Latest News from: University of Alabama at Birmingham

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Released: 23-Apr-2020 3:05 PM EDT
Search for drugs effective against COVID-19 includes UAB and Southern Research
University of Alabama at Birmingham

The University of Alabama at Birmingham will join an international effort coordinated by Scripps Research to test drugs for COVID-19. The work centers around ReFRAME, a vast collection of drugs developed for other diseases that are already known to be safe for humans.

Released: 17-Apr-2020 11:35 AM EDT
In one of America’s rare undergraduate immunology programs, students are ‘preparing for the next pandemic’
University of Alabama at Birmingham

There are only a handful of immunology majors offered at U.S. universities. A report last October by UAB researchers made the case for expanding these programs. Now faculty and students are seeing an explosion of interest.

   
Released: 15-Apr-2020 3:55 PM EDT
New boron material of high hardness created by plasma chemical vapor deposition
University of Alabama at Birmingham

Researchers used microwave-plasma chemical vapor deposition to create thin crystal films of a novel boron-rich boron-carbide material that has 37 percent the hardness of cubic diamond and acts as an insulator. The new material’s properties were predicted from first-principles analysis.

Released: 14-Apr-2020 4:00 PM EDT
Making the Most of Your Groceries During the Coronavirus Pandemic
University of Alabama at Birmingham

Tara Harman, RDN, has tips on how to stretch your groceries while saving money.

Released: 7-Apr-2020 4:10 PM EDT
UAB among first in the U.S. to offer clinical trial for the treatment of patients with severe COVID-19 using nitric oxide
University of Alabama at Birmingham

iNO has been used for the treatment of failing lungs, but it was also found to have antiviral properties against coronaviruses.The University of Alabama at Birmingham has been selected to begin enrolling patients in an international study assessing the use of inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) to improve outcomes for COVID-19 patients with severely damaged lungs.

Released: 3-Apr-2020 3:20 PM EDT
A direct protein-to-protein binding couples cell survival to cell proliferation
University of Alabama at Birmingham

The regulators of apoptosis watch over cell replication and the decision to enter the cell cycle. Researchers now show a direct link between the protein MCL1 — a member of the BCL2 protein family known as the gatekeepers of apoptosis — and the cell-cycle checkpoint protein P18.

Released: 30-Mar-2020 9:00 AM EDT
UAB will test a COVID-19 vaccine candidate created by Altimmune Inc.
University of Alabama at Birmingham

The University of Alabama at Birmingham is launching a collaboration with the biopharmaceutical company Altimmune, Inc. for preclinical testing of a potential vaccine to prevent COVID-19 disease

Released: 26-Mar-2020 12:50 PM EDT
Kids, playgrounds, toys and sports equipment — why it is not safe during a pandemic
University of Alabama at Birmingham

UAB expert Samisksha Raut, Ph.D., explains the importance of keeping kids away from playgrounds and from touching various toys and sports equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic quarantine.

Released: 24-Mar-2020 2:30 PM EDT
The director of NIH visits UAB as COVID-19 appears
University of Alabama at Birmingham

Francis Collins, M.D., Ph.D., director of the NIH, flew to Birmingham on Thursday, March 5, to start a long-anticipated visit to UAB. Collins soon learned he had a problem back home. Maryland public health officials were reporting the first two cases of COVID-19 in the county where the NIH sits.

Released: 23-Mar-2020 2:05 PM EDT
Eating right and eating smart during COVID-19
University of Alabama at Birmingham

Worry, stress and anxiety that naturally come with a global pandemic can lead to stress eating and cravings.

Released: 16-Mar-2020 3:35 PM EDT
COVID-19: Do not forget the host in treating this disease
University of Alabama at Birmingham

From reading the literature primarily out of China, many of the severely ill coronavirus-infected patients appear to have clinical and laboratory features of a cytokine storm syndrome, or CSS, which is frequently fatal.

Released: 16-Mar-2020 10:30 AM EDT
Looking to the future with Dr. Francis Collins
University of Alabama at Birmingham

At a presentation at UAB, NIH director Francis Collins outlined the top 10 area of excitement and promise in science.

   
Released: 3-Mar-2020 4:15 PM EST
Hydrogen sulfide heightens disease in tuberculosis, suggesting a new therapeutic target
University of Alabama at Birmingham

A new culprit — hydrogen sulfide — worsens the deadly disease tuberculosis. When Tb bacteria invade the lung, the amounts of hydrogen sulfide in the lung microenvironment greatly increase, and this makes the microbe more virulent and better able to block the body’s protective immune response.

Released: 2-Mar-2020 4:20 PM EST
Cast your ballot, not your germs
University of Alabama at Birmingham

Polling locations across the country employ different methods of casting ballots, like using pens, felt-tip markers or touch screens — all hotbeds for germs.

Released: 27-Feb-2020 5:30 PM EST
How to prepare in the event of a pandemic
University of Alabama at Birmingham

UAB experts provide tips for you to prepare yourself in the event of the spread of COVID-19.

Released: 25-Feb-2020 6:10 PM EST
Cellular metabolism regulates the fate decision between pathogenic and regulatory T cells
University of Alabama at Birmingham

Preclinical research shows a pivotal role for cellular metabolism to regulate the fate decision of CD4 T cells as they differentiate into either destructive Th17 cells that mediate chronic inflammation or regulatory Treg T cells, a decision that occurs very early in the activation of CD4 T cells.

Released: 21-Feb-2020 3:05 PM EST
Lipid signaling from beta cells can potentiate an inflammatory macrophage polarization
University of Alabama at Birmingham

The insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas unwittingly produce a signal that may aid their own demise in Type 1 diabetes, according to a study of the lipid signals that drive macrophage cells in the body to two different phenotypes of activated immune cells.

Released: 14-Feb-2020 3:20 PM EST
Study shows new surgical protective gear does not reduce surgical site infections
University of Alabama at Birmingham

A study from UAB published in JAMA Surgery on Feb. 12 indicates that use of surgical jackets and head covers known as bouffants in operating rooms does not reduce the incidence of surgical site infections.

Released: 14-Feb-2020 11:15 AM EST
New pathogenic mechanism for influenza NS1 protein found
University of Alabama at Birmingham

Researchers report the biological effects of influenza protein NS1 binding to RIG-I — the binding directly quiets the alarm that activates the cellular innate immunity defense against the infection. This is a newly described way for flu to antagonize the host cellular antiviral response.

Released: 14-Feb-2020 9:00 AM EST
Love is in the air — or is it allergies?
University of Alabama at Birmingham

UAB allergist Ed Boyd, M.D., shares some tips to avoid any risk of allergic reactions.

Released: 12-Feb-2020 9:55 AM EST
Injury study charts the unknown: Ultimate Frisbee
University of Alabama at Birmingham

Researchers at UAB have published the first look at injury rates of professional Ultimate athletes. As the flying disc sport surges in popularity, especially in children, understanding injury risk is vital.

Released: 3-Feb-2020 4:20 PM EST
Link between chronic kidney disease and heart failure is identified in patients
University of Alabama at Birmingham

People with chronic kidney disease have a higher risk for heart disease and heart-disease death. Now, for the first time in humans, researchers have identified a pathological change that appears to link kidney disease to progressive heart disease.

Released: 28-Jan-2020 12:35 PM EST
Study shows huge fluctuations in the cost of orthobiologics
University of Alabama at Birmingham

The use of orthobiologics is a hot trend in orthopaedics, but new research from UAB shows wide variability in cost for these therapies; which is troublesome for therapies that are yet to be conclusively proven effective.

Released: 27-Jan-2020 4:40 PM EST
How to train for a marathon
University of Alabama at Birmingham

UAB orthopedic/sports medicine surgeon provides 10 useful tips on how to best train for a marathon.

Released: 17-Jan-2020 12:50 PM EST
Human fetal lungs harbor a microbiome signature
University of Alabama at Birmingham

The lungs and placentas of fetuses in the womb — as young as 11 weeks after conception — already show a bacterial microbiome signature, which suggests that bacteria may colonize the lungs well before birth. How the microbes or microbial products reach those organs before birth is not known.

15-Jan-2020 10:50 AM EST
Pathogenic Alzheimer’s disease cascade is activated by faulty norepinephrine signaling
University of Alabama at Birmingham

Preclinical research has revealed a key missing piece of the Alzheimer’s disease puzzle. That allowed proof-of-concept experiments — using an existing drug — that dramatically reduced Alzheimer’s pathology and symptoms in mouse models, potentially offering an immediate treatment for this disease.

Released: 8-Jan-2020 3:30 PM EST
Persistence of gut microbial strains in twins, living apart after cohabitating for decades
University of Alabama at Birmingham

Using a genomics strain-tracking bioinformatics tool, analyzed two metagenomic sequencing databases from pairs of twins — one for children who were still living together and the other from adult twins, ages 36 to 80, who then lived apart for periods from one to 59 years.

Released: 2-Jan-2020 3:05 PM EST
Extra benefit from epilepsy neurostimulators — reducing comorbid neuropsychiatric symptoms
University of Alabama at Birmingham

Researchers report cases of five epilepsy patients who found better treatments for deleterious neuropsychiatric symptoms like anxiety and depression using data collected — while the patients were at home — from implanted neurostimulators placed in their brains to control their epileptic seizures.

Released: 2-Jan-2020 12:35 PM EST
How to stay healthy while avoiding the dirtiest places at the gym
University of Alabama at Birmingham

During the colder months, many exercise routines transition indoors, especially in gyms. However, the gym may be one of the dirtiest places you walk into. Numerous studies have shown that gyms can be covered in cold and flu viruses, as well as E. coli, MRSA and other bacteria and virus strains that can make you sick. Learn how to avoid illnesses while staying leading a healthy lifestyle.

Released: 18-Dec-2019 2:25 PM EST
Cancer therapy may be aided by induced macropinocytosis, a rarely reported form of cell death
University of Alabama at Birmingham

A metabolic inhibitor was able to kill human cancer cells of the skin, breast, lung, cervix and soft tissues through a non-apoptotic route — catastrophic macropinocytosis. The inhibitor acted synergistically with the chemotherapy drug, cyclophosphamide, in mouse xenografts to reduce tumor growth.

Released: 18-Dec-2019 11:25 AM EST
75 Million-Year-Old Sea Turtle Fossil Discovery Is a New Genus and Species That Sheds Light on the Evolution of Its Modern Relatives
University of Alabama at Birmingham

Scientists are racing to determine which genealogy most accurately represents the evolutionary history of sea turtles — a challenging proposition.

Released: 17-Dec-2019 10:10 AM EST
5 ways to be a healthy holiday party pro
University of Alabama at Birmingham

Lavish get-togethers with delicious treats by the sleigh-full will abound, but will that cause your waistline to bulge as well?

Released: 13-Dec-2019 10:20 AM EST
The smart-dumb question, a key to writing about — and understanding — immunology
University of Alabama at Birmingham

A New York Times journalist shared his key to reporting with a UAB honors seminar class. Both the reporter and the class want to understand how — for good or for bad — the human immune system works. UAB has one of the few in-depth undergraduate immunology programs in the nation.

Released: 5-Dec-2019 4:55 PM EST
Novel bioprinter shows potential to speed tissue engineering
University of Alabama at Birmingham

Researchers have found a way to speed engineered-tissue creation using a novel bioprinter built for $2,000, they report in the journal Micromachines. Building blocks for the tissue are pre-grown spheroids of human induced-pluripotent stem cells that contain 200,000 cells per spheroid.

Released: 5-Dec-2019 3:05 PM EST
Nearly one-third of participants drop out of psychosocial substance use disorder treatments
University of Alabama at Birmingham

People who abuse cigarettes, alcohol and/or heroin are less likely to drop out of a substance use disorder treatment than those who are addicted to cocaine, according to a new study led by a researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. The study found that approximately 30 percent of participants in psychosocial substance use disorder treatments do not finish the programs. This is the first time a study of this kind has been published.

Released: 5-Dec-2019 2:05 AM EST
Can the state of Alabama conquer its biggest health challenges? It's a Grand Challenge, and one state university is determined to prevail
University of Alabama at Birmingham

For far too long, Alabama’s residents have seen their health statuses languish when compared to those of other states. Often, Alabama is a punchline when it comes to obesity, diabetes and the overall health of its people. But the consequences, unfortunately, are counted in decreased quality of life, increased health costs and lives lost — hardly a laughing matter.

Released: 4-Dec-2019 10:50 AM EST
UAB tops $600 million in research funding for first time
University of Alabama at Birmingham

One year after surpassing $500 million in research grant and award funding, University of Alabama at Birmingham faculty, staff and administration have hit another institutional milestone for the first time in its 50-year history — exceeding more than $600 million in research funding awards.

Released: 2-Dec-2019 3:40 PM EST
Model probes possible treatments for neonatal infection, a common cause of infant death
University of Alabama at Birmingham

In a new model for neonatal late-onset sepsis, or LOS, researchers show that disrupting the normal maturation of gut microbes can make newborn mouse pups highly susceptible to LOS. Giving the pups specific protective bacteria before a challenge with invasive bacteria prevented the deadly infection.

Released: 25-Nov-2019 12:15 PM EST
Tips for healthy living during the holidays
University of Alabama at Birmingham

UAB provides tips for healthy eating and staying active during the upcoming holidays.

   
Released: 21-Nov-2019 4:55 PM EST
Being aware of your surroundings — five helpful tips to reduce the chances of abduction
University of Alabama at Birmingham

UAB social work professor Stacy Moak provides best practices on avoiding abduction during the holiday season and every day of your life.

Released: 21-Nov-2019 3:15 PM EST
Germ-free lungs of newborn mice are partially protected against hyperoxia
University of Alabama at Birmingham

A novel newborn mouse model probes the effect of high oxygen concentration, or hyperoxia, on lung development of pups that are germ-free — with no microbes in their lungs. The model will show how different types of microbes that colonize human lungs at birth protect or make an infant more susceptible to life-threatening bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

Released: 20-Nov-2019 1:25 PM EST
Probing the role of an inflammation resolution sensor in obesity and heart failure
University of Alabama at Birmingham

After heart attack, ALX/FPR2 is activated by resolvin D1 in immune cells in the spleen and at the heart attack site. This speeds resolution of the heart injury. Research with mice that completely lack ALX/FPR2 reveals more about the pathways this resolution sensor uses to target inflammation.

Released: 12-Nov-2019 3:40 PM EST
Research points to possible target to treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, or IPF
University of Alabama at Birmingham

In a study of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, or IPF, recruited macrophages with increased mevalonate-pathway flux were able induce lung fibrosis in mice without any prior lung injury. In humans, three hallmarks of the fibrosis mechanism were also found in bronchoalveolar cells from IPF patients.

Released: 11-Nov-2019 12:20 PM EST
Here’s a playbook for stopping deadly cytokine storm syndrome
University of Alabama at Birmingham

UAB pediatric rheumatologist Randy Cron gets calls from doctors around the globe asking if their patients have cytokine storm syndrome. Now he has co-authored the first textbook on this mysterious and deadly condition with his former trainee.

Released: 7-Nov-2019 11:05 AM EST
Landmark national trial to examine how exercise affects your body — down to your molecules
University of Alabama at Birmingham

What happens at the molecular level after exercise? Scientists, physicians and clinical exercise specialists from across the country are embarking on a landmark National Institutes of Health effort to find out.

Released: 5-Nov-2019 3:50 PM EST
Why myelinated mammalian nerves are fast and allow high frequency
University of Alabama at Birmingham

With novel patch-clamp studies of an elusive part of mammalian myelinated nerves called the Nodes of Ranvier, researchers have found unexpected potassium channels that give the myelinated nerve the ability to propagate nerve impulses at high frequencies and with high conduction speeds.

   
Released: 4-Nov-2019 3:45 PM EST
Study: How crime fears, cultural anxiety, and gender shape gun ownership
University of Alabama at Birmingham

UAB’s Tara Warner explores why some individuals are more likely to own guns than others.



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