News on doctoral training and the researchers it produces. Covers PhD and fellowship programs, physician-scientist training, and major training investments.
Research suggests that women with bulimia nervosa use food as an escape from negative thoughts and self-criticism, as indicated by decreased blood flow in the brain's self-reflection region. The study found increased stress reduction and increased food cravings after consuming high-fat/high-sugar foods.
Two large studies published in Annals of Internal Medicine suggest that higher coffee consumption is associated with a lower risk for death, particularly among whites and non-white populations. The studies found that moderate to high coffee intake was linked to reduced mortality rates for diseases such as digestive tract disorders and ...
A Phase II study found that increasing radiotherapy doses to hypoxic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) lesions, identified by PET/CT scans, did not improve patient outcomes. The study suggests that smaller volumes of tumors with hypoxia may be more effectively targeted for radiotherapy.
Research from the VA TBI Model System reveals differences in characteristics and outcomes between military and civilian traumatic brain injury patients. These findings have important implications for treatment and long-term care of veterans with TBI.
The Indiana Training Program in Public and Population Health Informatics prepares graduate students and post-doctoral fellows to work in healthcare, academia, and public health departments. The program aims to fill the growing need for informaticians who can design solutions key to human health.
The National Institutes of Health has instituted a policy to consider sex as a biological variable in funded research, with recommendations provided by coauthors Terri Lynn Cornelison and Janine Austin Clayton. Guidelines include including both male and female subjects in studies and generalizing findings appropriately.
A new study examined the relationship between traumatic brain injury (TBI) and age-related cognitive change, finding no significant difference between participants with TBI and those without. The researchers suggest that future studies should collect more information on past TBIs to better understand their impact on cognitive decline.
Nicholas Katsanis, Director of the Center for Human Disease Modeling at Duke University, receives the 2017 Curt Stern Award for his groundbreaking research on ciliary disorders. The award recognizes his work on signaling roles of cilia and mechanisms behind rare genetic disorders.
The Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation awarded $3.1M to five new Clinical Investigators and Continuation Grants to three existing recipients. The winners are conducting groundbreaking research in pancreatic cancer, glioblastoma, and leptomeningeal metastasis.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have discovered clues to how respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes disease. The study reveals that a specific protein, NS1, interferes with the body's ability to fight off RSV, potentially leading to new targets for vaccine or treatment development.
A new clinical study led by UC San Francisco has identified a molecular test that can pinpoint breast cancer patients with the lowest risk of death, even 20 years after diagnosis. The test, called MammaPrint®, can accurately identify ultralow-risk tumors, which are associated with an excellent prognosis and minimal toxic effects.
Scientists at Georgetown University Medical Center found that alpha-Synuclein, a protein implicated in Parkinson's disease, is released when an infection occurs in the upper GI tract, inducing an immune response. Chronic infections may overwhelm the body's capacity to clear alpha-Synuclein, leading to disease.
Researchers found that all colors of light triggered unpleasant physiological sensations in patients with migraines, while green light had a neutral effect. Migraine sufferers reported intense emotional responses to light exposure, including anger and sadness.
Researchers found that African Americans who had at least two modifiable healthy behaviors were 20% less likely to develop high blood pressure. The study also found that those who followed six or more of the American Heart Association's Life's Simple 7 guidelines had a 90% lower risk of high blood pressure.
A new study from the University of Waterloo found that strong individuals should prioritize their own safety before attempting to help weaker people in emergency situations. The research used computer modeling to simulate a flooded subway station, finding that overall survival rates were higher when strong members reached safety first.
New fossil research from the University of Adelaide suggests that the ancestors of the iconic New Zealand Christmas Tree, P?hutukawa, may have originated in Australia. The fossils, found near St Helens, East Coast Tasmania, date back to around 25 million years ago and describe two new species of Metrosideros.
A recent study by UCSF researchers found that around 22.8% of children with Tourette's met the criteria for autism, compared to 8.7% of adults. The study suggests that the high rate may be due to shared symptoms rather than an overlapping etiology.
Researchers have discovered that specialized gut cells called enterochromaffin (EC) cells sense potentially noxious chemicals and trigger electrical impulses in nearby nerve fibers. This finding could lead to new approaches for treating gastrointestinal disorders like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine used long-read genome sequencing to secure a diagnosis for patient Ricky Ramon, who had undiagnosed Carney complex. The technique identified a deletion of about 2,200 base-pairs and confirmed the diagnosis.
Researchers have built simple machines out of DNA consisting of arrays whose units switch reversibly between two different shapes. The arrays' properties shed light on how to build structures with more complex, dynamic behaviors. By harnessing these DNA mini-machines, scientists may be able to create nanotech sensors and amplifiers.
A Drexel University study finds that Obamacare has narrowed the gap in care between Mexican-Americans and white Americans with high blood pressure, increasing insurance rates, doctor visits, and regular sources of care. The Affordable Care Act also improved treatment outcomes for Mexican-heritage patients with hypertension.
A high-resolution view of the structure of Hsp104 has been acquired, showing how it processes proteins to break down tangles. The study provides insight into a potential nanomachine that could be used to dismantle harmful protein clumps in disease.
Researchers have discovered a way to quickly calm activated neutrophils, which can get stuck in the lungs' tiny capillaries, leading to life-threatening problems. The breakthrough, developed by a Creighton University physics professor, could lead to new treatments for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and acute lung injury (ALI).
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are developing new steel alloys for additive manufacturing with a focus on high-strength low-alloy steels suitable for naval construction and repair. The project aims to improve mechanical properties and corrosion resistance using integrated computational materials design.
A study analyzing PROMISE trial data found that CT angiography better predicts future cardiovascular events than functional testing, especially in identifying nonobstructive coronary artery disease. This improvement in risk prediction enables a more informed choice of testing for patients with stable chest pain.
A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that adolescents with ADHD have a 36% higher crash risk than other newly licensed teens, but this risk is still relatively low. The study suggests that evidence-based training and education for teens with ADHD who want to drive may help manage their risk.
Researchers found that leaders who change their moral minds are perceived as hypocritical and less effective, but framing the change as a result of a transformative experience can mitigate this perception. The study suggests that taking a moral stance without underlying beliefs can backfire if a leader needs to change their mind later.
Researchers at the University of Lincoln are exploring innovative approaches to stop Drosophila suzukii, a major agricultural pest affecting soft and stone fruit crops worldwide. The team will investigate using yeasts as bait and developing intelligent 'bio-inspired' robotics systems to mimic insect vision.
A study of 97 youth football players aged 9-13 found they experienced a total of 40,538 head impacts during four seasons. The number of impacts differed significantly depending on the player's age/weight level, suggesting all athletes should not be evaluated as one group when assessing head impact exposure and injury risk.
A recent study found that cancer patients who reported their symptoms using a web-based survey lived five months longer than those who did not. The study, led by UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center researcher Ethan Basch, showed a significant median overall survival benefit of 20 percent.
A systematic review of 25 studies found that recreational running is not associated with osteoarthritis, but competitive running increases the risk. Recreational runners are less likely to develop knee and hip osteoarthritis compared to sedentary individuals.
A study published by the American Psychological Association found that organizations may want to select applicants with mid-range levels of charisma into leadership roles. Moderately charismatic leaders were rated most effective because they exhibited both strategic and operational behaviors.
A study found that coroners are unable to agree on cause of death or whether an inquest is needed, even with same information. This inconsistency can lead to delayed prevention of future deaths.
A new study from WashU Medicine shows that stroke patients can regain some control over their paralyzed hands using a brain-computer interface. After 12 weeks of therapy, participants' scores increased an average of 6.2 points on a scale measuring motor skills.
A 12-week tai chi program significantly reduced depression symptoms in Chinese Americans. The study found sustained improvement at 24 weeks, with the group receiving tai chi showing greater reduction in symptoms compared to control groups.
A study published in Current Biology reveals that brain networks become increasingly divided into distinct modules during adolescence, which influences improvements in executive function. The findings suggest that modular sub-networks are critical for complex cognition and behavior, and may predict risks for mental illnesses.
A recent Stanford University School of Medicine study found that fitness trackers generally accurately measure heart rate but struggle with calculating energy expenditure, which is often used to track calories burned. The study evaluated seven devices and found that six were accurate in measuring heart rate within 5% error, while none ...
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital discovered how a potential treatment for Huntington disease produces its effects, but found impaired NRF2-mediated activity in neural stem cells from HD patients. This limits the therapeutic potential of NRF2 signaling.
A study found that black persons are 31% more likely than white persons to develop interval colorectal cancer, a type of cancer that develops after a negative colonoscopy result. The risk is highest for distal colon and rectal cancer, and is not explained by differences in physician quality.
A study published by the American Psychological Association found that individuals with a larger striatum in their brain may struggle with uncertainty, leading to anxiety disorders. The research suggests a relationship between an individual's ability to cope with uncertainty and the volume of gray matter within the brain.
The National Institute on Aging has renewed Penn Medicine's Alzheimer's disease genetics data repository, providing $7.7 million in funding over five years. The site gathers and organizes genetic data to aid researchers in understanding the disease's origins and potential prevention and cure strategies.
Lung cancer cells in an invasive pack have specialized roles as leaders and followers, which depend on each other for mobility and survival. The leader-follower symbiosis could be a key target for future treatments aimed at impairing or preventing cancer metastasis.
The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) has recognized outstanding SCAI members for their contributions to the field of interventional cardiology, education, and patient care. This year's award recipients include George Vetrovec, MD, MSCAI, and nine Master Interventionalists, who have demonstrated a commitme...
A new study has identified various medical diagnoses that may elevate an individual's risk of developing acute kidney injury (AKI) while in the hospital. AKI is often associated with medical or surgical conditions that deprive the kidneys of normal blood flow, and previous studies have only identified certain risk factors.
Researchers have identified a microRNA biomarker that shows a strong association with atrial fibrillation incidence. The study found that low levels of miR 21 are strongly linked to the development of atrial fibrillation, which can increase stroke risk and negatively impact quality of life.
Researchers used cutting-edge techniques to capture videos of T cell surface dynamics, revealing microvilli crawl independently in fractal geometry to explore antigen-presenting cells. This efficient search pattern allows T cells to thoroughly sample their environment in just minutes, optimizing immune response.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have identified a surprising mechanism for resistance to immune checkpoint blockade, where macrophages rapidly remove drugs from T cells. The study suggests that targeting macrophages could improve treatment efficacy in patients.
The Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Wellcome Trust, and Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation have awarded $26.7 million to 41 international researchers, providing them with the freedom to pursue innovative projects in various biological and medical research areas.
A University at Buffalo study found that patient satisfaction among IBS patients is influenced by demographic, GI, and psychological factors beyond the quality of care. The researchers discovered that reassurance from gastroenterologists, rather than diagnostic tests, drives patient satisfaction in this population.
The Trump administration's decision to remove sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) questions from national aging surveys and omit these categories from disability surveys may hinder the collection and use of SOGI data. This could set back years of progress in identifying and addressing LGBT health disparities.
Chronic fluid overload increases the risk of early death in kidney failure patients on hemodialysis, comparable to coronary artery disease and heart failure. The study found that cumulative exposure to fluid overload over 1 year predicted a higher risk of death than a single measurement at the start of dialysis treatment.
A new study shows that displaying FIT Game episodes in school cafeterias can increase vegetable consumption by 99.9%, surpassing previous classroom-based games. The low-cost approach offers promise for influencing children's health and behavior.
Li-Ru Zhao, PhD, MD, receives the 2017 Bernard Sanberg Memorial Award for her research contributions in acute and chronic stroke, vascular dementia, traumatic brain injury, and Alzheimer's disease. Her work has significantly advanced our understanding of SCF and G-CSF in slowing Alzheimer's progression.
The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) has announced its 2017 Research Foundation award recipients, supporting talented investigators in digestive disease research. The awardees will receive grant funding and protected time for research, contributing to advancements in gastroenterology.
The Sleep Research Society has announced its 2017 award recipients, recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to sleep and circadian science. Dr. Thomas Kilduff is this year's Distinguished Scientist Award recipient for his work on hypocretin and therapeutic development for insomnia.
Researchers found that a specific gene enables the even distribution of serotonin in the brain, but its absence leads to tangled neuronal branches and signs of depression. This discovery offers new avenues for studying psychiatric disorders associated with serotonin imbalance.
Researchers discovered that signals from surrounding tissue trigger dental stem cells to proliferate and differentiate into mature tooth tissue. The findings have implications for understanding tissue renewal and could lead to improved therapies for cancer treatment.
The Sidney Kimmel Foundation has selected the final 15 research scientists and medical doctors to receive two-year grants totaling $200,000 each. These grantees will contribute to significant contributions to cancer research and are among the most promising young investigators.
Researchers developed a risk calculator to estimate long-term risks of developing kidney failure in living kidney donors. The study found that black donors and older male donors were at higher risk, while younger black candidates should be carefully evaluated.
Researchers successfully assembled and monitored functioning human forebrain circuits, enabling the study of normal brain development. The method also enables the personalized study of psychiatric disorders by attributing defects to conditions like Timothy syndrome.