Researchers at Virginia Tech and UC Berkeley developed irreversible electroporation (IRE) to target cancer cells, successfully abling tissue in rat livers. IRE preserves vessel architecture and kills cells with minimal damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
A new 3D ultrasound scanner developed by Duke University researchers enables better brain tumor detection and minimally invasive surgery guidance. The device, inserted through a small hole in the skull, produces high-quality images of brain structures, overcoming limitations of traditional MRI and CT scans.
Researchers at Rutgers and Penn are developing advanced imaging techniques to increase the accuracy of prostate cancer diagnoses. These methods use powerful MRI and computer-aided diagnosis tools to reveal previously hidden cancerous tissue and pinpoint concentrations of suspicious tissue.
Arizona State University bee researcher Gro Amdam has been awarded a $240,000 Pew Charitable Trusts grant to investigate the role of social reversal in reversing oxidative damage in honeybees. Her research may lead to new insights into human aging and age-related diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
The University of Delaware has received a $11 million grant from the NIH to conduct translational research on osteoarthritis, focusing on tissue mechanics and biomechanics. A unique mentoring program will also support women biomedical researchers at UD.
A team of biomedical engineers developed a computer model that uses Bayesian math to explain how the brain anticipates new motor skills. The model is based on similar learning patterns in humans and can predict the best ways to teach new movements, potentially helping stroke patients and designing physical therapy regimens.
Biomedical engineers at Duke University found that deep brain stimulation alleviates disease symptoms by creating an informational lesion through rapid-fire electrical pulses. This technique can be reversible and adjustable, offering a promising treatment for movement disorders and other conditions.
A new research center at the University of Cincinnati is uniting biomedical competitors to fund medical technology development. The Minimally Invasive Medical Technologies Center (MIMTeC) will focus on translational research that enables U.S. companies to bring next-generation minimally invasive technologies to market.
FSU researchers Joseph Schlenoff and Thomas Keller receive a $1.07 million NIH grant to study ways to prevent restenosis by coating biomedical devices with thin films that discourage vascular smooth muscle cell adhesion. Their goal is to develop biocompatible coatings using neutrally charged polymers to 'camouflage' medical implants.
Michael Weiner, a pioneering brain imaging researcher at San Francisco VA Medical Center, has received the 2006 William S. Middleton Award for his outstanding achievements in biomedical research. The award recognizes his contributions to clinical magnetic resonance imaging and his leadership in nationwide clinical trials.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have developed a new family of gene vectors, novel polymers that can ferry genetic material into cells. These polymers show promise for gene delivery and tissue scaffolds in biomedical applications, offering reduced toxicity to viral vectors.
The Dr. Paul Janssen Award for Biomedical Research honors scientists whose work has the potential to transform human health. This year's award includes a $100,000 cash prize and will be selected by an independent committee chaired by Dr. Solomon Snyder.
A new study reveals that biomedical researchers often use social and historical explanations to define race and ethnicity, rather than biological differences. The research highlights the imperfect science of defining ethnic groups and emphasizes the importance of considering structural inequalities in understanding health disparities.
The Hammersmith Hospitals NHS Trust and Imperial College London have been awarded Biomedical Research Center status, guaranteeing £19.5m annual funding for the next five years. This partnership aims to translate scientific research into benefits for patients, making West London a leading centre for UK biomedical research.
Researchers at Rice University and The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center found that carbon nanotubes injected into lab animals cause no immediate harm and circulate in the blood and liver for over an hour before being eliminated. The study provides promising results for biomedical applications of carbon nanotubes.
Two young Australian researchers, Dr Denise Doolan and Dr Stephen Turner, have been awarded $1 million each to pursue biomedical research. Their funding will support the development of vaccines against diseases such as HIV/AIDS, pandemic influenza, and malaria.
A new study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that many major biomedical journals have inadequate conflict of interest policies and practices. The study revealed that less than half of these journals require policies for editors or peer-reviewers and that many do not disclose potential conflicts to readers.
A team of Yale biomedical engineers and cell biologists received a $1-million grant to create smart nanoparticles for vaccine delivery. They aim to develop materials that mimic biological vectors, evading normal barriers and stimulating antigen-presenting cells.
Researchers aim to reduce genome sequencing cost to $1,000 using novel methods and computational tools. Meller's 'Opti-Pore' method uses electrons to decode DNA strands, while Weng focuses on bioinformatics to analyze data.
Researchers at Duke University have devised a new way to prolong the effects of an anti-inflammatory drug, potentially making it useful for providing longer-lasting treatment for osteoarthritis. The modified drug could last for several weeks rather than just hours, offering a significant clinical gain and fewer negative side effects.
The NIH is launching a new round of competition for the Pioneer Award, which supports creative scientists tackling major biomedical challenges. The award provides $2.5 million in funding over five years and aims to stimulate innovative research directions.
The Kansas Bridges to the Future program, funded by NIH, aims to increase minority students' participation in biomedical sciences. Over 20 students have transferred to K-State since 2003, with more in the pipeline.
Singapore's top scientists recognized for their innovative contributions to biomedical sciences and quantum research. A team developed a sequencing technology to characterize the human genome, while others made breakthroughs in micro motors and robotic surgery.
The National Institutes of Health has awarded $117 million to establish and continue 11 multidisciplinary centers focused on biomedical research excellence, enhancing the competitiveness of investigators in historically underfunded states.
Biomedical engineers at Washington University in St. Louis have discovered a new learning strategy called categorical adaptation, which suggests that learning does not necessarily scale proportionally with error size.
Researchers have designed a new type of luminescent sensor that selectively detects zinc in biomedical imaging. The sensor uses europium and can be applied to scanning techniques such as MRI and luminescence imaging, offering potential for improved imaging depth and non-toxic applications.
Wolfgang Drexler, a Professor at Cardiff University, is recognized for his development of Optical Coherence Tomography technique, leading to diagnosis of retinal diseases and cellular level resolution.
Researchers have identified operating principles to probe molecular recognition events with luminescence measurements using quantum dots. This method has the potential to signal specific disease markers in biological samples, replacing conventional organic dyes in imaging and sensing applications.
Two Yale Biomedical Engineers, Erin Lavik and Tarek Fahmy, have received Early Career Translational Research Awards for their innovative projects on glaucoma treatment and autoimmune disease diagnosis. The awards support their research collaborations with clinical investigators and provide two years of funding.
The American Physiological Society has named Steed, a doctoral student, its first K-12 Minority Outreach Fellow. She will visit classrooms to share her career path and model for minority students what they can achieve in biomedical research. The fellowship aims to encourage pre-college minority students to consider careers in science.
Dr. Andreasen, a leading expert on schizophrenia, receives Vanderbilt Prize for Biomedical Science for her groundbreaking research and mentorship of women in science. The award includes a $25,000 prize and establishes a scholarship to support a promising M.D./Ph.D. candidate.
Researchers at Boston Biomedical utilize bioinformatics to study the kinome of Dictyostelium, a model organism revealing unique enzymes involved in cell biology. The study identifies 46 conserved kinases across all organisms, providing insights into fundamental cellular processes.
Dr. Jon Epstein has received the $5,000 AFMR Outstanding Investigator Award for his outstanding contributions to biomedical research in cardiovascular development. His lab works with transgenic and knockout mouse models to understand molecular mechanisms of human disease.
The grant unifies labs, extending technologies and adding computation and visualization resources. Researchers will analyze large volumes of data from non-invasive imaging technologies to study brain function, detect cognitive impairment, and improve biometrics-based security.
The Autism Phenome Project is a large-scale, longitudinal study enrolling 1,800 children with autism, developmental delay, and typically developing children. The project aims to identify specific types of autism and develop a database of biomedical information to refine understanding and develop targeted treatments.
Duke University scientists increased chemotherapy drug molecular weight to improve tumor penetration and concentration while reducing healthy tissue toxicity. The optimal molecular weight range was found to be between 40,000 and 70,000.
The Compact Light Source (CLS) is a mini-synchrotron that can produce intense X-ray beams in the space of a small office. The CLS will be installed at the Scripps Research Institute to accelerate protein structure determination, potentially advancing biomedical research.
The Broad Institute will be a pivotal hub for integrative biomedical research, bringing together researchers and biologists in one place. The institute will support the development of novel platforms in imaging, bioengineering, and nanotechnology for stem cell research.
The Stanford Center for Biomedical Ethics offers a pioneering 'benchside' consultation program to help basic-science researchers identify ethical and social impacts of their work. The program advises ways to minimize risks and maximize benefits, with seven Stanford researchers having sought consults since its inception.
The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) has awarded $10 million to 12 institutions to develop new graduate programs that combine scientific research with medical practice. The initiative aims to increase the number of researchers who can translate biomedical research into clinical applications.
The NYAS China Conference showcased groundbreaking research on chemical biology, infectious diseases, genomic medicine, and neuroscience. Experts discussed innovative approaches to drug development, disease treatment, and brain growth, highlighting the importance of global collaboration.
The NIH is funding two new biomedical technology resource centers to develop innovative image-guided therapy technologies and advance glycomics research. The centers will provide critical resources for scientists and clinicians, including image processing tools, dynamic MRI methods, and novel therapy techniques.
The UCSF program aims to train scientists with knowledge and skills in biomedical, physical, and computational sciences. The new program will foster collaboration, introduce quantitative faculty, and diversify lab experiences.
Brandeis will develop a program in quantitative biology to understand biological functions. The university will hire a new faculty member and provide funding for courses, seminars, and instrumentation.
The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) is providing $10 million in grants to 12 US universities to develop innovative graduate education programs. The programs aim to produce scientists with knowledge and skills to conduct research at the intersection of biomedical, physical, and computational sciences.
New Jersey Institute of Technology researchers are developing technologies to assist children with cerebral palsy, including a robotic arm that guides human motion and interactive video games to promote motor skill improvement. The goal is to enhance the children's quality of life by reducing stiffness in their joints.
A Florida State University research team has developed a biomedical device called a perfusion bioreactor that allows for the large-scale growth of adult stem cells from bone marrow. The device mimics the body's circulatory system and delivers nutrients to stem cells, enabling controlled differentiation into various tissue types.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new type of medical imaging technique that uses gold nanorods to detect tiny structures in the bloodstream. The nanorods yield images nearly 60 times brighter than conventional fluorescent dyes, making them ideal for early detection of cancer.
The NIH has awarded nearly $30 million to support research facility improvements, including new labs and animal housing at several institutions. The funding will enable enhanced research capabilities for studies on major illnesses like AIDS, cancer, and Alzheimer's disease.
The American Association for Cancer Research will honor Senator Arlen Specter for his tireless support of biomedical research funding. His leadership and collaboration have led to significant advancements in cancer care, making Pennsylvania a hub for cutting-edge research institutions.
Researchers found that human subjects learned different levels of a video game in just 20 minutes, adapting to varying environmental difficulties. The study showed that people can rapidly reshape their learning process to best learn new movements.
Biomedical research funding in the US has doubled over the last decade, primarily driven by increased private and industry support. The proportion of industry funding remains relatively constant at 56%, while federal government funding for clinical trials has decreased.
The Dr. Paul Janssen Award for Biomedical Research aims to recognize and reward innovative contributions to human health, as identified by a six-member international selection committee. The first Award will be presented in September 2006, with a $100,000 prize and global recognition for the recipient.
The Whitaker Foundation offers international fellowships and scholarships to US biomedical engineering students, aiming to provide an international outlook. The program will fund 15 years of fellowships and scholarships, with a focus on increasing interaction between US-educated engineers and overseas colleagues.
Researchers at VCU are developing magnetic nanoparticles that can combine detection and treatment in a single process, promising new hope for breast cancer treatment. The nanoparticles use magnetodynamic therapy to kill tumor cells with minimal damage to healthy cells.
The program provides hands-on research experience and networking opportunities for biomedical engineering students. Students work with medical professionals to apply their research in a professional setting.
Hassan Khalil's model will allow for new experimentation in artificial organ control, making experiments more flexible and predictable. The collaboration between UH and the Texas Medical Center fosters collaborations between engineers, doctors, and professionals.
The Protein Structure Initiative will accelerate structure determination of thousands of proteins, enabling predictions of protein functions and discovery of new drug targets. Rutgers' NESG is a key member of the PSI network, leveraging its expertise in structural biology to advance biomedical research.
Athanasiou receives the inaugural award from ASME for his groundbreaking research and mentorship in bioengineering. He has published over 150 papers, holds 25 patents, and founded three companies with FDA-approved products.
Temple University has secured a $1 million funding deal with SHRO to expand its biomedical research capabilities. A new molecular therapeutics program will be launched, focusing on developing novel therapeutic approaches for various human diseases.