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U of A Cancer Center clinical trial advances research in treatment of biliary tract cancers

The study, published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, showed no significant difference in patient survival between two-drug and three-drug chemotherapy regimens. The researchers found that the three-drug regimen may increase toxicity but could be a viable option for specific patients with certain types of biliary tract cancers.

SourceUniversity of Arizona Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 16, 2025

Breakthrough study reveals bumetanide treatment restores early social communication in fragile X syndrome mouse model

Researchers found that bumetanide treatment normalizes neonatal social communication in newborn pups with the fragile X mutation, but reduces post-pubertal social interaction. The study suggests stage-specific effects on social development and raises questions about timing and dosing of bumetanide for targeted interventions.

SourceGenomic Press·JournalGenomic Psychiatry·DateDec 24, 2024

Houston Methodist scientists make surprising discovery pinpointing when good cholesterol becomes harmful

A study led by Henry J. Pownall and Khurram Nasir found a strong link between the amount of free cholesterol in HDL and its accumulation in macrophages, which can contribute to heart disease. The researchers aim to develop new diagnostics and treatments for managing heart disease using HDL-free cholesterol as a biomarker.

SourceHouston Methodist·JournalJournal of Lipid Research·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 19, 2024

University of Virginia's Silvia Blemker recognized by NAI for advancing muscle health through innovation

Silvia Blemker, a University of Virginia biomedical engineer, has been elected Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors (NAI) for her work on muscle health. Her patented technology, Image-based Identification of Muscle Abnormalities, uses advanced imaging and analytics to provide detailed insights into muscle health.

UCLA professor Helen Lavretsky reshapes brain health through integrative medicine research

Professor Lavretsky's pioneering work integrates conventional psychiatric treatments with mind-body interventions, developing novel therapeutic combinations for treatment-resistant depression and cognitive disorders. Her research has transformed approaches to mental health and aging, emphasizing whole person health and prevention.

SourceGenomic Press·JournalBrain Medicine·TypeNews article·DateDec 3, 2024

Houston Methodist researchers shed light on increased rates of severe human infections caused by Streptococcus subspecies

Researchers at Houston Methodist have identified a new strain of bacteria, Streptococcus dysgalactiae subspecies equisimilis (SDSE), linked to increasingly severe human infections. The study used integrative analysis to investigate the genome, transcriptome, and virulence of SDSE strains, shedding light on their molecular pathogenesis.

SourceHouston Methodist·JournalmBio·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2024

Online insomnia treatment can help caregivers get much-needed rest, study suggests

A study suggests that online insomnia treatment, SHUTi, can provide meaningful relief for caregivers struggling with sleep difficulties. The program showed promising results in improving sleep quality and reducing stress among high-intensity caregivers, those shouldering the greatest responsibilities in caring for their loved ones.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalAnnals of Behavioral Medicine·DateOct 2, 2024

UVM scientist maps fruit fly brain

A team of scientists has successfully mapped the entire brain of Drosophila melanogaster, a fruit fly, using electron microscopy dataset and connectome analysis. The complete map will help researchers understand how different circuits work together to control behaviors like motor control, courtship, and decision-making.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateOct 2, 2024

Machine learning could help reduce hospitalizations by nearly 30% during a pandemic, study finds

A new study published in JAMA Health Forum found that machine learning can be more effective than traditional methods for distributing scarce treatments to patients most vulnerable during a public health crisis. The model reduces expected hospitalizations by about 27 percent compared to actual and observed care.

CNIC scientists discover a new cardiovascular risk factor and identify a drug able to reduce its effects

Researchers at CNIC discover clonal hematopoiesis as a new cause of atherosclerosis, while identifying the ancient medication colchicine as a potential treatment. Clonal hematopoiesis is linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, with no influence on the progression of mutated blood cells.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 30, 2024

UVA engineers design lookalike drug carrier to evade lung’s lines of defense

Researchers at the University of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science have designed a drug-carrying molecule that can slip past the lung's natural defenses. The nanocarrier, called PEG-BB, is shaped like a bottlebrush and mimics the properties of mucus, allowing it to move quickly through the airway.

Patients with unexplainable chronic itch have unique blood biomarkers that could eventually lead to new targeted treatments

Researchers have identified lower levels of certain amino acids in the blood plasma of patients with unexplainable chronic itch, offering a potential breakthrough in treating this debilitating condition. These findings may pave the way for new targeted therapies.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 14, 2024

Ontario Institute for Cancer Research announces awards for eight research teams developing innovative ways to diagnose and treat cancer

The Ontario Institute for Cancer Research is providing nearly $6 million to eight research teams across Ontario, supporting studies that aim to diagnose and treat cancers more effectively. The Clinical Translational Pathway program will advance new discoveries and bring them to the healthcare system.

Recurrent wheezing in children linked to 'silent' viral infections

Research from the University of Virginia School of Medicine reveals that nearly a quarter of children with recurrent wheezing have undetected lung infections that do not respond to commonly prescribed steroids. The study suggests that antiviral medications such as azithromycin may be a more effective treatment for these cases.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateAug 8, 2024

Genetic ‘episignatures’ guide researchers in identifying causes of unsolved epileptic neurological disorders

Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have discovered DNA methylation patterns that help identify the root cause of developmental and epileptic encephalopathies, a condition affecting 1 in 590 children. The findings provide a new tool for diagnosing children with DEE and could lead to more effective treatments.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 6, 2024

Mechanism of hibernation found in ICU patients with contractile weakness of the diaphragm due to mechanical ventilation

ICU patients with contractile weakness of the diaphragm due to mechanical ventilation develop a state of hibernation, where myosin protein is trapped in an energy-saving state. This compromises diaphragm strength and independent breathing, leading to difficulties in weaning from the ventilator. Researchers have found a potential lead f...

SourceAmsterdam University Medical Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJul 31, 2024

New antidote for cobra bites discovered

A team of scientists at the University of Sydney has repurposed a commonly used blood thinner, heparin, as an inexpensive antidote for cobra venom. The discovery could drastically reduce the impact of snakebites worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where cobra species account for most snakebite incidents.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2024

Researchers at Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University elucidate mechanism behind cardiac fibrosis, opening way for new heart failure treatments

Scientists have identified a critical genetic mechanism driving cardiac fibrosis and found a novel target for its reversal. The discovery sheds light on the role of transforming growth factor-beta (TGFβ) and ATP-citrate lyase (ACLY) in promoting excessive tissue scarring, providing hope for new heart failure treatments.

SourceTemple University Health System·JournalNature Cardiovascular Research·DateJul 10, 2024

Fighting COVID-19 with a cancer drug

Scientists identify PI3K gamma as a key player in recruiting damaging myeloid cells to infected tissues, and show that inhibiting this enzyme with eganelisib can prevent excessive inflammation. The study provides a new approach to preventing irreversible organ damage in infectious diseases like COVID-19.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 3, 2024

With $12 million NIH grant renewal, Lewis Katz School of Medicine researchers to explore novel cell mechanism in heart injury and repair

Researchers at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine will investigate how injured heart cells communicate with other cells throughout the body using microvesicles known as exosomes. The study aims to understand how specific molecules, such as microRNAs, facilitate communication pathways between cells in the heart and vasculature.

A model of Collaborative Ethics to guide translational research from fundamental discoveries to real-world applications

The Collaborative Ethics model, developed by Jeantine Lunshof and Julia Rijssenbeek, aims to address ethical implications of emerging technologies from fundamental discoveries. By integrating philosophical and ethical reassessment into research processes, the model facilitates decision points for researchers and ethicists.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature Methods·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJun 25, 2024

Slowing inflammation may boost immunotherapy’s effectiveness against advanced lung cancer

Researchers found that adding an anti-inflammatory drug to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy resulted in a high response rate of 67% among patients with stage 4 non-small cell lung cancer. The study suggests that reducing chronic inflammation may improve the effectiveness of immunotherapy.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalScience·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 20, 2024

Immune response study explains why some people don't get COVID-19

Researchers used single-cell sequencing technology to study immune responses in healthy adult volunteers exposed to SARS-CoV-2. They discovered unique immune responses associated with resisting sustained viral infection and disease, including activation of specialized mucosal immune cells and a reduction in inflammatory white blood cells.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 19, 2024