News on doctoral training and the researchers it produces. Covers PhD and fellowship programs, physician-scientist training, and major training investments.
A seven-year NIH grant will support refinement and manufacturing of novel vaccine candidates designed to induce broadly neutralizing antibodies capable of disarming numerous HIV strains. The goal is to develop a vaccine that can halt the epidemic, despite current challenges posed by the virus's ability to rapidly evolve.
With the Affordable Care Act, millions of new patients are seeking primary care. Nonphysician advanced practitioners like nurse practitioners and physician assistants have seen a significant increase in appointments for Medicaid patients, suggesting practices may be relying on them to accommodate new beneficiaries.
Scientists have discovered that zebrafish display two states of sleep similar to mammals, reptiles, and birds: slow-wave sleep and paradoxical sleep. This finding suggests that neural signatures of sleep evolved at least 450 million years ago in ancient fish.
Researchers successfully combined ceftazidime-avibactam and fosfomycin to fight P. aeruginosa in mouse models, outperforming individual antibiotics. The combination reduced the presence of the bacterium significantly, offering a potential therapeutic strategy against superbugs.
The employment-to-population ratio for working-age people with disabilities increased from 29.5% in June 2018 to 31% in June 2019, up 1.5 percentage points. The labor force participation rate also rose, indicating greater independence and financial support for individuals with disabilities.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have developed a computer algorithm that integrates various predictive data to generate a single, dynamic risk assessment for cancer patients. The algorithm, termed CIRI, outperformed standard methods in predicting patient outcomes and identifying better treatment options.
Researchers developed a new technique called VEGAS, which enables rapid development of scientific tools and new treatments for diseases in mammalian cells. The method can yield useful new molecules within days, providing scientists with a powerful research tool.
A recent study of 375 adults found that exercising at a consistent time of day was associated with higher physical activity levels. The research suggests promoting daily routine consistency may be essential for achieving and sustaining weight loss.
A new study found that nonprofit credit counseling significantly reduces household debt and improves credit scores for counseled individuals. The research also showed a substantial decline in debt relative to non-counseled individuals.
Researchers found a targeted treatment that reduces psychosis symptoms by targeting a specific structural mutation in the GLDC gene. The study used glycine and D-cycloserine to improve clinical symptoms in participants with four copies of the GLDC gene, suggesting a molecular subtype that may respond to treatment.
Researchers have discovered that a gene called Memo1 is necessary for organizing the scaffolding of brain cells, which plays a critical role in proper brain development. Mutations in this gene are linked to autism and can disrupt neural circuit formation, leading to disorganized layers and neuronal misplacement.
Researchers at Emory University School of Medicine have developed an 'optochemogenetics' approach that modifies a widely used neuroscience tool to stimulate brain cells. The approach uses light to promote functional recovery in mouse models of stroke, with promising results for treating stroke patients.
The foundation awarded Continuation Grants to five Damon Runyon Clinical Investigators, providing an additional two years of funding totaling $400,000. The recipients are conducting patient-oriented cancer research with the goal of finding cures for cancer diagnosis, prevention and treatment.
Researchers found a significant jump in medically unnecessary ambulance rides for minor injuries like abrasions and muscle sprains after the ACA expansion. In New York City, these dispatches increased by 37%, equivalent to 2,868 additional rides per year.
A study found that 40% of older adults initiating dialysis experienced a decline in functional status, with higher risks in those with advanced age and frailty. Caregivers also reported an increased burden after dialysis initiation.
The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging announced 13 new SNMMI Fellows, recognizing their outstanding contributions to the field. The recipients include past SNMMI presidents and experts in various areas of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging.
Research presented at the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Annual Meeting found that tobacco smokers have reduced neuroimmune function compared to nonsmokers. This impairment may contribute to compulsive drug use and cognitive dysfunction in smokers trying to quit.
Researchers found Veillonella bacteria in elite athletes' microbiomes, which converts lactic acid into propionate to improve exercise capacity. Supplementing with Veillonella may boost sedentary individuals' exercise abilities and protect against chronic diseases.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have created a map of gene activity and connectivity as the heart shuts down. The study identified PPP1R3A as a central regulator in heart failure, linked to metabolism of glucose within cells.
A study by Emory University scientists found that human screams can be correctly identified as belonging to the same person. The research suggests that non-human primates, like monkeys, also use screams for recruitment and help. This discovery sheds light on the evolutionary origins of screams.
Researchers Drs. Shenoy Handiru and Katie Lancaster at Kessler Foundation will investigate novel ways to improve rehabilitative care for disabilities caused by stroke and multiple sclerosis. The projects aim to enhance hand function in stroke patients and alleviate feelings of stress and anxiety in individuals with MS.
Researchers at UNC McAllister Heart Institute develop stable platform to reprogram human fibroblast cells into cardiomyocytes, creating high-resolution molecular roadmap. The approach identifies key genetic facilitators and signaling molecules driving cell fate development, offering new insights into human cardiac reprogramming.
A UCSF-led study found 22% of young men and 5% of young women engage in disordered eating behaviors to gain weight. These behaviors can lead to muscle dysmorphia, heart failure, depression, and social isolation if left unchecked.
A restrictive approach to blood cell transfusions in heart surgery patients resulted in fewer transfusions without increasing the risk of acute kidney injury. The study found that reducing transfusions could prevent adverse effects and conserve the blood supply, while minimizing negative impacts on kidney health.
A study published by the American Psychological Association found that high school seniors' confidence in law enforcement declined significantly between 2006 and 2017, while their faith in religious organizations and schools remained relatively stable. The researchers also discovered racial and ethnic disparities in trust, with black t...
A study by Vanderbilt University Medical Center found that patients of surgeons with reported unprofessional behavior are more likely to experience complications during or after operations. Surgeons with higher numbers of reports were associated with increased rates of wound infections and other adverse outcomes.
Scientists at Stanford University School of Medicine have discovered a molecular pattern that flags prostate enlargement and identified two genes likely playing a role in its development. The researchers found that only certain cell types multiply, leading to a fundamental shift in the type of cells making up the prostate.
Research suggests that people who feel financially vulnerable are more likely to approach economic exchanges with a zero-sum mindset, overlooking cooperative and mutually beneficial options. This can perpetuate their financial disadvantage. Negotiation training programs may help them recognize potential for cooperative exchanges.
A new metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) test has been shown to identify infections better than standard clinical methods. The test identified 32 infections in 31 patients, including cases missed by conventional testing, and confirmed diagnoses in 19 cases.
Researchers at the University of South Florida have identified a potential new therapeutic target for Alzheimer's disease, an antagonist that blocks specific interactions between apoE and amyloid precursor protein. This peptide antagonist, 6KApoEp, was shown to reduce beta amyloid accumulation and tau pathologies in the brain.
Researchers from Joslin Diabetes Center have identified a genetic factor linked to the development of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. The study suggests that people carrying a specific variant in a sodium channel may be protected from the complication, providing a potential target for pharmacological therapy.
Seven new research fellows have joined Oak Ridge National Laboratory's Innovation Crossroads program, focusing on various energy-related and grid topics. The selected innovators will collaborate with world-class experts and unique capabilities at ORNL to advance their technologies.
A team of experts from the Firearm Safety Among Children and Teens (FACTS) consortium has published a list of 26 urgent questions for rigorous studies to address pediatric firearm injury prevention. The questions cover various aspects, including access, storage, and exposure to firearms, as well as the effectiveness of programs and tec...
A Kaiser Permanente-led study found that routine varicella vaccine significantly lowers the likelihood of painful shingles disease in children. The study, which looked at over 6.3 million children, showed that vaccinated kids had a 78% lower risk of contracting HZ compared to unvaccinated children.
Lehigh University engineers Sydney Yang, Michelle Kent, Shira Morosohk, and Daniella Fodera have been awarded the National Science Foundation's Graduate Research Fellowship. The award recognizes their research potential in STEM fields and provides financial stability during graduate studies.
A new study found that participants associated stronger emotions with the packaging than the actual taste, affecting their willingness to purchase. The researchers discovered a moderate positive correlation between liking packaging and taste when it was described with positive terms.
Researchers in USA develop first-ever standardized method to evaluate commercially available driver-monitoring systems. The method assesses drivers' distractions and provides a common base for comparing different recording devices.
Researchers found Mona Lisa's smile was non-genuine due to its asymmetry, indicating a lack of happiness on the right side. The study suggests that Leonardo da Vinci may have deliberately included an asymmetric smile to convey hidden messages or emotions.
Researchers received funding to investigate novel approaches to address caregiver grief, sleep dysfunction, balance problems, upper limb function deficits, memory issues, and fatigue in TBI survivors. Studies aim to enhance learning, motor skills, and functional recovery through targeted interventions.
A new study published in Nature Digital Medicine found that smartphone-based relaxation technique RELAXaHEAD can reduce migraine headache days by four per month. The app's success rate increased from 51% to 29% after three months, suggesting its potential as a treatment option.
Researchers at Penn aim to better understand the connection between novel radiation therapies and immune systems to enhance cancer treatments. Five projects will investigate signaling pathways and genetics behind interferon and pattern recognition receptor signaling.
A study published by the American Psychological Association found that teenagers who didn't get enough sleep were nearly two times more likely to engage in unsafe sex than those who slept in extra hours on weekends. The researchers suggest finding a middle ground for teens and encouraging school districts to delay school start times.
A new digital meditation training program called MediTrain improved attention and memory in healthy young adults by tailoring the length of sessions to their abilities. The program, which required just 20-30 minutes of practice per day, showed significant effects on attention and working memory.
A proof-of-concept study shows that a simple and inexpensive non-invasive device can improve speech understanding in hearing-impaired individuals and those with normal hearing. The device transforms low-frequency speech signals into tactile vibrations delivered on fingertips.
A study by the American Psychological Association found that 90% of participants believed learning styles predict success, despite lack of scientific evidence. Researchers argue that this myth can lead to ineffective teaching methods and wasted resources.
A new study found that even short stays in polluted cities can cause significant breathing problems and coughing in healthy adults, which can take at least a week to recover from. The research team analyzed lung and heart health in travelers visiting highly polluted cities like India and China.
Researchers identify three patterns of CLL growth: exponential, logistic, and indeterminate, with the former often driven by a high number of genetic alterations. The study provides insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying these differences, potentially enabling prediction of disease course.
A recent brain study reveals that our brains can identify objects by performing lightning-fast statistical calculations, incorporating previous experiences, to calculate a complete mental representation of an object. This study challenges conventional views on how our brains extract information from the environment.
A study by University of Colorado Denver researchers found that cycling infrastructure significantly reduces fatalities and improves road safety outcomes. Cities like Portland and Seattle saw a decrease in fatal crash rates after introducing protected bike lanes.
A new study found that Medicare spending is higher for older adults with disabilities who experience negative consequences such as going without eating or bathing due to lack of help. The study emphasizes the importance of non-medical care and supports for community-living older adults with disabilities.
A Stanford-led study found that e-cigarette flavorings may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease when inhaled. The researchers discovered that certain flavors, such as cinnamon and menthol, were particularly harmful to endothelial cells, which line the interior of blood vessels.
A study suggests sorting genetic information into categories to inform parents about potential health risks, weighing benefits against potential anxiety and legal implications. The method considers the prevalence and timing of disease development, aiming to provide actionable information while respecting patient autonomy.
A study of 1,054 patients found substantial volume overload at initiation, improving over time, but with variations in practice across regions associated with differences in volume overload. Males and patients with diabetes were at higher risk of experiencing volume overload.
A new longitudinal cohort study aims to understand the causes of high burden of heart, lung, blood and sleep disorders in rural Southern US communities. The RURAL study will examine 4,000 participants from 10 low-income counties, using a self-contained mobile examination unit and smart phones to collect health data.
A new study from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia finds that a skin patch may be useful in treating children with eosinophilic esophagitis triggered by milk. Nearly half of the 20 children who wore the Viaskin Milk patch saw improvements in their symptoms and normalization of biopsies after 11 months.
Researchers found significant increases in myo-inositol levels and generalized anxiety symptoms among children exposed to traffic-related air pollution. The study suggests a partial link between high TRAP exposure and increased anxiety, highlighting the potential impact on population health.
Research by Peter Belmi, PhD, found that individuals from higher social classes exhibit exaggerated beliefs about their abilities and are misinterpreted as more competent due to overconfidence. This study suggests that social class shapes attitudes towards one's abilities and perpetuates class hierarchies.
Researchers have discovered a way to predict which patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are most likely to respond to therapy by analyzing tissue samples from their kidneys and skin. This breakthrough could lead to personalized treatment plans for SLE patients.
A new study shows women in eight sub-Saharan African countries gaining access to and using modern contraception at a faster rate than projected, with married women the biggest users. The average annual growth rate of change in modern contraceptive prevalence exceeded the 1.4% benchmark set by the 2012 London Summit on Family Planning.
Researchers developed a blood test that measures tumor DNA, allowing for early detection of treatment response in patients with stage III or IV melanoma. The study found that the test detected BRAF mutations in 93% of patients before treatment and showed improved survival rates for those whose tumors shrunk after targeted therapy.