News from the institutes and societies that organize science. Covers scientific medals, university-hospital partnerships, oncology cooperatives, and society leadership.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that many couples around the world share high blood pressure. The research analyzed data from over 50,000 couples in four countries and found a strong association between partners' blood pressure status.
A world-first human trial shows that a commonly prescribed rheumatoid arthritis drug can safely and effectively preserve the body's own insulin production and suppress the progression of type 1 diabetes. The drug, baricitinib, was found to be effective in maintaining insulin production in people who initiated treatment within 100 days ...
Researchers at University at Buffalo have discovered a way to create strong and effective fuel cell catalysts that approach the performance of platinum. By adding hydrogen to the fabricating process, they were able to balance durability and efficiency, potentially making fuel cells more affordable and polluting-free.
A study of over 50 babies with HIV found that starting antiretroviral therapy within hours of birth can safely suppress HIV in the blood to undetectable levels. The treatment regimen was shown to halt the formation of hard-to-treat viral reservoirs, potentially leading to ART-free remission.
The FRONTIERS residency program, funded by the European Research Council, invites science journalists to spend three to five months with frontier research teams in EU Member States. Selected fellows will receive a monthly allowance and participate in training sessions.
Researchers used network ethnography to map global education policy networks, exploring relationships between policy mobilities and moorings. The study sheds light on the varied relationships between policy actors and their effects on education reforms.
Researchers discovered a novel family of effector proteins called Cami1 that inhibit translation in bacteria attacked by viruses. By cleaving specific mRNAs, Cami1 prevents the production of viral proteins, allowing the bacterium to conserve resources.
The Buck Institute has partnered with Hevolution Foundation to pioneer new scientific initiatives targeting aging. The partnership aims to accelerate discoveries toward therapeutic interventions specifically targeting the aging process, which is linked to age-related chronic diseases.
Researchers aim to determine optimal duration and intensity of behavioral interventions for childhood obesity among rural and minority children. The five-year study, funded by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute, will enroll 900 parent-child pairs and compare different 'dosing' combinations of face-to-face intervention time.
The study found that England's only resident population of bottlenose dolphins has declined to just 48 individuals due to various human impacts. The researchers call for urgent measures to protect the population and its habitats.
Research found a significant linear relationship between age of coronary heart disease onset and dementia, highlighting the detrimental influence of premature cardiovascular events on brain health. Adults diagnosed with coronary heart disease at a young age may be at increased risk of developing dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and vascu...
The American Heart Association and Neurocritical Care Society emphasize the need for improved critical care management of patients after cardiac arrest. The consensus statement highlights gaps in knowledge, particularly in areas like neurological, cardiac, and gastrointestinal care.
A Binghamton University professor leads a research team to explore the stability of power grids with inverter-based resources, which have changed the grid's dynamics. The goal is to characterize the stability region without numerical simulation.
An international group of researchers developed a Consensus Reporting Items for Studies in Primary Care (CRISP) Checklist, outlining 24 items to improve the quality and consistency of primary care research. The checklist addresses various aspects of research, including study design, data collection, and implementation of findings.
A novel contamination-detection method enables faster and safer T-cell therapy production, reducing the risk for patients and speeding up treatment. The method uses cutting-edge technology to identify harmful microorganisms within 24 hours.
Bielefeld University's four Consolidator Grant recipients will explore health effects of passive commuting, social environment influence on health and mortality, and universe phase transitions. The grants total more than 8 million euros, with projects starting in 2024.
Two GEOMAR researchers will receive €2 million EU funding over five years to study the Antarctic ice sheet, carbon cycles, and deep-sea biodiversity. Their projects aim to improve climate projections and solve deep-sea mysteries.
The European Research Council has awarded €627 million in Consolidator Grants to fuel innovative research projects spanning all disciplines, including engineering and life sciences. The grants will create around 1,800 jobs for postdoctoral fellows and PhD students.
Rahn Baily, MD, has made significant contributions to the field of psychiatry and healthcare reform through his research on health disparities, violence, and mental illness. He will receive the prestigious Solomon Carter Fuller Award for his outstanding achievements in addressing pressing societal needs.
The American Gastroenterological Association released a new guideline recommending the use of biomarkers to help manage Crohn’s disease. Biomarkers such as C-reactive protein and fecal calprotectin can measure levels of inflammation, helping doctors assess disease activity and guide treatment decisions.
A national Australian astronomy centre achieved gender parity in just five years by implementing evidence-based strategies and creating a supportive culture. The Centre's program reached a tipping point when there were 40% women in leadership positions, resulting in accelerated student enrolments by women.
The American Heart Association's National Hispanic Latino Cardiovascular Collaborative aims to bridge the gap in healthcare disparities affecting underrepresented groups. By empowering Hispanic Latino leaders, the program seeks to eliminate health inequities and improve overall well-being.
The Future Earth program has faced challenges in inspiring groundbreaking research to address major sustainability issues, including a lack of engagement with the global science community. The program's 'top-down approach' neglects local communities' needs and prevents swift responses.
Dr. Rachel Katzenellenbogen, a renowned pediatric scientist, has been awarded the 2024 Norman J. Siegel New Member Outstanding Science Award by the American Pediatric Society. She is recognized for her groundbreaking work on human papillomavirus (HPV) infections and associated cancers.
Scientists at the University of Leicester have made a groundbreaking discovery about how cholesterol in our diet is absorbed into our cells. The research, published in Science, highlights the role of two proteins called Aster B and Aster C in transporting cholesterol from the intestine to the bloodstream.
A three-year intensive treatment strategy to lower systolic blood pressure below 120mmHg significantly reduced cardiovascular events, including heart attack, stroke, and death, compared to standard treatment. The study found that participants in the intensive group experienced fewer major vascular events and deaths over a two-year period.
Researchers found that people with overweight or obesity who took semaglutide for over 3 years had a 20% lower risk of heart attack, stroke, or death from cardiovascular disease. The study showed significant weight loss and improved cardiovascular outcomes in adults without diabetes.
A new study suggests that a PCSK9 inhibitor given every 1-3 months may effectively lower bad cholesterol levels in people with non-genetic hypercholesterolemia. The medication, recaticimab, showed similar effectiveness and safety as other PCSK9 inhibitors when administered less frequently.
A randomized controlled trial suggests that a more liberal approach to red blood cell transfusions for heart attack patients with anemia may benefit outcomes without significant risk. The study found no statistically significant difference between two transfusion strategies, but results suggest a possible benefit of liberal transfusions.
A single dose of zilebesiran safely and effectively lowered systolic blood pressure in people with mild-to-moderate high blood pressure for up to six months. The study found significant reductions in daytime and nighttime systolic blood pressure, as well as low rates of adverse events.
A new anti-clotting medication, abelacimab, has significantly reduced bleeding among people with atrial fibrillation who are at risk of stroke. The AZALEA-TIMI 71 trial found that abelacimab substantially reduced bleeding compared to the current standard of care use of direct-acting oral anticoagulants.
A study found that pregnant women with high blood pressure who received tight blood pressure control immediately after pregnancy had lower blood pressure levels and improved cardiac function compared to those with usual care. This could lead to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks and strokes.
A phase 4 clinical trial found that apixaban, an anti-clotting medication, reduced the rate of stroke and blood clots in adults with implanted heart devices experiencing short bouts of asymptomatic, irregular heart rhythms. The study suggests that these individuals may benefit from receiving an anticoagulant.
A single infusion of CRISPR-based gene-editing therapy significantly reduced LDL cholesterol levels in people with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, a condition that increases heart attack risk. The treatment has shown potential as a long-term or permanent option for high LDL-C control.
The ORBITA-2 trial found that stenting improves symptoms compared to a placebo procedure, providing evidence-based treatment for stable chest pain. The study suggests updating guidelines for stable coronary artery disease and offers patients and medical teams two treatment strategies with similar benefits.
A four-year blood-pressure intervention significantly reduced the risk of developing dementia among adults with high blood pressure, compared to those who received usual care. The study found that lowering systolic blood pressure to less than 130 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure to less than 80 mm Hg reduced dementia risk.
The UTHealth Houston Institute for Implementation Science has received a five-year, $5 million grant from the National Cancer Institute to support research and training in implementation science. Researchers will focus on improving cancer control efforts in Mexico and Latin America.
A Mayo Clinic study found patients with lower extremity lymphedema had twice the risk of developing skin cancer, including basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas. Regular skin cancer screenings are crucial for these patients as early detection is critical.
Dr. Glenn Flores has been recognized for his significant contributions to advancing child and adolescent health, well-being, and equity through quality improvement, advocacy, and research. His work aims to eliminate disparities and foster equity for underserved children and families.
Researchers at UTSA have discovered a novel strategy to inhibit the spread and infection of Vibrio cholerae, the bacteria responsible for cholera. They identified a peptide-binding domain that can disrupt the virulence of V. cholerae, preventing intestinal colonization and biofilm formation.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that people with high body mass indexes (BMIs) do not pose a significant risk for postoperative complications following chest masculinization surgery. Despite this, BMI was still used to determine eligibility for the procedure in many cases.
The Southwest-Midwest Pediatric Device Innovation Consortium has supported over 200 pediatric device innovators and companies, developing several devices in the past five years. The consortium's portfolio includes real-world evidence research projects using digital tools for collecting and analyzing patient data.
Research highlights the importance of supporting family members after cardiac arrest, finding that they face significant emotional, physical, and informational challenges. Studies such as TEMPO found that informational resources improve caregiver knowledge and decision-making abilities.
A study found that Black and Hispanic cardiac arrest survivors were less likely to be treated at top-performing hospitals. The analysis of health records from the Cardiac Arrest Registry to Enhance Survival (CARES) revealed significant disparities in hospital quality measures based on race/ethnicity.
A large US study found that persistent tobacco use and prediabetes significantly increase the risk of stroke in young adults without other cardiovascular risk factors. Quitting smoking is crucial for preventing stroke and heart disease, especially among those with prediabetes.
A study found that Black and Hispanic cardiac arrest survivors are less likely to be treated at high-performing hospitals, leading to lower survival rates and poorer neurological outcomes. The research analyzed health records from the Cardiac Arrest Registry to Enhance Survival and found disparities in hospital quality measures.
A new study by UC San Francisco found that poor sleep is significantly associated with a 15% greater risk of experiencing atrial fibrillation the next day. The researchers suggest strategies like going to bed at a reasonable time, avoiding alcohol and caffeine before bedtime, and exercising regularly to improve general sleep quality.
AFAR will host its annual Scientific Awards of Distinction lectures and ceremony on November 10 in Tampa, Florida, honoring Rafael de Cabo, Ming Xu, and Claire K. Ankuda for their contributions to aging research. The awardees will present lectures highlighting their research.
Dr. Alan Jobe, MD, PhD, is recognized for his pioneering work in neonatal lung diseases, advancing the field of bronchopulmonary dysplasia research. The APS John Howland Award acknowledges his commitment to improving global health outcomes, particularly in low-income countries.
The American Heart Association will present Dr. Pradeep Natarajan with the 2023 Joseph A. Vita Award for his groundbreaking research in genetic analysis of cardiovascular disease risk and discovery of new genes responsible for coronary artery disease. His work is propelling the future of preventive cardiovascular medicine.
Dr. Yibin Wang will be recognized for his commitment to learning more about the genetic, molecular and cellular mechanisms behind cardiovascular disease. His research has directly contributed to many clinical studies and new trials for heart diseases.
Dr. Olugbenga Ogedegbe has been recognized for his pioneering research on health disparities, chronic diseases, and cardiovascular risk reduction, particularly among Black adults in the US. His work aims to reduce hypertension control and racial inequities in cardiovascular disease outcomes.
Dr. Zainab Mahmoud received the 2023 Dr. Nanette K. Wenger Research Goes Red Award for her study identifying racial disparities in specific maternal cardiovascular outcomes. The analysis found higher rates of hospitalizations among Black women, highlighting the need for improved access to care and enhanced postpartum monitoring.
Dr. Marlene Rabinovitch, a renowned pediatric cardiologist, will receive the 2023 Research Achievement Award for her groundbreaking research on PAH treatment. Her discoveries have led to the identification of neutrophil elastase as a trigger for inflammatory responses and the potential use of immunosuppressant FK506 to restore lung blo...
Dr. Marc A. Pfeffer will receive the 2023 Eugene Braunwald Academic Mentorship Award for his remarkable teaching and mentoring career, which has inspired numerous professionals in cardiovascular medicine. He is credited with directly mentoring 58 individuals throughout their careers.
Researchers investigate centro-cingulate network changes and cholinergic innervation deficits in Parkinson disease and normal aging. Studies reveal significant correlations between centro-cingulate changes and cognitive impairments, motor symptoms, and age.
Researchers are combining biology, physics, computer science, and engineering to design electric circuits that mimic the brain's adaptive behavior. The goal is to create a more efficient AI application that can learn from history and adapt without significant energy consumption.
The ARC Centre of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems is launching a special measures recruitment round exclusively for women and gender-diverse candidates. The initiative aims to increase the participation of women in STEM fields, with the goal of achieving 40% gender diversity by 2026.
Researchers developed a new method that allows designing 3D-printed metal parts with varying strength levels, electrical conductivity, or corrosion resistance. The technique uses 3D-printing steps and can reduce manufacturing costs.
A new study finds that heat-related cardiovascular deaths may more than double in the US by the middle of the century, with elderly and Black adults being most at risk. The projections suggest that reducing greenhouse gas emissions can mitigate this impact, but infrastructure interventions such as increasing tree cover may also be effe...