Tag Diseases
New understanding of ‘superantigens’ could lead to improved staph infection treatments
Researchers at the UW School of Veterinary Medicine explain that the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus not only causes illness, but undermines the body’s ability to heal — a finding that could point toward new approaches to fighting infection. Read More
Understanding the human-animal interplay of COVID-19 and other diseases
Most human diseases don’t start — or end — with our species. Only by looking at the whole picture can scientists like UW–Madison's Tony Goldberg uncover the full story of viruses on Earth. Read More
Seizures and memory problems in epilepsy may have a common cause
A new study could lead to earlier diagnosis of epilepsy and possibly new ways to treat epilepsy and other disorders that share symptoms, like Alzheimer’s disease, traumatic brain injury and autism spectrum disorder. Read More
UW Health asks patients COVID-19 screening questions
Due to the increase in respiratory illness and the rise of COVID-19 (coronavirus), UW Health is following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines in screening its patients. Read More
Clinical trial for Ebola vaccine developed at UW–Madison underway in Japan
Fifteen healthy young men will receive two doses of the experimental vaccine. If the first group tolerates it, an additional group of up to 20 volunteers will receive a higher dose of the vaccine. Read More
Researchers may have found a new way to fight skin-burrowing schistosomiasis parasite
Scientists led by Morgridge Institute for Research investigator Phillip Newmark have isolated a potent kryptonite against the parasitic worms, which cause devastating health problems. Read More
Investigation into fungal infection reveals genetic vulnerability in Hmong
A new UW–Madison study has identified a specific genetic vulnerability among Hmong people that renders them more susceptible to the disease-causing fungus. Read More
Long delays prescribing new antibiotics hinder market for needed drugs
A survey of 132 hospitals found that the delays could reduce the likelihood that drug companies will develop new antibiotics essential for treating diseases. Read More
UW Shelter Medicine assists with cases of influenza in shelter dogs
Nine dogs in two Oakland, California, animal shelters have tested positive for canine influenza. The UW School of Veterinary Medicine is working closely with the shelters to manage the cases and implement precautionary measures. Read More
Cell component breakdown suggests possible treatment for multiple neural disorders
New UW–Madison research provides the first direct evidence that mitochondria dysfunction contributes to fragile X and autism, raising hope for new therapeutic developments. Read More
Five questions with Su-Chun Zhang, forger of brain cells
In light of the 20th anniversary of James Thomson’s derivation of human embryonic stem cells, we had some questions for one of the founders of stem cell neuroscience. Read More
Discovery opens new opportunities to slow or reverse MS
Nerve cells stripped of their insulation can no longer carry vital information, leading to the numbness, weakness and vision problems often associated with multiple sclerosis. A new study shows an overlooked source may be able to replace that lost insulation. Read More
Study shows movement, evolutionary history of TB in China
A genetic scan of a massive number of samples taken from tuberculosis patients across China has shown a surprising genetic uniformity: just two “strains” of the tuberculosis bacterium account for 99.4 percent of all cases. Read More
Mutation in common protein triggers tangles, chaos inside brain cells
Growing human brain cells in lab dishes was key to the findings. Researcher Su-Chun Zhang was the first scientist to convert all-purpose human stem cells into neural cells. Read More
Clinical prospects for stem cells begin to emerge
Responsible science is almost always a slow, grueling process, but 20 years after James Thomson derived the first human embryonic stem cell lines, experts in the field of stem cell and regenerative medicine feel more optimistic than ever. Read More
A stent-free future for common cardiovascular ailments
An interdisciplinary team of investigators from UW–Madison and Ohio State believes once the new approach to maintaining open blood vessels is fully developed, it could benefit millions of patients. Read More
Researchers trace Parkinson’s damage in the heart
Heart attacks, diabetes and other disorders cause similar damage to nerves in the heart. Those patients and potential therapies could also benefit from the new visualization method, says Parkinson's disease researcher Marina Emborg. Read More
Finding a weak link in the frightful parasite Schistosoma
More than 250 million people, mostly in Africa and Asia, have schistosomiasis, which kills an estimated 280,000 each year. “We don’t get that many aha! moments in our lives as scientists,” says a researcher. “This was one of them.” Read More
Lipids in blood and liver offer insights into metabolic health
Often, in order to identify a fatty liver, an invasive liver biopsy is required. Taking a blood sample would be a much simpler way to diagnose it. Read More
Study of inflammation’s link to diseases wins NIH grant
Inflammation "is likely implicated in almost every disease,” says researcher David Beebe — including cancer, cardiovascular conditions and autoimmune diseases. Read More