Articles tagged with Translational Medicine
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
SYNB1020, Synlogic's Synthetic Biotic medicine, demonstrates safety and proof of mechanism in healthy volunteers, clearing ammonia from the blood. The therapy is being evaluated in patients with cirrhosis and elevated blood ammonia, offering a potential new treatment for hyperammonemia.
Regenstrief Institute researcher Malaz Boustani advocates for Medicare payment for team-based care, which improves patient outcomes and reduces costs. Collaborative care models, including the Aging Brain Care model, have shown effective results in managing dementia and related dementias.
The EurekAlert Fellowships provide opportunities for early-career science journalists from developing countries to attend the AAAS Annual Meeting and improve their skills. The program celebrates its 15th anniversary with five new winners, including those from China, India, Slovenia, and Egypt.
Scientists have discovered that specific molecules produced by intestinal bacteria are altered during three instances associated with human obesity. The study also found that the gut microbiome undergoes fluctuations in a 24-hour rhythm and influences circadian biology, predisposing individuals to obesity and glucose intolerance.
A multidisciplinary team at Penn successfully demonstrated the feasibility of 'engineered living tissue' disc replacement in a large animal model. The study showed that bioengineered spinal discs can restore native disc structure, biology, and mechanical function, offering new hope for treating spinal pain.
Researchers from Harvard Medical School and the Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology are developing a novel gene therapy to treat Usher syndrome type IF. They will use three different strategies to overcome the challenge of delivering the unusually large Usher 1F protein into target cells.
A new study published in Child Development found that a short-term family-centered prevention program can have enduring effects on brain network connections into young adulthood. The program improved self-regulation skills and parental emotional support, leading to fewer disruptive behavioral problems.
A study published in Science Translational Medicine found that removing the appendix early in life can lower the risk of developing Parkinson's disease. The appendix acts as a reservoir for disease-associated proteins, and appendectomy delays disease progression by an average of 3.6 years.
New findings suggest that the immune system's response to a protein called GDP-L-fucose synthase, found in both human cells and bacteria, may play a key role in multiple sclerosis. The protein is believed to activate T cells in the intestine, leading to an inflammatory cascade that damages the protective coating around nerve cells.
A recent study by Johannes Kohl highlights the function of a small population of neurons in the medial preoptic area that control parenting behavior in mice. The research found that individual pools of these neurons were activated during discrete parenting events, suggesting they control specific components of parenting.
Researchers identified PIEZO2 as a gene controlling tactile allodynia, a form of pain caused by gentle touch after injury. The study found that PIEZO2 plays an essential role in the nervous system's reaction to injury and inflammation, making it a target for developing precise treatments for relieving painful skin injuries.
A new study found that longer daily fasting times improved health and longevity in male mice, with benefits seen across different diets and calorie consumption levels. The researchers also discovered that extended fasting periods enabled repair and maintenance mechanisms, which may help prevent age-related metabolic disorders.
A new smartphone-based research platform has been developed to recruit a large and diverse population of pregnant women for a study. The platform, built using Apple's ResearchKit technology, was embedded into the popular WebMD Pregnancy app and connected researchers with over 1.6 million potential participants.
Researchers found that the CSB protein, previously thought to be solely responsible for DNA repair, also enhances acetylation of alpha-Tubulin and regulates autophagy. HDAC inhibition restores balance, improving skin symptoms in mouse models. Further studies aim to explore its potential treatment for Cockayne syndrome.
Nir Grossman's temporal interference (TI) approach stimulates deep brain regions without surgery, offering a new treatment option for brain disorders. TI uses multiple electric fields to target specific brain areas, improving spatial resolution and non-invasiveness.
Researchers found that LRRK2 protein activity may contribute to Parkinson's disease development in up to three percent of patients without gene mutations. The study identified LRRK2 as a key player in neurobiological pathways affected by the disease.
A study published in Science Translational Medicine found that acetazolamide increases sensitivity to treatment and enhances survival in mice with glioblastoma. The drug, which is also used to treat altitude sickness, was able to restore the effectiveness of chemotherapy by blocking a protein called BCL-3.
The program aims to collect unprecedented health data from one million participants, enabling scientists to study individual differences in biology and lifestyle. The initiative will provide insights into how factors like genetics, exercise habits, and environment impact human health.
Researchers tracked 27 patients for five years after receiving purified CD34+ cell therapy, showing improved pain management and limb salvage. The study suggests a potential new cell therapy for debilitating disease.
Researchers at Boston University have discovered a common pattern of immune response among monkeys exposed to Ebola virus, occurring four days before the onset of fever. This finding suggests a possible biomarker for early diagnosis and could lead to better quarantine and control of outbreaks.
A new app and hardware for smartphones measures blood pressure with accuracy rivaling arm-cuff devices, according to Michigan State University scientists. The technology uses a fingertip measurement point and includes a discovery of a more convenient measurement location.
Keivan Stassun, a renowned astrophysicist, has been awarded the 2018 AAAS Mentor Award for his dedication to mentoring underrepresented minority students. The award recognizes his innovative mentoring models that have led to the growth of numerous Ph.D. graduates in physics and astronomy.
Linda Sealy has been selected to receive the 2018 Lifetime Mentor Award from the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) for her work in recruiting and mentoring underrepresented minority students. She has mentored over 55 students through completion of their PhDs at Vanderbilt University.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden have identified three molecules that effectively treat over 60 types of cancer cells without harming normal cells. These molecules target the TrxR1 enzyme, which supports cancer cell growth and protects them from oxidative stress.
Climate scientist Michael E. Mann has received the AAAS Public Engagement with Science Award for his extensive media interviews, op-eds, and public outreach on climate change. He has reached millions of people through social media and collaborations like his book with Tom Toles.
Varner is honored by AAAS for her public engagement in science, which empowers participants to join the entire process. She has developed citizen science programs that invite volunteers to track pika populations and study pika stress hormones.
Edwards was recognized by AAAS for applying engineering expertise to expose dangerous levels of lead contamination in water supplies. His team tested over 250 homes, demonstrating corrosive water causing lead contamination, which led to the discovery of high blood levels in children living in Flint.
Lassina Zerbo received the 2018 AAAS Award for Science Diplomacy for his efforts to strengthen nuclear test-ban verification. He has led international diplomacy efforts, negotiated data-sharing agreements, and promoted universalization of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty.
Researchers have developed a new additive that combines polyethylene and polypropylene, making them recyclable together. The multiblock polymer chain anchors the two plastics, allowing for more efficient recycling of plastic waste.
Arthur Bienenstock, a distinguished physicist and academic leader at Stanford University, has been awarded the 2018 Philip Hauge Abelson Prize for his efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in STEM fields. He is being honored for his work in increasing diversity across the university's faculty and student body.
Researchers at WashU Medicine found that temporarily shutting off neuronal signals to a healthy part of the brain may aid stroke recovery. Mice with clipped whiskers showed improved recovery of right forepaw use, while those with intact whiskers had limited improvement.
Researchers develop optimized titanium-mesh scaffolds that promote faster and more effective bone regeneration. The study found that softer implants enhanced healing, with results applicable to various types of bone defects.
Awards go to Mićo Tatalović, Julianna Photopoulos, Xiaoxue Chen, Haonan Liu, and Vijay Shankar Balakrishnan for their work in science journalism. The EurekAlert! Fellowships aim to expand coverage of science globally, addressing language barriers and economic isolations.
The AAAS Annual Meeting will explore various scientific breakthroughs, such as regenerating organs for patient transplants and advances in immunotherapy treatments for cancer. The conference also features free public lectures on the International Space Station and science-informed responses to climate change.
A new international collaboration between neuroscientists from the Middle East and West is being launched to advance basic and translational life science research. The Science Bridge project, led by Mazahir Hasan, aims to foster a partnership between Western and Middle Eastern neuroscience communities.