Dale J. Kempf, Daniel W. Norbeck, and Hing L. Sham receive award for developing Kaletra, the first HIV protease inhibitor approved for use in children as young as six months old.
Researchers Robert Young, Robert J. Zamboni and Marc Labelle recognized for developing commercial products that improve children's health and wellness with Singulair asthma treatment.
The Wyeth Pharmaceuticals team is being recognized for their role in developing the first combined pneumococcal vaccine for infants, Prevnar. The vaccine has dramatically advanced the health and well-being of children worldwide by preventing serious diseases such as meningitis, bacteremia, and pneumonia.
Teams from Abbott, Merck, Pfizer, and Wyeth Pharmaceuticals have developed commercial products based on chemistry to improve children's health and wellness. These products include Kaletra, Singulair, Neurontin, and Prevnar, which have advanced the health and well-being of children worldwide.
The Pfizer Inc team won the Heroes of Chemistry award for developing Neurontin, a medication controlling seizures in children. This breakthrough led to improved quality of life for many children with epilepsy, demonstrating the valuable role chemists play in improving lives.
Researchers found that infant falls can produce significant rotational forces that cause widespread and serious brain injury, including internal bleeding and nerve cell damage. This challenges the assumption that children respond similarly to head trauma as adults.
Researchers found that rotational deceleration increases with higher falls and harder surfaces, leading to more severe diffuse brain injuries. Inflicted impacts on hard surfaces are likely to cause subdural hemorrhage and possibly diffuse axonal injury.
Researchers found that intracranial gliomas damage the thymus, weakening T cells and preventing a large-scale attack on the tumor. The study suggests that glucocorticoids produced by the adrenal glands contribute to this effect, and highlights the importance of recent thymic emigrant T cells in anti-glioma immunity.
Researchers at the University of South Florida have discovered that stem-like cells from peripheral blood can promote functional recovery after a stroke. The study found that rats treated with these cells showed significant behavioral improvement and reduced hyperactive behavior compared to those receiving no cellular treatment.
Researchers found that intravenous infusions of human umbilical cord blood stem cells delayed ALS disease progression by at least two to three weeks and improved survival in mice. The cells also circulated to organs outside the central nervous system, suggesting an immune-protective mechanism.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that rapid MRI did not improve clinical outcomes or save money for patients with low back pain. In fact, it may increase costs due to an increased risk of surgical interventions.
A study at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center found that gamma knife radiosurgery provided high rates of tumor growth control and often led to tumor regression for patients with benign intracranial tumors. The study followed 285 consecutive patients over a median of 10 years, with 81% still alive after 10 years.
Researchers successfully transplanted adult stem cells into mice, which then developed into various brain cell types, including nerve cells and glial cells. This breakthrough study suggests that these cells can potentially be used to treat neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.
A University of Minnesota study has found that tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) significantly reduces injury associated with hemorrhagic strokes in rats. The bile acid crosses the blood-brain barrier and induces survival pathways while inhibiting destructive ones, leading to a 50% decrease in lesion volume.
Researchers investigate targeting pericytes and endothelial cells with kinase inhibitors to treat cancer and autoimmune diseases. PDX1 levels also play a crucial role in islet survival and diabetes development, while Factor H's anti-inflammatory properties are explored for hemolytic uremic syndrome treatment.
A study has identified that ophthalmology clinics are an ideal setting to screen elderly patients for depression, dementia, and functional impairment. Easy-to-use screening tools have been shown to be effective in identifying at-risk patients and improving healthcare outcomes.
A study by the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center reveals a strong correlation between the loss of AP-2( transcription factor and the progression of different human gliomas. The findings suggest that this gene acts as a tumor suppressor, controlling various genes involved in cell proliferation and invasion.
A study by Emory researchers found that controlling blood glucose levels through aggressive insulin therapy can significantly reduce mortality in critically-ill neurological patients. The research, conducted in a neurointensive care unit, used continuous intravenous insulin drip to achieve tighter control of glucose levels.
Researchers found that patients preferred the new endonasal approach, which provides a simpler and minimally invasive method compared to the traditional sublabial procedure. The study showed comparable remission rates and similar hormonal gain and loss among patients with pituitary tumors.
Dr. Ted Fon, a renowned Parkinson's Disease researcher, has been awarded a significant grant by the Michael J. Fox Foundation to investigate the role of protein degradation in the disease. The grant aims to enhance understanding of parkin function and its potential impact on dopamine nerve cell death.
A multicenter study published in Depression and Anxiety found that mecamylamine, a nicotine antagonist, significantly improved behavioral and emotional symptoms in children co-diagnosed with Tourette's syndrome and major depression. The study suggested that mecamylamine stabilizes mood by inhibiting nicotinic receptors.
A study found that a quadriplegic individual's brain preserves its ability to 'feel' and 'move' despite severe spinal cord injury. The findings indicate stability in the brain's motor patterns, suggesting a small portion of the spinal cord may still be intact.
Researchers found that more than 80 percent of patients experienced postoperative fevers, but most were caused by non-serious complications. The study provides valuable insights into the incidence of postoperative complications in children undergoing hemispherectomies and may lead to changes in post-operative care protocols.
Research suggests that low-grade glioma patients treated with early radiotherapy have impaired cognitive abilities, particularly memory. High doses of radiotherapy (over 2 Gy) exacerbate this effect. The study's findings imply that radiation therapy should be cautiously applied to asymptomatic patients and used in moderation.
Women's stroke symptoms differ from men's, often non-traditional and less specific. The study found that women were more likely to report non-traditional symptoms like pain and changes in consciousness.
A recent study published in The Lancet found that endovascular coil therapy is significantly more effective than neurosurgical clipping in treating subarachnoid hemorrhage. For patients with suitable conditions, the treatment resulted in a relative reduction of 25% in risk of dependency or death after one year, as well as an absolute r...
Researchers have discovered a new drug that can prevent brain damage caused by strokes in the majority of patients. The drug, developed by University of Toronto researchers, works by blocking negative NMDA receptor stimulation, making it a potential practical stroke therapy.
The International Subacrachnoid Aneurysm Trial (ISAT) found that inserting platinum coils via an artery reduced dependency or death by nearly a quarter and absolute risk by seven percent compared to surgery. The study involved over 2,000 patients in 43 centers across Europe, North America, and Australia.
Researchers found that roller coaster G forces, twists, and speeds are not sufficient to injure the brain of healthy riders. They calculated peak head accelerations in three directions and found they were well within established safety margins.
A new study using gene therapy has shown promise in treating Parkinson's disease by 'resetting' overactive brain cells. The therapy may arrest or delay disease progression, offering a safer and more powerful alternative to current treatments.
Scientists successfully delivered a tracer molecule to the primate brainstem using CED, tracking its movement with MRI and demonstrating uniform concentrations throughout the perfused area. This breakthrough has potential to improve treatment outcomes for children with brainstem gliomas and other neurological diseases
Researchers have found that neural stem cell transplants in mice improve specific components of motor function, but not cognitive abilities. The study suggests that neural stem cells could be a promising therapy for humans with traumatic brain injuries.
Researchers discovered that tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) can cross the blood-brain barrier and reduce apoptosis in mice with the HD gene, improving neurological cell function. The bile acid's anti-apoptotic qualities may also have potential for treating other chronic neurodegenerative conditions.
Researchers have identified a gene mutation that predisposes children to the most common type of pediatric brain tumor, medulloblastoma. This discovery could lead to new treatment options and improve survival rates. The study also found that the same signaling pathways affected in medulloblastomas are disrupted in other cancers.
A pioneering neurosurgeon has successfully implanted an artificial vision system in eight blind patients, enabling them to drive cars and navigate their surroundings. The device, developed by the Dobelle Institute, stimulates the brain's visual cortex to create a semblance of sight.
Researchers at USF Center for Aging and Brain Repair investigate whether stem cells from human umbilical cord blood can reverse age-related declines in learning and memory. The 5-year study aims to determine the effectiveness of these cells in treating neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.
A study published in Pediatrics found that infants with spina bifida are more likely to require a shunt after newborn surgery, with 81% of cases requiring shunting. The study also showed a correlation between the level of the spinal defect and functional level, with lower levels being less likely to require shunts.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have successfully transplanted stem cells into laboratory animals with stroke, restoring brain function. The study demonstrates that bone marrow-derived stem cells can differentiate into neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendroglia, offering hope for future clinical trials.
Research found that people who habitually sleep more than 8 hours a night and those who need daytime naps have a 50% increased risk of dying, with nearly three times the risk from stroke. The study suggests an underlying sleep disorder may be to blame.
Narcolepsy is a lifelong problem characterized by sudden sleep episodes and muscle paralysis triggered by strong emotions. A new study aims to understand the role of hypocretin cells in controlling sleep and arousal, with potential breakthroughs for future treatments.
Researchers found that hypocretin neurons from the hypothalamus establish direct connections with spinal cord nerve cells involved in pain perception. This discovery may lead to new treatments for pain, particularly in spinal cord injuries.
A new study has found that the medication modafinil can effectively alleviate fatigue in patients with multiple sclerosis. The drug was shown to improve symptoms in 75-90% of patients, with significant benefits reported at a dosage of 200mg per day.
A new study published in The Lancet reveals that pegvisomant normalized IGF-I concentrations in 97% of patients with acromegaly after 12 months of treatment. Patients experienced improved symptoms and a better quality of life, highlighting the potential benefits of this innovative drug.
A new study published in the Journal of Neurosurgery found that mild head injuries can cause permanent damage to the brain, with effects not felt for months. The research suggests that repetitive head injuries may be a factor in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.
A clinical study using human fetal tissue transplants suggests that the procedure may be logistically feasible and procedurally safe for patients with syringomyelia cavities. The study's primary goal is to evaluate the safety of transplantation with respect to possible early complications and long-term consequences.
Researchers at UF'S Mcknight Brain Institute have found no ill effects in two U.S. patients who underwent a spinal cord transplantation procedure from 1997 to 2000. The tissue, obtained from aborted fetuses, seemed to partially fill cavities and prevent further deterioration of the patients' conditions.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center have successfully implanted LBS-neurons into patients with chronic stroke, showing a greater than 10% increase in metabolic activity in damaged areas. The surrounding area showed maintained or improved function, suggesting integration of the new neurons.
A team of researchers at Yale University successfully transplants Schwann cells into a patient's brain to repair damaged nerve fibers in Multiple Sclerosis. The procedure aims to restore normal function and has the potential to benefit millions of people affected by MS and other demyelinating diseases.
Researchers at the University of Florida have developed a new radiation-targeting system that uses advanced imaging and optic guidance techniques to precisely target tumors. The system, now commercially available, aims to minimize damage to surrounding healthy tissues and potentially improve cure rates.
Jefferson researchers successfully introduced 90 billion copies of a healthy gene into the brains of three children with Canavan disease. The goal is to increase enzyme production and reduce toxic compound buildup, potentially improving brain development and function.
A study by UB researchers found that more than half of survivors diagnosed with uncontrolled high blood pressure still had hypertension, and 46% of those with dangerously high cholesterol continued to have high levels. This highlights the need for improved secondary prevention strategies in the US population.
A study published in Ethnicity and Disease found that cocaine use and hypertension are major risk factors for brain hemorrhage in young African Americans. The researchers also discovered that the incidence of intracerebral hemorrhage is nearly 50 times higher in African Americans than in white patients.
Researchers have identified a region in the right prefrontal cortex that can rapidly distinguish emotional information from visual stimuli. This finding suggests that neurons in this area can modulate visual information processing and may play a crucial role in responding to potentially threatening or dangerous stimuli.
A new treatment for spinal cord injuries is being tested in a human clinical trial at Indiana University and Purdue University. The trial uses electrical fields to promote regeneration of injured nerve fibers, with dogs showing partial functional recovery.
The Yale School of Medicine has launched a new center to study hypoglycemia, led by Dr. Robert Sherwin and Dr. Douglas Rothman. Researchers will use various technologies to investigate the causes and solutions for hypoglycemia, aiming to prevent severe episodes.
The American Federation for Aging Research (AFAR) has launched Infoaging.org, a new website offering easy access to authoritative research on aging. The site aims to provide credible information on various aspects of aging, addressing the need for reliable health information among graying baby boomers.
The International Free-Electron Laser Conference and Workshop will bring together specialists from around the world to discuss advancements in free-electron lasers. The conference, hosted by Duke University's DFELL laboratory, will showcase research on applications such as corneal wound healing, nanostructures, and neurosurgery.
University of Pennsylvania researchers have found that loss of consciousness is linked to specific angles of head rotation during car crashes. The study suggests that designing safer airbags and sports headgear could prevent or minimize coma in such incidents.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center developed a tumor-specific antibody, Y10, that targets mutated protein found only in cancer cells. This antibody can eradicate brain tumors in mice and has shown promise as a potential treatment for human patients.
Introgen presents Phase I trial results on RPR/INGN 201, showing safety and expression in ovarian cancer, lung carcinoma, and glioblastoma patients. The therapy has demonstrated significant potential in treating these life-threatening conditions.