Articles tagged with Translational Medicine
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers at the NIH have successfully tested an experimental MERS vaccine in monkeys and camels, demonstrating broad protection against different strains of the virus. The vaccine uses a synthetic DNA sequence that combines elements of SARS and MERS-CoV proteins, inducing protective immunity in non-human primates.
A new technique has been developed to objectively quantify ciliary movement, allowing for faster and more accurate diagnosis of cilia-related disorders. The method, which uses computational methods, correctly identified over 90% of cases with primary ciliary dyskinesia.
New research published in Science Translational Medicine found that smaller doses of resveratrol are more effective in preventing bowel cancer in mice than high doses. The study showed a 50% reduction in tumour size with lower doses compared to a 25% reduction with higher doses.
A new study reveals that climate change is compressing the geographic ranges of North American and European bumblebees, leading to significant population declines. The research highlights the importance of conserving these vital crop pollinators globally to prevent their extinction.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have discovered a new link between male infertility and autoimmune prostatic inflammation. The study found that the immune system reacts to a protein called transglutaminase 4 in men with autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 1, leading to reduced fertility.
The nation's research funding squeeze jeopardizes patient care, eroding time to conduct research and discouraging innovative science. Deans of leading academic medical centers call for predictable and sustainable funding indexed to inflation to support research and teaching.
The AHRQ-funded Healthy Hearts Northwest project aims to improve heart health among patients in primary care practices in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. The initiative provides resources, support, and quality improvement strategies to help small- and mid-sized practices build their capacity for delivering high-quality cardiovascular care.
Leading medical schools warn of a hostile work environment due to uncertain federal funding, threatening research initiatives and clinical advances. The deans call for predictable funding streams and increased financial stability to support biomedical research and innovation.
A study published in Science Translational Medicine uses a computer simulation to replicate known individual outcomes and predict population results for traumatic injury. The model accurately predicted hospital length of stay and multi-organ dysfunction, but found limitations in extrapolating from single mechanisms to outcomes.
The AAAS Kavli Science Journalism Awards program is expanding globally, now accepting entries from reporters worldwide. The expanded program will bestow 16 prizes annually, including a new $3,500 Silver prize, with top awards increasing in value.
A new study found that adding two minutes of walking each hour can help offset the health risks associated with prolonged sitting. The research suggests that even light activities like casual walking or gardening can provide significant health benefits and potentially increase life expectancy.
Researchers report promising results from using custom-designed airway splints to treat severe tracheobronchomalacia in three babies. The bioresorable splints successfully restored breathing and saved the lives of Kaiba, Garrett, and Ian, who were previously at risk of dying due to the condition.
David Baltimore is being recognized for his groundbreaking discoveries in immunology, virology, and cancer research. He will present a lecture on microRNAs, leukemia, and hematopoietic stem cells homeostasis at the AACR Annual Meeting 2015.
A National Institutes of Health study found that an over-the-counter allergy medication, chlorcyclizine HCl (CCZ), limits hepatitis C virus activity in infected mice. The results suggest CCZ could be used to treat the virus in people, potentially providing an affordable alternative to costly options.
A study published in Science Translational Medicine found that Wolbachia can block dengue virus infection in mosquitoes, leading to a significant reduction in transmission. The discovery has the potential to improve strategies for controlling dengue outbreaks, particularly in regions with low or moderate intensity of transmission.
A study of rats exposed to lead found detrimental effects on brain cells and neurotransmitters associated with schizophrenia, including a decline in Parvalbumin-Positive GABAergic interneurons and increased levels of the dopamine receptor D2R. The findings support a link between early lead exposure and the onset of schizophrenia.
A new study reveals that faculty careers are largely determined by their alma mater, with only a small percentage of professors receiving training outside elite institutions. The research found a systematic bias against women with elite doctorates, who face significant career advancement barriers.
A recent study suggests that both regions will experience severe droughts in the future, worse than any in the last millennium. The projections are based on computer model simulations and comparison with past climate reconstructions, indicating a future with extremely parched Southwest and Central Plains.
Research reveals that sleep plays a crucial role in removing toxic waste from the brain by increasing fluid flow and clearance of neurotoxic waste products. The glymphatic system, responsible for this process, is most active during sleep, suggesting the necessity of sleep for maintaining a healthy brain environment.
Four groundbreaking science books that present scientific information in innovative ways to young audiences have earned the 2015 AAAS/Subaru SB&F Prize. The winning books include 'Tiny Creatures: The World of Microbes' and 'Mission: Mars', which invite readers to explore their own world or prepare themselves to explore other worlds.
A new study has identified genetic mutations in the titin gene that cause dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a leading cause of inherited heart failure. The study provides information that will help screen high-risk patients and develop therapies to prevent or treat heart disease caused by titin mutations.
A new report from the Lasker/IRRF Initiative for Innovation in Vision Science explores approaches to restoring sight to those with retinal degeneration. The initiative aims to identify promising methods and accelerate discovery of treatments.
The Rosetta spacecraft's successful landing on the comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko marked a major breakthrough in comet analysis. The mission has provided valuable insights into the formation and evolution of comets, potentially shedding light on the delivery of water and organic molecules to early Earth.
Researchers at Scripps Translational Science Institute are using DNA to investigate sudden deaths in San Diego County, aiming to identify genetic mechanisms and develop preventative screening programs. The study hopes to provide closure for families and potentially save lives.