Articles tagged with Translational Medicine
A human antibody given to monkeys infected with Hendra virus completely protected them from disease. The study results are cause for hope that the antibody may be developed into a possible treatment for people who become infected with these viruses.
A research team led by Professor Christian Weber has discovered a peptide that promotes the healing of damaged blood vessels and prevents restenosis in stent implantations. The peptide, cathelicidin, was found to improve endothelial cell recovery and prevent the formation of neointima.
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.
Researchers developed a liquid composite material that can restore damaged soft tissue relatively safely and durably. The material, composed of biological and synthetic molecules, was tested in rats and humans, showing promise in facial reconstruction, particularly for soldiers' blast injuries.
Researchers at King's College London have discovered a molecule called CXCL5 that controls sensitivity to UVB irradiation-induced pain, providing a potential new target for medicines. The findings also suggest the possibility of developing new analgesics for conditions like arthritis and cystitis.
The AAAS Pacific Division will convene a joint session with the World Congress on Mummy Studies in San Diego, exploring DNA analysis and facial images from mummies. The meeting will feature 16 sessions on topics including fragile X syndrome, music and science, and ancient mummification methods.
The study suggests that an enhanced sense of smell was a key driver of brain evolution in mammals. Early Jurassic Period fossils reveal three stages of brain development, from improved olfaction to increased tactile sensitivity and neuromuscular coordination. These findings provide new insights into the evolution of mammalian brains.
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.
Adaptive clinical trial designs may accelerate HIV vaccine development by rapidly screening out poor candidates and evaluating promising ones. These designs can provide key information on the immunological basis for HIV prevention, helping to advance vaccines through clinical trials more quickly.
Researchers have discovered thousands of human artifacts in Texas that predates Clovis culture by 2,500 years, expanding evidence for earlier cultures in North America. The pre-Clovis toolkit includes biface and blade technology, which may have later been adapted by the Clovis culture.
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.
Scientists discovered an 11,500-year-old Paleoindian house in central Alaska with a cremated child skeleton. The findings provide a unique glimpse into the domestic life of the region's early people, including women and children. The child was around three years old and died before being cremated in a pit within the house.
Researchers discovered that Alaskan black bears only reduce their body temperatures slightly during hibernation, yet experience a dramatic decline in metabolic activity, slowing to 25% of normal rates. The bears' metabolism remained suppressed for several weeks after emerging from hibernation.
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.
Dr. J. John Cohen is recognized for his work in demystifying science for non-scientists through public programs like Mini Med School, which has inspired similar programs globally. His research on apoptosis and teaching awards have further solidified his commitment to making science accessible.
This year's AAAS/Subaru Science Books & Film competition recognizes four authors, an illustrator, and a photographer for their scientifically sound works promoting science literacy. Winners explore topics like climate change, honey bee colonies, and biomedicine.
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 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...
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.
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.
The Neandertal genome draft sequence reveals significant genetic variants shared with present-day humans from Eurasia, indicating gene flow before population divergence. This finding supports the theory of interbreeding between Neandertals and early modern humans in Eurasia.
A new foot bone from Hadar, Ethiopia, reveals Australopithecus afarensis had stiff, arched feet similar to modern humans. This finding supports the hypothesis that A. afarensis was primarily an upright walker, with its well-formed arch allowing for efficient walking and running on two feet.
A new study has found that modern humans may have reached the Arabian Peninsula as far back as 125,000 years ago. This discovery challenges current estimates of human migration out of Africa and sheds light on the technological innovations that allowed early humans to thrive in the region.
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.
The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) has announced the 2011 fellowship recipients for international science journalists. The fellowships aim to promote international scientific dialogue and advance science news globally. This year's winners are from Chile, Egypt, Argentina, and China.
A mechanical device that operates in the quantum realm has been developed by researchers from the University of California at Santa Barbara. This innovation extends quantum mechanics into a whole new realm and opens up possibilities for controlling light, electrical currents, and motion.
Researchers found that silencing the TLR4 gene can prevent hyperglycemic cardiac apoptosis in diabetic mice, highlighting the potential clinical use of siRNA-based therapy. The study demonstrated that TLR4 plays a critical role in cardiac apoptosis and that its silencing can suppress apoptotic cascades.
A new study finds that a brief writing exercise can improve female students' academic performance and reduce the gender gap in college science. The exercise appears to narrow the gap by alleviating anxiety related to negative stereotypes about women in science.
Christopher Gregg's groundbreaking research reveals how parental genetic cues influence brain development and disease, providing a roadmap for future research. His findings have major relevance for understanding brain evolution, function, and disease.
A study published in Science reports that one-fifth of vertebrate species are threatened, with declines accelerating over the past few decades. Conservation measures have mitigated this trend, with certain approaches proving more effective than others, such as controlling invasive species.
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.
Researchers found that brain cells in Parkinson's patients abandon their energy-producing machinery, the mitochondria. Boosting the mitochondria with FDA-approved drugs may prevent or delay the onset of Parkinson's disease.
The new book discusses research on the impact of alcohol on the growing body and offers practical tips for parents to talk to their children about drinking. Studies show that delaying the first drink can make a big difference in reducing later-life problems.
A study published in Science has found that the anterior prefrontal cortex and white matter structure are associated with introspective ability. Researchers used MRI scans to analyze participants' brains and identified a correlation between gray matter volume and self-awareness, which could lead to better treatments for mental illness.
A new area of study called the 'science of team science' (SciTS) aims to resolve problems facing interdisciplinary research teams. The study focuses on what works and what doesn't when teams of scientists work together to achieve a common goal.
A centuries-old traditional Chinese medicine, PHY906, may reduce intestinal side effects of chemotherapy by stimulating gut cell division and reducing inflammation in cancer patients. Researchers found that PHY906 triggers Wnt signaling, which drives the replacement of damaged intestinal stem cells with healthy ones.
Researchers developed a titanium coating with protein 'flower bouquet' nanoclusters that strengthened implant attachment by 50% compared to standard coatings. The clusters improved bone growth around the implant, enhancing cell adhesion signals and promoting better integration of biomaterial implants into bone.
Researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch have developed new techniques to identify specific asthma subtypes using protein patterns in airway lining fluid. This allows for targeted medication and potentially improved treatment outcomes. The study aims to reduce trial and error in asthma diagnosis and treatment.
A bioengineered implantable glucose sensor successfully monitored tissue glucose levels in animals for over a year, demonstrating its potential as an alternative to traditional glucose monitoring methods. The device could help people with diabetes adjust their insulin doses and reduce the risk of hypoglycemia.
Researchers found that administering antibiotics to mice infected with malaria prevents the disease and induces long-term immunity. The treatment targets the apicoplast, a bacterial organ necessary for parasite reproduction, allowing the immune system to develop robust protection.
Experts propose a bold vision of hope by translating advances in worm, mouse, and rat research into therapies for humans. The new science of aging can form the basis for a new kind of medicine that focuses on underlying changes driving age-related diseases.
A panel of experts recommends translating laboratory findings into medicines that can benefit the aging population, with a focus on regenerative therapies and lifestyle improvements.
The Wellcome-Wolfson partnership is funding £30 million of large-scale university infrastructure projects in the UK. This initiative aims to facilitate internationally competitive biomedical research, enabling scientists to make groundbreaking discoveries and turn them into clinical applications.
Researchers have developed a long and accurate chronology of ancient Egyptian dynasties using radiocarbon analysis, narrowing down historical scenarios and imposing some revisions. The study constrains previous predictions, especially for the Old Kingdom, with more accurate comparisons to surrounding areas.
Researchers found that children born to HIV-positive mothers with specific TLR9 gene variants are at a higher risk of acquiring the virus. The study confirms the relevance of innate immunity in perinatal HIV-1 infection and may lead to new therapeutic strategies.
Researchers found that colon polyp detection rates remained consistent throughout the day at Mayo Clinic, contradicting previous findings. Shorter daily shifts did not result in decreased polyp detection rates, unlike traditional half-day shifts.
A newly discovered hominid species, Australopithecus sediba, has revealed a bone structure similar to the earliest Homo species but employed it more like Australopithecus. The fossils, dated between 1.95 and 1.78 million years old, provide a wealth of information about human origins.
Researchers developed a new approach to track cancer by identifying personalized biomarkers from tumor DNA, using next-generation sequencing technology. The findings show that this method can provide accurate and specific monitoring of tumors, allowing for better assessment of treatment effectiveness.
The 2009 International Science & Engineering Visualization Challenge honored artists who use visual media to promote scientific research, highlighting complex concepts like sustainability, branching morphogenesis, and human mobility. The challenge encouraged effective communication and creativity in presenting scientific findings.
May R. Berenbaum, a renowned entomologist, has been awarded the AAAS Public Understanding of Science and Technology Award for her extraordinary ability to integrate scientific discovery with public outreach. Her work has had a significant impact on fields such as chemical ecology, agriculture, and environmental conservation.
The AAAS/Subaru Science Books & Film (SB&F) competition recognizes authors who convey the excitement of science, fostering scientific literacy in readers of all ages. The 2009 winners included books on photosynthesis, microbes, and a real-life amphibian scientist.
Three young scientists will receive financial support to attend the AAAS Annual Meeting to present their research on topics including a science teaching strategy, HIV medication synthesis, and DNA integrity analysis. The award aims to help them attain careers in their chosen fields.
Diola Bagayoko, a Southern University professor, received the 2009 AAAS Lifetime Mentor Award for increasing African-American Ph.D. degrees in physics and chemistry. He has mentored 21 undergraduate students to receive Ph.D.s in these fields through his Timbuktu Academy.
Katepalli R. Sreenivasan, immediate past director of the International Centre for Theoretical Physics, has been recognized by AAAS for his role in promoting cutting-edge science globally. He was awarded the 2009 AAAS International Scientific Cooperation Award for mentoring students and young scholars from developing countries.
Francis S. Collins, M.D., has been selected to receive the 2009 AAAS Philip Hauge Abelson Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to science. He is recognized for his exceptional skills as a scientist, communicator, and leader, as well as his pioneering work on the Human Genome Project.
Dr. Nancy Olivieri, a professor at the University of Toronto, was honored with the 2009 AAAS Scientific Freedom and Responsibility Award for her courage in defending patient safety and research integrity. She faced severe consequences after reporting potential life-threatening side effects of a medication during a clinical trial.
Luis Colón, a University at Buffalo chemistry professor, received the 2009 AAAS Mentor Award for his efforts to recruit and mentor Hispanic-American students in chemistry. His initiatives led to an increase in Ph.D. degrees awarded to Hispanic-Americans in chemistry.
The 2009 AAAS Newcomb Cleveland Prize was awarded to Christian Marois and colleagues for their direct imaging of multiple planets orbiting HR 8799, a distant star. The discovery, made using the Keck and Gemini North telescopes, reveals a system resembling our solar system's outer portion.
The AAAS Fellowships for Science Reporters from North Africa provide recipients with a front-row seat at the unveiling of new research and opportunities to mingle with fellow science writers. The fellowship program supports excellence in communicating science worldwide, fulfilling AAAS and EurekAlert! mission goals.
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego, have discovered that HIV RNA in seminal plasma is transmitted during sex, not HIV DNA. This finding has significant implications for developing prevention strategies, including vaccines and microbicides to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted HIV.