Articles tagged with Translational Medicine
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.
A young scientist's groundbreaking work reveals that microbial communities' metabolic processes are influenced by environmental constraints rather than species interactions. The study uses high-throughput sequencing technology to analyze the DNA of entire microbial communities, providing insights into bioremediation and ocean chemistry.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have created lab-grown blood vessel replacements that are non-living yet can be repopulated with cells by the recipient's own cells. The grafts performed well in a recent study with adult baboons, showing healthy cell growth and resistance to infection.
Flavio Donato's research uncovered how neurons in the brain work together to form a highly functional organ. His novel strategy allowed him to label populations of neurons born at specific time points, enabling closer tracking of development among a crowd of neurons.
The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) has launched SciLine, a new service connecting reporters with credible scientists to provide evidence-based information on news-worthy topics. This initiative aims to advance quality reporting on science and technology issues, building trust between news outlets and audiences.
The Science/Science Careers' 2017 Top Employers Survey ranked Regeneron the top biopharmaceutical employer, followed by Biogen and Pfizer. The survey received over 6,950 responses from employees in biotechnology, biopharmaceutical, and pharmaceutical companies worldwide.
A newly engineered material, MeTro sealant, has been developed to seal lung tissue without sutures, showing complete sealing and evidence of promoting wound healing in laboratory tests. The sealant is derived from human protein and has improved biocompatibility compared to existing synthetic sealants.
Researchers at Yale University found that individualized diets based on food sensitivity testing significantly improved symptoms in patients with irritable bowel syndrome compared to a placebo. The study suggests that tailored dietary approaches may be a viable alternative to traditional treatments.
Researchers at the University of Bonn have developed a new compound extracted from coralberry leaves that effectively relieves bronchial spasms and may be more effective than common asthma medication salbutamol. The study was conducted in mice, but further human trials are needed before its application.
Scientists at Temple University Health System uncover the mechanism underlying energy loss from heart dysfunction in sepsis, proposing NOX2 inhibition as a potential treatment. The research builds on earlier findings and aims to provide extra time for anti-inflammatory treatments to work.
A study by NIH and other institutions has extended noninvasive prenatal screening to all 24 human chromosomes, detecting rare genetic disorders that may explain miscarriage and pregnancy abnormalities. The research identified risk for serious complications in pregnancies with high levels of abnormal cells in the placenta.
Researchers found that a tick saliva molecule blocks inflammation and abnormal blood clotting in HIV-infected cells, reducing cardiovascular risks. The discovery could lead to new treatments targeting the TF pathway.
Researchers have developed a novel method to treat addiction using optogenetically-inspired deep-brain stimulation, which could provide continued benefits and improve on existing treatments. The method targets brain circuits responsible for addiction and shows promise in animal models.
Scientists have discovered how a compound activates an enzyme to reduce cholesterol and other accumulated fats in the brains and livers of Niemann-Pick type C1 patients. The study may lead to new treatments for NPC1 and other neurodegenerative diseases.
Daniel MacArthur receives ASHG's first Early-Career Award for his work on rare disease diagnosis using large-scale genomic technologies. The award recognizes his development of key resources, including Exome Aggregation Consortium and Genome Aggregation Database.
Researchers at Temple University have identified a novel mechanism underlying the efficacy of common heart failure drug beta-blockers. The study reveals that dysfunctional beta-adrenergic receptor 3 and decreased levels of cardioprotective phospholipid sphingosine 1-phosphate contribute to treatment resistance in some patients.
Researchers discovered that the Sestrin1 gene is frequently missing or malfunctioning in follicular lymphoma patients, leading to tumor growth and poor prognosis. The study found that targeting this gene can suppress tumors and improve treatment efficacy, offering hope for new therapies.
Researchers used functional connectivity magnetic resonance imaging (fcMRI) to scan 59 high-risk, 6-month-old infants, finding that brain patterns preceded behavioral symptoms of autism. The technique accurately predicted diagnoses in 82% of cases, with 93% accuracy in smaller groups.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital discovered a link between complement C3 signaling and neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease. In preclinical models, mice with C3 deficiency showed improved cognitive function despite accumulating amyloid plaques, suggesting modulating immune response could combat the disease.
Researchers at Georgia State University are studying the role of an enzyme in causing diabetic vascular diseases and exploring its potential as a new treatment. The study aims to understand the molecular mechanisms behind the disease and identify a strategy to protect against its development.
A new study from Bentley University found that most new drugs approved by the FDA since 2010 arose from basic scientific research initiated in the 1970s or 1980s. The development of targeted and biological therapeutics depends on achieving a certain level of maturation in basic science.
Dr. Chad M. Walesky receives the ASIP Young Scientist Leadership Award for his contributions to liver cancer pathogenesis, including a novel function of HNF4α as a tumor suppressor. His work has been published in top journals such as The American Journal of Physiology and Hepatology.
Research teams identified two cyclic peptides that can shut down an enzyme long thought to be undruggable for fighting disease-causing parasites and bacteria. The finding could lead to the development of new antimicrobial drugs.
Researchers found that loss of tumor-suppressing genes, not mutations, leads to resistance to immune checkpoint blockade drugs in melanoma. Anti-CTLA4 treatment can prime T cells for anti-PD1 therapy, improving patient response.
Dr. Gita Martohardjono presents research on bilingual populations, showing changes in Spanish processing and predicting the impact of English use on brain responses. Her findings suggest that social factors hinder language learning in adults.
Researchers identify leiomodin-1 as a key protein in Nodding syndrome, an autoimmune disease linked to Onchocerca volvulus. The study suggests that the immune system mistakenly attacks brain cells containing this protein, leading to symptoms of the disorder.
A randomized Phase II clinical trial demonstrated that ProLon targets the aging process, reducing risk factors for age-related diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease in humans. The study found significant reductions in body weight, BMI, total body fat, and inflammation, while increasing relative lean body mass.
Dr. Kurt Gottfried was awarded the 2016 AAAS Scientific Freedom and Responsibility Award for his long-standing career as a 'civic scientist,' advocating for arms control and human rights. He co-founded organizations like the Union of Concerned Scientists and American Physical Society's Committee on International Freedom of Scientists.
Suzanne Gage, a scientist and podcast host, has been awarded the 2016 AAAS Early Career Award for Public Engagement with Science. Her podcast, 'Say Why To Drugs,' aims to counter misinformation and myths surrounding recreational drugs, reaching an audience of young adults.
Researchers found a potential treatment for Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders using a designer compound that prevents tau protein damage. The compound, called tau antisense oligonucleotides, was shown to reverse brain injury in mice and monkeys.
Pandor has been recognized for her efforts to integrate science into policymaking, promote young scientists, and foster international cooperation. She has also expanded research chairs and initiated the Science Forum South Africa.
The AAAS/Subaru SB&F Prizes for Excellence in Science Books recognize recent publications that promote high-quality science writing and illustration, engaging readers of all ages. Winners include Sara Levine's 'Tooth by Tooth' and Pamela S. Turner's 'Crow Smarts', which explore fascinating topics like animal teeth and crow intelligence.
Margaret Werner-Washburne, a renowned biologist, has received the AAAS Lifetime Mentor Award for her groundbreaking work in mentoring underrepresented students. Her initiatives have led to a significant increase in Hispanic and Native American doctorates in biological sciences.
A novel treatment targets Graft-Versus-Host Disease (GVHD) by inhibiting Aurora kinase A and JAK2, preserving immune system function. The study shows promising results in mice, potentially offering a more effective and selective prevention strategy.
New research from Organogenesis Inc. reveals that Apligraf can convert chronic venous leg ulcers into acute, healing wounds by modulating inflammatory and growth factor signaling. This breakthrough study published in Science Translational Medicine provides valuable insights for researchers and clinicians treating chronic wounds.
The EurekAlert! Fellowships support early-career science reporters from emerging economies to attend the AAAS Annual Meeting and network with peers. The 2017 fellows demonstrated outstanding performance in science news reporting, showcasing their solid grasp of timely issues and everyday relevance.