Articles tagged with Translational Medicine
Researchers investigate a molecule in the brain tied to cellular communication, uncovering information about proteins that influence and do not influence alcohol drinking behavior. The study finds that preventing ethanol from interacting with a specific protein does not reduce or increase motivation to consume alcohol.
Researchers found that specific microbes in the gut reduce graft versus host disease after stem cell transplantation. Patients with low microbial metabolite risk index had better survival rates, fewer graft vs. host reactions, and reduced relapses.
The Colorado Center for Personalized Medicine has hit a major milestone of returning clinical genetic results to over 30,000 patients, making it a leader in providing personalized patient care. The center is also studying pharmacogenomics and providing results to guide drug selection and dosing.
Researchers found that the severity of muscle wasting depends on the location of the spinal cord injury. They also discovered that hypercortisolism, a hormonal imbalance, worsens muscle loss and can be targeted to rescue muscle tissue.
Researchers at MMRI have developed a novel approach to minimize cardiac damage after a heart attack by targeting the spleen with histone deacetylase inhibitors. This targeting strategy results in a significant decrease in cardiac scar size and preservation of heart function, even after just one dose.
Researchers at Scripps Research have found a way to modify picrotoxinin, a plant-derived toxin, with improved properties, making it easier to synthesize and modify. The modified version, 5Me-picrotoxinin, shows better chemical stability and is safer for humans.
Flori Corpodean, a postdoctoral researcher at Pennington Biomedical, has been selected as the sole recipient of the 2024 Resident Research Award. She is exploring how the brain and intestinal tract communicate through her research on altered nutrient delivery.
A new study from Scripps Research scientists and collaborators found that local transmission of SARS-CoV-2 was driven by travel between locations, not geographic proximity. The partial closure of the U.S.-Mexico border was ineffective in preventing cross-border transmission.
Researchers found that blocking cholesterol production prevented progression of serrated-type intestinal tumors in mice, suggesting a potential new strategy for treating these aggressive cancers. The study's findings support the use of cholesterol-lowering drugs to prevent or treat these tumors.
Researchers have developed an AI-powered algorithm that can detect the risk of atrial fibrillation (AFib) with high accuracy, even in people with infrequent AFib episodes. This new tool has the potential to reduce the incidence of stroke and heart failure by identifying patients at increased risk and guiding targeted interventions.
The University of Maryland School of Medicine has received a $29 million NIH grant to conduct a multicenter trial testing interventions to improve health outcomes in people who inject opioid drugs and are hospitalized with infectious complications. The study aims to reduce rehospitalizations and lower complications from infections.
A new study finds that analyzing surgical lymphatic fluid for HPV DNA can predict cancer recurrence and guide treatment decisions. The test was found to be more sensitive than traditional methods, detecting high-risk patients who may be missed by standard tools.
Scientists unveiled a spatial cell atlas of the entire developing human limb, capturing intricate processes governing rapid development. The study uncovers new links between developmental cells and congenital limb syndromes, such as short fingers and extra digits.
A new experimental model, human precision-cut lung slices (hPCLS), was used to study lung disease mechanisms and understand treatment response. The team leveraged single-cell genomics to analyze cell activity in hPCLS after specific treatments.
Research reveals that brain inflammation is the primary cause of neuropsychiatric symptoms in Alzheimer's disease, including irritability, agitation, and anxiety. The study found a strong association between microglial activation and neuropsychiatric symptom severity, suggesting new pathways for therapy development.
Researchers developed 'tension-activated repair patches' that release anti-inflammatory molecules, helping discs regain tension and reverse herniation. The patch uses natural biomechanical movement to activate its release, offering a potential early intervention for preventing worsening pain related to disc degeneration.
A new treatment strategy shows promise in preclinical models of advanced prostate cancer with RB1 gene loss or neuroendocrine features. Decitabine and B7-H3 targeted therapy have been shown to slow tumor growth and improve efficacy when combined.
A four-year blood-pressure intervention significantly reduced the risk of developing dementia among adults with high blood pressure, compared to those who received usual care. The study found that lowering systolic blood pressure to less than 130 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure to less than 80 mm Hg reduced dementia risk.
Researchers at UTHealth Houston are studying the impact of circadian rhythm on heart attacks and cardiac surgery, with a focus on identifying novel therapies to protect the heart. They will investigate the role of key genes and signaling pathways in modulating daytime variations in cardiac injury.
A recent analysis of the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study data notes a potential correlation between canine sterilization and hemangiosarcoma development. Intact females consistently have lower diagnosis rates, while spayed females show an increasing risk beyond 8 years old.
Researchers found that SARS-CoV-2 alters mitochondria on a genetic level, leading to widespread 'energy outages' throughout the body and its major organs. This affects the heart, brain, and lungs, contributing to long COVID symptoms.
Researchers developed the SOMMA Vigor to Frailty Score to rank older adults from 0 (vigorous) to 12 (frail), predicting their resilience to stress. Patients on the high end of the continuum are up to 31 times more likely to have functional limitations.
The partnership aims to reduce disparities in cancer research and drug development through collaborations, resources, and training programs. Key projects will focus on breast and pancreatic cancers, particularly luminal B breast cancers disproportionately affecting women of African descent.
Researchers at Penn Medicine have received a $10 million grant to develop a new strategy for preventing breast cancer recurrence by targeting dormant tumor cells. In a phase II clinical trial, the team successfully cleared dormant cells from over 80% of patients, offering a promising proof-of-concept for this approach.
Researchers identified enhanced B-cell and T-cell responses in fully vaccinated individuals who became infected with SARS-CoV-2, generating immunological memory to prevent severe infection. Vaccine-primed memory T cells play a critical role in preventing severe COVID-19.
A new hormone replacement therapy, Pulsatility, has shown promising results in improving symptoms and quality of life for patients with adrenal insufficiency conditions. The treatment, which delivers hydrocortisone in a pulsatile pattern, decreased fatigue by 10% and improved mood and energy levels by 30%.
Researchers at Linköping University developed an AI-based method applicable to various medical and biological issues, accurately estimating people's chronological age and determining smoking status. The models identify previously known epigenetic markers used in other models, but also new markers associated with conditions.
Researchers at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute have identified a new drug, NFX-179, that can prevent the development of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma with minimal side effects. The topical application of NFX-179 gel was shown to reduce tumor formation by up to 92% in pre-clinical models.
A new clinical trial has shown that infusing immune cells from living donors into recipients before transplantation may reduce the need for lifelong immunosuppressant medication. The treatment involves infusing donor-derived regulatory dendritic cells, which help the recipient's immune system distinguish between foreign and self-cells.
The STARTUP Central project empowers public university researchers to commercialize their biomedical innovations. A smart online educational curriculum, InspireU2 iTi, will train academics on product development, business structuring, and more. The program aims to bridge the gap between groundbreaking discoveries and real-world solutions.
A new blood test called OvaPrint TM detects specific nucleic acids in the blood, distinguishing between cancerous and benign pelvic masses with high accuracy. The test has the potential to improve treatment outcomes by identifying the best surgical approach for patients with a pelvic mass.
A Phase IIIb study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that esketamine nasal spray achieved higher remission rates (27.1%) compared to quetiapine extended-release (17.6%) in patients with treatment-resistant depression, indicating its potential as a targeted therapy for this population.
Armida Labs, a UCR-founded pharmaceutical company, has received a $400,000 NIH Small Business Innovation Research grant to develop its breakthrough pancreatic cancer therapy Targefrin. The grant will enable the company to gather industry-standard data for human clinical trials.
NUTRITION 2024 will convene in Chicago to explore the latest nutrition research and share findings on diet and disease, artificial intelligence, and precision nutrition. The event promises to be a knowledge-packed experience with scientific symposia, educational sessions, and networking opportunities.
A research team from USC Keck School of Medicine has developed a more rigorous system for conducting preclinical research on stroke treatments, identifying the strongest candidate for further study. The system uses a network of laboratories and animal models that resemble typical stroke patients to test new therapies.
A nationwide study found that early treatment with plasma from recovered COVID patients can reduce the risk of developing post-COVID conditions. The research also suggests that elevated cytokine levels, particularly interleukin-6, may contribute to long COVID symptoms.
Researchers have identified novel therapeutic targets using single-cell and spatially resolved omics, including cannabidiol for colorectal tumors, Cux1 as a potential target for dry skin diseases, and microglia communication for Alzheimer's disease. These studies offer hope for future treatments.
Researchers discovered a gene called FOXM1 that plays a crucial role in repairing blood vessels and improving survival rates. A low-dose repurposed drug, decitabine, was found to reactivate the gene and promote vascular repair in aged mice. An alternative approach using endothelium-targeted nanoparticle gene delivery also showed promise.
A study published by UCI researchers found that N-acetylglucosamine reduced multiple inflammation and neurodegeneration markers in patients with Multiple Sclerosis. The dietary supplement also improved neurological function in 30% of patients, suggesting a potential new treatment for the condition.
A phase I clinical trial shows that transplanting P63+ lung progenitor cells can repair damaged lung tissue in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), improving breathing and quality of life. The treatment increased lung function, reduced symptoms, and even repaired mild emphysema in some patients.
A study by Mass General Brigham researchers found that patients with rheumatic diseases who developed long COVID were more likely to have expanded, pro-inflammatory antibodies specific to a coronavirus that causes the common cold. The team identified OC43 as a potential biomarker for long COVID.
Scientists have extended a powerful molecule-building method to the broad class of chemicals known as alcohols, enabling the transformation of simple alcohols into useful molecules. The new approach uses weak interactions between ligands and starting molecules, similar to those used by enzymes in nature.
A novel ACE2 receptor decoy, 3N39v4-Fc, effectively neutralizes SARS-CoV-2 variants in monkeys, offering a potential therapeutic option. Inhalation administration demonstrates significant dose-sparing benefits and exceptional efficacy.
Researchers at UCLA have found that embedding study recruitment in pre-appointment check-in pages can increase participation rates up to 40 times higher than traditional methods. The new technique, called preCheck-in recruitment, resulted in a socio-demographically representative patient population without financial incentives or staff...
The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio will leverage the funding to translate scientific discoveries into therapeutic benefits, with a focus on reducing health disparities among Mexican Americans, active military personnel, and veterans. The research aims to push ideas along toward national application in the clin...
Neuroscientists at Scripps Research have identified a specific cluster of neurons that work as a 'switch' for cold-related food-seeking behavior in mice. The discovery could lead to potential therapeutics for metabolic health and weight loss by targeting this brain circuitry.
Researchers found that sequential vaccinations given in the same arm generated a stronger immune response than those administered in different arms. This is particularly true for cytotoxic CD8+ T cells and antibodies targeting the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
A study found that longer duration of type 2 diabetes is associated with decreased brain structure and increased white matter hyperintensities. Despite this, cognition was not affected, highlighting the need for early screening for cognitive disorders in diabetic patients.
A new machine-learning method, BigMHC, can accurately predict cancer-related protein fragments that may trigger an immune system response. By leveraging massive data through transfer learning, BigMHC enables scientists to develop personalized immunotherapies and vaccines by identifying the most likely to provoke an immune response.
LSU Health researchers found combining an investigational oral drug with standard-of-care medications reverts hormone resistance and increases effectiveness in experimental models of ER+ and TNBC. The study's findings suggest a new approach for treating treatment-resistant breast cancers.
A new antibiotic strategy has been found to defeat gram-negative bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli by interfering with the outer lipid layer of the bacteria. The compound, LPC-233, is a small molecule that works fast and is durable in animal tests, with potentially vital applications against stubborn urinary tract infections.
Researchers developed innovative techniques to treat challenging cancers and manage therapy side effects. Inhibitors targeting PRMT5, a histone-modifying enzyme, alleviated cisplatin-induced hearing loss, while nano-pills delivered combination drugs to liver cancer cells.
A human antibody that targets carfentanil, fentanyl, and related opioids has shown promising results in reversing overdose effects in a preclinical study. The antibody, developed by Scripps Research, binds tightly to the potent opioid variants and reverses respiratory depression caused by carfentanil.
Researchers have discovered a novel pathway that minimizes liver injury during transplantation by activating the protective CEACAM1-S version. This protective characteristic is regulated by HIF-1α and can be enhanced using molecular tools and alternative gene splicing, reducing organ injury and improving post-transplant outcomes.
Researchers have discovered two major mechanisms that contribute to the high risk of complications from lung infections in individuals with Down syndrome: poor ciliary function, which impairs the respiratory tract's ability to clear mucus and viral particles, and immune hyper-reactivity, which leads to an overactive immune response. Th...
Researchers developed a novel vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 by selecting antigen variants with low binding affinity, resulting in higher neutralizing antibody concentrations. This design strategy may also improve vaccine efficacy for other coronaviruses and herpes viruses.
A preclinical study found that the drug ADX106772 reduced oxycodone intake and relapse in animal models of opioid use disorder without disrupting other reward responses. The therapeutic was tested in rats trained to self-administer oxycodone and showed significant reduction in oxycodone intake for up to 12 hours.
Researchers discovered GDF-15 blocks LFA-1 dependent T cell recruitment into the tumor microenvironment, impairing immune responses to anti-PD-1 treatment. Visugromab improved T cell infiltration and increased tumor clearance with a synergistic effect
A Scripps Research study has developed a method to analyze T cells in blood samples to detect early signs of autoimmune disease that could lead to type 1 diabetes. This approach has shown 100% accuracy in identifying at-risk patients and may be used for personalized treatment.
Researchers have made key discoveries in a new stem cell-based therapy for Parkinson’s disease, using patients’ own cells to replace lost neurons. The approach, called an autologous therapy, has shown promise in reversing symptoms of the disease in rat models and holds potential for clinical trials with improved success rates.