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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…
VRSP Exposes Students to Potential of Careers in Research
Months of preparation and student research culminated in a trip to Worcester, Massachusetts, for 13 MU College of Veterinary Medicine students, three Mizzou students in the Pre-Vet Scholars Program, and three scholars visiting Mizzou from other universities. The group comprised this year’s Veterinary Research Scholars Program, also called the VRSP. “Our gang knocked it out of the park!” said CVM Professor of Veterinary Pathobiology Craig Franklin, DVM, PhD, DACLAM. “I heard all of our scholars either at the practice session or at the symposium, and all were so engaged and well prepared. The bar has again been raised.” The journey to…
Research Day Features Student Achievements
The University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine held its 42nd annual Research Day May 10, 2019, to highlight students’ scientific discoveries. Veterinary professional students, including those who participate in the Veterinary Research Scholars Program, interns, residents, master’s and PhD students, along with postdoctoral fellows, presented their research contributions from the previous year in a poster or oral address. The day also featured a keynote presentation by University of Missouri Nobel Laureate George Smith, Curators Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Biological Science. In his address, “Chemical Evolution with Phage Display,” Smith talked about some of the advances in medicine that built…
Preventing Triple Negative Breast Cancer From Spreading
Protein could be key to providing a precision medicine treatment to prevent the spread of cancer in people diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer, MU study finds A breast cancer cell is like a house with three locks on the front door. Keys, or receptors, allow drugs to unlock the door and kill the cell. However, in triple-negative breast cancer, these keys are absent, thereby resulting in few options for drug therapy, until now. A protein called p53 suppresses and kills cancer in people. However, a defective, mutant form of p53 helps cancer cells grow and multiply. Researchers at the University…
Nobel Laureate Smith to Address CVM Research Day
George P. Smith, Curators Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Biological Sciences and recipient of the 2018 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, will deliver the keynote address during the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine 2019 Research Day. Research Day will take place May 10. Smith’s talk, entitled, “Chemical Evolution with Phage Display,” will be at 1 p.m. in the Veterinary Medicine Building Auditorium The purpose of Research Day is to promote scholarly activity within the College of Veterinary Medicine. Any graduate student, professional student, intern, resident or postdoctoral fellow within the veterinary college or with a mentor who has an appointment…
New Precision Medicine Procedure Fights Cancer, Advances Treatment for Pets and Humans
MU veterinary oncologists develop a vaccine treatment for osteosarcoma, a common type of bone cancer in dogs, avoiding chemotherapy and opening the door for human clinical trials In a first-of-its-kind study, scientists at the University of Missouri have helped advance a patient-specific, precision medicine treatment for bone cancer in dogs. By creating a vaccine from a dog’s own tumor, scientists worked with ELIAS Animal Health to target specific cancer cells and avoid the toxic side effects of chemotherapy, while also opening the door for future human clinical trials. Osteosarcoma, or bone cancer, is not common in humans, representing only about…
MU Drives Collaboration Developing New
Heart-Failure Drug
Your life depends on a muscle the size of a fist weighing 8 to 12 ounces. Your heart never sleeps. It beats about 100,000 times per day, feeding your tissues with crucial oxygen and nutrients, and then doing double duty as it takes out the trash — removing carbon dioxide and other wastes. Heart failure contributes to the death of about one in eight Americans. Despite improvements in the care of heart failure patients, the disease is currently associated with a 50 percent chance of death within five years of the onset of symptoms. According to the National Heart, Lung…
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