The College of Engineering at Virginia Tech is launching three new programs to improve retention and graduation rates for under-represented engineering students. The programs, funded by a $2 million NSF grant, will offer mentoring, academic development, and residential learning environments to support freshman and transfer students.
Dr. Morley has made significant contributions to three areas of geriatric medicine: appetite regulation, memory and dementia, and testosterone and andropause. He is recognized as one of the top ten geriatric programs in the country.
The Gerontological Society of America conferred its 2004 Distinguished Mentorship in Gerontology Award to Dr. Jackson, recognizing his influence on numerous graduate and post-doctoral students. His leadership has contributed significantly to the advancement of gerontological research.
The Gerontological Society of America awards Penn State's Zarit the 2004 M. Powell Lawton Award for his groundbreaking research on caregiving and mental health issues in older adults. The award honors outstanding professional and personal qualities, as well as contributions to applied gerontological research.
Researchers will pinpoint the genetic cause of Thiel-Behnke, a rare corneal dystrophy, using a $1.1 million NEI grant. The study aims to improve diagnosis and treatment options for other types of corneal dystrophies.
The Gerontological Society of America (GSA) presents the 2004 Richard Kalish Innovative Publication Award to Dr. Connidis and Dr. McMullin for their groundbreaking paper on sociological ambivalence and family ties in aging and life course development.
The NIH awarded Indiana University a $7 million grant to establish the Midwest Sexually Transmitted Infections and Topical Microbicides Cooperative Research Center. The center will focus on researching epidemiology, acquisition, prevention, and pathogenesis of sexually transmitted infections in young women.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic found that celecoxib reduces mammary gland tumor mass through apoptosis and regulates prostaglandin pathways. The study suggests celecoxib may be used to prevent and treat breast tumors.
Research by Emory University scientists found that chronic viral infections fail to develop long-term immune memory cells due to poor cytokine response. The study suggests that rest from antigen exposure is crucial for developing these memory cells.
Paleontology graduate student Jacqueline M. Kozisek's research challenges the nuclear winter theory by citing the survival of tropical honeybees. Modern tropical honeybees require temperatures between 88-93°F to survive, which is unlikely given predicted post-impact temperature drops of 13-22°F.
A team of paleontologists has reestimated Seismosaurus's length to 110 feet, bringing it within range of the blue whale. The new estimate was achieved by scaling up a smaller Diplodocus dinosaur and comparing its caudal vertebrae.
Researchers found that tumbleweeds and other native plants in arid regions can effectively absorb depleted uranium from contaminated soils. The study, led by geologist Dana Ulmer-Scholle, suggests using these plants as a low-cost method for cleaning up DU-contaminated areas.
Dr. Cohen, originator of Duke University's Geriatrics Fellowship, has won the prestigious award for his work in geriatric medicine and cancer research. He will present a lecture at GSA's 57th Annual Scientific Meeting.
A study of 9,611 older adults found that regular physical activity in middle age significantly reduced the risk of early death. Even light activities like walking or gardening provided a protective effect.
Dr. Archbold's research focuses on family care for frail elders and new methods to better serve them. Her breakthrough findings have led to a new way of thinking about how nursing can support families caring for frail elders.
A new genetic study identified strong evidence for Alzheimer's genes on chromosomes 18 and 10, expanding our knowledge of the disease. The research, conducted on Hispanic families in the Dominican Republic, sheds light on the complex interaction of multiple genes that contribute to Alzheimer's.
A new theory proposes that a coal fire in the Titanic's coal bunker may have led to its high-speed sailing through an iceberg field. The theory, presented by Dr. Essenhigh, suggests that the crew was trying to control and extinguish the fire before reaching port.
Dr. Small receives Margret M. Baltes Award for groundbreaking research on cognitive decline in Alzheimer's Disease. His work has been instrumental in understanding the preclinical phase of the disease, advancing social/behavioral research on aging.
Dr. Smith, editor of GSA's Journal of Gerontology: Biological Sciences, receives the Robert W. Kleemeier Award for his decades-long research on cellular senescence. His work focuses on chromatin structure alterations in this process.
A study of 28 individuals with acrophobia found that combining D-cycloserine (DCS) with virtual reality exposure therapy significantly reduced fear of heights, with effects lasting at least three months. The treatment works by facilitating 'fear extinction' in the brain, a process previously used to treat phobias and post-traumatic str...
The Gerontological Society of America has conferred the 2004 Nathan Shock New Investigator Award to Dr. Marciniak for his pioneering work in gene regulation by the AIDS virus HIV. His research expertise bridges two critical areas, aging and cancer, making him a prime example of a geriatric oncologist.
Researchers found that testosterone impairs T-lymphocyte function, leading to a weakened immune response in men. In contrast, females' immune systems are more active without significant levels of testosterone, making them more prone to autoimmune diseases.
A recent study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention journal found that obesity is associated with a higher risk of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in older women. The study followed over 37,000 Iowa women for 14 years and found that those who were overweight or obese had a 90% increased risk of developing AML compar...
Mahoney receives the award for his work on innovative programs to serve older persons, including the Cash and Counseling Demonstration project supported by Robert Wood Johnson foundation and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The prize recognizes his excellence in translating research into practical application and policy.
A recent study published in Hepatology found that occult HBV infection is prevalent in adult hemodialysis patients, with a rate four to five times higher than standard HBsAg testing. The majority of infections were associated with low viral loads and the sG145R-mutant.
Dr. Rikke will receive the prestigious award for his work in mapping and cloning genes in mice that modulate neurosensitivity to ethanol and general anesthetics. The award is presented annually by the Gerontological Society of America (GSA) to recognize outstanding research in gerontology.
Researchers found that combining liver transplantation and coronary artery bypass grafting is a safe approach for patients with severe coronary artery disease and end-stage liver disease. The procedure's success depends on careful multidisciplinary evaluation, coordination, and graft selection.
The discovery of five-toed tracks at Blue Beach in Nova Scotia suggests that pentadactyl tetrapods evolved tens of millions of years earlier than thought. The find contradicts the prevailing idea that polydactyl feet were more common among early tetrapods.
Researchers found elevated caspase levels in HCV patients with normal aminotransferase levels, associated with higher stages of liver fibrosis. The study suggests that measuring caspase-mediated CK-18 cleavage in serum may be a more sensitive method to detect liver fibrosis in chronic HCV infection.
Researchers at UNC's Bowles Center discovered that new brain cells develop during alcohol abstinence, reversing damage caused by chronic alcohol dependency. The study found a twofold burst in brain cell proliferation after four-to-five weeks of abstinence.
Dr. Pearlin is recognized for his significant contributions to articulating the role of a social perspective in understanding health and aging. His early research established social research into stress and health, particularly mental health.