Articles tagged with Translational Medicine
A young scientist's groundbreaking work reveals that microbial communities' metabolic processes are influenced by environmental constraints rather than species interactions. The study uses high-throughput sequencing technology to analyze the DNA of entire microbial communities, providing insights into bioremediation and ocean chemistry.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have created lab-grown blood vessel replacements that are non-living yet can be repopulated with cells by the recipient's own cells. The grafts performed well in a recent study with adult baboons, showing healthy cell growth and resistance to infection.
The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) has launched SciLine, a new service connecting reporters with credible scientists to provide evidence-based information on news-worthy topics. This initiative aims to advance quality reporting on science and technology issues, building trust between news outlets and audiences.
Flavio Donato's research uncovered how neurons in the brain work together to form a highly functional organ. His novel strategy allowed him to label populations of neurons born at specific time points, enabling closer tracking of development among a crowd of neurons.
The Science/Science Careers' 2017 Top Employers Survey ranked Regeneron the top biopharmaceutical employer, followed by Biogen and Pfizer. The survey received over 6,950 responses from employees in biotechnology, biopharmaceutical, and pharmaceutical companies worldwide.
A newly engineered material, MeTro sealant, has been developed to seal lung tissue without sutures, showing complete sealing and evidence of promoting wound healing in laboratory tests. The sealant is derived from human protein and has improved biocompatibility compared to existing synthetic sealants.
Researchers at Yale University found that individualized diets based on food sensitivity testing significantly improved symptoms in patients with irritable bowel syndrome compared to a placebo. The study suggests that tailored dietary approaches may be a viable alternative to traditional treatments.
Researchers at the University of Bonn have developed a new compound extracted from coralberry leaves that effectively relieves bronchial spasms and may be more effective than common asthma medication salbutamol. The study was conducted in mice, but further human trials are needed before its application.
Scientists at Temple University Health System uncover the mechanism underlying energy loss from heart dysfunction in sepsis, proposing NOX2 inhibition as a potential treatment. The research builds on earlier findings and aims to provide extra time for anti-inflammatory treatments to work.
Researchers found that a tick saliva molecule blocks inflammation and abnormal blood clotting in HIV-infected cells, reducing cardiovascular risks. The discovery could lead to new treatments targeting the TF pathway.
A study by NIH and other institutions has extended noninvasive prenatal screening to all 24 human chromosomes, detecting rare genetic disorders that may explain miscarriage and pregnancy abnormalities. The research identified risk for serious complications in pregnancies with high levels of abnormal cells in the placenta.
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.