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NEWS
Uncovering Alzheimer’s Disease
MU researchers examine impact of menopause on cognitive function Characterized by a buildup of amyloid plaques in the brain, Alzheimer’s is an irreversible disease that leads to memory loss and a decrease in cognitive function. More than 5 million Americans suffer with the brain condition, which is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. While the causes of Alzheimer’s are not fully understood, scientists believe genetic, lifestyle and environmental factors are involved in the disease’s development. Now, researchers at the University of Missouri have found that the decline of reproductive hormones due to ovary removal, which is a model…
MU Researcher Identifies Four Possible Treatments for COVID-19
While COVID-19 has infected millions of people worldwide and killed hundreds of thousands, there is currently no vaccine. In response, researchers have been evaluating the effectiveness of various antiviral drugs as possible COVID-19 treatments. Now, a researcher at the University of Missouri has found that four antiviral drugs, including remdesivir, a drug originally developed to treat Ebola, are effective in inhibiting the replication of the coronavirus causing COVID-19. Kamlendra Singh, an associate professor in the College of Veterinary Medicine, and his team used computer-aided drug design to examine the effectiveness of remdesivir, 5-fluorouracil, ribavirin and favipiravir in treating COVID-19. Singh found…
Stress in Parents of Children with Autism: Pets May Help
MU researcher examines impact of pet dogs, cats on families with autism While current events have increased stress for all families, parents of children with autism report higher levels of stress on average than parents of typically developing kids. Feeling overwhelmed and overburdened by various responsibilities, some parents turn to pets as a source of comfort and support. Now, research from the University of Missouri has found that pets lead to strong bonds and reduced stress for both children with autism and their parents. Gretchen Carlisle, a research scientist with the Research Center for Human-Animal Interaction in the MU College of…
Gene Hunting: The Power of Precision Medicine
MU researchers improve animal welfare by discovering genetic mutations that cause disease Humans and animals are made up of trillions of cells, and each cell contains DNA specific to that individual. Therefore, identifying DNA that causes genetic disorders gives researchers and clinicians a better understanding of how to treat inherited diseases and possibly prevent the diseases from being passed down to future generations. Now, researchers at the University of Missouri have located a specific mutation in the gene responsible for causing Chédiak-Higashi syndrome, a rare condition that weakens the immune system and leaves the body more vulnerable to infections. In…
Researcher Receives $4 Million in Federal Grants to Study Two Debilitating Eye Conditions
The National Institutes of Health has awarded Rajiv Mohan, PhD, professor of ophthalmology at the University of Missouri School of Medicine, two separate grants totaling $4 million to study possible treatments for corneal scarring and diabetic retinopathy, two conditions that hinder vision for nearly 95 million Americans. One of the NIH grants will fund Mohan’s ongoing gene-based research program directed toward finding treatments for corneal scars, a common cause of blindness resulting from an injury, infection or trauma to the eye. Abnormal scarring after trauma creates haze in the cornea that disrupts vision. The current treatment for this scarring is…
Loosen up!
MU researcher finds exercise can reduce artery stiffness associated with heart failure Generally, exercise is considered good for you. However, physicians and medical doctors previously prescribed bedrest to people with heart failure, fearing exercise could potentially lead to additional health problems. Now, research from the University of Missouri has found exercise can improve the health of blood vessels in the heart for people with heart failure. The finding is based on a study looking at swine, which have very similar blood vessels and heart muscles – both structurally and functionally – as humans. Craig Emter, associate professor in the College…
Respiratory Diseases Linked With High Blood Pressure in Lungs
Pulmonary hypertension is a type of high blood pressure that affects the lungs of both animals and people. When tiny vessels in the lungs become narrowed or blocked, it becomes harder for blood to flow through and can cause the heart to weaken or fail. Now, researchers at the University of Missouri have found that identifying respiratory diseases causing pulmonary hypertension can lead to improved health outcomes. Carol Reinero, professor of small animal internal medicine in the College of Veterinary Medicine, was a member of a team that studied 47 dogs with pulmonary hypertension caused by respiratory disease. The goal…
Is Laziness a Choice or Genetic Trait?
MU researcher pinpoints gene associated with physical inactivity Regular physical activity is a crucial part of living a healthy lifestyle. However, a majority of American adults spend their waking hours sitting, which leads to a variety of health issues such as obesity, cardiovascular disease and cancer. Now, a researcher from the University of Missouri has identified a specific gene related to physical inactivity in rats that could potentially play a role in sedentary behavior in humans as well. “Previous research has shown us that genes play some role in physical inactivity,” said Frank Booth, a professor in the MU College…
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