News on doctoral training and the researchers it produces. Covers PhD and fellowship programs, physician-scientist training, and major training investments.
A randomized clinical trial found that long-term collaborative care and occupational therapy did not slow functional decline in persons with Alzheimer disease. The study suggests that new assistive devices, home modifications, and technologies are needed to support patients and families at home.
Researchers have developed a living membrane using conditionally immortalized human renal proximal tubular epithelial cells on polyethersulfone-based hollow fiber membranes. This breakthrough brings the development of a bioartificial kidney closer to reality, offering hope for millions of patients with kidney failure.
A recent study by NYU researchers found that older adults with specific combinations of cardiopulmonary and cerebrovascular conditions are at higher risk for hospitalizations. The study's findings suggest the need for early identification and intervention strategies to prevent hospitalizations in chronically ill patients.
A new study found that reducing sodium intake significantly reduced albuminuria and blood pressure in patients with chronic kidney disease. The combination of paricalcitol and a low sodium diet resulted in the lowest albuminuria levels in patients, indicating a strong reduction in kidney function decline and heart benefits.
Magenta Therapeutics secures license to transform blood stem cell transplants with new technologies. The suite of technologies could improve the lives of patients with blood diseases and immune disorders.
Researchers have developed a portable, battery-operated device that can quickly and accurately detect malaria in the bloodstream using magnets and lasers. The Magneto-Optical Detector (MOD) has the potential to save $1.2 billion annually on anti-malaria efforts by reducing false positives and negatives.
A research team at Cedars-Sinai will use a $1.2 million grant to design a system using remote monitoring to predict heart attacks and other cardiovascular events. By combining different types of data, they aim to identify early signs of cardiovascular disease and empower patients to better manage their conditions.
Researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus found a strong association between a genetic mutation and left ventricular noncompaction, a rare form of heart muscle disease. The study sequenced nearly 5,000 genes in 335 patients with a family history of the disease to identify common genetic variants.
Research suggests that early childhood intervention can reduce the risk of adolescent substance use. Mothers with alcohol problems have lower levels of maternal sensitivity, which can lead to increased problem behaviors in children. Interventions focusing on maternal warmth and sensitivity may be beneficial for preventing adolescent su...
A study of 12,703 patients found that same-day discharge after laparoscopic appendectomy resulted in similar postoperative complications and lower readmission rates compared to overnight hospital stays. This approach can lead to significant cost savings, with an estimated annual healthcare savings of $921,500,000 in the US.
A comprehensive review of suicide research by the American Psychological Association found that experts' ability to predict suicidal behaviors is no better than chance. The study suggests that a combination of risk factors may be more accurate in predicting suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
A non-invasive test measuring odor recognition and recall can identify older individuals at increased risk of Alzheimer's disease. The study found that participants with poor performance in the test were more likely to have a variant of the APOE gene associated with increased Alzheimer's risk.
A study led by Massachusetts General Hospital found that following a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce genetic heart attack risk. The research team analyzed data from over 55,000 participants and found that each healthy lifestyle factor reduced risk, with favorable lifestyles cutting incidence by 50% in those at highest geneti...
Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles have developed a tissue-engineered model of the human lung and trachea, which contains diverse cell types found in the respiratory tract. This breakthrough model has the potential to improve our understanding of lung regeneration and lead to new therapies for damaged lungs.
Researchers have discovered a link between constipation and poor kidney health, suggesting that diagnosis and management of constipation may help prevent or treat kidney disease. Individuals with constipation had a 13% higher likelihood of developing chronic kidney disease and a 9% higher likelihood of developing kidney failure compare...
A study of over 18,000 adults found that those who slept five or fewer hours per night consumed 21% more caffeinated sugar-sweetened beverages than those who slept seven to eight hours a night. The researchers suggest improving sleep may help reduce sugar intake and break the cycle of unhealthy habits.
Researchers developed a DNA sequencing technique that can accurately identify lymphoma subtype, mutations, and predict prognosis. The method allows for real-time monitoring of tumor evolution and early warning systems, enabling personalized cancer treatment.
Despite decades of improved survival rates, childhood cancer survivors continue to report poor physical and mental health status. Researchers found that patients treated in earlier decades had better health outcomes than those treated in later decades, suggesting a link between access to follow-up care and reported adverse outcomes.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have successfully repaired the gene causing sickle cell disease using CRISPR gene editing technology. The corrected human hematopoietic stem cells were then transplanted into mice and showed promise in producing functioning hemoglobin molecules.
A team of researchers has identified a network within the brain that may play a role in maintaining human consciousness. The study, published in Neurology, found that two areas in the cortex were significantly connected to the brainstem region involved in arousal and awareness.
New research suggests a novel mechanism by which HIV-1 may infect kidney epithelial cells lacking the major CD4 receptor. Transmembrane TNF-alpha is identified as a key player in this process, potentially facilitating the transmission of HIV-1 from mother to fetus.
Researchers at University of California San Diego developed a new form of multicolor electron microscopy allowing simultaneous visualization of multiple molecular species. This technique reveals details and processes not visible in grayscale images, providing new insights into cellular ultrastructure.
Researchers found that impaired working memory and declarative memory are key neurocognitive functions affected in the high-risk, prodromal phase prior to psychosis onset. Interventions targeting these deficits may help mitigate schizophrenia's cognitive impairment and improve outcomes.
Researchers developed ultra-low adhesive coatings that prevented bacteria from attaching to surfaces treated with it, reducing bacterial adhesion by more than 98 percent. The coatings, inspired by nature, are stable when exposed to UV light and have potential in implanted devices prone to bacterial fouling and infection.
A new study published in Preventive Medicine found that people who can delay immediate gratification are less likely to eat at fast food establishments. The research suggests that assessing an individual's ability to wait for a larger sum of money may help prevent unhealthy behaviors and improve healthy food choices.
A new study reveals that exhausted T cells, which often fail to combat chronic infections and cancer, use a distinct set of molecular circuits. By targeting specific genes involved in PD-1 expression, researchers hope to improve CAR T cell therapy by re-tooling these cells to be more aggressive and effective against cancer.
A research team led by the University of Pittsburgh is using brain tissue samples and computational mechanics to identify biomarkers of wall fragility and develop new treatments to prevent rupture. The goal is to improve risk assessment and treatment options for patients with cerebral aneurysms.
Researchers found that a manufactured version of progranulin reverses most effects of Gaucher's disease in mouse and human cell studies, including GBA accumulation. Progranulin must bind to other molecules to transport the enzyme to lysosomes.
A research team has solved the three-dimensional structure of PrimPol, a key protein that helps damaged cellular DNA repair itself. The knowledge gained from this study will likely aid in designing anti-cancer agents.
Researchers found that students and parents wrongly believed look-alike Smart Snacks were available in stores. This confusion may lead people to think the same brands meet similar nutritional standards. The study highlights the importance of distinguishing between packaged versions sold in schools and those in stores.
Researchers at Allina Health present findings from the LifeCourse study, which shows that a whole-person approach to care can reduce health care utilization in late-life. The study found that patients who received care from lay health workers experienced improved quality of life and resilience in the face of decline.
Researchers found that a mediocre Italian soup started the meal improved subjects' overall liking for the pasta dish compared to a high-quality one. The study suggests restaurants can improve customer experiences by varying dishes by cuisine type to avoid negative responses.
Researchers found that listening to music while engaging in high-intensity interval training (HIIT) improved attitudes towards the exercise regimen. Participants who repeated HIIT sessions with music reported enjoying it and being more likely to participate again.
A new study identified four key features of successful infographics: an action-oriented title, short text, clear language, and an illustrated direct course of action. These dimensions were found to be significant in persuading viewers and promoting healthy changes.
New research reveals that gene DIXDC1 may act as a general risk factor for psychiatric disease by interfering with brain connection regulation. Mutations in this gene are linked to reduced synapse numbers and impaired WNT signaling in neurons, leading to heightened anxiety, loss of motivation, and social interaction deficits.
Research by Drexel University's Loni Philip Tabb found a significant increase in violent assaults for each additional establishment with a liquor license added to the area. Aggravated assault rates rose 8% in areas where new off-premises outlets were granted, and 5% for every on-premises outlet.
A new review of international slum research suggests that living close together can help mitigate health issues. The study's authors argue that this 'neighbourhood effect' could be a key to improving health in densely populated communities.
Researchers discovered factors secreted by gut bacteria, Oxalobacter formigenes, can stimulate oxalate transport and reduce urinary excretion in mice by 32.5%, potentially aiding in preventing or treating kidney stones.
Researchers found that exercise and methamphetamine can re-establish circadian rhythmicity in animals, suggesting a potential new way to treat addiction. This approach associates drug usage with a non-harmful stimulus, leveraging brain plasticity to rewiring the brain's circuitry.
A new study from Cornell Center for Behavioral Economics in Child Nutrition Programs finds that career development opportunities are crucial for food service directors to adopt healthier lunchroom changes. Food service directors who participate in professional organizations and trainings are more likely to be aware of the Smarter Lunch...
A new species of ancient armored fish, Bothriolepis rex, was discovered by a team of scientists from Drexel University and other institutions. The fish is estimated to be around 5.5 feet long, making it the largest known member of the Antiarchi group, which dates back to the Devonian Period.
A recent study has challenged the long-held belief that patients treated with catheters have a higher risk of premature death due to complications. The research suggests that a fistula creation prior to starting dialysis may be associated with lower death rates, particularly in younger patients.
Researchers have discovered a previously unknown mass migration of inhibitory neurons into the brain's frontal cortex during the first few months after birth. This late-stage migration may play a role in establishing fundamentally human cognitive abilities.
A new therapeutic target has been identified for the treatment of compulsive binge eating, targeting the brain receptor TAAR1. Activation of this receptor shows promise in reducing maladaptive feeding behaviors and blocking addiction-like behavior to junk food.
A new study found that volunteering regularly over time may have benefits for older adults' memory and physical health. Volunteering reduces the risk of cognitive problems by 27%, even among those with other risk factors.
A recent study found that personalized primary care programs can improve daily functioning in older adults, particularly those with higher levels of education. After six months, participants in the treatment groups experienced fewer problems compared to the control group, but further studies are needed to confirm these results.
Research found that healthy lifestyle habits like exercising, eating a healthy diet, and staying socially connected can potentially compress the period of disability in older adults before death. However, factors such as smoking, being inactive, and unhealthy diets were associated with longer periods of disability.
The University of Pennsylvania has been awarded a $24 million grant to establish a Science and Technology Center focused on engineering mechanobiology. This research will provide insights into embryonic development, stem-cell differentiation, cancer metastasis, and other clinically relevant topics.
Researchers at Drexel University have made a breakthrough in the study of how things break, bend and deform. They discovered that layered materials form internal buckles, or ripples, as they deform under stress, dubbed 'ripplocation'. This new paradigm explains non-linear elastic behavior within the constraints of dislocation theory.
A study found that rewards points encourage healthy food selection by appealing to future choices, leading to more salad sales and a returning customer base. Rewards points counteract impulsive desires for indulgent food, promoting long-term health goals.
Researchers review how psychology helps people with diabetes manage their condition through behavioral intervention programs and identifying mental disorders associated with the disease. The article highlights the importance of psychological science in improving diabetes prevention and care.
A study by researchers at UC San Francisco found that a particular pattern of microbes in newborns' guts triples their risk of developing asthma by age four. The abnormal gut microbiome produces molecules that reduce the abundance of key immune cells, leading to a hyperactive immune system and chronic inflammation.
A newly developed compound inhibits high blood sugar's deleterious effects on kidney cells and slows kidney disease progression in diabetic mice. It protects kidneys in early and advanced phases of diabetes, improves function, and reduces inflammation.
An animal study suggests that resistance to tamoxifen therapy in some estrogen receptor positive breast cancers may originate from in utero exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals. Researchers identified four genes linked to tamoxifen resistance and poor prognosis of breast cancer.
A Loyola Medicine study found female triathletes experience high rates of stress urinary and anal incontinence, with nearly a quarter also screening positive for the female athlete triad. Researchers highlight the need for women to seek medical care if symptoms persist.
A five-year study has identified 30 inherited genes linked to intellectual disability, a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting 213 million worldwide. The discovery could lead to DNA screenings and personalized therapeutic protocols to improve intellectual function.
The Baby Connectome Project will investigate how the human brain develops from birth to early childhood, using non-invasive MRI scans of 500 children. The study aims to uncover factors contributing to healthy brain development and provide a comprehensive picture of brain connectivity.
Researchers have found Zika virus genetic material in human tears and live virus in mouse eyes, raising questions about transmission through bodily fluids. The study's findings have implications for corneal transplantation and potential new diagnostic methods, such as testing tear samples for viral RNA or antibodies.
A study of 355 World War II veterans found that those who experienced intense combat were more price-sensitive and less brand loyal. This research provides insights for store owners and aid providers on what items to stock in stores after a disaster, such as practical and affordable options like off-brand variety.
Researchers found that Asian Zika strains cause more harm to neural progenitor cells than African strains, particularly with the p53 gene. This discovery could lead to potential inhibitors of p53 as treatments to protect brain cells from cell death.