UR Health Research

11/19/2025

Protein provides clues to identifying and treating crippling bone infections
Efforts to find a way to spot and treat staph infections early—which can trigger devastating health consequences, including septic shock and death—have failed so far, but researchers at the School of Medicine and Dentistry believe they’ve found answers in a small protein known as a chemokine.

Staph (Staphylococcus aureus) is the most common germ to afflict humans, and one of the most damaging: it causes diseases like osteomyelitis (bone infection), endocarditis (heart inflammation), and skin infections that ...

11/18/2025

Where might we look for inspiration for new cancer therapies? Some researchers say the bowhead whale may offer clues.

Where might we look for inspiration for new cancer therapies? Some researchers say the bowhead whale may offer clues.

11/17/2025

Can melatonin cause heart failure?

Medical Center experts navigate research connecting melatonin and the risk of heart failure.

11/14/2025

Positives of social media for teens and how parents can guide safe use

Social media can help teens connect, create, and discover who they are. Medical Center experts offer guidance on how to use it thoughtfully and safely.

It’s easy to think of social media as the villain in every teen’s story, but it doesn’t have to be. Focusing only on the negatives overlooks an important reality: social media can help teens connect, create, and discover who they are — especially when guided to use it thoughtfully and safely...

11/14/2025

This pediatrician’s wish: For RSV to be a thing of the past. We’re almost there.

Dr. Brenda Tesini has seen big changes in our pediatric intensive care unit—and across the U.S. Last year, hospital stays for babies under 3 months with RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) dropped by half. Why? Two new tools started about two years ago: a vaccine for pregnant moms and a medicine for babies that helps prevent RSV. Dr. Tesini hopes these will make RSV disappear for good. Want to learn more? Ask your doctor.

University of Rochester infectious disease physician Brenda Tesini on ending respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, in newborns and infants.

11/13/2025

Researchers Find Possible Marker for Staph Infections
Scientists at the Center for Musculoskeletal Research discovered that a protein called CCL20 might help doctors spot and treat bone infections caused by staph bacteria (S. aureus). Their study, published in mBio, shows that CCL20 could be used as a sign of how serious an infection is. One day, a simple blood test might check for this protein. This could lead to new treatments that help the body fight infection and lower the risk of deadly sepsis.

Staph (Staphylococcus aureus) is the most common germ to afflict humans, and one of the most damaging: it causes diseases like osteomyelitis (bone infection), endocarditis (heart inflammation), and skin infections that ...

11/11/2025

S*x and age shape progression of Batten disease

Researchers from the Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience have found that male and female brains show different responses as Batten disease progresses, and have found a model of the disease that could transform future treatments.

Researchers from the Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience at the University of Rochester have found that male and female brains show different responses as Batten disease progresses and have found a model of the disease that could transform future treatments.

10/22/2025

UR Medicine primary care more than doubles lung cancer screening rates

A recent study details how the UR Medicine primary care network—through a coordinated program led by Robert Fortuna, a professor of medicine and of pediatrics—reached a nearly 72 percent lung cancer screening rate.

10/22/2025

Researcher Bridget Young, PhD, spoke to Rochester First (Oct. 14) as the FDA begins a comprehensive review of infant formula standards under “Operation Stork Speed.” Young encouraged parents to be confident in the review process. “The formula we have now is the safest food on the market,” she said. “You can feel wonderful about how you’re nourishing your baby.”

Parenting Plus: Isabel Garcia talks with Dr. Bridget Young from URMC for the latest advice about baby formula.

10/14/2025

EIOH, URMC Faculty Debunk Myths About Community Water Fluoridation »

YanFang Ren, professor of Dentistry and chair of Diagnostic Sciences at EIOH, is lead author of a commentary published in The Journal of the American Dental Association, affirming that the benefits of fluoridation are clear, measurable, and lasting. EIOH experts emphasize that removing fluoridation from public water systems would result in billions of dollars in avoidable treatment costs and worsened oral health outcomes.

10/09/2025

Brain-on-a-chip technology shows how diseases harm the brain
Dr. James McGrath, a professor of biomedical engineering, leads a team that builds tiny models of human tissue called “tissue chips.” These chips help scientists study how diseases affect places where different types of tissue meet—like the blood-brain barrier, which protects the brain. In two recent studies, the team used these chips to learn how serious illnesses like sepsis and brain diseases can damage this barrier. Their discoveries could help doctors find new ways to protect the brain and treat these conditions.

The cutting-edge tool demonstrates how the blood-brain barrier breaks down and how healthy brains keep it strong.

09/24/2025

Millisecond windows of time may be key to how we hear

What happens when you listen to speech at a different speed? Neuroscientists thought that your brain may turn up its processing speed as well. But new research led by Sam Norman-Haignere, an assistant professor of biostatistics and computational biology, of biomedical engineering, and of neuroscience, shows that at least the auditory part of the brain keeps “listening” or clocking in at a fixed time.

What happens when you listen to speech at a different speed? Neuroscientists thought that your brain may turn up its processing speed as well. But it turns out that at least the auditory part of the brain keeps “listening” or clocking in at a fixed time.