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DFI, a microbiome research facility at UChicago, is set to begin clinical trials in January using bacteria strains manufactured at its new facility. These trials aim to address gut microbiome loss in hospitalized patients, particularly those undergoing severe medical conditions. The DFI, funded by the Duchossois family, secured FDA approval in April 2024 and has produced eight bacterial strains for the trials, with three already encapsulated. The trials will measure the impact of these strains on gut microbiomes and their retention.

Adding medical marijuana to state PDMPs reduced prescriptions for drugs contraindicated with cannabis but also revealed a bias against medical marijuana patients, potentially denying them other controlled substances.

The phase 2 CELLVX-230 trial has dosed its first patient with FK-PC101, a personalized immunotherapy aiming to prevent prostate cancer recurrence post-prostatectomy. The trial, enrolling 100 high-risk patients, uses an autologous cellular vaccine made from patients' own tumor cells. The study, led by Dr. Scott Eggener, aims to assess disease-free survival and other outcomes up to 22 months, with final completion expected in May 2027.

Researchers from the University of Chicago developed a new approach to identify snoRNA targets, revealing thousands of previously unknown interactions in human cells and mouse brain tissues. These interactions include functions beyond rRNA modifications, such as facilitating protein secretion, which could be harnessed for therapeutic and biotechnology applications. The study, published in Cell, suggests a broader role for snoRNAs in cellular processes and opens new avenues for research and potential therapeutics.

Researchers at the University of Chicago developed a technology to identify new cellular RNA targets of snoRNAs, revealing thousands of previously unknown targets in human cells and mouse brain tissues, including interactions with mRNA that facilitate protein secretion, with potential applications in therapeutics and biotechnology.

Pfizer appoints Chris Boshoff, M.D., PhD, as Chief Scientific Officer and President, Research & Development effective January 1, 2025, succeeding Dr. Mikael Dolsten. Boshoff will oversee all R&D functions and maintain Oncology R&D's integrated structure with Roger Dansey, M.D. as Interim Chief Oncology Officer. Johanna Bendell, M.D. will join Pfizer from Roche in 2025 as Chief Development Officer, Oncology.

Researchers from the University of Chicago and UCSF identified a key mechanism driving genetic instability in aggressive cancers: collisions between DNA replication and transcription processes, causing large tandem duplications (TDs). These TDs are common in upper gastrointestinal, prostate, breast, and ovarian cancers, linked to poor outcomes and specific gene mutations. The study suggests that TDs can serve as biomarkers for prognosis and treatment, with potential sensitivity to WEE1, CHK1, and ATR inhibitors.

Genetic mutations, including those from environmental carcinogens, disrupt normal cell functions, leading to cancer. Researchers at the University of Chicago analyze the impact of air pollutants on cancer risk, finding higher levels associated with increased risk of breast, ovarian, blood, and endometrial cancers, with varying risks by race and ethnicity. They also study the cellular and genetic impact of environmental factors, aiming to identify new targets for cancer prevention and therapy.

The University of Chicago Medical Center received its 26th consecutive 'A' Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, making it one of only 12 U.S. hospitals to achieve 'Straight A' distinction since 2012. It is also the only research-intensive academic medical center in the nation with 26 consecutive 'A' grades in patient safety.

Article lists affiliations and funding sources for researchers in nephrology and critical care from various institutions, including University of Minnesota, University of Chicago, King’s College London, and University of Washington. Funding sources include Novartis, Bioporto, Biomerieux, NIH, and others.