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Injectable hydrogel electrodes open door to a novel painless treatment regimen for arrhythmia

Researchers develop injectable hydrogel electrodes for treating ventricular arrhythmia, providing a potential solution to painful defibrillation and improving quality of life. The novel pacing modality addresses the pathophysiology of re-entrant arrhythmia and offers a promising alternative to existing therapies.

SourceTexas Heart Institute·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 9, 2024

$6 million National Science Foundation award to Binghamton will accelerate research translation into broader societal benefits

Binghamton University will receive $6 million from the NSF to translate cutting-edge research into real-world applications and promote regional entrepreneurship. The initiative aims to increase the university's capacity for translational research, providing students with practical training and career development opportunities.

UMD researchers developed a nasal vaccine that prevents COVID in preclinical studies

A team of University of Maryland researchers developed a nasal spray vaccine that delivers the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein into cells of the airway, triggering an immune response that significantly reduced infection and spread of COVID-19. The technology can be adapted to induce immunity to other respiratory illnesses.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 6, 2023

The world’s first collection of brain metastasis living samples will help treat each patient with the most effective therapy for them

A pioneering collection of brain metastasis living samples has been established, enabling researchers to study the response to specific drugs and identify the best therapeutic options for each patient. The RENACER network connects hospitals and patients, facilitating the rapid sharing of research findings and clinical trial data.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalTrends in Cancer·TypeNews article·DateOct 31, 2023

CARB-X is funding a University of Melbourne research team to develop an oral therapeutic to treat drug-resistant community-acquired bacterial pneumonia

A University of Melbourne research team is developing an oral therapeutic to restore the activity of common antibiotics used to treat community-acquired bacterial pneumonia. The project aims to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria and reduce healthcare costs, with potential applications in low- and middle-income countries.

Could cerebrospinal fluid leaks be a link between traumatic brain injury and dementia?

Researchers propose that cerebrospinal fluid leaks could contribute to the link between traumatic brain injury and dementia. The hypothesis suggests that treating these leaks could mitigate dementia symptoms in some patients with a history of TBI. Further research is needed to confirm this potential association.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia Translational Research & Clinical Interventions·DateSep 21, 2023

Creating more clinician-researchers to provide patients more clinical trial options

The South Carolina Clinical and Translational Research Institute's program provides early-career clinicians with the time and training needed to establish a sustainable portfolio of clinical trials. Scholars attend 'meet the expert' presentations, discuss strategies with mentors, and select suitable trials.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Science·TypeCase study·DateAug 24, 2023

DNA test could broaden access to cervical cancer screening

Rice University engineers developed a low-cost, point-of-care DNA test for HPV infections that can be used to screen for cervical cancer. The test, which requires just two pieces of equipment and delivers results in 45 minutes, has the potential to make cervical cancer screening more accessible in low- and middle-income countries.

SourceRice University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 21, 2023

Ethics & Human Research, May-June 2023

An Australian interview study suggests that advance research directives (ARD) can facilitate informed consent for people with dementia. The study also highlights the importance of family members as proxy decision-makers. In another article, a competency framework is proposed to improve health research ethics education.

SourceThe Hastings Center·JournalEthics & Human Research·TypeSurvey·DateJun 12, 2023

Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Health System awarded $30 million from NIH to support its Institute for Clinical and Translational Research

The Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Health System have received a seven-year, $30 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to continue supporting the Harold and Muriel Block Institute for Clinical and Translational Research. The grant will advance translational science and health equity by accelerating th...

Breakthrough drug combination remains safe and effective in patients with cystic fibrosis after four years

A multicenter study found that patients with cystic fibrosis can safely take a dual combination of CF modulator drugs for four years while maintaining previously achieved clinical improvement. This breakthrough therapy has improved the quality and length of patients' lives, with some even seeing a 15% increase in lung function.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalJournal of Cystic Fibrosis·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 15, 2023

NUS researchers develop new imaging approach to diagnose advanced form of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Researchers have developed a new imaging approach to diagnose advanced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NASH). The enzyme-sensitive nanoprobe emits signals that can be detected by MRI techniques, providing more accurate and sensitive data for diagnosis. This breakthrough aims to improve the treatment outcomes of NASH patients.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalACS Nano·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 9, 2023

The Texas Heart Institute delivers a new first in heart failure treatment using cell therapy

A new cell therapy has demonstrated significant benefits in improving the heart's pumping ability and reducing the risk of cardiovascular death, heart attack, or stroke in patients with chronic heart failure. The therapy, using mesenchymal precursor cells (MPCs), also showed a strong signal in reducing inflammation and improving microv...

SourceTexas Heart Institute·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 27, 2023

Fighting cancer is more efficient at dawn

Researchers at UNIGE and LMU discovered that immune system's anti-tumour activity peaks in the morning. Tumours implanted at night grew faster than those implanted in the afternoon. Administering immunotherapy treatments early morning significantly enhanced their effectiveness, suggesting a new strategy for cancer treatment.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature·TypeNews article·DateDec 6, 2022

Improving hospital stays and outcomes for older patients with dementia through AI

Researchers developed a machine learning model to quickly recognize predictive risk factors and their importance for undesirable hospitalization outcomes. The model achieved an accuracy of 95.6% and identified modifiable risk factors that can be mitigated through clinical interventions.

SourceHouston Methodist·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia Translational Research & Clinical Interventions·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 29, 2022

Study reports blocking key enzyme boosts anti-cancer T-cell responses and resistance to immunosuppression

Researchers at LSU Health New Orleans have identified a critical immunosuppressive pathway and developed an experimental inhibitor to protect T-cells from weakening. The CBL-B inhibitors show great potential in enhancing the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy, making patients' T-cells more effective in killing cancer cells.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 29, 2022

Moffitt researchers create software program that allows simultaneous viewing of tissue images through dimensionality reduction

A new software program, Mistic, allows for the simultaneous viewing of tissue images through dimensionality reduction methods. The software enables the extraction of data from multiplexed images, facilitating the understanding of cancer biology and the development of new therapies.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalPatterns·TypeImaging analysis·DateJul 21, 2022

Predicting the risk of osteoporotic hip fracture in men using blood markers

Researchers found that CXCL9 levels were higher in pre-fracture blood samples of Chinese men with subsequent hip fractures, improving the prediction of osteoporotic hip fracture risk in men. In contrast, no association was found between CXCL10 and hip fracture risk in either gender.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 12, 2022

Cardiac progenitor cells generate healthy tissue after a heart attack

A team of researchers has successfully treated damaged pig hearts with cardiac progenitor cells, demonstrating the formation of new cardiac tissue and improved cardiac function. The treatment could potentially be used to treat patients with serious heart failure, particularly older patients with coexisting conditions.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Cell Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 12, 2022

Houston Methodist study finds clues about concussions from the gut

Researchers discovered a link between traumatic brain injuries and changes in the gut microbiome, suggesting a potential diagnostic tool for concussions. The study found two bacterial species that dropped significantly after concussions, indicating a correlation with traumatic brain injury-linked proteins in the blood.

SourceHouston Methodist·JournalBrain Behavior & Immunity - Health·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 10, 2022

Breakthrough in treatment for Dupuytren’s disease

Researchers at the University of Oxford have demonstrated the efficacy of adalimumab in treating early-stage Dupuytren's disease. The trial found that patients receiving adalimumab experienced softening and reduction in size of treated nodules, with sustained effects up to nine months after treatment.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalThe Lancet Rheumatology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 29, 2022

ESMO Breast Cancer Congress 2022

The ESMO Breast Cancer Congress 2022 event will present more than 200 studies on various aspects of breast cancer, including new treatments and innovative clinical practices. The congress will be held onsite in Berlin, Germany, and online, offering a platform for breast cancer specialists to share knowledge and improve patient outcomes.

Tufts CTSI publishes first-of-its-kind resource on real-world research conducted with broadly engaged, diverse, and inclusive teams

The Tufts Clinical and Translational Science Institute has published a comprehensive resource on broadly engaged team science, which aims to include stakeholders in the research process. The book features perspectives and best practices from over 60 experts to inspire researchers and stakeholders to build diverse, inclusive teams.

University of South Florida awarded five-year, $1.35 million NIH institutional grant to train scientists in vascular inflammation and injury research

The University of South Florida has received a five-year, $1.35 million NIH institutional grant to train scientists in vascular inflammation and injury research. The grant will support the comprehensive training of pre- and postdoctoral scientists focused on this emerging area of research.

Roadmap for rolling out COVID-19 risk mitigation initiatives at educational institutions

Researchers at Medical University of South Carolina and Clemson University published a roadmap for rolling out COVID-19 risk mitigation initiatives in educational institutions. The roadmap outlines a theory-based framework for evaluating the success of exposure notification mobile apps, which can help institutions hit the ground running.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalJMIR Research Protocols·DateFeb 1, 2022

Getting childhood obesity initiatives across the finish line

The Medical University of South Carolina's Boeing Center for Children's Wellness offers a menu of wellness initiative options that schools can tailor to their needs. Schools with health professionals on the wellness committee implement 25% more initiatives, leading to a culture change and increased student participation.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalJournal of School Health·TypeObservational study·DateDec 10, 2021

Computational techniques in ICU: Neural synchrony predicts outcome after coma

Researchers used sound processing to examine neural synchrony in comatose patients. They found that higher neural synchrony was predictive of a favorable outcome, with indistinguishable levels from healthy controls. The study also revealed surprising neural complexity, with reduced complexity in survivors compared to non-survivors.

SourceInselspital, Bern University Hospital·JournalNeuroImage·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 5, 2021