Stories

New hope for treating a rare genetic disorder

By Erik Robinson March 29, 2017

Research published online in the journal Endocrinology found that a small synthetic molecule initially developed to lower cholesterol may slow or stop the devastating progression of the neurodegenerative disease adrenoleukodystrophy, or ALD. The study was conducted in a mouse model, but planning is under way for a human clinical trial.

Stem cell treatment for stroke shows promising results, study finds

By Erik Robinson March 17, 2017

Stroke medication currently available must be given within three hours to have the maximum benefit, but many patients do not make it to the hospital in time to receive it. A newly developed potential treatment involving the use of stem cells to promote brain recovery may greatly extend this window.

OHSU Intercultural Psychiatric Program: serving immigrants, refugees for 40 years

By Erik Robinson March 14, 2017

A unique OHSU psychiatric program supports immigrants and refugees, serving approximately 1,100 people in the Portland area, including 200 survivors of torture from countries including Iraq, Iran, Somalia, Ethiopia, Bosnia and Syria.

Antibiotics used to treat cystic fibrosis significantly increase risk of permanent hearing loss

By Erik Robinson February 24, 2017

A powerful class of antibiotics provides life-saving relief for people with cystic fibrosis; however, a new study for the first time reveals the levels at which high cumulative dosages over time significantly increases the risk of permanent hearing loss in these patients.

Medicare spent more than $650 million in two years on a drug prescribed by less than 1 percent of physicians: study

By Erik Robinson February 13, 2017

U.S. taxpayers spent more than $650 million in 2013 and 2014 on one medication with questionable usefulness prescribed by less than 1 percent of clinicians, according to new research by scientists with OHSU and the OHSU/Oregon State University School of Pharmacy in Portland.

New genome-mapping technique opens new avenues for precision medicine

By Erik Robinson January 30, 2017

OHSU scientists have uncovered a method for quickly and efficiently mapping the genome of single cells within the body. Their findings, published Jan. 30 in the journal Nature Methods, clears the way for a significant advance in precision medicine, including cancer and many other disease areas.

Scientists reveal non-addictive pathway to pain relief

By Erik Robinson January 12, 2017

OHSU research suggests an avenue for developing treatments for chronic pain that harness the medicinal properties of cannabis while minimizing the threat of addiction.

A fresh outlook on life

By Erik Robinson December 29, 2016

A local woman can now to look her husband and two grown children in the eye after undergoing a successful surgery to correct a rare and debilitating spinal condition known as dropped head syndrome.

Study suggests possible new target for treating and preventing Alzheimer’s

By Erik Robinson December 01, 2016

A new scientific discovery may provide a future avenue for treatment and prevention of Alzheimer’s disease.

New research provides key insight about mitochondrial replacement therapy

By Erik Robinson November 30, 2016

A new discovery may unlock the answer to a vexing scientific question: How to conduct mitochondrial replacement therapy, a new gene-therapy technique, in such a way that safely prevents the transmission of harmful mitochondrial gene mutations from mothers to their children.

Author: Erik Robinson

OHSU in the News