A University of Iowa-led study in mice shows that a hormone produced by the liver, fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), suppresses the consumption of simple sugars. The researchers report that FGF21 is produced in the liver in response to high carbohydrate levels. FGF21 then enters the bloodstream, where it sends a signal to the brain to suppress the preference for sweets.
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Dr. Eric Dyken of the UI Sleep Disorders Center fields questions about the benefits and drawbacks of sharing a room with a sleeping partner. He also discusses how gene changes in an aging brain affect circadian rhythm, and new research on the dangers of giving melatonin to young children.
Three University of Iowa computer engineering students created a cutting-edge robot, made for when patients are under the knife. The idea came from a UI doctor who said for years brain surgeons have faced a major annoyance in the operating room.
A University of Iowa researcher is working with the Veterans Administration on a pilot program to help female veterans suffering from postpartum depression.
A University of Iowa research team will develop an innovative pig model to better understand a rare genetic disorder called neurofibromatosis (NF) thanks to a $931,395 grant from the Children’s Tumor Foundation (CTF). The funding is part of a three-year, $1.7 million grant that the CTF has awarded to the UI team and their collaborators from Sanford Health and University of Arizona.
Patricia L. Winokur, MD, has been named Executive Dean, UI Carver College of Medicine, effective Jan. 1, 2016. As Executive Dean, Dr. Winokur will work closely with Debra Schwinn, MD, Dean of the UI Carver College of Medicine, and the Dean’s office leadership in overseeing our missions of research, education, clinical, and academic affairs.
The Iowa Institute of Human Genetics (IIHG) has launched a new, comprehensive genetic testing panel to help physicians in the care and management of patients with genetic kidney (renal) diseases.
Scientists at the University of Iowa have discovered the first example of a protein that causes muscle weakness and loss during aging. The protein, ATF4, is a transcription factor that alters gene expression in skeletal muscle, causing reduction of muscle protein synthesis, strength, and mass. The UI study also identifies two natural compounds, one found in apples and one found in green tomatoes, which reduce ATF4 activity in aged skeletal muscle.
The Institute for Clinical and Translational Science (ICTS) received a $7 million renewal of its Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) from the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences. The new award will support a wide range of activities to strengthen clinical research at the University of Iowa, engage communities and other stakeholders in Iowa research to improve health, and promote a robust and diverse translational workforce.
Ann Rhomberg, RN/MSN, is a Clinical/Health Care Research Associate who has worked at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics for almost three years. Ann, a valued member of the ICTS Research Coordinator Core, was recently recognized as the top recruiter for the North American arm of the Study Of Diabetic Nephropathy With Atrasentan (SONAR study).