Researchers have identified a protein piece that can attach to polypyrrole, a synthetic polymer, allowing for the development of implantable devices that stimulate nerve growth. The breakthrough could lead to new treatments for nerve damage and tissue engineering applications.
Georgetown University is helping create a national cancer biomedical informatics grid to link research centers in real time, sharing data and results more rapidly. The $20 million grant aims to improve cancer research and treatment through the adoption of common research tools.
The 2005 Wistar Institute Science Journalism Award was awarded to Hall for his novel exploration of human life conceived with artificial reproductive assistance. The award recognizes intelligent and perceptive journalism that communicates progress in biomedicine to the public.
In West Papua, patients often initially choose indigenous treatments for illnesses, but switch to biomedical options if they don't work. After initial failure, individuals focus on finding the cause of their illness, attributing it to factors like ancestral spirits, magic, or biological responses.
A team of biomedical engineers and chemists at Boston University developed a computational tool that predicts the molecular targets of drug candidates. The tool uses a combination of computational and experimental methods to decipher regulatory networks and predict gene and pathway targets for various drug treatments.
A new study from Georgia Tech and Emory University suggests that the body's response to a combination device may be different and potentially detrimental when multiple components are involved. This can lead to an enhanced immune response, making it more difficult for the device to integrate smoothly into the patient.
The NIH Pioneer Award program aims to support groundbreaking biomedical research through individual scientist awards, promoting diversity in the field. Eligible scientists can submit self-nominations until April 1, 2005, with funding up to $500,000 for five years.
The NIH is providing $32.8 million to enhance its Biomedical Informatics Research Network (BIRN), a consortium of universities and research groups focused on utilizing information technology innovations to advance biomedical science. BIRN aims to create an environment encouraging collaborative research, facilitating sharing, analysis, ...
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has awarded over $8 million to seven science education partnership awards to improve science literacy among minority students. The programs focus on elementary education initiatives, Web-based games, and museum exhibitions to reduce obesity and diabetes, as well as promote biomedical careers.
Scientists at Vanderbilt University have discovered that low-intensity infrared laser light can spark specific nerves to life, exciting a leg or even individual toes without touching the nerve cells. The technique offers greater precision and accuracy than conventional electrical stimulation.
Researchers at Northwestern University are using regenerative medicine to help paralyzed people walk again and enable diabetic individuals to lead normal lives without daily treatments or organ donations. The team is focusing on synthetic scaffolds and their interactions with cells, a key component of regenerative medicine.
Biomedical engineers at Case Western Reserve University have developed a new, minimally invasive sensor that can accurately monitor glucose levels and other bodily fluids. The sensor, smaller than a pencil tip, uses color changes to detect glucose levels, providing diabetics with continuous monitoring capabilities.
A team of biomedical engineers is using $11.5 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to understand how mechanical forces govern white blood cells' behavior. The research aims to develop new treatments for diseases caused by inappropriate immune responses, such as diabetes and heart disease.
A new partnership aims to develop nanotechnology tools for linking molecular signatures to cancer behavior and clinical outcome. Researchers will create nanoparticles for molecular profiling of cancer, as well as imaging microscopes and software integrated with nanotechnology discoveries.
The SimBioS Center will enable biologists to integrate, analyze, and model data on human health and disease using innovative software programs. The center aims to bring high-quality physical modeling capabilities to all biologists, addressing key challenges in simulating living systems from individual atoms to entire organisms.
The Penn project, led by Stephen E Kimmel, aims to develop novel ways of working synergistically to address the scientific, logistical, and intellectual barriers to interdisciplinary research. Recent advances have paved the way for significant gains in understanding how genetic variability can alter drug response.
HHMI and NIBIB will invest up to $35 million in interdisciplinary PhD programs to support biomedical scientists with cross-disciplinary knowledge and skills. The programs aim to prepare researchers for complex biomedical challenges.
UC Davis researchers have created a PET scanner that can image tiny cancer growths in mice, allowing them to monitor tumor development over time. The system enables early detection of cancer transformation and could lead to more sensitive screening tests for cancer-fighting drugs.
The federal government's investment in Canadian biomedical and health research has yielded significant results, including a 50% increase in licenses, 200% increase in income, and 40% increase in new spin-off companies. The funding has also led to increased international recognition and participation in global projects.
The USC Biomechanics Research Laboratory uses high-tech biomedical modeling to analyze athlete performance, identifying areas for improvement. The lab's approach combines experimental and simulation results to develop personalized training plans for athletes.
The new magnet features a uniform field of 21.1 Tesla in a volume 64 times larger than typical NMR systems, allowing for a wider range of scientific experiments. Scientists can now explore new avenues in chemical and biomedical science using this unique national resource.
iHOP, developed by Spanish scientists, is a gene-guided network system that converts 14 million PubMed abstracts into an interlinked resource. The system uses novel text-mining technology to detect biomedical entities and connect distant medical concepts through few intermediate genes.
Researchers at UC Davis are developing a new cancer treatment that uses ultrasound to steer tiny capsules carrying cancer-fighting drugs to tumors. This approach aims to reduce the toxic side effects of current cancer treatments by concentrating the drug directly in the tumor.
A pilot project found that providing access to healthy food choices significantly improved weight loss and self-esteem among low-income African-American women. The Rolling Store approach offers a realistic and inexpensive solution to overcome economic and geographic barriers to healthy diets.
A team of scientists from Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution and Florida Atlantic University are exploring never-before-seen sections of deepwater coral reefs off Florida's east coast and the Keys. They aim to discover marine creatures that produce chemicals with the potential to cure human diseases, including cancer and Alzheimer's.
The Wistar Institute has selected two journalists, Ambrose and Gibbs, for the 2004 Science Journalism Award for their outstanding coverage of epigenetics. The award honors excellent science journalism that communicates progress in biomedicine to the public.
Researchers at Purdue University have discovered self-assembling nanotubes that attach better to titanium-coated implants than uncoated ones, promoting new cell growth and potentially leading to longer-lasting artificial joints. The nanotubes offer promise in biomedical applications and could be tailored for specific parts of the body.
Researchers at OHSU will explore the use of evolutionary computing to analyze images and classify abnormalities in the prostate. The goal is to create a more accurate and less invasive method for detecting prostate cancer.
The study found that the primary motor cortex represented actual movement while the ventral premotor cortex generated elliptical shapes. The research reveals how the mind creates order and adjusts on the fly to eliminate distortions, with implications for developing biomedical devices controlling artificial limbs.
The award honors intelligent and perceptive journalism on biomedical research, with a focus on accessibility and impact. Up to five stories can be submitted by individual journalists or teams, with a deadline of February 29, 2004.
A team of researchers demonstrated the use of Telescience to facilitate international biomedical research, showcasing an international consortium of users and globally-distributed resources. They successfully transferred data over IPv6 networks at speeds of over 1Gbit/second.
Biomedical engineers at Purdue used dip-pen nanolithography to create templates on retinal tissue, which can potentially improve transplant strategies for macular degeneration. The research aims to enhance the success of implanting retinal pigment epithelial cells as a treatment for this incurable eye disease.
Researchers at UCL's Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research have developed a new drug to treat enlarged prostate with virtually no hormonal side effects. The treatment can both relax the prostate and prevent its growth, offering a major advance in treating a condition affecting millions of men worldwide.
The NIH has awarded grants to institutions in the US and Puerto Rico to address health disparities affecting minority populations. The grants aim to develop sustainable, effective, and culturally appropriate prevention and intervention strategies for diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and HIV/AIDS.
Researchers at Tufts University have identified the key aspects of silk processing that enable spiders and silkworms to create strong fibers. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new high-strength materials, biomaterials for tissue engineering, and environmentally friendly processes.
A UCI biomedical engineer has received a $1.8 million grant to create viable lung tissue similar to that found in bronchial tubes, which will be injured to simulate asthma injuries. The goal is to better understand what causes scarring in the lungs of people with asthma and develop more effective treatments.
The Howard Hughes Medical Institute has awarded grants to promote science education and literacy in diverse communities. Programs will engage students and teachers from underrepresented groups and focus on standards-based learning.
Researchers at the National Space Biomedical Research Institute are developing a new treadmill training system to help astronauts recover from balance problems after long-duration space flights. The system will also aid elderly patients and others with similar issues.
Haugland's work at Molecular Probes led to the creation of over 2,800 products for biomedical research. He holds 60 patents and authored Handbook of Fluorescent Probes and Research Chemicals.
Researchers at UW-Madison have successfully created the world's first knockout rats using a novel combination of techniques, enabling further study of breast cancer and potential treatments. The development restores the rat as a key model for biomedical research, leveraging its genetic flexibility to gain insights into various diseases.
Researchers at Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research have discovered a protein called GβL that helps regulate the mTOR pathway. The study reveals that when GβL is absent or disabled, cells become insensitive to nutrient levels and grow abnormally, which may be a cause of disease.
Researchers have successfully created electrical wire using prions as a template, which can be coated with gold and silver particles to conduct electricity. This bottom-up approach could revolutionize the manufacturing of nanoscale microcircuits and machines.
Scientists at Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research developed a screening strategy to identify mutations that cause cancer drug resistance. The study identified 112 mutations, including 15 previously linked to Gleevec resistance, and created a 3D computer model to visualize their location on the BCR/ABL protein.
Scientists have created a 3D map of the protein universe, organizing over 500 common motifs and revealing clusters that resemble cigars. This map helps visualize the relationships among all proteins in nature, shedding light on evolutionary changes and potential applications in biomedical research.
The NIH is set to advance science and improve public health through a new initiative that focuses on multidisciplinary teams and cross-cutting initiatives. The plan aims to tackle pressing biomedical challenges by integrating multiple disciplines and addressing public concerns.
The Falk Center will utilize state-of-the-art gene chip technology to identify genes responsible for neurological disorders. Two therapeutic developments are approaching the product stage, including a gene-based therapy for malignant brain tumors and a treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
A study by National Space Biomedical Research Institute found that amino acid supplements can maintain protein synthesis rates and body mass during bed rest, a model for muscle loss in space. The supplements also showed potential in reducing muscle atrophy in elderly, burn patients, and those after major operations.
A team of biomedical engineers and pediatric cardiologists are developing new technologies to assist surgeons in surgical planning for Fontan treatment. They aim to improve the efficiency and customization of the procedure, leading to better outcomes for young heart patients.
The partnership aims to advance biomedical research through collaboration between biologists and mathematicians/scientists. The new awards will support projects in areas such as disease modeling, HIV dynamics, and bioinformatics.
CWRU scientists discover that applying magnesium to calcium-activated potassium channels reduces blood pressure by causing blood vessels to dilate. This research may help explain why magnesium supplements are effective in managing hypertension.
Researchers at Duke University's Center for Neuroengineering will develop brain-controlled prosthetic limbs and apply brain-mapping technologies to aid surgeons in distinguishing healthy tissue from tumors. The center aims to increase resolution in mapping brain regions and enable control of complex robotic actions.
A recent review article reveals that horseshoe crabs have an impressive survival rate of 7.5% after undergoing biomedical bleeding, suggesting their 350 million-year-long survival is remarkable. The research also provides new information on the habitat, migration patterns, and nursery grounds of horseshoe crabs.
A Rutgers biomedical engineering professor has discovered that cross-hand and one-hand grips can reduce eye movement during longer putts and head movement during shorter putts. The findings are part of a book exploring the physics, biomechanics, and physiology of various sports, including golf.
The new NE-CAT resource will provide urgently needed access to synchrotron radiation for probing biomolecular structures. This will lead to a deeper understanding of how proteins function and interact, ultimately informing the design of new therapeutics for human disease.
Human cloning has raised concerns about individual uniqueness and self-identity, but an expert argues that these are influenced by qualitative traits beyond genetics. Brock suggests that history, relationships, and personal experiences shape our sense of identity, making cloning less likely to undermine human potential.
A new ultrasound technique called Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse (ARFI) imaging can detect and characterize breast abnormalities that are deeper and smaller than previously thought. The method uses high-frequency sound pulses to 'feel' the tissues, revealing differences in stiffness and mechanical properties.
Researchers from the Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research have successfully cloned mouse embryos from mature B and T cell nuclei, demonstrating that fully differentiated adult cells can form clones. However, the process is extremely inefficient, and it is more likely that elusive adult stem cells are responsible for cloning.
The Howard Hughes Medical Institute has awarded $16.25 million in new grants to 43 outstanding biomedical researchers from Canada and five Latin American countries. The recipients are investigating various biomedical topics, including parasitic diseases and cancer.
A NASA-funded study found that people's internal clocks have difficulty adapting to non-24 hour days, leading to increased risk of fatigue and sleepiness. The study, conducted at the National Space Biomedical Research Institute, evaluated participants' melatonin levels in response to varying day lengths.
This year, APS awarded several prestigious lectureships to outstanding researchers in physiology. The award winners include Allen Cowley, Pontus Persson, Adrian Morrison, and Albert Bennett, who will present their research on various topics including genomics, cardiovascular function, biomedical ethics, and more.