Tag Health & medicine

Scientists find gene in obese mice that increases type 2 diabetes

May 8, 2006

In a painstaking set of experiments in overweight mice, scientists from the University of Wisconsin–Madison have discovered a gene that appears to play an important role in the onset of type 2 diabetes.

Illuminating Alzheimer’s: Research sheds light on creatine’s presence in brain

December 21, 2005

A team of Canadian and American scientists working at the UW–Madison Synchrotron Radiation Center reports the first-ever finding of elevated levels of creatine — the newly discovered agent of Alzheimer's disease - in brain tissue.

Protective protein may hold key to halting progression of neurological diseases

January 11, 2005

Patients who suffer from neurological diseases such as Huntington's disease, Parkinson's, Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS) and Alzheimer's disease have dramatically different symptoms. An Alzheimer's patient, for instance, will lose memory and cognitive function, while an ALS sufferer will gradually lose motor control.

Medical School announces findings in diabetes therapy

November 3, 2004

Forty-two years ago, Dan Quigley injected his first insulin shot to treat his Type 1 (juvenile) diabetes, a routine repeated three times a day, every day until recently. On Oct. 29, the 55-year-old Door County man stood with Medical School physicians Luis Fernandez and Jon Odorico to announce that he is finally insulin-free after receiving the first islet cell transplant performed in the state. Quigley had the transplant in 2002.

Discovery may halt progression of Alzheimer’s

September 2, 2004

In a finding that may cause a dramatic shift in the way scientists and researchers search for a therapy for Alzheimer's disease, a team of researchers led by Jeff Johnson, an associate professor at the School of Pharmacy, has discovered that increased expression of a protein called transthyretin in the brain appears to halt the progression of the disease. The findings appear in the current issue of The Journal of Neuroscience.

ES cell model could provide clues to causes, cures for diabetes

July 28, 2003

By studying embryonic stem cells from a mouse, researchers at UW–Madison have identified a potential model system for elucidating the stages of normal pancreatic development, as well as for developing a much-needed source of insulin-producing cells for the millions of people who need them to treat their diabetes.

Obesity, smoking and inactivity top health concerns

January 14, 2003

In a recent informal poll of UW Health primary care experts, obesity, smoking and inactivity were ranked the health problems most patients need to take seriously. Depression, diabetes and hypertension were not far behind. The good news: tackling even one of these problems will likely improve your health in several areas.