Biomedical polymers show great potential in treating various diseases through targeted drug delivery and precise diagnostics. Recent advances have led to the development of intelligent polymeric carriers that can respond to external or intrinsic signals for enhanced therapeutic efficacy.
The University of Texas at El Paso has received a $5M NIH grant to build an imaging and behavioral neuroscience facility focused on addressing Hispanic health disparities. The new facility will enable researchers to study the mechanisms contributing to cancer and neurological disorders in Hispanic populations.
A team of researchers developed a biomedical imaging system using a semiconductor detector originally designed for space observations, and applied spectral analysis techniques from astronomy to create accurate images of radionuclides in small animals. The new method uses fitting to eliminate noise and improve spatial resolution.
A GE Research-led team has demonstrated the ability to prevent or reverse diabetes in preclinical model systems using ultrasound-based bioelectronic medicine. The team's findings, published in Nature Biomedical Engineering, represent a significant milestone in this field and pave the way for future clinical translation.
In a study published in Social Science & Medicine, researchers found that young people in Uganda are turning to healers for their holistic approach to sexual and reproductive health. Healers provide a destigmatized, holistic SRH experience by embracing young people's sexual citizenship.
Robert Gourdie, a cardiovascular scientist at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, has been awarded an R35 grant from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. This seven-year, $6.4 million grant enables him to pursue research on intercellular communication and its applications in treating various medical challenges.
The Vilcek Foundation will award three prizes of $50,000 each to early-career immigrant researchers in biomedical science. Past recipients include notable scientists such as Ibrahim Cissé and Viviana Gradinaru.
The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly affected biomedical research, with a significant shift in priorities towards COVID-19-related studies. Publications and clinical trials in non-COVID fields decreased by up to 25%, while COVID-19-related research saw a surge in publications and grants.
Harris Wang, a synthetic and systems biologist at Columbia University, received the Vilcek Prize for Creative Promise in Biomedical Science for his development of tools to track and engineer microbes. His research aims to improve diagnostic and therapeutic applications using genomic technologies.
A new study found that calorie restriction improves metabolic and immune responses, generating more T cells to fight off infections and improve energy efficiency. This could lead to a potential treatment to reduce age-related inflammation and improve metabolic health.
Melinda Duncan has been appointed associate vice president for research and director of the Delaware IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence. She aims to expand the state's biomedical workforce and infrastructure to improve healthcare in Delaware.
A recent analysis of eight long-running research prizes found that only 4.7% of historical awardees were Asian. The number of Asian awardees has declined to just 2.6% in the last decade. Fewer than 1% of top biomedical research prize winners are Black or Latinx, highlighting significant underrepresentation in the field.
A new federally funded study will use machine learning to create a first-of-its-kind algorithm predicting individual responses to food and dietary routines. The National Institutes of Health's All of Us Research Program will recruit 10,000 participants nationwide.
A recent study published in PLOS Biology found evidence of editorial bias and nepotism in some biomedical journals, where a few authors, often on the editorial board, dominate publications and receive preferential treatment.
A commentary by Mayo Clinic researchers emphasizes the importance of addressing bias in biomedical research funding to improve diversity and equity. The authors note that underfunding and lack of opportunities for minority clinicians and researchers exacerbate health disparities, highlighting the need for inclusive funding decisions.
The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai has received a five-year, $16 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to foster inclusive excellence in the biomedical sciences. The grant aims to recruit and hire faculty members from underrepresented groups across four research areas.
Researchers are developing a new machine learning approach to reduce health disparities caused by biased cancer-related genomic and clinical omics studies. By using transfer learning on large-scale data, the team aims to create an open resource system for unbiased multiethnic machine learning.
The Vilcek Foundation has awarded four prizes worth $250,000 to foreign-born scientists in the United States. The prizes recognize outstanding career contributions to biomedical science and innovative research. This year's recipients include Vishva M. Dixit, Markita del Carpio Landry, Hani Goodarzi, and Harris Wang.
A biomedical sciences researcher is studying the impact of environment on gut microbiota, immunity, and inflammation in a novel mouse model system. The goal is to define changes in the gut microbiota and mucosal immune system in relation to intestinal inflammation and colon cancer.
A new study reveals that metabolism increases rapidly during infancy, peaking at around one year old. After a gradual decline until the 20s, metabolism levels off and then slows down again after age 60, with older adults requiring fewer calories. The findings suggest that muscle loss and cellular changes contribute to this decline.
The Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University has received a $1 million T32 predoctoral training grant from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences. The grant aims to provide students with opportunities for training in cell signaling, epigenetics, and genome maintenance.
The FUTURE-MINDS-QB program provides rigorous training and academic mentorship for students from underrepresented ethnic and racial groups in quantitative biology and biomedical data sciences. The program aims to equalize access to high-level training and streamline the PhD application process.
Research at McGill University found that patented biomedical inventions created by women are more likely to benefit women's health, addressing conditions like breast cancer and postpartum preeclampsia. However, female inventors face significant barriers, including lower commercialization rates and biases in early-stage feedback.
The university will support approximately 20 undergraduate students annually in a structured academic community with career development activities and individualized mentoring to prepare them for Ph.D. and M.D./Ph.D. programs in the biomedical sciences.
Summer Thyme, a University of Alabama at Birmingham assistant professor, is one of five Pew Scholars focusing on brain research. Her $75,000 grant will support her four-year investigation into neurodevelopmental disease using zebrafish.
The university will provide 10 graduate students per year with structured academic support, career development activities, and individualized mentoring to cultivate highly sought-after skills in the biomedical sciences.
The Pew Charitable Trusts has funded 10 postdoctoral fellows from six Latin American countries to conduct research in the US, exploring topics such as molecular interactions and gut bacteria. The program aims to advance scientific knowledge and develop a robust biomedical research community in Latin America.
The Pew Scholars Program in Biomedical Sciences has selected 22 early-career researchers to investigate timely questions surrounding human health and disease. These scientists will receive funding over four years to uncover new solutions to significant biomedical challenges.
The NIH has launched the UNITE initiative to address structural racism in biomedicine, focusing on increasing diversity and inclusion. The initiative aims to tackle issues such as lack of representation from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, persistent disparities in grant success rates for Black scientists.
Researchers at Duke University have demonstrated that living cells can construct semi-interpenetrating polymer networks (sIPNs) for biomedical applications. These cell-built materials exhibit medically relevant functions and could be used to release protective molecules, such as antibiotics, in a controlled manner.
Researchers at Fralin Biomedical Research Institute will advance noninvasive brain and cancer treatments with the new MRI-guided focused ultrasound facility. The technology, already used to treat movement disorders and solid tumors, aims to deliver precise energy to alleviate symptoms associated with neurodegenerative disorders.
A new study found that more college students change majors within the STEM pipeline than leave the career path altogether. Students often switch to a field they find more attractive, highlighting the importance of understanding their motivations.
Fadie Coleman, assistant professor of medical sciences and education at Boston University School of Medicine, has been awarded the 2021 Metcalf Award for Excellence in Teaching. She is recognized for her innovative strategies to prepare undergraduates from underrepresented backgrounds for success in the biomedical/STEM workforce.
The fellowship program aims to recruit and train skilled data scientists to advance care through precision medicine. Yale's robust computational resources, biomedical data repositories, and faculty expertise will be available to fellows.
Researchers at Purdue University have created a new device that uses composite-based nonlinear transmission lines to generate high-power microwaves for biomedical and defense purposes. The system eliminates the need for bulky auxiliary equipment, making it more portable and efficient.
Researchers at Pennington Biomedical Research Center found that maintaining a stable body weight does not guarantee muscle mass and increases the risk of premature death among colorectal cancer survivors. Women are particularly vulnerable to losing muscle mass, with one in five women experiencing significant changes.
The Vilcek Foundation will award three prizes of $50,000 each to early-career immigrant researchers in biomedical science. The foundation aims to recognize individuals who bring unique insight and perspective to their work, with a focus on supporting young research leaders.
The Mabee Foundation award will aid in the expansion of research and testing at Texas Biomedical Research Institute. The new facility will accommodate a growing need for animal models to test safety and efficacy of new treatments, including those for COVID-19.
Scientists at Fralin Biomedical Research Institute have identified a zebrafish model that can help advance glioblastoma multiforme research. The study shows similar observations in zebrafish and highlights the potential of zebrafish as an additional platform for cancer drug discovery.
Manu Platt, a biomedical engineer at Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, has received the AAAS Mentor Award for his commitment to mentoring underrepresented students. He provides opportunities for growth, encourages students to step out of their comfort zones, and advocates for diversity in STEM fields.
A new study, MoTrMito, aims to identify molecular factors promoting positive mitochondrial change with exercise. The research will compare mitochondria responses between younger and older adults undergoing exercise training.
A nationwide effort aims to increase COVID-19 testing in Louisiana's Black communities, which have been disproportionately affected by the virus. The project seeks community-driven approaches to reduce testing barriers and improve access to tests.
The University of Delaware has secured a $11 million National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant to support its biomedical research program. The grant, led by Professor Joseph Fox, will focus on discovering new molecules to study and treat diseases such as breast cancer and tuberculosis.
A magnetic spray can be used to turn objects into millirobots that can crawl, walk, or roll on different surfaces. The coated objects are biocompatible and can be disintegrated into powders when needed, demonstrating potential for biomedical applications like catheter navigation and drug delivery.
Researchers at Purdue University have created a pearl spectrometer, demonstrating light transport-assisted information processing. This innovation has the potential to improve spectroscopy in biomedical and military applications by providing compact and efficient sensing capabilities.
Researchers used spider web architecture to create deformable and reliable electronics for seamless 3D interface. The technology enables a large field of view and wide-angle antireflection, useful for biomedical and military imaging purposes.
The University of Texas at El Paso has received a $1.35 million NIH Science Education Partnership Award to attract high school students from economically disadvantaged communities to pursue undergraduate degrees in engineering and biomedical sciences. The project, Project ACE, will provide research-focused curriculum, mentors, and oppo...
Researchers have developed core-sheath polymer fibers that combine strength with bioactivity, enabling various biomedical applications. The fibers can be tailored to specific needs by carefully selecting inner and outer layer materials, and can even include antiviral agents or drugs.
A study has overcome a key hurdle to the use of nanorobots powered by lipases, enzymes that play essential roles in digestion. By modulating motor speeds, researchers have broadened the potential biomedical and environmental applications of these devices.
Biomedical researchers at Georgia State University have identified a novel method for eradicating rotavirus and other viral infections using interleukin-18 and interleukin-22. The study shows that these cytokines can rapidly and completely eliminate viruses from intestinal epithelial cells, even in compromised immune systems.
The GDPR's restrictive approach to international data transfers is hindering global biomedical research, including essential COVID-19 studies. The authors propose amendments to address this issue, ensuring the balance between individual privacy and societal benefits in research contexts.
Researchers at Pennington Biomedical Research Center will investigate how the SGK1 enzyme regulates beta-cell mass when more insulin is needed. The study aims to understand how beta-cell growth mechanisms influence insulin release, potentially leading to new medications for diagnosing and treating metabolic diseases.
The Pew Charitable Trusts has awarded funding to six interdisciplinary research teams to tackle some of biomedicine's toughest challenges. The teams will explore neurological mechanisms behind psychopathy, map protein complexes in Plasmodium falciparum, and investigate steroid hormones' role in Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers are developing a novel, noninvasive method to target and kill cancerous cells in breast tissue using nanoparticles and ultrasound. This approach, nanoparticle-mediated histotripsy (NMH), aims to improve the safety of treatment for metastatic breast cancer patients by reducing harsh side effects associated with chemotherapy....
Researchers have developed a new approach to machine learning combining ensemble methods and deep learning to diagnose cancer, predict viral attacks, and revolutionize molecular biology. This emerging field has the potential to transform bioinformatics and biomedical sciences.
Biomedical engineers at Duke University have created artificial membrane-less organelles within human cells by controlling the phase separation of emerging class of proteins. This advance enables precise tuning of a single property to modulate existing cell functions or create new behaviors.
The Purdue team created a fully implantable radio-frequency transmitter chip that consumes the lowest amount of energy per digital bit published to date. It enables real-time biophysiological data monitoring for conditions like glaucoma and heart disease, eliminating the need for batteries or frequent recharging.
A University of Sydney team has developed a plasma technology to attach hydrogels to polymeric materials, allowing for better interaction with surrounding tissue. The technology has shown promising results in tests using biomolecules found in the body.
The Pew Charitable Trusts has selected 10 postdoctoral fellows from seven Latin American countries to conduct research in the US. The fellows will explore various biomedical topics, including leukemia stem cells and HIV hiding inside host cells.
The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative is awarding $3.8 million to support essential open source software projects in biomedical research and clinical medicine. These grants will enable awardees to improve software tools, enhance collaboration, and advance biomedical science.