News on doctoral training and the researchers it produces. Covers PhD and fellowship programs, physician-scientist training, and major training investments.
A Massachusetts General Hospital study shows that exercise induces neurogenesis and improves cognition in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Exercise mimics the beneficial effects of physical activity on cognitive function by creating a more hospitable brain environment for new neurons to survive.
A new study discovered two clusters of abnormal cerebellum connectivity in young adults with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder (HF-ASD), supporting a crucial role for the cerebellum in ASD. The finding highlights the cerebellum as a potential therapeutic and diagnostic target.
The 2018 Dr. Paul Janssen Award Symposium will highlight recent advances in immuno-oncology and innovative strategies for optimizing cancer treatment. James P. Allison, PhD, will receive the award for his leading role in developing ipilimumab, a first immune checkpoint inhibitor approved by the FDA.
Researchers found that nalbuphine effectively treated opioid-induced urine retention in a patient, suggesting it as a potential solution for those unable to use catheters. WHO guidelines also recently made recommendations on treatment intensification for type 2 diabetes and insulin use for type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute will award $20 million to four academic centers over five years, with UC San Diego receiving $5 million. The program aims to correct the lack of attention given to glycans in biomedical research and train 18 early-career glycoscientists.
Researchers discovered that cytomegalovirus uses protein IE1 to replicate after PP71 proteins decay, offering potential therapeutic avenues for treatment
Researchers developed a three-factor model predicting burn patients at risk for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The model includes inhalation injury extent, percentage of body burned, and von Willebrand factor levels. This prediction tool could guide clinical trials to prevent ARDS in high-risk patients.
A new study explores the cognitive effects of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and its treatment on brain function. The research reveals that connectome disruption is associated with delayed neurodevelopment in long-term survivors, with younger age at diagnosis and longer chemotherapy duration linked to poorer outcomes.
Dr. Lequerica's work focuses on the relationships between insomnia and fatigue after TBI, aiming to generate effective interventions to address the needs of TBI survivors. He has authored over 40 peer-reviewed publications and is a leading expert in brain injury rehabilitation.
Researchers at Yerkes National Primate Research Center have successfully reversed the effects of parental stress on offspring by exposing parents to behavioral interventions. The study found that this approach breaks the cycle of intergenerational stress, reducing sensitivity and structural imprints in offspring.
The foundation grants four-year, $231,000 fellowships to support novel projects and encourage early career researchers in cancer science. The recipients are working on innovative projects such as developing T-cell receptors for immunotherapy and understanding protein modification in cancer development.
Researchers found a lower retention rate among Hispanics (85.2%) compared to blacks (90.5%) and whites (98.5%) in TBI outcomes research. Environmental and socio-economic factors with race/ethnicity interactions are crucial to consider for effective retention strategies.
Researchers have discovered that a distinct glycan feature, blood group I-antigen or 'I-branches', plays a central role in regulating both human B cell signaling/activation and melanoma aggressiveness. This finding has significant implications for immunomodulation and anti-cancer treatments.
A blood test can predict which patients with diffuse large B cell lymphoma are likely to respond positively to initial therapy. Researchers tracked circulating tumor DNA levels in 217 patients and found a correlation between rapid decline and improved outcome.
A new report by UCSF bioethicists recommends targeted genome sequencing for symptomatic newborns, but opposes universal screening. This approach aims to balance the benefits of genomics with potential risks and costs.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine discovered a rare gene mutation causing hydrops fetalis, a fatal condition in fetuses. The mutation impairs CLR receptor interaction with RAMP protein, disrupting adrenomedullin signaling and leading to fatal consequences.
A novel approach targeting the RAS / MAP Kinase pathway slows cancer growth in lung, skin, colon, and pancreatic cancers. Researchers have identified a compound that effectively decouples the entire pathway from external growth signals, leading to significant inhibition of cancer growth.
A study by Northwestern University found that when a teenager's depression improved through treatment, their parent's depression also decreased. The research suggests that clinicians should assess a parent's level of depression when treating their child and provide appropriate referrals.
Studies find that even minor phone use during meals can make diners feel distracted, reducing enjoyment. Compassionate people spend less time on social media than those with narcissistic tendencies. Digital distractions undermine face-to-face interactions, causing decreased bonding and emotional intelligence.
Increasing control and physical activity may be the secret to staying young for older adults. Research suggests that a younger subjective age is associated with better memory performance, health, and longevity. A study found that participants who reported feeling more in control on days with higher step counts felt younger.
James R. Lupski, MD, PhD, receives the Victor A. McKusick Leadership Award for fostering and enriching human genetics development, as well as its integration into science, medicine, and health. Dr. Lupski's research focuses on understanding mutational mechanisms and linking specific mutations to human disease.
Research on texting and sexting found that people who described their partner as having a similar texting style reported greater relationship satisfaction. Additionally, texting was shown to bring people closer or create distance depending on the motivations underlying its use.
A study led by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that substituting three words (
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have found evidence of how certain transport proteins are working at the molecular level, potentially leading to improved treatments for psychiatric disorders like depression, anxiety, and OCD. The study's findings suggest that a universal feature of these transport proteins may ...
A study by the University at Buffalo found that nearly 92% of caregivers with dementia experience poor sleep quality, waking up frequently and sleeping less than six hours per night. This can lead to depression, weight gain, heart disease, and premature death.
Researchers will investigate long-term impacts of cannabis exposure on adolescent brains, seeking to understand changes in cognition and behavior that may last into adulthood. The study aims to inform evidence-based public policy decisions concerning medicinal and recreational uses of cannabis.
A Massachusetts General Hospital research team has developed a system that incorporates neuroinflammation into their 'Alzheimer's in a dish' model, fully replicating the disease's pathology. The system includes neural cell death and glial cells that provide immune functions.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine found that mossy cells regulate adult neural stem cells to control neurogenesis, which is disrupted in many common brain disorders. Targeting these cells may offer a new treatment strategy for conditions like Alzheimer's disease and depression.
A study reveals that blocking heat shock transcription factor 1 (HSF1) signaling in T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) could represent a new approach in treating the aggressive disease. The discovery identifies a subset of T-ALL patients most likely to benefit from a new therapy.
A recent study analyzed NFL injuries from 2007-2016 and found that the increase in injuries occurred faster after practice restrictions took effect, not as a result of them. The study also showed no significant differences in injury rates for different muscle groups or types of injuries.
A randomized controlled study found that greening vacant lots significantly reduces feelings of depression and improves mental health for surrounding residents. Residents living near greened lots experienced a 41.5% decrease in depression compared to those living near untreated abandoned lots.
A study found that tolvaptan treatment slowed the rate of kidney function decline in individuals with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) for up to 11 years. The therapy also showed a lower risk of a 33% reduction in eGFR from baseline.
Jan M. Friedman, a Professor of Medical Genetics at the University of British Columbia, is receiving the Arno Motulsky-Barton Childs Award for his exceptional contributions to human genetics education globally. He has produced influential work on clinical genetics education and has led efforts to increase its presence in medical schools.
Professional baseball players with faster hand-eye coordination tend to draw more walks and swing at pitches in the strike zone, indicating improved plate discipline. The study suggests that measuring hand-eye coordination may be helpful in player selection and training could potentially lead to better batting performance.
A magnetic wire used to snag scarce tumor cells could prove swift and effective for early cancer detection. The technique attracts up to 80 times more tumor cells than current methods, making it a potent tool to catch the disease earlier.
Cecilia Lindgren receives ASHG Mentorship Award for sustained exemplary mentorship, recognizing her wide-ranging impact on mentees' research fields and career paths.
Research shows that a pharmacological strategy can alleviate multiple behavioral and cellular deficiencies in a mouse model of fragile X syndrome. Treatment with GSK6A or a similar compound could be a viable strategy for addressing cognitive and behavioral problems in fragile X syndrome.
The discovery of a Cambrian-age banded iron formation in western China pushes back the timeline for iron-rich seawater conditions by millions of years. This finding supports the presence of oxygen-enriched environments, which were previously believed to limit complex life evolution.
A new study suggests that developmental screening and surveillance rates remain low in the US, with only about one-third of young children receiving recommended screenings. The study found significant variations in rates across states, with Oregon performing as the top state and Mississippi struggling to meet the 17% benchmark.
The NYC Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (HANES) found that New Yorkers are getting heavier, with obesity rates increasing among certain groups. The survey also showed high rates of depression and sleep problems, as well as persistent racial and ethnic disparities in health outcomes.
The foundation awarded six new Damon Runyon Clinical Investigators, who will receive $450,000 each to develop their cancer research programs. Three others received Continuation Grants totaling $300,000, supporting their ongoing research.
Researchers found that adult stem cells in the intestines are replaced by fetal growth genes after parasite injury, enabling rapid wound repair. This discovery could lead to new treatments for internal wounds and improve understanding of mammalian body repair mechanisms.
The American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) presents annual research awards and grants to support innovative research initiatives. This year, more than $300,000 was awarded to support projects in osteoarthritis, sports medicine research, and education.
Adults with orthostatic hypotension may have undiagnosed cardiovascular disease, according to a new study. The research found that OH was associated with all measures of subclinical cardiovascular disease and predicted future clinical CVD events.
An expert panel found that only one (SCN5A) of the 21 genes typically included on a BrS genetic test has a definitive disease association. The panel disputed the associations with 20 other genes, which could lead to undue harm in patients and family members.
Researchers have found a new test that significantly improves the identification of bladder tumors likely to recur and progress. The test involves examining STAG2 gene expression in removed tumors, offering additional predictive discrimination.
A study of 27 patients with late-stage CKD found that interactions with clinicians and the health system can take a large emotional toll. Patients struggle to make sense of their illness, blame themselves, and feel abandoned or isolated.
A new lab diagnosis guide from IDSA and ASM aims to help healthcare providers accurately diagnose infectious diseases with rapid molecular testing. The guide provides detailed guidance on test selection, specimen collection, and laboratory management to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers at Emory University have discovered that GluN2C is rarely paired with another subunit, challenging current understanding of NMDA receptors. This finding has implications for developing treatments for diseases such as schizophrenia and treatment-resistant depression.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry found that only 22% of American youths who received treatment for anxiety disorders stayed anxiety-free over a six-year period. The study also revealed that 30% remained chronically ill and 48% relapsed, highlighting the need for more dur...
The winners of the 2018 Blavatnik National Awards are Janelle Ayres (immunology), Sergei V. Kalinin (nanomaterials), and Neal K. Devaraj (artificial cells). Their research has the potential to revolutionize fields like anti-microbial resistance, nanotechnology, and synthetic biology.
Researchers have developed a technique to determine the significance of gene variants of uncertain significance in patients with suspected heart conditions. By using advanced genetic-editing tools and stem cell technology, they were able to confirm that a patient had a mild case of long QT syndrome and rule out another condition.
A study of 230 family SMEs found that involved boards are crucial for innovation, with strategic involvement driving value creation. The researchers highlight the importance of knowledge, competences, and capabilities of board members in promoting entrepreneurial attitudes.
The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) announced the selection of 14 new Fellows, recognizing their excellence in volunteer service, scientific discovery, and clinical practice. The SNMMI Fellowship is one of the most prestigious formal recognitions available to long-time members.
Researchers found that children in the 2000s waited an average of two minutes longer to receive a larger treat than those tested in the 1960s and 1980s. The study attributes this change to increased access to digital technology, preschool education, and parenting practices.
UCSF researchers identified a critical immune cell pathway that primes the immune system for effective response to checkpoint inhibitors. The presence of specific immune cells, such as dendritic cells and natural killer cells, in tumors predicts improved response to immunotherapy and overall survival. These findings enable clinicians t...
Researchers developed a cartilage matrix that mimics early stages of repair and provides necessary structural properties for bone-forming cells. The decellularized cartilage-based scaffold effectively directs chondrogenic differentiation and creates a fracture callus mimetic.
A new assessment called Exam Roulette uses a game of chance to increase student preparation and motivation for essay tests. Students can preview potential questions, ask clarifying questions, but not receive specific content information, reducing anxiety and stress.
Research found that human herpesvirus 6A and 7 are present in Alzheimer's brains at higher levels than in those without the disease. The study identified previously unknown gene networks that could reveal novel targets for new drugs, and may help prevent or arrest the progression of the disease.
A new guide provides comprehensive overview of mechanical stimulation techniques for enhancing tissue-engineered articular cartilage. The review highlights the effects of various loading parameters on AC properties, including direct compression, hydrostatic pressure, shear, and tensile loading.