Study of cat diet leads to key nervous system repair discovery
Scientists studying a mysterious neurological affliction in cats have discovered a surprising ability of the central nervous system to repair itself and restore function.
Tag: health & medicine
Study reveals new options for people with PKU
For people with the genetic condition known as phenylketonuria (PKU), diet is a constant struggle. They can eat virtually no protein, and instead get their daily dose of this key macronutrient by drinking a bitter-tasting formula of amino acids. Yet drink it they must; deviating from this strict dietary regimen puts them at risk of developing permanent neurological damage.
New lecture series honors pioneer of sensory substitution
A lecture series to honor the late Paul Bach-y-Rita kicks off at 4 p.m. on Friday, April 3, in the Waisman Center’s John D. Wiley Conference Center. A reception follows.
HealthDay writer named biomedical writer in residence
HealthDay writer Amanda Gardner has already made the transition many other journalists now face — from writing for the print media to the virtual world. Gardner will be the School of Medicine and Public Health’s biomedical writer in residence the week of March 30.
UW School of Medicine and Public Health sets school record for residency placement
With a record-high rate of graduating medical students matching into their desired residency on March 19, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health leaders are cheering another highlight: More students are choosing to stay in the state for their residency training and about 40 percent plan to pursue a residency in primary care – where physicians nationwide are badly needed.
UW expert speaks out on food-borne illness outbreaks
Dennis Maki, UW School of Medicine and Public Health professor of medicine (infectious disease) is available for interviews Thursday afternoon regarding his opinion piece published Feb. 12, 2009, in the online edition of the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM).
Mouse study reveals genetic component of empathy
The ability to empathize with others is partially determined by genes, according to new research on mice from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU).
Genetic change prevents cell death in mouse model of Parkinson’s disease
By shifting a normal protective mechanism into overdrive, a University of Wisconsin-Madison scientist has completely shielded mice from a toxic chemical that would otherwise cause Parkinson’s disease.
Predicting the future spread of infectious-disease vectors
As global warming raises concerns about potential spread of infectious diseases, a team of researchers has demonstrated a way to predict the expanding range of human disease vectors in a changing world.
Clinical trial uses bat saliva enzyme for stroke treatment
Vampires aren’t usually cast in the role of saviors, but stroke experts are hoping a blood thinner that mimics a chemical in vampire saliva will help save brain cells in stroke patients. The School of Medicine and Public Health is one of several centers worldwide currently enrolling patients in a large new clinical trial of desmoteplase, a drug based on an enzyme in vampire bat saliva.
Patient-derived induced stem cells retain disease traits
When neurons started dying in Clive Svendsen’s lab dishes, he couldn’t have been more pleased. The dying cells – the same type lost in patients with the devastating neurological disease spinal muscular atrophy – confirmed that the University of Wisconsin-Madison stem cell biologist had recreated the hallmarks of a genetic disorder in the lab, using stem cells derived from a patient.
Record 122,000 callers seek help from Quit Line to stop smoking
University of Wisconsin and state health officials announce a record-breaking 39,000 calls to the state’s Tobacco Quit Line in 2008 and celebrated the Quit Line fielding 122,000 calls in its seven-year history. Smokers are encouraged to call 1-800-QUIT-NOW to get the support they need in quitting in the year ahead.
Genetic change extends mouse life, points to possible treatment for ALS
There are many ways to die, but amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, must be one of the worst. By the time a patient notices muscle weakness, the neurons that control the muscles have already begun dying, in an untreatable process that brings death within two to five years.
Can milk help prevent transplant rejections?
Could Wisconsin’s signature product – milk – hold the key to one of the biggest problems in organ transplantation? Hans Sollinger, the surgeon who heads the transplant program at UW Hospital and Clinics, is betting on it.
Survey will help officials understand, control Lyme disease
This Saturday, as hunters seek white-tailed deer in Wisconsin’s forested areas, a research team led by University of Wisconsin-Madison entomologist Susan Paskewitz will be conducting a hunt of its own.
UW-Madison continues to address gastroenteritis outbreak
The University of Wisconsin-Madison continues to monitor reported cases of gastroenteritis among students and provide information to help limit the spread of disease, following the first cases of suspected norovirus that were seen at University Health Services on Nov. 7.
Stealth drug idea snags Gates Foundation support
A proposal to create a stealth drug, one that remains cloaked inside a cell until activated by a pathogen, has snared a high-profile $100,000 award from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Will the economy prompt greater use of generic drugs?
The expense of the daily dose of medicine is a bitter pill for many Americans. Yet, more than half of those taking prescription drugs are not taking advantage of an economical option: generic drugs.
For food industry leaders, a meeting worth its salt
It’s no secret that Americans eat too much salt, a habit linked to numerous health problems. At first glance, the solution seems simple: stop eating so much of the stuff.
But, as it turns out, salt-a.k.a. sodium chloride-can’t easily be cut from the American diet.
Initiative positions Wisconsin to become leader in personalized medicine
Wisconsin may soon become an international leader in personalized medicine, a simple concept that has the potential to revolutionize healthcare.