A large-scale randomized trial found that sepsis patients receive effective care regardless of treatment protocol, resolving a long-standing debate. The ProCESS trial showed no significant differences in survival rates among three groups: Early Goal-Directed Therapy, Protocolized Standard Care, and Standard Care.
Researchers identified two gene variants that can predict which women are most likely to benefit from breast cancer prevention treatment and which should avoid it. The study found that women with the beneficial version of the two SNPs were 5.71 times less likely to develop breast cancer while taking preventive drugs.
Researchers reveal how individual molecules work together during a single act of endocytosis, overcoming an energy barrier through molecular cooperation. This discovery sheds light on a process linked to human diseases and has implications for treating conditions like muscular dystrophy and Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers have identified a protein called E2F3 that activates the IGF2 gene in normal development and cancer, shedding light on the genetic underpinnings of common cancers. This discovery may help understand the complex genetic choreography responsible for normal growth and diseases.
A new computational method using genomic information predicts new uses for existing medicines, including treating Crohn's disease with prednisolone and inflammatory bowel diseases with topiramate. This approach could improve treatments, save time and money, and provide insights into disease progression and drug mechanisms.
Researchers have identified a key regulator of the plant's daily growth cycle, which shares similarities with human circadian rhythm genes. This discovery may lead to a better understanding of how clock genes regulate cell division in humans and provide new avenues for developing disease therapies.
The NIH has awarded six grants totaling $12 million to promote scientific workforce diversity. The grants support innovative approaches to addressing the underrepresentation of diverse groups in science, technology, engineering, and medicine.
Scientists have determined the three-dimensional structure of CXCR4, a molecule involved in HIV infection and many forms of cancer. The high-resolution structure sheds light on how CXCR4 functions and could point to ways to control its activity.
The NIH has awarded $290 million in grants for structural biology research, focusing on determining protein shapes and functions. Four large-scale centers will operate pipelines for protein structure determination, including centers for mitochondria and membrane proteins.
The Models of Infectious Disease Agent Study (MIDAS) researchers used computational modeling to predict the potential outcomes of different interventions for the H1N1 flu strain. The study found that vaccinating school-aged children substantially reduced overall disease spread and prevented up to 100 million additional cases.
The NIH is expanding its Pharmacogenomics Research Network (PGRN) with a $161.3 million investment over five years. The network aims to develop novel research methods and study the use of pharmacogenetics in underserved populations, including rheumatoid arthritis and bipolar disorder.
The NIH is expanding its Pharmacogenomics Knowledge Base (PharmGKB) to analyze genomes and identify genetic variations associated with disease risk and adverse drug reactions. The goal is to develop tools that automatically extract information from biomedical literature and databases to improve the safety and efficacy of medicines.
Suncica Canic develops computer models to simulate stent interactions with blood and cells, improving stent compatibility and reducing complications. Her research aims to help doctors choose the right stents for their patients and optimize stent design for specific procedures.
Researchers at Stanford University present an environment-wide association study (EWAS) to examine the contributions of hundreds of environmental factors in Type 2 diabetes. They found strong associations with pesticide derivatives and certain nutrients, suggesting a potential protective role.
A study by scientists at Stanford and Harvard Universities analyzed a patient's full genome to identify disease risks and unusual drug responses. The analysis revealed variants associated with diseases in the patient's family and conditions not inherited, highlighting the potential of whole-genome sequencing for personalized medicine.
Researchers developed a genetic framework to predict drug side effects and cardiac disorders. The framework integrated genetic, cellular, and clinical information to identify genetic variations associated with QT interval-related diseases.
Researchers at NIH/National Institute of General Medical Sciences have created a synthetic population using census data to simulate disease spread and study social networks. The virtual population accurately represents the country's demographics, allowing for faster and more accurate disease-spread simulations.
The Coriell Institute for Medical Research will enhance its collection of carefully maintained human cell lines by adding induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells carrying disease gene mutations. The addition will enable scientists to study a wide range of diseases and make the repository an even more valuable resource.
The NIGMS has awarded 14 GO grants to scientists across 13 states, totaling $42.3 million. These grants focus on various areas of biomedical science, including personalized medicine, gene expression, and drug development.
The National Institutes of Health has awarded $67.4 million in EUREKA grants to support highly innovative research projects that promise significant scientific breakthroughs. These grants will fund research in various fields, including gene therapy for neurological diseases and the study of circadian clocks.
The National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) is accelerating basic studies of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS) using $5.4 million in Recovery Act funding. Scientists at 16 institutions will investigate iPS cell properties and derivatives for therapeutic applications.
The National Institutes of Health's Models of Infectious Disease Agent Study (MIDAS) has received new research expertise to simulate disease spread, evaluate intervention strategies and inform public health officials. New grants will support computational models of infectious diseases, including MRSA, flu, and seasonal illnesses.
A common gene variant affects how people respond to Plavix, a leading anti-clotting medicine. This defective enzyme version reduces the drug's effectiveness in about 30% of the population, increasing their risk for strokes and heart attacks.
A team of scientists has developed a new method to create stem cells with embryonic-like properties without using viruses, which can trigger cancer. This approach imports necessary genes on a small DNA circle and naturally disappears from the cell population over time.
A large-scale study and clinical trial suggest that incorporating genetic data into warfarin prescribing can lead to more accurate ideal dosages, particularly for patients at the extremes of the dosage range. This could help minimize dangerous complications and improve treatment effectiveness and safety.
Researchers have identified five compounds that block the activity of the trypanosomal REL1 enzyme, which is crucial for the parasite's survival. The approach uses computational tools to predict the dynamics of proteins and test hundreds of compounds for their ability to inhibit the enzyme.
A new Web-based resource is being developed to provide molecular data needed for computer-aided drug design. The resource aims to improve the prediction of potential drug candidates and advance biomedical research.
The NIH Director's Pioneer Award program has made 63 awards, with the New Innovator Award program supporting 61 investigators. The grants enable recipients to pursue innovative approaches that could transform biomedical and behavioral science, with an estimated total value of up to $138 million over five years.
A new global alliance for pharmacogenomics is launching, aiming to identify genetic factors contributing to individual responses to medicines. Initial projects will focus on understanding breast cancer treatment effectiveness, pancreatic cancer side effects, and drug-induced heart rhythm disorders.
A novel approach strips Staphylococcus aureus of its virulence by blocking pigment formation, which acts as an antioxidant to hinder immune system's ability to kill bacteria. The method reduces bacterial population by 98% in mice infected with S. aureus.
Researchers have gained a clearer understanding of how p300/CBP controls gene activity, providing new avenues for designing drugs. The study's findings have implications for cancer treatment, diabetes, heart disease, and HIV, with potential applications for developing targeted therapies.
Researchers have identified a key factor that determines influenza virus ability to infect human upper respiratory tract cells. The H5N1 avian flu virus must adapt to bind to specific sugar molecules coating the cells of our noses and throats.
The new software TranStat analyzes infectious disease data to determine the probability of transmission between individuals. This information helps health officials develop effective strategies to contain outbreaks and conduct further studies in real-time.
Researchers have determined the first known structure of a human G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), specifically the beta2-adrenergic receptor. This breakthrough promises to speed the discovery of new and improved drugs, as well as broaden our understanding of human health and disease.
Researchers have discovered that faulty DNA repair contributes to the onset of Huntington's disease. The study suggests that targeting a key enzyme in oxidative lesion repair may offer a way to slow or stop the disease.
The Protein Structure Initiative (PSI) has established a materials repository and knowledgebase to share resources with the scientific community. The PSI-Materials Repository will store and ship clones of proteins, while the Knowledgebase will provide access to structural information and experimental details.
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.
A new multicenter research consortium, called Protocolized Care for Early Septic Shock (ProCESS), is beginning a large-scale study to determine whether specific interventions can halt the progression to severe sepsis and septic shock. The project aims to establish standard procedures to diagnose and treat sepsis in emergency departments.
The National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) will award $13 million to create four centers to develop new treatments for various types of wounds, including burns, diabetic ulcers, and bedsores. This initiative aims to deepen understanding of wound healing and apply knowledge to enhance treatment.
An interdisciplinary team of scientists and physicians has developed guidelines for treating severely injured patients, focusing on inflammation response and genetic factors. The project aims to improve patient care through standard treatment procedures and tailored treatments based on genetic data.
Researchers have developed imaging methods to track gene expression and protein production in individual cells, providing precise data on single molecular events. This breakthrough enables the study of low-abundance proteins and sheds light on cellular regulation.
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.
Researchers use mathematical modeling to predict that flu outbreaks will emerge in multiple locations and that containment efforts will only buy time. The study suggests that a multi-pronged preparedness strategy is needed to effectively prevent pandemics.
The Models of Infectious Disease Agent Study (MIDAS) network has welcomed four new research teams to aid in developing preparedness plans for outbreaks. The new teams will use computer modeling techniques to simulate infectious disease spread and evaluate the effects of public health measures.
NIH-funded scientists developed a glycan array tool to detect changes in flu viruses that precede human infection. The technology can monitor the emergence of efficient flu strains from avian origin.
The NIH has renewed a network focused on understanding how genes influence drug responses, aiming to create personalized therapies with fewer side effects. The network will explore various genetic factors affecting medication efficacy and toxicity across nine NIH components.
Researchers tracked gene activity in response to bacterial endotoxin, identifying molecular markers for sepsis. The study found that more than half of genes involved in inflammation were turned down, contrary to expected responses.
The National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) has funded three new Exploratory Centers for Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research. The centers will establish core facilities to support scientists and advance fundamental knowledge of human embryonic stem cell properties and functions.
International teams used computer modeling to simulate H5N1 avian flu outbreaks in Southeast Asia, finding antiviral treatment a critical component of control measures. The models aid development of effective strategies and offer powerful tools for policymakers and researchers.
The Protein Structure Initiative (PSI) has reached its rapid production phase, aiming to determine thousands of protein structures using innovative approaches and tools. The new centers will use methods developed during the pilot period to rapidly generate protein structures found in organisms ranging from bacteria to humans.