Articles tagged with Translational Medicine
A new approach to deep brain stimulation using light-sensitive proteins and harmless viruses could provide a minimally invasive treatment option for brain disorders. The technique has shown promise in reducing symptoms of Parkinson's disease by targeting non-neuronal brain cells.
Researchers developed a non-invasive tracking strategy using CRISPR/Cas9 editing to insert the sodium/iodide symporter gene into iPSCs. This allows long-term monitoring of cardiomyocytes after implantation, paving the way for preclinical and clinical development of cardiac cell therapies.
Researchers have identified key biological insights that may help solve the mystery of what drives PAH and why a new therapy in clinical trials may work. The fusion protein is more effective than vasodilators at treating PAH and preventing blood vessel remodeling, restoring a normal balance between cell proliferation and death.
Scientists have discovered previously unreported genetic and cellular changes in the lungs of people with pulmonary fibrosis, a devastating lung-scarring disease. The findings provide remarkable insights into the fundamental mechanisms driving disease pathology in PF and may aid the search for new ways to treat or prevent the condition.
Researchers identified important molecules to study and manipulate specific glial cells integral to synapses. This discovery provides a highly specific glial 'bar code', identifying vital cell subtype and enabling targeted therapy development for neuromuscular diseases such as ALS and SMA.
New research highlights potential cardiovascular risk of novel anti-osteoporotic medicine romosozumab. The study found a link between genetic markers and increased cardiovascular risk, supporting previous trial findings.
A study published in the journal Aging, Neuropsychology, and Cognition found that children who attend school for longer periods have better memory abilities in old age, particularly for women. More years of early-life education counteract age-related memory losses, suggesting a protective effect against Alzheimer's disease.
Global health scholars warn of impending crisis in Africa due to slow access to COVID-19 supplies, echoing the experience during the early stages of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Several African countries have prepared disease response capacities, but geopolitical power struggles hinder supply acquisition.
Scientists at Temple University Health System are exploring the molecular mechanisms of heart injury and repair. They aim to identify new paths to developing innovative heart therapies. The study focuses on understanding the role of molecules known as G protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRKs) in heart function and disease.
Warren J. Leonard is recognized for pioneering work in X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency and cloning the IL-2 receptor alpha chain. His findings led to a deeper understanding of cytokine signaling and immune dysregulation.
Matthew Disney's work has led to a new understanding of druggable targets and reinvigorated research on incurable diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and ALS. His RNA-modifying tools show great applicability to cancers and rare genetic disorders.
A new study shows a common eye condition, glaucoma, can be successfully treated with gene therapy using a single injection, providing additional treatment options and benefits. Glaucoma affects over 64 million people worldwide and is a leading cause of irreversible blindness.
Researchers have developed a way to protect thin, flexible neural interfaces from the biological processes of the human body. The new technology uses thermally grown silicon dioxide to create a biocompatible barrier that lasts for more than six years.
The article provides a COVID-19 surge preparedness checklist for emergency departments, created using a translational science approach. The checklist aims to reconfigure Emergency Departments to meet the surge of patients and improve resilience of healthcare systems.
A new two-step technique repairs herniated discs by re-inflating the disc with hyaluronic acid gel and sealing the hole with collagen gel. This method maintains mechanical function and prevents collapse or deterioration, offering a promising alternative to existing treatments.
Researchers have discovered a molecular pathway that, when silenced, restores immune cells' normal function in people with fatty liver disease. Silencing a microRNA molecule called miR144 increases the endogenous antioxidant response, suggesting a promising therapeutic strategy for treating non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.
A team of researchers has identified a long noncoding RNA molecule that may control aging in blood vessel walls. The discovery could lead to new treatments for cardiovascular disease states and may provide insights into why heart disease risk increases with age.
Antonia Groneberg, a neuroscientist, has won Science's annual 'Dance Your Ph.D.' prize with her dance video on zebrafish brain development. Her thesis explored how group dynamics affected individual animal behavior and brain development in zebrafish larvae.
Advanced Devices & Instrumentation, the fifth journal in AAAS's Science Partner Journal program, publishes high-impact breakthroughs in electronics, photonics, and artificial intelligence. The journal aims to provide a platform for valuable research outcomes in fields like sensor technology, internet-of-things and energy management.
The selected scientists and engineers will participate in a week of intensive public engagement and science communication training, networking, and plan development. The fellows will return to their institutions with resources and connections to develop, implement, and evaluate their public engagement activities.
A new study found that immune system composition changes significantly during early childhood, with anaemia potentially reducing vaccine responses in low-income countries. The research, published in Science Translational Medicine, analyzed blood samples from children in Mozambique and Tanzania.
Exequiel Ezcurra, a professor of ecology, has been recognized for his leadership in bringing together research, education, outreach, and policy to protect the environment. He has made significant contributions to conservation science, ecosystem management, and policy outcomes.
Xu is being honored for her efforts to recruit women, underrepresented minorities, and first-generation college students to the fields of chemistry, biochemistry, and biomedical sciences and engineering. She has led a laboratory pursuing research at the interface of chemistry, biology, engineering, and medicine.
John Drazan, a biomechanics researcher, received the AAAS Early Career Award for Public Engagement. He was recognized for his work combining research and public engagement to make science relevant to young people through sports.
A team of researchers developed a promising tool to combat malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases. Their genetically engineered fungus toxin killed 75% of insecticide-resistant mosquitoes, causing an established population to collapse within 45 days.
Mirkin is being honored for multiple contributions to the fields of chemistry and nanoscience, including the discovery and development of spherical nucleic acids (SNAs) with unique chemical and physical properties. He has also invented and developed scanning probe-based tools and techniques that allow researchers to pattern nanostructu...
A new study found that a Zika vaccine developed by NIH improved fetal outcomes in pregnant monkeys and rhesus macaques infected with congenital Zika virus. The vaccine reduced virus levels and prevented fetal infection, suggesting sterilizing immunity may not be required for protection.
The 2020 EurekAlert! Fellowships for International Science Reporters will support five early-career science journalists from Latin America, China, and other emerging regions attending the 2020 AAAS Annual Meeting. The program aims to highlight regional scientific contributions and promote quality science journalism.
Researchers at NTU Singapore found that gut microbes can alter the ageing process by increasing neurogenesis and regulating energy metabolism. The discovery highlights a potential food-based treatment to slow down ageing, using butyrate produced by microbial fermentation of dietary fibres.
A study published in Science Translational Medicine founds that blocking the molecule ALCAM can delay the progression of multiple sclerosis. The disease causes symptoms such as fatigue, lack of coordination and vision problems in people like 20,000 Canadians with the disease.
A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that irregular fluctuations in daily motor activity can predict increased risk of frailty, disability, and mortality in older adults. The researchers analyzed data from 1,275 participants and found that random activity fluctuations were associated with a 31% increase in frailty risk, 15-25%...
The UCI Institute for Clinical & Translational Science will use the grant to initiate and extend efforts to translate biomedical research into new treatments, with a focus on diverse communities. The institute aims to partner with community partners to identify and resolve health needs in Orange County.
Researchers discovered that higher levels of TREM2 protein in cerebrospinal fluid are associated with improved prognosis and reduced cognitive decline in Alzheimer's patients. The study suggests that TREM2 may play a key role in regulating the brain's protective immune response, offering new therapeutic strategies.
A recent study by Penn Medicine researchers found that automated text message conversations increased the rate of colonoscopies from 62 to 90 percent. The study used text reminders, instructions, and two-way messaging to engage patients before their appointments.
By creating a microdevice that mimics the behavior of human airways, researchers have discovered how muscle contraction in the airway causes breathing difficulties in people with asthma. This breakthrough could lead to new treatment strategies for respiratory diseases.
A team of scientists has identified two genes, MS4A4A and TREM2, that influence the risk for both late-onset and early-onset Alzheimer's disease. Variants in these genes affect the brain's immune cells, which may hold a new strategy to delay or protect against the disease.
Geneticist Hal Dietz receives ASHG Mentorship Award for his sustained pattern of exemplary mentorship. Dr. Dietz has mentored over 50 successful mentees, many of whom have received prestigious awards and independent funding.
A weakened form of a CMV-based vaccine has been shown to provide similar protection against SIV in 59% of vaccinated rhesus macaques, with long-lasting immunity observed. The vaccine's attenuated version is key for human testing due to safety concerns.
The University of Montana has received a $3.3 million contract from the National Institutes of Health to develop an opioid addiction vaccine. The vaccine targets fentanyl and prevents it from crossing the blood-brain barrier, offering a promising safe and cost-effective strategy to treat opioid use disorders.
A low-cost, portable optical coherence tomography (OCT) scanner has been developed by Duke University, promising to bring vision-saving technology to underserved regions. The device produced images of 120 retinas that were 95% as sharp as those taken by commercial systems, allowing for accurate clinical diagnosis.
The Northeast Big Data Innovation Hub has been awarded a $4 million grant from the NSF to build cross-sector partnerships, spur economic development, and accelerate big data innovation. The hub will focus on mission-driven projects that coordinate and stimulate translational data science.
Researchers have identified novel antigens on infected red blood cells that trigger natural human antibody responses, reducing malaria transmission. The discovery provides a promising alternative route for preventing disease spread and offers new leads for developing effective vaccines.
Recent advances in preclinical research are being translated into innovative clinical solutions for blindness, including gene replacement and neuroprotective strategies. Gene editing strategies could potentially reverse vision loss, while early intervention during retinal degeneration is particularly promising.
Researchers found that remdesivir completely protected four African green monkeys from a lethal dose of Nipah virus. The study, published in Science Translational Medicine, provides promising results for the treatment of Nipah virus infection.
Research by Medical University of South Carolina investigators reveals genetic variations in fetal heart valve cells can cause mitral valve prolapse later in life. The study found that defects in primary cilia contribute to the disease, which can be present early but remains benign until decades later.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center developed a cross-circulation technique to rehabilitate damaged lungs, extending the assessment time from six hours to 36 hours. The regenerated lungs meet transplantation criteria, potentially increasing organ availability.
Laxman Gangwani's research project aims to explore the protective effects of senataxin on spinal muscular atrophy motor neurons. The goal is to identify potential therapeutic targets in humans if the research shows a positive role for senataxin in a mouse model of SMA.
The team tested two devices, one that can change conformation in the esophagus to exit after drug delivery and another that can reside in the stomach until intentionally triggered. The devices were inspired by design principles of transformable materials and showed promise for fast and robust response.
Researchers found that vaccinated mothers can protect their newborns from neonatal herpes, a disease that can cause brain damage and death. The study also identified two scenarios that are particularly dangerous for newborns: acquiring genital herpes late in pregnancy or exposure to the virus through non-protected contact.
Researchers found structural and molecular differences in skin near eczema lesions of children with both conditions, suggesting an elevated risk for developing food allergies. These differences may help identify children at elevated risk and inform early intervention strategies.
The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) has recognized Boston University, University of California, Davis, and University of Massachusetts Lowell for their efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in STEM fields. The institutions have made significant changes to address barriers to equity and inclusion.
The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) has selected 10 human augmentation researchers as its 2019-2020 Leshner Public Engagement Fellows. The fellows will receive intensive public engagement and science communication training, networking opportunities, and resources to develop their public engagement activities.
Elisabeth Gwinn, a professor at the University of California, Santa Barbara, has been awarded the 2019 AAAS Lifetime Mentor Award for her significant impact on promoting diversity and inclusion in physics. Her mentorship has led to a disproportionate number of women and underrepresented minority students pursuing Ph.D.s in physics.
Erika Camacho, an associate professor at Arizona State University, received the 2019 AAAS Mentor Award for guiding hundreds of underrepresented Ph.D. students to completion. Her research focuses on mathematical modeling for biology and sociology, and she has also mentored over 600 undergraduates.
Monica Ramirez-Andreotta has received the AAAS Early Career Award for Public Engagement with Science for her innovative approaches to involve communities in scientific research. Her work on projects like Gardenroots and Project Harvest aims to address environmental health issues, particularly among underserved populations.
Joanna Verran, a former microbiology professor, received the 2019 Mani L. Bhaumik Award for her innovative approaches to science communication, leveraging popular culture to engage diverse audiences.
Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in quantum entanglement, enabling secure communication over long distances. A new technique allows particles to degrade rapidly, overcoming previous limitations and paving the way for a future internet.
Dr. Cato T. Laurencin is being honored for his groundbreaking contributions to biomedical engineering, including the development of biocomposite interference screws and soft tissue implants that have transformed orthopedic therapies. He has also played a key role in shaping US technology policy and mentoring minority scientists.
The Synchrotron-light for Experimental Science and Applications in the Middle East laboratory, SESAME, has been recognized for its unprecedented scientific cooperation between political adversaries. The award honors the efforts of five scientists who made central contributions to its founding and development.
The AAAS/Subaru SB&F Prizes for Excellence in Science Books recognize outstanding science writing and illustration for children. The winners include Elizabeth Suneby, Elizabeth Rusch, Roma Agrawal, and Mary Kay Carson for their books on sustainable science, asteroid research, building design, and hands-on science.