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New genetic clues to why most bone marrow transplant patients develop graft-versus-host disease

Researchers discovered two specific single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) linked to acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and disease-free survival. A new screening protocol is being developed to better match patients and donors, with the goal of reducing GVHD incidence.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateSep 4, 2012

Online tool to quit smoking

The new web-based smoking cessation program, StopAdvisor, offers expert advice to help smokers prepare for and overcome the challenges of quitting. The platform uses a combination of interactive menus and personalized sessions to support users in their journey to quit smoking.

SourceSpringer·JournalTranslational Behavioral Medicine·DateJun 1, 2012

Will you have a heart attack? New test can possibly predict

A new study published in Science Translational Medicine shows a promising blood test that can predict who is at risk for an imminent heart attack, potentially saving thousands of lives. The test uses circulating endothelial cells, which are abnormally large and misshapen in patients with acute myocardial infarction.

SourceScripps Health·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMar 21, 2012

Implantable microchip delivers medicine to women with osteoporosis

A new study shows that an implantable microchip can deliver medication on command, improving bone formation and reducing the risk of bone fracture in women with osteoporosis. The device, which is roughly the size of a pacemaker, releases medication via a wireless signal and has shown to be effective and safer than traditional injections.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 16, 2012

Limiting protein or certain amino acids before surgery may reduce risk of surgical complications

A new Harvard School of Public Health study found that limiting protein or certain amino acids before surgery can reduce the risk of serious surgical complications. The study used mice and found that restricting these nutrients can increase stress resistance and prevent injuries to the kidneys and liver.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJan 25, 2012

Dangerous arrhythmia analyzed in a heartbeat

Researchers developed a noninvasive technique called Electrocardiographic Imaging (ECGI) to map the source and pattern of ventricular tachycardia (VT) in just one heartbeat. The technology, which combines CT scans with electrocardiograms, can generate movies of VT excitation waves and reveal even more about the nature of the arrhythmia.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateAug 31, 2011

New cell therapy to prevent organ rejection

Researchers at King's College London have developed a new approach using immune cells to prevent organ rejection. The 'specific' Tregs can regulate only the activity of effector cells that would target a transplanted organ, leaving the remaining effector cells to function normally.

SourceKing's College London·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMay 18, 2011

Study of 143,000 children shows reference heart rate and breathing rate ranges differ widely from published guidelines

A new analysis of 69 studies involving 143,000 healthy children has identified new reference ranges for heart rate and respiratory rate that differ significantly from existing guidelines. The study found a decline in respiratory rate from birth to early adolescence, with infants under 2 years showing the steepest fall.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateMar 14, 2011

2010 AAAS Mentor Award goes to Dr. Joseph M. DeSimone of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and North Carolina State University

Dr. Joseph M. DeSimone has mentored at least nine African American students, one Hispanic American student, and 24 women through the completion of their Ph.D. degrees in chemistry. He is being honored with the AAAS Mentor Award for his efforts to advance diversity in doctoral-level chemists entering the workforce.

Dr. Lynford L. Goddard receives the 2010 AAAS Early Career Award for Public Engagement with Science and Technology

Dr. Lynford L. Goddard has been recognized by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) for his outstanding contributions to public engagement in science and technology. He designed the Girls Learning Electrical Engineering (GLEE) summer camp, which aims to make electrical engineering more accessible to high-school...

2010 AAAS Lifetime Mentor Award goes to Dr. Joel D. Oppenheim of New York University School of Medicine

Dr. Joel D. Oppenheim of New York University School of Medicine has been honored with the 2010 AAAS Lifetime Mentor Award for his efforts to increase diversity in the Ph.D. biomedical workforce. He has successfully recruited and supported students from underrepresented backgrounds, transforming institutional demographics.

'False memory' investigator Dr. Elizabeth Loftus receives the 2010 AAAS Scientific Freedom and Responsibility Award

Dr. Loftus's research has had a profound impact on the administration of justice in the US and abroad, highlighting the fragility and malleability of human memories. Her work has led to the dismissal of murder charges based on repressed memories, contributing to her being recognized as a pioneer in the field.

Joshua E. Neimark Memorial Travel Assistance Award winners investigate stem cell transplantation, sustainable growth, women in academia, and conservation science

The AAAS has awarded four researchers with the Joshua E. Neimark Memorial Travel Assistance Award to study stem cell transplantation, sustainable growth, women in academia, and conservation science. The winners will attend the 2011 Annual Meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Data point to role of cellular bioenergetics as a new mechanistic approach to treat immune disorders

Researchers demonstrate the role of cellular bioenergetics in selectively inhibiting pathogenic lymphocytes while preserving normal immune function. Lycera's prototype compound Bz-423 induces selective apoptosis of alloreactive donor T cells, reversing graft-versus-host disease and improving survival in mice.

SourcePure Communications Inc.·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJan 26, 2011

Is team science productive?

Researchers at Penn Medicine measured the collaborative nature of translational medicine using network analysis, finding that ITMAT members' collaborative papers doubled since 2006. They also discovered that researchers were more likely to collaborate within their own departments and institutions rather than across them.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 18, 2010