene-metabolite connections, pointing to mechanisms at work across cancer types.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine have discovered a DNA molecule that folds into a four-way junction structure, allowing it to mimic the activity of green fluorescent protein (GFP). This breakthrough could lead to the development of new DNA-based fluorescent tags for rapid-diagnostic tests and various scientific applications.
The DACA program has transformed the lives of thousands of undocumented immigrants, but its uncertain future poses significant risks for their health. The authors argue that policymakers must reassess restrictions on government-sponsored healthcare subsidies to ensure equal access to care.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine have successfully converted human stomach stem cells into insulin-secreting cells, offering a promising approach to treating type 1 and severe type 2 diabetes. The transplants reversed disease signs in mouse models, suggesting good durability.
Researchers found that distant cancers alter liver function by inducing fat accumulation and inflammation in liver cells. The process involves secretion of extracellular vesicles containing fatty acids, which reprogram the liver to resemble fatty liver disease.
Researchers identified a broad list of diagnoses and higher risk of long COVID in New York City compared to Florida. Symptoms included dementia, hair loss, blood clots, and fatigue.
A new study reveals that cyclic AMP and cGMP bind to ion channels with distinct effects, shedding light on their roles in regulating cell functions. The findings could inspire new treatments for disorders involving ion channel malfunctions.
A phase 2 clinical trial testing a treatment combining standard chemotherapy with azacitidine showed nearly 90% of patients with aggressive T-cell lymphoma achieved complete remission. The treatment, which targets gene-silencing marks on DNA, has an estimated two-year progression-free survival rate of 69.2%.
Targeting a specific antiviral pathway may one day offer a new way to treat or delay cognitive decline in Alzheimer's and frontotemporal dementia. Researchers found that inhibiting a key enzyme called cGAS can help neurons become resilient to tau protein buildup, a hallmark of these diseases.
A preclinical study suggests that abnormal immune activity in astrocytes is sufficient to cause cognitive deficits in dementia. Astrocytes produce excessive immune messengers, activating neurons and leading to hyperactivity.
A treatment combining two antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 strongly protected high-risk people with early COVID-19 symptoms from hospitalization and death. The treatment was effective against the delta variant and appeared safe, with significantly lower reports of side effects compared to a placebo.
Researchers have identified hundreds of genes with significant stroke-driven changes and likely relevance in human strokes. The study found alterations in sphingolipid production, which are involved in regulating blood vessels, and pinpointed several molecular pathways that can be targeted for stroke treatment.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine have identified an antibody that blocks infection by all dominant COVID-19 variants, including Omicron. The discovery could lead to new antibody-based treatments and more effective vaccines.
A new study from Weill Cornell Medicine has identified four clinically distinct groups of people with autism spectrum disorder, each with unique brain connection patterns and behavioral traits. The findings highlight the potential for personalized therapies tailored to individual subgroups, which may lead to more effective treatments.
Researchers discovered that ocular drifts, tiny jitters in the eyes, can be influenced by prior knowledge of expected visual targets, indicating a surprising level of cognitive control. This study adds to our understanding of how vision is controlled and directed by cognitive processes.
Researchers found that neutrophils activated by T cell-based immunotherapy can kill tumor cells that evade targeted therapies. This unexpected antitumor response could lead to new immunotherapies that harness this potent immune mechanism.
A new study found that women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations who are obese may experience higher rates of DNA damage in their breast tissue, which could contribute to breast cancer development. The researchers suggest that weight management and medications like metformin may be important for preventive care.
A new study by Weill Cornell Medicine investigators found four distinct types of beta cells in the pancreas, with cluster 1 beta cells producing more insulin than others and appearing better able to metabolize sugar. The loss of these high-functioning beta cells may contribute to type 2 diabetes development.
A nationwide study found that financial disruption, such as a parent losing their job, was associated with increased stress, sadness, and COVID-19-related worry in children, but not sleep. School disruption had no association with mental health or sleep outcomes, surprising researchers.
A new 3D-printed scaffold made of a dissolvable polymer is shown to create nipples that maintain long-lasting projection, unlike previous reconstruction approaches. The device has the potential to improve breast reconstruction results and could be available for women undergoing mastectomy in the near future.
A new study by Weill Cornell Medicine found that the FDA's mandate to limit opioid-acetaminophen combinations resulted in significant reductions in liver injuries. The mandate, implemented in 2014, limited the dosage of acetaminophen in these drugs, leading to a decline in hospitalizations and acute liver failure cases.
The U.S. laboratory system needs improvement to ensure timely and accurate diagnosis, tracking, and response to infectious diseases like COVID-19 and Mpox. The authors suggest government and private institutions collaborate to implement systemic changes, including federal funding and public-private partnerships.
Women have a roughly 30-40% higher risk of dying following coronary artery bypass surgery, with female patients having a 2.8% rate of death during or soon after surgery compared to 1.7% for male patients.
A study published in Brain, Behavior and Immunity found that pregnant women with anxiety have higher levels of cytotoxic T cells and different immune marker activity compared to those without anxiety. This suggests a biological link between anxiety and the immune system during pregnancy and postpartum.
Researchers discovered a metabolic difference in lung tumor cells between humans and mice, explaining previous study results. The finding suggests targeting the LKB1-controlled metabolic pathway for lung adenocarcinoma treatment.
A new study found that Black and Hispanic patients are more likely to experience persistent symptoms or be diagnosed with a new medical condition after COVID-19. The study analyzed data from over 60,000 patients and found significant racial and ethnic disparities in the frequency and types of post-COVID-19 symptoms.
A nationwide study found that the CAPTURE screening tool identified roughly half of primary care patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) who could benefit from available treatments. However, the tool also flagged a large group of patients with breathing symptoms and abnormalities that didn't rise to the level of COPD.
A new experimental contraceptive drug has been developed by Weill Cornell Medicine investigators, demonstrating the possibility of an on-demand male contraceptive. The study found that a single dose of the sAC inhibitor TDI-11861 temporarily stops sperm movement and prevents pregnancies in preclinical models.
A phase 3 clinical trial of nearly 700 patients with early-stage lung cancer found that sublobar resection surgery, removing part of the affected lobe, was as effective as traditional lobectomy in terms of disease-free and overall survival. Patients who underwent sublobar resection also showed modestly better lung function.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine have identified a crucial mechanism that prevents cells from replicating extra DNA, reducing the risk of cancer and genome instability. The study reveals that a licensing protein called CDT1 acts as a brake on DNA replication, preventing it from progressing once licensed sites are established.
Researchers found that a protein called XBP1s enhances tumor survival by suppressing the anti-cancer activity of neighboring immune cells. This discovery could lead to new treatments that overcome this tumor defense mechanism and improve outcomes for lung cancer patients.
A new method, SPOTS, maps gene activity patterns and protein presence in cells across tissue samples with unprecedented resolution. This enables the creation of complex maps of organs, including diseased ones, which could be widely useful in basic and clinical research.
A recent study found that the APOBEC3G enzyme can cause numerous mutations in bladder tumor cells, leading to increased malignancy and mortality. The research suggests that this enzyme could be a potential target for cancer treatment strategies.
A new AI algorithm, STORK-A, can predict IVF embryo viability with 70% accuracy, reducing the need for invasive genetic testing. The algorithm analyzes microscope images of embryos and incorporates information about maternal age and IVF clinic scoring to detect aneuploidy.
A new model created by Weill Cornell Medicine investigators found that pregnant individuals had a 50% lower exposure to SARS-CoV-2 compared to the general population in the earliest months of the pandemic. This protection was likely due to shielding measures, including masking and social distancing.
A new study has identified a potential therapy for metastatic colon cancer by targeting the molecule hyaluronan, which accumulates in tumors and shuts down immune cells that can kill tumor cells. The experimental therapy, hyaluronidase, shrinks tumors and allows immune cells to attack tumor cells.