A new study by University of Iowa researchers finds that rare lung cells known as pulmonary ionocytes facilitate the absorption of water and salt from the airway surface. This function is exactly the opposite of what was expected of these cells and may have implications for cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease. Five years ago, scientists reported the unexpected discovery that ionocytes—a cell type…
Research and Education
Research and Education
New findings may take scientists a step closer to understanding what causes SUDEP—Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy—a rare but fatal complication of epilepsy. There are about 3,000 deaths from SUDEP each year in the U.S. The biggest risk factor is epilepsy that is not well controlled with medication or surgery, but the exact cause of SUDEP is not known. However, increasing evidence suggests…
An out-of-body experience. That’s how Cody Purvis describes losing nearly 75% of the hair on her head as a result of the autoimmune disease alopecia areata. “The person that I looked at in the mirror every day was just not who I was,” says Purvis, a pet boarding and grooming business owner in Kanawha, Iowa. In alopecia areata, the body’s immune system attacks hair follicles. It can result in…
While career opportunities in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) are on the rise, women remain vastly underrepresented in these fields.University of Iowa Health Care experts are helping change that, through a unique educational program aimed at getting girls interested in STEM. Girls Go STEM is an annual event intended to inspire the next generation of health care professionals...