A new study by University of South Florida researchers found that chlorothalonil kills a wide variety of freshwater organisms, including amphibians and aquatic plants, leading to ecosystem changes. The findings highlight the need to reassess the fungicide's safety and its impact on ecosystems.
Dr. Timothy J. Collier received the 2012 Bernard Sanberg Memorial Award for Brain Repair for his work on cellular repair for Parkinson's disease, while Dr. Sean I. Savitz was honored with the Molly and Bernard Sanberg Memorial Award for his contributions to cell-based therapies for ischemic stroke.
A new 13-posture Tai Chi designed for wheelchair users has been developed to promote mobility, self-esteem and overall health. The program was featured in the 2008 Beijing Olympics and has shown benefits for individuals with disabilities, including lower back and hip movements, upper body mobility and internal circulation.
The USPTO awarded the 8-millionth patent for a medical device that bypasses damaged retina, helping blind patients see. Dr. Ram R. Shukla explains the process of patenting and its importance for innovation.
A study published in Nature Communications found that sAPP-α, a secreted portion of APP, acts as an essential stop-gap mechanism to regulate APP production. Monitoring and correcting low sAPP-α levels or enhancing its association with BACE1 may help prevent or treat Alzheimer's disease.
The University of South Florida has launched its first CAMLS fellowship sponsored by Simbionix, a leading provider of medical simulation training. The fellowship will focus on leadership development in healthcare simulation education and training for students in medicine, nursing, pharmacy, and public health professions.
A recent study published in PloS ONE suggests that immediate skull reconstruction following traumatic brain injury can exacerbate brain damage. In contrast, delaying surgical repair for two days resulted in reduced secondary brain swelling and damage in animal models.
The National Academy of Inventors held its inaugural annual conference, featuring USPTO Director David Kappos' address on patent process improvements. Kappos discussed the agency's efforts to reduce the patent backlog and emphasized the importance of innovation in fostering economic growth.
Dr. Thomas J. Fogarty has revolutionized heart surgery with his invention of the balloon catheter, simplifying and making safer a previously complex procedure. He is also a successful entrepreneur, holding over 135 surgical patents and establishing several research companies.
The US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is working closely with the National Academy of Inventors to promote American academic innovation. The collaboration aims to recognize and support inventors at universities, enhance visibility of university technology, and encourage disclosure of intellectual property.
A randomized controlled clinical trial found that varenicline significantly improved the walking ability of patients suffering from SCA3, a genetic disorder causing progressive difficulty with coordination. The drug was effective in improving symptoms associated with standing and walking straight.
A survey found that 75% of institutions surveyed do not include patent and commercialization considerations in their tenure and promotion criteria. However, there are good arguments for adding these activities to the criteria, as it could inspire innovative activities earlier in a professor's career and increase research dollars.
Researchers found that repeated injections of human umbilical cord blood cells improved motor neuron survival, delayed disease progression, and increased lifespan in mice modeling ALS. The study suggests that low-dose cell administration could be beneficial for patients with ALS even after symptom onset.
The University of South Florida has received a $1.57 million grant to conduct research on traumatic brain injury and other battlefield-related injuries. The studies aim to improve the quality of life for military personnel returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.
A study by University of South Florida researchers found that elevated levels of an amyloid precursor protein fragment in the blood may explain aberrations in immune cell populations and function. The findings suggest that the protein fragment could be both a biomarker for autism and a new research target.
Yogi D. Goswami, Alan R. Hevner, Robert H. Tykot, and Michael J. Zaworotko were elected as AAAS Fellows for their groundbreaking work in renewable energies, computer sciences, archaeological materials science, and solid-state chemistry. They will be formally announced on December 23, 2011, at Science journal.
Researchers at the University of South Florida have discovered that dormant malaria parasites in red blood cells can recover after antimalarial drug therapy, contributing to treatment failure. The study found a positive association between the number of dormant parasites and when malaria infection re-emerged.
Recent efforts by the US Department of Energy have analyzed remediation technology projects, technical reviews, and communication models to address nuclear waste management. The development of new tools and approaches is crucial to ensure continued safe and secure storage and disposal of spent nuclear fuel and high-level wastes.
The US Department of Defense has awarded the University of South Florida $1.59 million to conduct two major studies on preventing low back injury and improving prosthetics for wounded warriors. The studies will test high-intensity exercise training programs and prosthetic foot technologies in military populations.
A study led by the University of South Florida found that decreasing expression of protein FKBP51 in old mice made them resistant to depressive-like behavior, improving their hormonal response to stress. The lack of this protein did not adversely affect their memory or basic motor functions.
Medical students who practiced on a patient simulator before assisting in real-life vaginal deliveries scored significantly higher on their final examinations. Simulation training increased student confidence and effectiveness in performing vaginal delivery maneuvers.
Researchers aim to develop new post-stroke therapy by repairing the blood-brain barrier, which prevents harmful substances from entering the brain. If successful, this could lead to positive therapeutic outcomes for ischemic stroke patients who may have missed the limited 3-hour tPA window.
A systematic review of community health worker programs found significant increases in mammography screening rates among medically underserved women. The programs were most effective in urban and medical settings, with racial-ethnic parity strengthening the beneficial effect.
A new study found that an unknown component of coffee interacts with caffeine to increase blood levels of a growth factor called GCSF, which fights off the Alzheimer's disease process. This boost is associated with improved memory and reduces the risk of cognitive decline.
Researchers say stem cell therapeutics may offer therapy through simple cell replacement procedures to restructure damaged organs and tissues. However, factors related to patient selection need careful consideration due to stage and severity of disease, prior therapies, and immunosuppression.
Researchers have developed super-mini vehicles that can carry drugs and imaging agents into the body, revolutionizing medicine by improving drug solubility and bio-distribution. The devices use self-assembling nano-sized structures to cross membrane barriers and enable combination therapies.
Researchers discovered that excess beta amyloid protein clogs cell transport motors, causing abnormal cell division and defective neurons. The study suggests a new target for Alzheimer's treatment, allowing the brain to regenerate properly.
Dr. Paul Sanberg, a renowned researcher in stem cell therapy, received the Everfront Award for his groundbreaking work on regenerative medicine for neurodegenerative disorders. His research expertise and initiatives in innovation and translational medicine were recognized by the symposium organizers.
Researchers found cotinine reduced Alzheimer's disease brain plaques and prevented memory loss in mice, showing promising results for a potential therapy. Cotinine also stimulated the survival of neurons and enhanced attention and memory.
Non-Hispanic black infants born with heart defects are more likely to die within the first five years of life compared to non-Hispanic white and Hispanic peers. The study found that minority children, particularly non-Hispanic blacks, face higher risks for certain types of congenital heart abnormalities.
A study of 31 patients found that 77% stopped taking anti-tremor medications within a year after DBS surgery, with symptom improvement rates varying among patients. Long-term effects and potential need for continued medication are areas of future research focus.
University of South Florida researchers have found that the blood-brain barrier is structurally and functionally damaged in mice with Sanfilippo syndrome type B. This damage may lead to destruction of the central nervous system equilibrium and accelerate neuropathological changes in the disease.
Researchers found that a naturally present brain chemical signal, CX3CL1, can suppress microglial activation and reduce inflammation in an animal model of Parkinson's disease. This suggests that the communication between neurons and glial cells may play a role in neurodegeneration.
Preladenant significantly reduces off time and increases on time without worsening dyskinesia in Parkinson's disease patients. The study found that preladenant may offer a new supplemental treatment option for patients experiencing 'wearing off' symptoms from levodopa therapy.
The University of South Florida is collaborating with Draper Laboratory to develop human liver models and long-term continuous culture systems for P. vivax malaria. This research aims to accelerate the discovery of new drugs or vaccines, targeting the dormant liver forms of the parasite.
Human amniotic epithelial cells, derived from discarded human placenta, demonstrate therapeutic response when transplanted into lab test tubes and animal models of stroke. The interaction with melatonin receptor MT1 promotes functional recovery.
USF researchers identified CD45 as a critical component in dampening harmful inflammation in the brain's immune response. The study found that a loss of CD45 led to increased microglial inflammation and neurotoxin accumulation in Alzheimer's mouse models.
A special issue of Technology & Innovation explores the history, process, and practice of scientific peer review. Key findings include a need for qualified, independent reviewers, transparent processes, and avoiding conflicts of interest to ensure integrity in federal policy formation.
The federal peer review system is under scrutiny for being overwhelmed by an increasing number of funding proposals, leaving room for errors. Experts recommend a calibration system to mitigate these errors, which can occur due to biased reviewers or overconfident assessments.
Researchers at University of South Florida found that spirulina supplementation delayed motor symptoms and disease progression in a mouse model of ALS. The study suggests a dual antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect on motor neurons, offering potential clinical benefits for ALS patients.
Scientists successfully removed amoxicillin, a top five US-prescribed drug, and other substances like nitrates and dyes from water samples using Octolig. The process has implications for reducing environmental contamination and point-source pollution.
USF researchers discovered that human umbilical cord blood cells (HUCB) promote the growth and differentiation of hippocampal neurons in both young and old laboratory animals. HUCBs have been found to enhance survival, maturation, and arborization of key brain cells, potentially benefiting treating brain injury and degenerative disease...
Researchers found that dynamic Hsp27 regulation is crucial for clearing abnormal tau protein and preventing neurofibrillary tangles. Effective Hsp27 switching promotes tau recycling in healthy nerve cells and clears brain abnormalities.
The SciFlies Network provides a new funding source for research and innovation, enabling citizens to directly accelerate science and technology. By promoting STEM disciplines to students and creating a cyber 'alliance model', the network fosters public involvement and encourages translation of inventions to benefit society.
Researchers aim to establish dosing and safety guidelines for transplanting human umbilical cord blood cells into animal models of Alzheimer's disease. The goal is to gain FDA approval for clinical trials with patients suffering from mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease.
Menstrual blood-derived stem cells may aid in brain repair following stroke, with no risk of creating tumors. The study aims to advance the clinical application of self-donor cell therapy for stroke patients.
Researchers at University of South Florida (USF) are studying the impact of maternal infections on fetal brain development, aiming to prevent autism. Natural compounds like luteolin and diosmin may block detrimental effects of maternal infection on offspring's brains.
Researchers found that human umbilical cord blood cells stabilized the brain cell environment and aided astrocyte survival after oxygen deprivation. However, the cells also had an impact on cytokine expression, sometimes suppressing inflammation and other times enhancing it.
A study by the University of South Florida found that the rheumatoid arthritis signaling protein GM-CSF reduces AD pathology and eliminates memory loss in mice. The researchers suggest that GM-CSF boosts immune cells to remove Alzheimer's plaques, improving memory decline.
The University of South Florida researchers warn that the growing number of stem cell journals may compromise the quality of research in the field. They recommend authors to follow Good Publications Practices when choosing a publication outlet.