Articles tagged with Translational Medicine
Researchers have developed a novel method to treat addiction using optogenetically-inspired deep-brain stimulation, which could provide continued benefits and improve on existing treatments. The method targets brain circuits responsible for addiction and shows promise in animal models.
Scientists have discovered how a compound activates an enzyme to reduce cholesterol and other accumulated fats in the brains and livers of Niemann-Pick type C1 patients. The study may lead to new treatments for NPC1 and other neurodegenerative diseases.
Daniel MacArthur receives ASHG's first Early-Career Award for his work on rare disease diagnosis using large-scale genomic technologies. The award recognizes his development of key resources, including Exome Aggregation Consortium and Genome Aggregation Database.
Researchers at Temple University have identified a novel mechanism underlying the efficacy of common heart failure drug beta-blockers. The study reveals that dysfunctional beta-adrenergic receptor 3 and decreased levels of cardioprotective phospholipid sphingosine 1-phosphate contribute to treatment resistance in some patients.
Researchers discovered that the Sestrin1 gene is frequently missing or malfunctioning in follicular lymphoma patients, leading to tumor growth and poor prognosis. The study found that targeting this gene can suppress tumors and improve treatment efficacy, offering hope for new therapies.
Researchers used functional connectivity magnetic resonance imaging (fcMRI) to scan 59 high-risk, 6-month-old infants, finding that brain patterns preceded behavioral symptoms of autism. The technique accurately predicted diagnoses in 82% of cases, with 93% accuracy in smaller groups.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital discovered a link between complement C3 signaling and neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease. In preclinical models, mice with C3 deficiency showed improved cognitive function despite accumulating amyloid plaques, suggesting modulating immune response could combat the disease.
Researchers at Georgia State University are studying the role of an enzyme in causing diabetic vascular diseases and exploring its potential as a new treatment. The study aims to understand the molecular mechanisms behind the disease and identify a strategy to protect against its development.
A new study from Bentley University found that most new drugs approved by the FDA since 2010 arose from basic scientific research initiated in the 1970s or 1980s. The development of targeted and biological therapeutics depends on achieving a certain level of maturation in basic science.
Dr. Chad M. Walesky receives the ASIP Young Scientist Leadership Award for his contributions to liver cancer pathogenesis, including a novel function of HNF4α as a tumor suppressor. His work has been published in top journals such as The American Journal of Physiology and Hepatology.
Research teams identified two cyclic peptides that can shut down an enzyme long thought to be undruggable for fighting disease-causing parasites and bacteria. The finding could lead to the development of new antimicrobial drugs.
Researchers found that loss of tumor-suppressing genes, not mutations, leads to resistance to immune checkpoint blockade drugs in melanoma. Anti-CTLA4 treatment can prime T cells for anti-PD1 therapy, improving patient response.
Dr. Gita Martohardjono presents research on bilingual populations, showing changes in Spanish processing and predicting the impact of English use on brain responses. Her findings suggest that social factors hinder language learning in adults.
A randomized Phase II clinical trial demonstrated that ProLon targets the aging process, reducing risk factors for age-related diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease in humans. The study found significant reductions in body weight, BMI, total body fat, and inflammation, while increasing relative lean body mass.
Researchers identify leiomodin-1 as a key protein in Nodding syndrome, an autoimmune disease linked to Onchocerca volvulus. The study suggests that the immune system mistakenly attacks brain cells containing this protein, leading to symptoms of the disorder.
Dr. Kurt Gottfried was awarded the 2016 AAAS Scientific Freedom and Responsibility Award for his long-standing career as a 'civic scientist,' advocating for arms control and human rights. He co-founded organizations like the Union of Concerned Scientists and American Physical Society's Committee on International Freedom of Scientists.
Researchers found a potential treatment for Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders using a designer compound that prevents tau protein damage. The compound, called tau antisense oligonucleotides, was shown to reverse brain injury in mice and monkeys.
Suzanne Gage, a scientist and podcast host, has been awarded the 2016 AAAS Early Career Award for Public Engagement with Science. Her podcast, 'Say Why To Drugs,' aims to counter misinformation and myths surrounding recreational drugs, reaching an audience of young adults.
Pandor has been recognized for her efforts to integrate science into policymaking, promote young scientists, and foster international cooperation. She has also expanded research chairs and initiated the Science Forum South Africa.
The AAAS/Subaru SB&F Prizes for Excellence in Science Books recognize recent publications that promote high-quality science writing and illustration, engaging readers of all ages. Winners include Sara Levine's 'Tooth by Tooth' and Pamela S. Turner's 'Crow Smarts', which explore fascinating topics like animal teeth and crow intelligence.
A novel treatment targets Graft-Versus-Host Disease (GVHD) by inhibiting Aurora kinase A and JAK2, preserving immune system function. The study shows promising results in mice, potentially offering a more effective and selective prevention strategy.
Margaret Werner-Washburne, a renowned biologist, has received the AAAS Lifetime Mentor Award for her groundbreaking work in mentoring underrepresented students. Her initiatives have led to a significant increase in Hispanic and Native American doctorates in biological sciences.
New research from Organogenesis Inc. reveals that Apligraf can convert chronic venous leg ulcers into acute, healing wounds by modulating inflammatory and growth factor signaling. This breakthrough study published in Science Translational Medicine provides valuable insights for researchers and clinicians treating chronic wounds.
The EurekAlert! Fellowships support early-career science reporters from emerging economies to attend the AAAS Annual Meeting and network with peers. The 2017 fellows demonstrated outstanding performance in science news reporting, showcasing their solid grasp of timely issues and everyday relevance.
Scientists found abnormal immune reactions in the brain's cerebrospinal fluid seven years before expected dementia onset. TREM2 levels can track immune activity and predict disease progression.
Dr. Ami Radunskaya, a professor at Pomona College, received the 2016 AAAS Mentor Award for launching initiatives that increased female Ph.D. degrees in mathematics. She has mentored 82 students, including many women and underrepresented minorities, to earn doctorates.
Dopamine neurons use a mathematical approach to predict errors, responding similarly across individual neurons. This uniformity simplifies information coding, allowing prediction errors to be broadcasted robustly throughout the brain.
James H. Garrett Jr., dean of the College of Engineering, was elected for contributions to computing and civil engineering. Vijayakumar Bhagavatula, a professor in Electrical and Computer Engineering, was elected for research contributions to pattern recognition. This marks the 143rd year of AAAS Fellows selection.
A new study found that small calcium deposits in fetal membranes may cause preterm births, which could be prevented through dietary changes. Researchers identified a link between calciprotein particles and the development of osteoblasts in fetal membrane tissue.
The WSU study reveals a non-invasive testing method, Trophoblast Retrieval and Isolation from the Cervix (TRIC), that offers accuracy similar to invasive tests like amniocentesis. TRIC can be performed five to 10 weeks earlier than current testing modalities and has the potential to identify pregnancies at risk for complications.
CVT-301, an inhaled form of levodopa, is being studied for its potential to restore motor function in people with Parkinson's disease experiencing OFF periods. The Phase 3 clinical program aims to confirm the efficacy and safety profile of CVT-301.
Researchers at TSRI and STSI used 'molecular autopsies' to detect gene mutations responsible for sudden deaths. In 40% of cases, molecular autopsies revealed a likely or plausible cause of death, often variants of genes inherited from relatives.
A study published in JAMA found that postmortem genetic testing can identify the likely genetic cause of death in cases where it was not determined. The analysis sequenced DNA from deceased individuals and their relatives, discovering mutations linked to sudden cardiac death, pulmonary embolism, and other conditions.
Researchers identified compounds that can inhibit Zika virus replication and reduce brain cell death, including emricasan and niclosamide. The compounds were found using NCATS' drug repurposing screening robots and will be studied by the broader research community to combat the Zika public health crisis.
Resolvins and maresins, naturally produced omega-3 fatty acid molecules, regulate subsets of white blood cells that play a central role in inflammation. The findings suggest these molecules may be useful for treating chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.
Researchers created a new approach to scanning brain synapses using PET technology, revealing synaptic loss in patients with epilepsy. The technique may help diagnose and treat various disorders, including Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.
A new study found that alcohol-sleep relationship differed importantly by race and sex. Black men and women report more extreme sleep durations within alcohol categories. Short sleep disparity increased with increasing alcohol consumption between black and white men, while long sleep duration was more common among heavy drinkers in bla...
Pittsburgh researchers uncover a major reason why alpha-synuclein, a key protein in Parkinson's disease, is toxic to neurons. They found two ways to prevent the toxicity: gene therapy and a protein that blocks alpha-synuclein from sticking to mitochondria.
An editorial published by The BMJ argues that money back guarantees are not the answer to improving data reproducibility in research. Instead, it advocates for open science and open data as key solutions. This approach would involve making all protocols, hypotheses, raw data, methods, and analyses publicly available.
A team of scientists at TSRI has created a data-harvesting platform to automatically import and update genetic data from public databases. This allows researchers to focus on their own work instead of manually searching through large datasets.
Researchers found that cyclodextrin reduces atherosclerotic plaques by reprogramming macrophages and dissolving cholesterol crystals. The treatment prevents plaque formation and reduces existing plaques in mice and human carotid arteries, pointing to cholesterol crystals as a target for atherosclerosis treatment.
Stunting affects 160 million children under 5 globally, with South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa most affected. Addressing determinants like maternal health, education, and economic empowerment can help reduce stunting rates. The Aga Khan University is working to monitor nutrition and develop low-cost solutions to address stunting in the...
Dr. Eric S. Lander is awarded the 2015 Philip Hauge Abelson Prize for his contributions to genetics, molecular biology, and mathematics. He has made significant advancements in human genome sequencing and interpretation, which have transformed biological research.
Sir Peter Gluckman has been chosen by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) to receive the 2015 Award for Science Diplomacy. He is recognized for transforming the theory and practice of science advice, bringing together practitioners into a global network.
Professor Bill Brown from Columbia Seminary will present on 'Theological Reasons for Protecting Biodiversity' at the AAAS 2016 Annual Meeting. He argues that the crisis of biodiversity loss is underappreciated by people of religious faith, and institutions must develop theological grounding to value biodiversity.
Mark Miodownik, a researcher and teacher at University College London, has been recognized for his commitment to public engagement in science. He has championed engineering and materials science through various public forums, including lectures, workshops, and online courses.
The 2016 AAAS/Subaru SB&F prizes recognize outstanding science writing and illustration for children and young adults. The winners include Sy Montgomery's 'The Octopus Scientists' and Beth Shapiro's 'How to Clone a Mammoth: The Science of De-Extinction.'
Dr. Saundra Yancy McGuire, a renowned chemist, will receive the AAAS Lifetime Mentor Award for her dedication to promoting diversity in STEM fields and mentoring underrepresented students. She has mentored over 40 African-American doctoral students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
A recent study published in the Journal of Vision shows that individuals can distinguish between focused and distracted crowds, suggesting our gut feelings are reliable. The research reveals the brain has evolved to quickly grasp information from crowds, helping speakers gauge audience engagement.
A new microscopy technique allows for 3-D imaging of single molecules, live cells, and developing embryos with reduced photo toxicity. The breakthrough enables the investigation of broader biological events, expanding the range of microscopes that can be used.
Dr. Christine Grant, NC State University, received the 2015 AAAS Mentor Award for supporting diverse students in chemical engineering. She has mentored hundreds of students, including underrepresented minorities and women, resulting in an increase in their pursuit of Ph.D.'s.
Lucy McFadden, Jose Rodriguez, and Compton Tucker were named AAAS 2015 Fellows for their groundbreaking research in planetary systems, atmospheric chemistry, and Earth sciences. They will receive official recognition at the 2016 AAAS Annual Meeting.
The special issue of Biomarkers in Medicine focuses on advances in biomarker research for regulatory science. Biomarkers are used to predict response to therapies, disease prognosis, and establish baseline risk. The journal aims to facilitate translation of research knowledge into clinical practice.
Researchers at Linköping University have developed a strategy to discover disease progression at its earliest phase by analyzing T-cells. The study found that specific genes can serve as early disease markers, even before symptoms appear.
The 2015 winners of the AAAS Kavli Science Journalism Awards were recognized for their outstanding work in science reporting, including stories on urban violence, climate change, and animal vocal learning. Andrea McDaniels won the Gold Award for her series on the impact of traumatic stress on children's health.
The AAAS will provide training and professional development for up to 18 fellows, focusing on community engagement managers who facilitate collaborative projects. The fellowship aims to create a well-defined career path and resources for individuals in this field.
Researchers at Georgia State University have been awarded a $2.4 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to study the impact of diabetes on cardiovascular health. The team aims to develop new therapies targeting damaged mitochondria to prevent or delay Type 2 diabetes.
The awards provide $50,000 grants to support research projects and leadership development for early-career women chemists. The program aims to address the 'polycarbonate ceiling' in STEM, where women face obstacles advancing their careers.
Scientists at the NIH discovered a link between human endogenous retroviral genes and ALS, suggesting that reactivated viral genes may destroy neurons. Activation of HERV-K genes may be controlled by TDP-43, a gene-regulating protein linked to ALS.
Shigeki Watanabe has developed a novel ultrafast technique called 'flash-and-freeze' to visualize nerve cell activity on a rapid time scale. The technique reveals that vesicle recycling in neurons occurs through two mechanisms, an ultrafast one and a slower clathrin-dependent process.