Research on teaching, learning, and how education works. Covers health-tech education, mentorship and fellowships, NIH training grants, and digital learning.
Researchers identified a new immune polyradiculoneuropathy affecting workers at several pork processing plants, causing nerve damage and inflammation in legs. Thirteen out of 15 patients showed elevated protein levels in cerebrospinal fluid and activation of their immune systems.
Despite being more depressed, women are more likely than men to take stroke medications after a hospital discharge. A study of 491 stroke survivors found that 78% of participants were still taking their medications three months later, with women exhibiting higher adherence rates than men.
Researchers found a significant link between ALS and formaldehyde exposure, with longer-term exposure increasing the risk. Formaldehyde is used in various household products and has not been previously linked to ALS.
Research found that people who experienced strokes while fasting during Ramadan had a higher average number of strokes (5.5) compared to those not fasting (2.0). The study suggests coexistence of usual risk factors and dehydration may contribute to increased susceptibility to cerebral venous sinus thrombosis.
A study found that people with Alzheimer's disease who took vitamin E lived 26% less likely to die than those who didn't take vitamin E. Vitamin E may be more beneficial when taken with a cholinesterase inhibitor.
A new sonographic method, Sonoenteroclysis, has been shown to be an effective alternative to traditional barium enteroclysis in diagnosing small bowel disorders. The study found comparable results and additional information regarding bowel wall and surrounding structures.
A study by the American Academy of Neurology found that people with a history of depression are more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease than those without one. The risk was particularly high for individuals who experienced depression before age 60, with nearly four times greater likelihood of developing the condition.
A study of over 3,000 adult women found that those with the highest intake of choline had a 24% lower risk of developing breast cancer. Choline is an essential nutrient found in eggs, coffee, and skim milk, and increasing its intake may be particularly important for women.
Overweight children ages 6-18 show a decreased risk of caries compared to their normal weight peers. The study suggests that diet and lifestyle factors may play a role in the unexpected finding, highlighting the need for further research to better understand the relationship between obesity and oral health.
The study analyzed 180,000 patients from 52 studies, demonstrating small non-significant reductions in death and myocardial infarction with a greater than 50% decrease in subsequent TVR procedures. Significant 20% and 11% reductions in death and MI were also observed, even after adjustment for confounding variables.
The project will provide fellowships to ten Stevens doctoral students per year, conducting research in multiscale engineered systems and disseminating results to high schools. The program aims to enhance STEM education and promote diversity in the engineering pipeline.
The Office of Naval Research selected 27 proposals for funding based on merit review. Young Investigator Awards provide up to $100,000/year for three years to support research and teaching careers.
A participatory action research project aims to reduce ethnic group conflicts among adolescents by using trust-building exercises, conflict resolution training, and empowering youth to participate in dialogues. The study suggests a promising approach for fostering positive intergroup relations.
Rep. Bart Gordon to receive George E. Brown Jr. Science, Engineering and Technology Leadership Award for his leadership in ensuring US global leadership in science and innovation. The award coincides with the 50th anniversary of the House Science and Technology Committee.
Appelbaum's pioneering research harnesses the magnet-like spin property of electrons to create faster, more energy-efficient devices. His work supports the development of a new logic architecture for electronics.
A study of 20,627 people found that psychological distress, but not depression, was associated with an increased risk of stroke. Participants who reported lower mental well-being scores had a 11% higher risk of stroke, regardless of other factors.
Researchers demonstrate increased endorphin release in athletes' brains during long-distance running, linked to reduced pain perception and improved mood. The study provides direct evidence for the 'endorphin hypothesis', a theory that had been disputed until now.
Svilen Bobev, a University of Delaware assistant professor, has received the NSF Faculty Early Career Development Award to study novel rare earth metal compounds. The project will analyze the crystal chemistry and properties of these compounds using advanced techniques.
Stevens will co-lead a Center of Excellence for Maritime, Island and Port Security with the University of Hawaii, focusing on strengthening maritime domain awareness and safeguarding US islands' unique populations and properties. The partnership aims to develop new technologies and processes to ensure safe and efficient port operation.
Researchers found that men with physically active jobs had a lower risk of developing prostate cancer compared to those with low-activity jobs. The study also revealed that increased physical activity was associated with reduced exposure to carcinogenic chemicals.
Two European hematologists will pursue research projects in the US through the EHA-ASH International Fellowship Award. Lapo Alinari and Serena Kimi Perna will gain invaluable experience and advance their careers in hematology, with funding support from the American Society of Hematology.
The AGA Institute's report highlights the need for GI divisions to evolve, with recommendations including training in leadership skills and business practices. The report also emphasizes the importance of improving faculty retention and workforce issues through innovative policies and technologies.
The iPlant Collaborative, a $50 million NSF grant, unites researchers from various plant biology fields to address 'grand challenge questions' with an all-encompassing computer- and internet-based infrastructure. The initiative also includes outreach materials for students and public education.
American cancer researcher Professor Robert A Weinberg has been awarded the new Swedish science prize, which recognizes his pioneering discoveries in basal tumour biology and tumour suppressant genes. He will give lectures at Karolinska Institutet and forge links with researchers to advance cancer research.
Researchers at Einstein College of Medicine argue that federal dietary guidelines may have a negative impact on health, including the current obesity epidemic. They recommend that guideline writers be guided by explicit standards of evidence to ensure public safety.
Researchers at Iowa State University's Center for Transportation Research and Education have tested the performance of the country's first hybrid school buses. The buses feature electric drive trains that can move at street speeds, capturing energy from braking to recharge their batteries. Initial results show improved fuel efficiency ...
A sense of personal control over sexual behaviors significantly impacts Latina women's decisions on timing their first sexual intercourse. The study reveals a strong correlation between young Latina women's perceptions of family expectations and their own beliefs regarding the optimal age for sex initiation. This unique research contri...
The LSUHSC School of Dentistry is being honored for its innovative efforts in rebuilding dental education in Louisiana following Hurricane Katrina. The institution has been recognized for its pioneering work in restoring a functional dental school, despite the devastating flood that rendered the campus unusable.
The MIT Energy Initiative has partnered with Eni to develop novel photovoltaic materials and design solar power plants. The five-year collaboration will focus on six areas of research, including nano-structured thin film photovoltaics and water splitting.
Researchers have validated the association between CNTNAP2 and autistic behaviors in the general population, validating an earlier finding. This discovery highlights the potential of small science approaches and may lead to early diagnostic tests for autism.
A new study from Michigan Medicine finds that congestive heart failure patients experience high disability rates and increased need for nursing-home care. The condition imposes substantial burdens on patients, families and the long-term care system.
The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) has launched the 'Targeting Zero' initiative to eliminate healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), which include C. difficile, UTIs, central line catheter-associated blood stream infections, and mediastinitis.
The American College of Neuropsychopharmacology has awarded HBO's Addiction Project for its accurate and revealing portrayal of addiction. The documentary series was praised for effectively depicting the complex nature of addiction and highlighting treatment options.
The open-source tool Sage has won international recognition for its user-friendly tools and collaborative features, making powerful number-crunching accessible to mathematicians worldwide. With features like collaborative online worksheets, Sage is poised to replace commercial software commonly used in mathematics education and research.
A study of over 13,000 patients found that bivalirudin alone and other regimens have comparable mortality and ischemic outcomes at 1 year. Bivalirudin monotherapy reduces bleeding complications and hospital costs, making it a favored treatment option
Research by Dr. Terri W. Starman identified the strongest survivors of postharvest experiences among popular garden plants marketed to consumers. High-quality plants may look healthy but decline in quality within a week, with most becoming unmarketable after three weeks.
The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute has established a collaborative Cardiovascular Research Network, tapping into Kaiser Permanente's rich electronic data systems to better understand cardiovascular diseases. The network will conduct three core research projects over the next five years.
Computed tomography (CT) autopsies have been shown to be a sensitive tool for detecting injuries and cause of death in victims of blunt trauma. In a study comparing CT with conventional autopsy, CT accurately identified the cause of death in all 14 blunt trauma cases and five out of six penetrating wounds.
A new automated dental radiograph matching system can reduce the task of forensic experts by up to 95% and produce matches at an average rate of less than four seconds. The system uses Phase-Only Correlation technology to align images and measure their similarity, resulting in a significant reduction in time spent on identification.
Researchers at Kent State University investigate middle-school students' ability to judge their own learning, finding that overconfidence is a major issue. To address this, the team develops a 'study buddy' tool that combines accurate monitoring with effective schedules of learning.
Most states have implemented NCLB test-based accountability requirements, with three-quarters of schools making adequate yearly progress in 2003-04. However, performance varies significantly across states, with high-poverty and minority schools more likely to be identified for improvement.
The University of Arizona has received a $2.5 million grant to study the future of Amazon forests under climate change. The project will combine international collaboration with interdisciplinary training in earth system science, remote sensing, and modeling.
W. Andrew Achenbaum receives the Donald P. Kent Award for his outstanding contributions to gerontology through teaching, service, and public interpretation. The award highlights Achenbaum's dedication to advancing research on aging and disseminating findings to the broader society.
The Gerontological Society of America has chosen Qitao Ran to receive the award for his contributions to new knowledge about aging through basic biological research. The award is traditionally presented at the Annual Scientific Meeting the following year, where Ran will give a lecture on his work.
Elaine Brody, a pioneer in geriatric social work and aging studies, received the M. Powell Lawton Award for her innovative contributions to gerontological treatment and service. The award honors her significant impact on improving the lives of older persons through her research and public policy initiatives.
Nancy L. Pedersen of Karolinska Institutet will receive the GSA's 2007 Award for her contributions to behavioral genetics and aging research. Her work, including leadership of the Swedish Twin Registry, has significantly advanced our understanding of genetic and environmental factors in aging.
The NIH has provided over $9 million to fund 10 Science Education Partnership Awards (SEPA) to stimulate curiosity and encourage scientific investigation through hands-on activities. The program aims to improve public understanding of NIH-funded medical research and encourage young people in science careers.
Rita B. Effros receives the 2007 Robert W. Kleemeier Award from the Gerontological Society of America for her pioneering work on T cell senescence and telomerase-based therapies. The award recognizes her contributions to advancing the study of aging.
Nancy Whitelaw of NCOA has been recognized with the GSA's 2007 Maxwell A. Pollack Award, which honors individuals who bridge research and practice in aging. The award aims to promote evidence-based programs for older adults, building on her work creating the Center for Healthy Aging.
The NIH has awarded $15 million over the next five years to the UCSF-GIVI Center for AIDS Research, doubling its previous support. The center provides strategic services and infrastructure to HIV/AIDS researchers, focusing on translational research and collaborations across disciplines.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet found that hysterectomy significantly increases the risk of urinary incontinence, with the highest likelihood noted within five years of the removal of the uterus. Women who had a hysterectomy before menopause or after multiple deliveries were particularly at risk.
Researchers found that uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) eliminated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in approximately one quarter to one-third of patients. The procedure also reduced the mean apnea-hyponea index, with patients experiencing a more than half reduction in nonbreathing episodes.
A $2.5 million NSF grant will support an international collaboration between American and Korean researchers, with a focus on student education and exchange at both graduate and undergraduate levels. The program aims to develop global perspectives and foster collaboration among researchers.
Research at Temple University found that obese and overweight children from diverse ethnic backgrounds experience similar levels of body dissatisfaction. The study highlights the importance of addressing psychological consequences of childhood obesity beyond weight management.
A Temple University analysis reveals that eating three to six fast-food meals per week is associated with a significant increase in body mass index. The study also found that Americans are less willing to pay more for healthy dishes, less knowledgeable about healthy menu items, and more likely to consider healthy items bland-tasting.
The UAB Center for Education and Research on Therapeutics has won a $3.8 million grant to continue its research on the safety and effectiveness of new therapeutics for inflammatory, arthritic, and musculoskeletal diseases. The funding will also support efforts to reduce treatment disparities among minority communities.
A study by Massachusetts General Hospital found that institutional academic-industry relationships are common and pervasive, affecting departmental activities. Nearly 460 department heads reported having some type of industry relationship, with most involving consulting or intellectual property.
The University of Chicago will establish a Center for Education and Research on Therapeutics (CERT) to focus on hospital medicine and economics. The grant will support research projects on the effective use of hospital therapeutics, gene-drug interactions, and quality-improvement teams.
A recent study by Yale University found that combining classroom instruction with behind-the-wheel training significantly improves driving performance among seniors aged 70 or older. The research suggests that this easily implemented intervention can enhance safe driving years and maintain independence.
A Northwestern University researcher developed a health advocacy program that uses digital photography and storytelling to empower minority teens to address health problems in their communities. The program resulted in two main themes: food and stress, which the teens used to create posters promoting healthier behaviors.