The Society of Biological Psychiatry recognized the Simons Foundation with the 2017 Humanitarian Award for its leadership in decreasing stigma, advancing awareness, and contributing to research advancements. The $5,000 award prize was presented by Dr. Kerry Ressler on May 19, 2017.
A study published in JAMA Neurology found that 72% of patients with concussive blast TBI experienced a decline in disability over five years. Satisfaction with life and psychiatric symptom severity were worse in these patients compared to combat-deployed service members without TBI.
Researchers have created a new chemiluminescent probe that can detect cancerous cells with improved sensitivity, using a novel mechanism developed at Tel Aviv University. The probe has potential applications in medical diagnosis and analysis of cellular activity.
The Frontiers Spotlight Award recognizes outstanding research on topics such as brain augmentation, ocean conservation and child development through motor skills. The US$100,000 prize will support the winning team's international conference in 2018.
Joslin Diabetes Center researchers found impaired insulin effects boost cancer risks in mice with genetically modified intestinal tumors and blood vessels. Insulin resistance may impair blood vessel health and share biological mechanisms with cardiovascular disease.
The new radar simulator helps explain how debris scatters and falls through the atmosphere, improving tornado detection and damage estimates. Characterizing debris fields is vital due to flying debris causing most tornado fatalities.
Researchers recorded seizure-like activity in the hippocampus of two patients with Alzheimer's disease, which may contribute to cognitive symptoms. The findings suggest that targeting this dysfunction could lead to new treatments to reduce symptoms or alter the course of the disease.
The Heinz C. Prechter Bipolar Research Program has received a $5 million gift commitment from the World Heritage Foundation - Prechter Family Fund, which will double donations to bipolar disorder research. The program aims to identify effective solutions for people with bipolar disorder through long-term studies and DNA analysis.
A large study of African-American women found that those who drank seven or more drinks per week were 33% more likely to develop breast cancer than moderate drinkers. The study suggests that black women may benefit from limiting alcohol to reduce their risk, similar to white women.
Researchers used CRISPR genome editing technology to target unique DNA sequences formed by fusion genes, cutting out mutated DNA and replacing it with a gene that leads to cancer cell death. This approach improved survival rates in mouse models of aggressive liver and prostate cancers.
Citrus greening, caused by Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus, starves trees of nutrients and damages roots. Researchers are developing novel therapies to kill insects or block bacteria transmission. A $6 million grant supports the project, which aims to establish a research pipeline and deploy treatments in greenhouses and groves.
Researchers from Caltech discovered that fast ruptures along thrust faults can cause one side of the fault to twist away from the other, opening a gap that then snaps shut. This mechanism has the potential to change our understanding of how tsunamis are generated.
Researchers examined rock samples from the Earth's mantle and found that water penetrated deep into the crust and upper mantle, cooling almost instantly. The discovery supports one side of a long-standing debate on crust formation and could have implications for fighting climate change.
New propagation methods for rare tropical tree species, like Serianthes nelsonii, are being developed at the University of Guam. These methods enable the production of more propagules every year, supporting conservation goals and expanding species recovery potential.
A new global coral bleaching database has been developed to predict future bleaching events and assess changes in mass bleaching frequency. The database contains 79% more reports than the existing voluntary database, with two-thirds showing moderate or severe bleaching.
Osaka University researchers created a non-polymeric mixture with a lower critical solution temperature, exhibiting reversible transitions between a clear solution and a suspension. The system can change color depending on its state and will be useful for developing new thermo-responsive materials.
A recent study suggests that fructans in wheat plants hold the key to developing climate-resilient varieties with increased nutritional value. The authors propose using fructans as a breeding target to create healthier and more resilient wheat varieties.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a user-friendly, inexpensive device called CAPTIVE that allows users to manipulate 3D virtual objects in six degrees of freedom. With minimal latency and cost, CAPTIVE offers a significant improvement over existing technologies.
Researchers found that simple 'single-show models' can have high predictive accuracy in predicting presidential election outcomes based on television viewership data. This approach may offer a more accurate predictive tool compared to poll-data-driven models.
A recent study published by City of Hope found that regular use of low-dose aspirin (81mg) reduces the risk of breast cancer in women. The study analyzed data from 57,164 participants in the California Teachers Study and found an overall 16% lower risk of breast cancer in women who took low-dose aspirin at least three times a week.
A new study by NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development found that preschoolers comprehend stories equally well in print and digital formats. The research suggests that the content of a children's book, rather than its medium, plays a significant role in story comprehension.
A new European Respiratory Society roadmap identifies key areas for investment to address the impact of asthma on individuals, healthcare systems, and economies. The document outlines 15 research priorities to improve mortality and morbidity rates, including primary care, triggers, personalised medicine, and self-management.
A modest increase in children's physical activity could avoid $21.9 billion in medical costs and result in 340,000 fewer obese and overweight youth, according to new research. This would also lead to a reduction of over four percent in obesity rates among eight- to 11-year-olds.
A decade-long surgical outreach program has improved screening and diagnosis, reducing RHD-related deaths by 10% in Rwanda. The program also established a sustainable cardiothoracic care center, training local personnel to improve cardiovascular disease management.
A Mayo Clinic research team has developed a new type of cancer-fighting nanoparticle that can shrink breast cancer tumors by up to 70-80% and prevent recurrence. The nanoparticles work by engaging the entire immune system to kill cancer cells, prompting the body to create its own memory system to minimize tumor recurrence.
A new invasive Asian clam species has been discovered in the Illinois River near Marseilles, Illinois. The researchers used genetic tests to confirm its uniqueness, raising concerns about the impact on native clams and the ecosystem as a whole.
A study from the University of Waterloo found that just 10 minutes of daily meditation can help prevent mind wandering and repetitive, anxious thoughts. This mindfulness training may have protective effects on mind wandering for anxious individuals.
A new Stanford study found that microbes sometimes fail to break down all plant and animal matter, leaving behind buried organic carbon. This preserved carbon can seep into nearby oxygen-rich waterways, where it's consumed by microbes, contributing to greenhouse gas production.
A study by Michigan Medicine researchers found that 'visual abstract' graphics on Twitter can nearly triple the number of people who click the link in a tweet to read a full research paper. The study showed that tweets with visual abstracts were retweeted more than eight times as often and seen by nearly eight times as many people.
A new study found that body mass index (BMI), sex of the patient, and symptom profile can help doctors select the most effective antidepressant. Patients with higher BMI had a better response to treatment, particularly for women, while those with lower BMI were more likely to remit on venlafaxine-XR.
Researchers at University at Buffalo have discovered a new way to split energy levels between electron valleys in 2D semiconductors, increasing separation by a factor of 10. This could lead to more efficient computer chips and extend Moore's Law, predicting the end of transistor density increase
In Los Angeles, single-family home add-ons and paved property features led to a 14-55% loss of green cover. Urban forests' benefits, such as reduced energy use and improved health, were compromised.
Scientists at Penn State report breakthroughs in stenciling 2D materials with atomic precision, enabling new chip functionality and overcoming substrate effects. The simple technique involves exposing photoresist to UV light and washing away exposed areas, allowing precise placement of high-quality materials.
The Melanoma Research Alliance awarded Dr. Neville Sanjana a grant to use CRISPR technology to identify genetic mutations causing immunotherapy resistance in melanoma. The goal is to create a list of actionable mutations for patients enrolled in melanoma immunotherapy trials.
A study found that children of very young and older fathers differ in acquiring social skills from early childhood until adolescence. The researchers suggest that social skills may be a key domain affected by paternal age, with the effects being more subtle than clinical disorders.
A study led by Penn and Columbia researchers found a link between the production of an enzyme called ADAMTS7 and smoking-related heart disease. The team discovered that smoking boosts ADAMTS7 production, which can lead to clogged blood vessels and CHD.
The tea tree genome contains diverse genes that produce antioxidants and caffeine, contributing to its rich flavors. Researchers have successfully sequenced the genome, which is four times larger than the coffee plant genome and contains multiple copies of disease-resistant genes.
Researchers at UTSA developed a chip that can extend battery life of electronics, making lower power devices like cell phones work more efficiently. The chip is small in size and manages power consumption to reduce heat and increase device lifespan.
A new study by MIT researchers found that Medicaid patients wait 4.6 minutes on average to start an appointment, compared to 4.1 minutes for privately insured patients. The disparity in wait times is largely due to the type of provider seen, with Medicaid recipients more likely to visit practices with longer wait times.
Researchers discovered that the microstructure of the hippocampus, particularly its viscoelasticity, is correlated with fitness and memory performance. The study used magnetic resonance elastography to measure the structural integrity of the hippocampus in healthy young adults.
Li-Ru Zhao, PhD, MD, receives the 2017 Bernard Sanberg Memorial Award for her research contributions in acute and chronic stroke, vascular dementia, traumatic brain injury, and Alzheimer's disease. Her work has significantly advanced our understanding of SCF and G-CSF in slowing Alzheimer's progression.
The Baycrest Memory Clinic will pool anonymous medical records from clinics across Toronto to accelerate dementia research and provide access to better integrated care for patients. The database will allow TDRA researchers to share research data across institutions and access a greater pool of volunteer research participants.
A new MIT-developed device can accurately measure walking speed using wireless signals, providing insights into cognitive decline, cardiac disease, and other health issues. The system has 95-99% accuracy and can be placed on a person's home wall without intruding on daily life.
Researchers develop a bacteria-fighting wound dressing made from the shells of crustaceans, which could prevent up to tens of thousands of infections annually. The dressing combines chitosan, an antibacterial and biodegradable substance extracted from crustacean shells, with hydrogel dressings to create a durable and elastic solution.
Researchers at Medical College of Georgia are exploring the potential of (+)-pentazocine to prevent vision damage in glaucoma patients by activating sigma-1 receptors in astrocytes. The study aims to understand how increased pressure affects astrocyte behavior and develop new therapies to protect neurons.
A study of 46,766 patients found that men developed lung cancer 2.0 years earlier and had a higher stage at diagnosis compared to women. The researchers suggest that annual screening for women may be too frequent, with every 2-3 year intervals potentially being more suitable.
Researchers at Indiana University identified a therapy that rapidly restores blood flow in the organ, reduces inflammation and improves overall kidney function after acute kidney injury. The therapy has the potential to eliminate the need for dialysis treatment.
Scientists at Temple University have developed a gene editing strategy that can excise HIV DNA from the genomes of living animals, eliminating further infection. The CRISPR/Cas9 system was successfully tested in three animal models, including one with latent HIV-1 infection.
A study at North Carolina State University found that women's pull requests are accepted more often than men's, but with a lower acceptance rate for identifiable female programmers. This suggests strong self-selection among women who submit pull requests.
College students who participated in a self-administered intervention prompting them to reflect about their use of classroom resources had final grades significantly higher than their peers. The intervention involved reflecting on how to use learning resources effectively, leading to better performance and reduced negative emotion.
A UH-led team is developing engineered T cells that can survive within a tumor despite limited nutrients. This innovative approach aims to increase the effectiveness of immunotherapy for cancer patients.
Researchers developed a laser phosphor display that can absorb ambient light, generating power while displaying high-resolution images. The system achieves up to 71% energy harvesting, but face challenges with ghost images and design optimization.
Researchers found a genetic explanation for how smoking contributes to coronary heart disease, revealing a single gene variant that loses its protective effect in smokers. This discovery opens doors to new therapeutic targets and personalized approaches to preventing CHD.
Researchers found that knocking out a key enzyme improved post-heart attack healing and reduced chronic inflammation. The study suggests that a short-term dietary excess of polyunsaturated fatty acids may also play a role in promoting healing.
A study published in Health Affairs found that Partners Pioneer ACO's care management program reduced avoidable hospitalizations and emergency department visits among patients with elevated but modifiable risks. The program achieved a $101 per participant monthly reduction in Medicare spending, a 6% decline.
Scientists at the University of Queensland have identified a new type of lymphatic brain cell in zebrafish that surrounds the brain and clears damaging cellular waste. This discovery provides insight into how the brain forms and functions, potentially leading to new treatments for neurological diseases like stroke and dementia.
A randomized clinical trial of 100 obese adults found that alternate-day fasting resulted in similar weight loss to daily calorie restriction (5.3% vs 6.0%). The study suggests that daily calorie restriction may be a more effective option for weight maintenance and cardiovascular disease risk reduction.
Researchers sequenced the golden orb-weaver spider's genome and identified over 14,000 genes, including those encoding spider silk proteins. The study revealed novel patterns and motifs in these genes that may explain the unique properties of different types of silk.
A new study found that desensitizing patient antibodies can reduce the risk of heart transplant rejection in high immunological risk patients. Patients with high levels of anti-HLA antibodies had similar survival rates to those without DSA, but experienced more bleeding complications due to plasmapheresis.
A study by University of Louisville researchers found that Medicaid expansion in Kentucky significantly benefited those living in poverty, particularly children. The expansion reduced the state's uninsured rate and improved access to healthcare, with the most notable effects seen in areas with high poverty concentrations.