On the podcast Come Together, Larry Sherman, Ph.D., talks about a recent study identifying an enzyme that could be a target to heal or slow the progression of neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s disease: “We found out that if you blocked that enzyme’s activity, that hyaluronic base, we can actually see repair in the brain.” He also talks about the role of music in sustaining brain health.

OHSU researchers discover that pancreatic tumors reprogram regulatory immune cells to suppress tumor-killing activity — a key reason immunotherapy has largely failed against the disease — and find that an experimental therapy called agonistic CD40 can convert those suppressive cells into ones that support tumor killing, suggesting that combining immune-activating treatments with targeted drugs like KRAS inhibitors could be far more effective than either approach alone. Katelyn Byrne, Ph.D., says, “Pancreatic cancer is incredibly resistant to most therapies. Even when we know the immune system is capable of long lasting protection, it’s been very difficult to get that response to work in this disease."

OHSU researchers discover that pancreatic tumors reprogram regulatory immune cells to suppress tumor-killing activity — a key reason immunotherapy has largely failed against the disease — and find that an experimental therapy called agonistic CD40 can convert those suppressive cells into ones that support tumor killing, suggesting that combining immune-activating treatments with targeted drugs like KRAS inhibitors could be far more effective than either approach alone. Katelyn Byrne, Ph.D., says, “Pancreatic cancer is incredibly resistant to most therapies. Even when we know the immune system is capable of long lasting protection, it’s been very difficult to get that response to work in this disease.”

A story reporting on the increased need for community health workers who support older adults in rural areas, potentially reducing emergency department visits and hospitalizations. Elizabeth Eckstrom, M.D., says, “They can’t drive, so they can’t get to a grocery store and shop. They’re not taking their medications, either for cognitive reasons or because they can’t get to a pharmacy.”

The New York Times reports that as shortages of medical professionals and an aging population strain the health care system, community health workers — trusted local figures who bridge the gap between patients and providers — are proving to reduce emergency room visits and hospitalizations among older adults, though unstable and piecemeal funding remains a major barrier to expanding their reach. The story notes the Connected Care for Older Adults program that OHSU helped start in Oregon and southwest Washington. Elizabeth Eckstrom, M.D., says, “Community health workers should be part of every health care team. They support the patient in ways the medical system just can’t, no matter how hard we try.”

Oregon health officials warn that a growing measles outbreak — now at 20 known cases with the state's first hospitalization and signs of wider community transmission in Multnomah and Clackamas counties — may be difficult to contain and are urging unvaccinated residents to get vaccinated, while asking those who decline vaccination to take precautions if they become ill. Dawn Nolt, M.D., says, “Measles is highly contagious. It’s often thought of as the most contagious disease in the world. Currently, we don’t have an anti-viral treatment to cure it. Prevention is absolutely critical”

Oregon health officials warn that a growing measles outbreak — now at 20 known cases with the state's first hospitalization and signs of wider community transmission in Multnomah and Clackamas counties — may be difficult to contain and are urging unvaccinated residents to get vaccinated, while asking those who decline vaccination to take precautions if they become ill. Dawn Nolt, M.D., says, “Measles is highly contagious. It’s often thought of as the most contagious disease in the world. Currently, we don’t have an anti-viral treatment to cure it. Prevention is absolutely critical."

Jamie Peterson, M.D., talks with KPTV-TV’s "FOX 12 Now" about OHSU’s Kinder Coaching Program — the first in the country to embed early learning services within pediatric primary care and have them covered by Medicaid — pairs children ages 3 to 5 with certified community health workers who provide individualized, one-on-one coaching to build the skills families need to ensure a successful transition to kindergarten. Peterson says, “We want to ensure all families, regardless of background, are ready and prepared for this important transition.”

A new study introduces a series of fluorescent dyes that blink on and off naturally without harsh chemicals or intense light, enabling scientists to use super-resolution microscopy to observe cancer-related processes — such as how cells migrate and respond to their environment — inside living cells in real time. Catherine Galbraith, Ph.D., says, “By figuring out how to use the dyes systematically, matching each dye’s blinking properties to the right imaging context, Brian and I made them useful to observe dynamic biological processes as they happen, and answer the kinds of questions cancer researchers are asking.”

OHSU researchers discover that pancreatic tumors reprogram regulatory immune cells to suppress tumor-killing activity — a key reason immunotherapy has largely failed against the disease — and find that an experimental therapy called agonistic CD40 can convert those suppressive cells into ones that support tumor killing, suggesting that combining immune-activating treatments with targeted drugs like KRAS inhibitors could be far more effective than either approach alone. Katelyn Byrne, Ph.D., says, “Pancreatic cancer is incredibly resistant to most therapies. Even when we know the immune system is capable of long lasting protection, it’s been very difficult to get that response to work in this disease.”