News on doctoral training and the researchers it produces. Covers PhD and fellowship programs, physician-scientist training, and major training investments.
The Society for Neuroscience is recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to advancing women in the field of neuroscience. This year's honorees include Elaine Del Bel, PhD, and Herbert Geller, PhD, for their pioneering work on mentoring female neuroscientists and promoting equality among students.
The employment-to-population ratio for working-age people with disabilities increased to 31.4 percent in October 2018, up 3 percent from the previous year. The labor force participation rate also rose to 34.2 percent, indicating a positive trend for Americans with disabilities.
A study by the Society for Consumer Psychology reveals that people generally assume silent group members share their own opinions, even when outnumbered. This 'mirror effect' could lead leaders to misinterpret group consensus and quiet individuals to inaccurately agree with dominant views.
The American College of Physicians (ACP) has updated its policy recommendations for reducing gun-related injuries and death in the United States. The new guidelines build on existing policies, focusing on a public health approach to address this epidemic of gun violence.
A study published in Scientific Reports found that forced expression of the natural protein FGFBP3 in obese mice reduced their fat mass by over a third. The treatment also improved obesity-related disorders such as hyperglycemia and fatty liver disease, with no side effects observed.
Researchers discuss potential benefits of inducing torpor in humans for spaceflight and medical treatment. Synthetic torpor could protect astronauts from radiation hazards and reduce demands on spacecraft mass.
A recent study found that wood smoke exposure results in higher inflammatory markers for male subjects and lower inflammatory markers for female subjects. The researchers suggest that sex-specific effects may be missed when lumping data together, emphasizing the need to consider sex-specific responses when studying environmental pollut...
A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that maintaining grip strength and protecting mental ability can prevent or delay disability. The research suggests that older adults who engage in physical and mental training may slow down their physical decline and reduce the risk of future problems.
The New York Stem Cell Foundation has selected six promising researchers for its 2018 class of NYSCF-Robertson Investigators. These scientists will receive $1.5 million in funding to pursue high-risk, high-reward research projects in stem cell biology and neuroscience.
A new drug, OMX-CV, has been developed to deliver oxygen only to oxygen-starved heart tissue, bypassing systemic side effects. The treatment has shown promising results in an animal model of global hypoxia and could have applications for treating cardiovascular diseases and pediatric conditions.
A new study found that healthy diets are associated with a lower risk of death from colorectal cancer, both before and after diagnosis. Those who followed the American Cancer Society's guidelines on nutrition and physical activity had a 22% lower risk of all-cause mortality.
A recent study found that Hispanic kidney disease patients with poor primary care experiences have a higher risk of hospitalization. The study analyzed data from 252 patients and found associations between low communication quality, health promotion, interpersonal treatment, and trust with increased hospitalization risk.
A Loyola University Chicago study reveals that diabetes causes heart failure through the accumulation of methylglyoxal, which weakens heart muscle cells. The findings suggest new drug treatments to counter the effects of methylglyoxal and prevent heart failure in diabetics.
Researchers at the University of Arizona are testing green light therapy for controlling HIV-related neuropathic pain, showing a 60% reduction in patient pain. The therapy may also have potential benefits for other types of pain and provide a safer alternative to opioids.
Research found that low-income couples who withdraw from their spouse's demands experience stable relationship satisfaction, while wealthier couples face declining relationship satisfaction. Conversely, high-income couples' relationship dissatisfaction increases when they do not exhibit strong withdrawal behaviors.
A UChicago research team will collaborate with Pitt to develop robotic arms patients can control with their minds, receiving sensory feedback from attached prosthetic hands. The project aims to create a prosthesis with the same dexterity and functionality as the natural human hand.
Researchers have found that Alzheimer's disease is closely linked to neuropsychiatric symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. The study used brains from over 1,000 healthy adults aged 50+, finding that AD pathology was present in many individuals who didn't show classic cognitive symptoms.
Researchers at Stanford University have developed a new technique called CRISPR-GO, which allows them to manipulate the genome in three-dimensional space. By reorganizing genetic elements in different locations within the nucleus, scientists can alter their function and study the impact on cell behavior.
Researchers at Scripps Research have identified the molecule PIEZO2 as responsible for tactile allodynia, a condition characterized by pain from gentle touch. The study provides validation that targeting PIEZO2 could be beneficial in treating this common form of chronic pain.
Researchers found that adult-like functional brain connections for emotional regulation emerge during the first year of life, predicting anxiety and emotional regulation in 4-year-olds. The growth of these brain circuits during the second year of life also predicted IQ at 4 years old.
Researchers aim to understand the molecular signatures of Alzheimer's, CTE, and other neurodegenerative diseases by mapping the three-dimensional structures of protein tangles. This knowledge will enable the design of drug molecules that prevent tangle buildup and aid in early detection through biomarkers.
Researchers from the University of California, Irvine have discovered that two components of the Mallotus leaf extract activate KCNQ2/3 potassium ion channels, essential for controlling electrical activity in the brain. The combination of these compounds is highly effective at preventing life-threatening seizures.
A recent study found that DN2 B cells, a type of immune cell, are expanded in people with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and may be responsible for the production of autoantibodies. The research suggests that targeting these cells could provide new insights into treating the disease.
Researchers discovered that cells in the cerebellum, or 'little brain', have unique metabolic needs. The study found that blocking an enzyme regulating mitochondria impairs cerebellar development more than other parts of the brain.
Researchers will integrate citizen science data from CrowdHydrology into the National Water Model to improve predictions of flooding. The project aims to enhance communication about flooding during emergencies and connect first responders with accurate, near real-time data.
Scientists have assembled a searchable database of normal human immunity, using 83 studies to create a comparison group for immune system and immune dysfunction research. The data reveals new findings on the differences in immune cells between men and women, as well as between people of diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds.
A new long-acting injectable implant developed by UNC School of Medicine researchers has shown promising results in animal models, delivering anti-HIV medication over time with minimal toxicity. The implant can be quickly and safely removed if needed, making it a potential game-changer for HIV treatment and prevention.
Employment outcomes for people with disabilities vary significantly across states and counties, influenced by economic conditions, physical environment, and policy variables. Research finds that environmental factors are a strong predictor of employment rates, highlighting the importance of considering local context in policy development.
A new study analyzing the genomes of nearly a quarter of a million men discovered a single-nucleotide polymorphism on Chromosome 6 linked to an increased risk of erectile dysfunction. The genetic locus was consistently associated with ED risk across ethnically diverse groups, suggesting a novel mechanism specific to sexual function.
A study found that a simple cleaning procedure using antibacterial shampoo and wipes can prevent therapy dogs from spreading MRSA to children with cancer. The decolonization process reduces MRSA carriage in both patients and dogs, improving patient safety.
Researchers found that viruses like West Nile and Zika can kill neurons in the gut, disrupting bowel movement and causing intestinal blockages. The study provides clues to sudden onset of digestive woes and potentially points to a new strategy for preventing such conditions.
The American Academy of Otolaryngology will present cutting-edge research on various otolaryngology topics at their Annual Meeting. Key studies include evaluating the prognostic utility of hemoglobin-to-red cell distribution width ratio in head and neck cancer, investigating the association between depression and long-term overall surv...
Case Western Reserve researchers are investigating skin prions as a potential diagnostic biomarker for Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. The study aims to determine if skin prions can serve as a pre-mortem and post-mortem diagnostic tool, as well as explore their role in transmission between humans.
Researchers found that low colonic miR-31 expression is associated with worse disease outcomes in adults and future development of strictures in children. This discovery has the potential to improve clinical trial designs and develop more personalized therapeutic strategies for Crohn's disease patients.
Researchers at Penn Vet are developing a novel gene-engineered chimeric autoantibody receptor T cell (CAART) immunotherapy to treat pet dogs with naturally occurring autoimmune skin disease. The treatment may also lead to breakthrough therapies for humans with autoimmune diseases.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that adolescent cannabis use is associated with impairments in learning, memory, attention, and decision-making, as well as lower academic performance. The research team followed a large sample of high school students over four years to investigate the complex relatio...
The study, involving hundreds of breast cancer patients, found that chemotherapy and hormonal treatments do not have major adverse effects on cognitive function for most older women. A small subset of patients with the APOE4 gene showed a decline in cognitive test scores after chemotherapy.
Researchers at Penn Vet are developing a genetically engineered cell-based therapy approach to treat pemphigus in pet dogs, which may lead to breakthroughs in human autoimmune disease treatment. The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of this novel gene-engineered chimeric autoantibody receptor T cell (CAART) immunotherapy.
The conference features cutting-edge research studies to answer urgent questions in cancer immunotherapy, aiming to advance progress more rapidly for patients. New approaches to identifying responders and non-responders to immune checkpoint inhibitors are being developed.
A Penn Nursing study found that parents with lower education levels were more likely to access a web-based health program, but still struggled with computer and internet access. The research highlights the need for culturally sensitive digital health resources to address health disparities among Puerto Rican adolescents.
A Baltimore study found that liquor stores have a stronger association with violent crimes, including homicides and aggravated assaults, compared to bars and restaurants. The researchers found that low-income neighborhoods have higher access to liquor stores and beer wine stores, which are linked to increased violence
Researchers found a correlation between neurobehavioral symptoms and unemployment among individuals with moderate-to-severe TBI. Frontal system neurobehavioral syndromes can predict employment outcomes, highlighting the need for rehabilitative strategies to address these behaviors.
Researchers found that Asian-Americans were appointed two-and-a-half times as often during a company's decline than when it was successful. This may be due to stereotypes of Asian-Americans being self-sacrificing, which can lead to longer working hours or giving up bonuses.
A recent SWOG study found that women diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have a higher overall survival rate compared to men. The analysis revealed significant differences in survival rates among female and male patients, regardless of their smoking history or other factors.
A recent study evaluated the effects of combined individual- and community-level interventions to reduce underage drinking by American Indian/Alaska Native youths. Reports of drinking frequency declined among students in the intervention group relative to comparison groups, with significant reductions in heavy drinking frequency.
Dr. Boukrina is investigating the role of reading deficits in aphasia rehabilitation, developing benchmarks for identifying high-risk patients and exploring effective treatment options. Her research aims to improve cognition, mobility, and long-term outcomes for individuals with neurological disabilities caused by stroke.
A Stanford study has mapped the human exposome, a dynamic cloud of microbes, chemicals, and particulates that surround us. The research provides unprecedented detail on the variety of biological and chemical exposures at an individual level, offering new insights into human health and environmental influences.
A recent study by MS researchers found that older individuals with multiple sclerosis report lower levels of depression and higher quality of life than their younger counterparts. This trend is consistent with the general population, where well-being improves with age.
The Journal of the American Medical Association highlights the growing field of geroscience, which seeks to understand and address the biological mechanisms underlying aging. Researchers from the American Federation for Aging Research are leading the way in this area, exploring therapeutic interventions and extending healthspan.
A pilot study by Kessler Foundation researchers found improvements in processing speed training for individuals with multiple sclerosis, enhancing neuropsychological tests and daily life performance. The study showed significant gains in processing speed, new learning, memory, and activities of daily life.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine have developed a powerful algorithm to quickly categorize long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) based on their molecular makeup and predicted functions. The method, called SEEKR, uses protein-binding sequences to identify lncRNA communities with similar functions in humans and other species.
A Drexel University study found that undocumented Latino immigrants have lower rates of healthcare use and signs of chronic disease, despite being less likely to see a doctor. This dichotomy may be due to lack of access to preventive services or mental health care.
A study by the American Psychological Association found that 35% of students from 19 colleges in eight countries reported symptoms consistent with at least one mental health disorder. Major depressive disorder was the most common, followed by generalized anxiety disorder.
A new cloud-based analysis platform allows scientists to quantify molecules from biological samples and share their results publicly. The platform enables faster research and increased precision by identifying key fragments of molecules, benefiting fields like environmental sciences, pharmaceuticals, and sports medicine.
A US study found that 59% of partnered men and 51% of women with dementia lived at home were sexually active. However, many faced unaddressed sexual function problems and lacked clear medical guidance. The study aimed to provide normative evidence for informing decisions about sex for people with dementia.
A new study from the University of Missouri School of Medicine reveals that more than half of women with breast cancer are now receiving their diagnosis over the phone. The researchers found a significant shift in diagnosis delivery method since 2007, when approximately 25 percent of patients learned about their diagnosis via phone.
A study at UCSF discovered how a mutation in the TERT promoter gene confers immortality on tumor cells, enabling their aggressive growth. Eliminating a specific protein subunit using CRISPR-based gene editing slowed cancer cell growth.
A study published by the American Psychological Association suggests that focusing on feelings instead of logic in decision-making leads to increased attitude certainty and stronger advocacy for chosen options. This approach can also change behavior, as seen in experiments where participants who made intuitive decisions shared their ch...
The employment-to-population ratio for working-age people with disabilities increased from 29.5% in August 2017 to 30.2% in August 2018, up 2.4%, reflecting a positive trend reversal after two down months.
A new study from Stanford University School of Medicine identifies patterns in genetic data that can predict a person's risk for abdominal aortic aneurysm, a common and often fatal cardiovascular disease. The method uses machine learning to analyze genomic data and identify complex mutational patterns associated with the condition.