Articles tagged with Translational Medicine
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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 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.
Liron Bar-Peled's research explores how environmental cues regulate eukaryotic cell growth through the mTORC1 signaling pathway. His work has implications for understanding human diseases such as cancer and primary immune disorders.
Two University of Houston scientists, Dan Graur and Mary Ann Ottinger, were elected as AAAS Fellows for their distinguished contributions to the fields of biology and biochemistry. They join a select group of researchers recognized by their peers as among the best in their fields.
A new study shows that gut microbiota can influence the integrity of the blood-brain barrier, which protects the brain from harmful substances. The findings suggest that alterations to our indigenous microbiota may have far-reaching consequences for the blood-brain barrier function throughout life.
The 2014 AAAS Kavli Science Journalism Awards honored journalists who reported on complex topics like the human microbiome and cancer. Winners included Rob Stein for his series on microbial hitchhikers and George Johnson for his insightful essays on cancer.
Researchers at Scripps Translational Science Institute have identified a new genetic cause of epileptic encephalopathy, a severe and complex form of epilepsy. The KCNB1 gene mutation was found in a 10-year-old girl, offering new treatment options for her condition.
Kokabee was imprisoned for refusing to contribute to weapons research in Iran and awarded the American Physical Society's Andrei Sakharov Prize for his courage. He continues to study from prison, teaching physics classes and promoting education among fellow inmates.
The AAAS has awarded grants to 10 Christian seminaries to integrate science into their core theological courses, impacting individual seminaries and ministries served by graduates. The project will provide faculty with scientist-advisers and resources, including short science-education videos.
Researchers have successfully engineered cartilage tissue using nasal septum cells, showing promising results in repairing articular cartilage defects. The treated patients' knees were replaced with the engineered cartilage grafts, demonstrating the potential of this innovative clinical treatment for cartilage damage.
Despite government promises, satellite analysis shows no significant increase in civic facilities in Sri Lanka's Valikamam High-Security Zone. The area has seen a sharp increase in residential housing-type structures and development.
A study has restored a missing repair protein in skeletal muscle of patients with muscular dystrophy. Proteasome inhibitors enabled mutated dysferlin proteins to regain function and repair damaged muscle membranes.
Researchers at Norwegian University of Science and Technology discovered that eliminating nerve signals sent to cancer stem cells can suppress gastric tumor growth. Botox, commonly used for beauty treatments, was found to be highly effective in treating stomach cancer.
A study by UCSF researchers found that hospital workers exposed to antibacterial soap had significantly higher triclosan levels in their urine compared to those using plain soap and water. Washing with antibacterial soap accounted for even higher triclosan levels than brushing with toothpaste containing triclosan.
Researchers found that fibroblastic reticular cells from lymph nodes improved survival in mouse models of sepsis, even when treatment was delayed by up to 16 hours. FRC administration prevented damage to the spleen and death of immune cells, leading to reduced bacterial levels in the bloodstream.
Researchers developed a way to coax flat sheets of composite materials into complex robots that crawl and turn. The new approach allows for rapid assembly, scalability, and high strength-to-weight ratio, making it ideal for mass production and diverse applications.
Recent advances in genetic research offer new hope for treating coronary artery disease by identifying specific genetic variants and pathways associated with cardiovascular risk. Human genetic data suggest that targeting LDL-C and triglycerides may be effective in reducing major cardiovascular events.
A Harvard-led team uses low-power laser therapy to stimulate human dental stem cells into forming dentin, a hard tissue similar to bone. The approach, led by David Mooney, could radically shift dental treatment and lead to broader clinical applications in regenerative medicine.
The Human Proteome Organization (HUPO) and Elsevier's new open-access journal, Translational Proteomics, have formed a partnership to promote translational proteomics research. The journal aims to link basic sciences to clinical research, with a focus on rapid dissemination of novel discoveries.
The center will investigate mechanisms underlying addiction and discover new treatments, focusing on the serotonin system. It will prioritize individuals with impulsivity traits, which are associated with higher relapse rates.
A team of scientists observed a supernova in 2010 and proposed it was a new type of extra-bright supernova. However, further analysis revealed the presence of a lens that amplified the supernova's light, settling an important controversy. The discovery offers a means to test cosmic expansion using future lensed supernova events.
New gravity data reveals an ocean of liquid water beneath 30-40 km of ice at Enceladus' surface, potentially creating conditions for complex chemical reactions. The sub-surface ocean may extend towards the equator in every direction, similar to Europa's ocean.
Researchers at Trinity College Dublin made a breakthrough in treating AMD by finding that IL-18 suppresses abnormal blood vessel growth behind the retina. Low doses of IL-18 have shown no adverse effects on the retina, offering a promising non-invasive treatment option.
UTSA College of Sciences faculty Andrew Tsin, Garry Cole, and Donald Kurtz were honored as AAAS Fellows for their groundbreaking research contributions. Tsin received the 2013 AAAS Mentor Award for Lifetime Achievement in promoting Hispanic American doctorates.
Researchers designed algorithms that reflect termite behavior, enabling robots to build complex structures without detailed plans. The robots use simple cues from their environment and each other to complete user-defined structures.
A study by Byoung-il Bae and colleagues found that a specific gene mutation affects the development of cortical convolutions in the human brain. The researchers discovered that the mutation impacts the production of neuroprogenitor cells around the Sylvian fissure, leading to thinner and more convoluted folds.
Siegfried Hecker has been honored by AAAS for his work in nuclear security and global threat reduction. His dedication to fostering cooperation through science led to significant international partnerships, improving the control of nuclear materials.