The 2007 Amgen Biochemical Engineering Award was awarded to Professor George Georgiou for his groundbreaking contributions to protein engineering, protein-based therapeutics, and fundamental understanding of protein biogenesis. He has also made significant discoveries in RNA degradation, oxidative protein folding, and protein secretion.
Scientists at MIT have developed a way to reversibly silence brain cells using pulses of yellow light, potentially leading to the development of optical brain prosthetics. The method could enable specific treatments with few or no side effects, offering new hope for neurological and psychiatric diseases.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital reviewed fetal cases of prenatal cardiac interventions, finding success rates of 79% and improvements in heart rate recovery after birth. Additionally, studies showed that most children with heart transplants regain sufficient heart function for exercise over time, with improved peak heart rate...
A study published in the Journal of Neuroscience found that multiple regions of the brain are involved in determining pain location, contradicting conventional wisdom. The research used functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to identify areas of brain activity while participants evaluated the spatial location of a thermal stimulus.
The Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine has received a $23 million grant to develop new combinations of potential filariasis drugs using state-of-the-art technologies. The programme aims to target bacteria inside the worms, without which they cannot survive, offering a new method to control and treat diseases affecting over 150 milli...
A landmark five-year study explores the under-representation of women and minority faculty in leadership and senior positions in academic medicine. The National Initiative on Gender, Culture and Leadership in Medicine aims to foster the advancement of women and minority physicians in academic medicine.
Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory have discovered a way to use gold to prevent the destruction of platinum in fuel cell reactions, enhancing the metal's value. The new method, which involves adding gold clusters to platinum electrocatalysts, keeps the precious metal stable during accelerated stability tests.
Bissell's work revolutionized understanding of cancer biology, revealing that the interaction between cells and extracellular matrix influences cell proliferation, survival, and differentiation. Her research has brought closer to a complete understanding of how living cells function in three-dimensional tissue.
New findings suggest that the tectorial membrane in the inner ear varies in rigidity along its length, allowing it to respond to different sound frequencies. This variation enables the distinction of sounds at various frequencies, potentially leading to improved hearing aid design.
Using adult bone marrow stem cells, researchers successfully regenerated healthy liver tissue in patients, doubling the liver growth rate and allowing for earlier surgical resection. This therapy has potential as a treatment for regenerating livers damaged by other chronic and acute diseases.
A study published in JAMA found that tilarginine, a medication believed to benefit cardiogenic shock patients after a heart attack, had no effect on mortality rates. The trial tested the drug's efficacy in 398 patients and showed no difference in 30-day death rates between those who received tilarginine and placebo.
Researchers have identified promising new drug combinations that can improve survival rates among patients with severe heart disease. Studies show that using imaging technologies like PET-guided therapy can also help doctors make more accurate decisions about therapies for these high-risk patients.
Research suggests that variations in the alpha synuclein gene contribute to alcohol craving in certain individuals. The study found eight SNPs associated with alcohol craving, but not with dependence, indicating a possible subtype of alcoholics influenced by this genetic factor.
Researchers found that reconstituted HDL infusion reduced atheroma volume by 3.4% and 5.3 mm³ compared to placebo, but the differences were not statistically significant. The study suggests potential favorable vascular effects of CSL-111 on coronary atherosclerosis.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have created ultrathin films composed of DNA and water-soluble polymers that allow controlled release of DNA from surfaces. These films could be used to deliver genetic material for gene therapy, potentially treating conditions such as cardiovascular disease by preventing smooth muscle...
A new study found that CSL-111, a drug that mimics HDL, did not significantly reduce plaque in coronary arteries, but showed improvement in two indexes assessing blood vessel changes. The trial involved 183 patients with acute coronary syndromes and used intravenous ultrasound to assess coronary artery changes.
Researchers found that 18-month-old toddlers listen and watch emotional reactions directed by one adult to another, then use this emotional information to shape their own behavior. The study indicates infants understand other people's emotional states at a very young age.
New research suggests that living in rural areas can lower the risk of heart disease, possibly due to easier access to fresh produce and outdoor exercise. Meanwhile, urban residents are more motivated to get healthy but lack knowledge about heart-healthy eating.
The FAST TRACK protocol dramatically reduces the time that elapses before patients undergo a life-saving procedure, saving both heart muscle and patient lives. The new system includes key elements such as single-call instant alerts, electrocardiograms within five minutes of arrival, and rapid loading by air ambulance.
A UC Irvine scientist has discovered that excess nutrients in an ecosystem can lead to a decrease in plant species diversity while increasing the productivity of a few selected species. This finding provides a new explanation for why polluted ecosystems often contain limited numbers of plant species.
Homeless individuals express strong concerns about the type of care they would receive when dying and after death. They advocate for increased advance care planning and compassionate treatment by healthcare providers. The study emphasizes the need to address end-of-life care as a priority for this underserved population.
C6 is a 10-foot by 10-foot virtual reality cube that immerses users in computer-generated 3-D images and eight channels of audio. The upgraded room now projects more than twice the resolution produced by any other VR room, with 100 million pixels.
Scientists found that brief high-level exposures to nitrogen dioxide can cause rapid lung injury, including breathing rate inhibition, lung edema, and acute lung damage. Researchers studied laboratory rats exposed to varying concentrations of the toxic gas for five minutes, revealing significant health risks.
A new light-based probe built by researchers at Duke University has successfully detected the earliest signs of cancer in cells lining internal organs. The device uses changes in laser light scattering to identify pre-cancerous conditions, offering a promising alternative for early diagnosis and treatment.
Cornell researchers have found a simple solution to measuring nanoscale vibrations by tapping with an atomic force microscope (AFM), allowing for the detection and identification of bacteria, viruses, and other organic molecules. The new method uses probes similar to those in AFMs to measure vibrations in nanomechanical oscillators.
Researchers develop a bacterial biosensor prototype to detect oxidative stress, which can cause brain tissue damage. The sensor uses potassium release in response to toxins, correlating with cell damage, offering a potential early warning system for public health threats.
A new thrombin-receptor antagonist (TRA) has shown significant reduction in serious cardiovascular events, mainly heart attacks, with no increase in bleeding risks in a high-risk patient population. The study found a 46% lowering in serious cardiovascular events, an early and strong efficacy signal for this novel antiplatelet compound.
A study found that patients who received preventive health exams were more likely to undergo cancer screenings, including colorectal, breast, and prostate cancer testing. The examination may serve as a forum for promoting evidence-based cancer screening.
A Mayo Clinic study found that using computerized reminders can increase mammography screening rates, with 64.3% of women in the intervention group getting a yearly mammogram compared to 55.3% in the control group. The program has expanded beyond mammograms to include other preventive services.
A large trial in eastern Zimbabwe showed that a community-based program with integrated peer education, condom distribution, and STI management did not decrease the overall incidence of HIV-1. In contrast, male participants benefited from the program with a decrease in HIV-1 incidence, unprotected sex reporting, and STI symptoms.
Researchers have developed cellulose nanocrystals that can block cell receptors, potentially leading to new vaccine formulations. The crystals can also be used for targeted drug delivery and precise inkjet printing, overcoming safety concerns associated with traditional methods.
A study of 365 surgeons found that only 24% referred three-quarters or more of their patients for reconstruction, citing patient barriers such as inadequate knowledge, cost concerns, and availability of plastic surgeons. The researchers suggest improving decision aids and multidisciplinary care to increase reconstruction rates
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that pairing percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) with optimal medical therapy (OMT) is no more effective than OMT alone in preventing heart attacks and other cardiac events. The study showed similar rates of death, heart attack, or stroke between patients who received...
A primary care health network in Fort Worth, Texas, took responsibility for 3,700 Hurricane Katrina evacuees, providing medical care for nearly half of them. The network prevented its emergency department from being overwhelmed by creating a triage center and referring evacuees to primary care clinics. The authors reflect on valuable l...
Research on silent myocardial ischemia shows that anti-anginal therapy, combined with risk factor control, improves outcomes and preserves left ventricular function. Additionally, faster door-to-balloon time for STEMI patients leads to reduced healthcare costs, heart attack rates, and hospital stays.
An interdisciplinary team of researchers analyzed the simplest known biological clock and found that the protein KaiC, combined with KaiA and KaiB, creates a complex system to regulate biochemical processes. The study reveals that the proteins form a dynamic mixture of complexes at different stages of their cycles.
A large-scale assessment of the general population found that nearly 30% need mental health care, with major depression and alcohol dependence being the top concerns. The study suggests that societal pressures, stigma, and lack of comprehensive insurance coverage are significant barriers to accessing care.
The LA Times reporters were recognized for their outstanding journalistic achievement in raising public awareness about human-caused ocean microbiological changes. Their 5-part series, Altered Oceans, explained how overfishing and waste dumping are creating a biological imbalance in the world's oceans.
A new study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that patients who received regular preventive health exams were more likely to get recommended cancer screenings. The study showed that colon cancer screenings and prostate-specific antigen tests increased by three times in the checkup group compared to those without a checkup.
Researchers found that combining torcetrapib with atorvastatin did not slow the progression of atherosclerosis, contrary to expectations. The study also noted significant increases in HDL-C and decreases in LDL-C levels.
Researchers have developed new two-photon absorbing molecules that enable the creation of polymer features as small as 65 nanometers wide using simplified lithography techniques. This breakthrough reduces the cost and complexity of fabricating nanoscale electronic and photonic devices.
A new study predicts the disappearance of several existing climates by 2100 due to global warming, with novel climate zones emerging on up to 39% of the world's land surface area. The models also foresee significant impacts on ecosystems and biodiversity, highlighting the importance of understanding and coping with climate change.
A study by the American College of Cardiology found that torcetrapib increased good cholesterol levels but failed to slow plaque buildup in coronary arteries. The drug also raised blood pressure, leading researchers to question its efficacy as a treatment for cardiovascular disease.
A review article argues that migratory birds are not the primary source of H5N1 virus dispersal. Human commercial activities, particularly poultry trade, are the major factors behind the global spread of the virus. The study suggests that strict health control and better animal welfare measures can help prevent disease transmission.
The team is developing materials with similar properties to palladium, but cheaper and more readily available, to improve the efficiency of hydrogen fuel cells. The goal is to find a substitute for platinum, which is currently used as a catalyst in PEMs containing platinum.
Researchers found that immune response to SOX2 protein protects against myeloma development in patients with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance. This discovery suggests targeting cancer stem cells may be key to preventing or treating myeloma.
A Phase 2 clinical trial for ranibizumab is enrolling patients with diabetic macular edema to assess its long-term safety and effectiveness. The trial aims to investigate the use of ranibizumab in combination with laser photocoagulation for treating DME.
Researchers present three studies highlighting advances in clinical cardiology, including a new drug-exercise combination that improves image quality and reduces side effects. The studies also explore the best medical and interventional treatment for patients with acute coronary syndromes.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have created an LED system that rapidly screens therapeutic molecule designs for binding to diseased tissues' DNA. The innovative technology enables 100 tests per day, accelerating the discovery of promising new drugs.
Researchers found no significant link between teacher education and improved classroom quality or children's academic skills. Policymakers should consider a broader range of factors to enhance preschool education.
Researchers found that infants learned to avoid copying actions when an adult expressed anger towards them, but eagerly copied when the adult was neutral. Infants also adjusted their behavior based on whether they could see the angry adult after they left.
Researchers have developed a new method to form tiny, uniform metal crystals with novel chemical and physical properties. These crystals, grown on acid-treated cellulose fibers from cotton, show promise as components in biosensors, biological imaging, drug delivery, and catalytic converters.
Research suggests that children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are more likely to develop alcohol problems, particularly those who experience heavy drinking and stress in childhood. Parental alcoholism and family dynamics also play a significant role in the development of alcohol use disorders among young adults.
A study found that only one quarter of general surgeons refer eligible patients for breast reconstruction consultations, resulting in low rates of the procedure in the US. Factors such as surgeon attitudes and patient knowledge play a significant role in referral practices.
A Cornell researcher is working on a quick and affordable immune system test for people in the developing world. The test aims to help HIV/AIDS sufferers get proper treatment, potentially extending their lives by 10-15 years.
The March of Dimes and Johnson & Johnson Pediatric Institute have launched a three-year partnership to reduce preterm births in targeted areas of Kentucky. The goal is to decrease singleton preterm births by 15%, with a focus on interventions combining clinical care, public health, and education.
A new study found that low-income children who experience chronic reading problems in fifth grade are more likely to develop depression, anxiety, and withdrawal. The research suggests that reading difficulties may have a significant emotional impact on preadolescent children, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
A recent study found that combining a platelet inhibitor with an embolic protection device improves renal function in patients undergoing renal artery stenting. The use of abciximab reduced the occurrence of platelet-rich thrombi, while Angioguard alone was not associated with improved outcomes.
A key protein called Mal alerts the immune system to respond against invading bacteria, and research has found two variants that determine how the immune system responds. The findings suggest possible new treatments for malaria and TB, as well as insights into autoimmune diseases.
A new study finds that self-regulation abilities, particularly inhibitory control, are uniquely related to emerging math and literacy ability in kindergarten. Developing self-regulation skills is crucial for children's academic success, especially those from low-income homes.