News on doctoral training and the researchers it produces. Covers PhD and fellowship programs, physician-scientist training, and major training investments.
Researchers have identified a key role for a recently discovered immune cell in age-related inflammation and disease. The discovery sheds light on the mechanisms underlying these conditions and offers promising avenues for treatment.
Ten scientists from eight institutions across the US will receive $750,000 each to support high-risk, high-reward projects in cancer research. The grants aim to accelerate innovative approaches in tumor metabolism, imaging, and mathematical models of combination drug therapy.
Researchers found that CTC clusters can unfold and pass through constrictions in microfluidic devices and human blood vessels. This ability may contribute to their metastatic potential. The study suggests potential strategies to reduce clusters' ability to spread cancer throughout the body.
The American College of Physicians calls for immediate global action to combat the health impacts of climate change, including heat-related illnesses and malnutrition. A new policy paper highlights the need for physicians to educate themselves and their patients about climate change's effects on human health.
Researchers at Stanford Medicine have developed a technique to identify patients who are at risk of suffering chemo-induced heart damage. The study uses induced pluripotent stem cells from breast cancer patients' skin cells to create human heart muscle cells, which respond more adversely to the chemotherapy drug doxorubicin.
A new study published in Cell Reports found that tumors with high neoantigen loads are more likely to be infiltrated by lymphocytes and have a better prognosis. Researchers hope this discovery will help identify patients most likely to benefit from immune checkpoint inhibitors, which have produced impressive results in some cases.
A study found that propofol, a commonly used anesthetic, induces loss of responsiveness by diminishing brain connectivity in the frontal cortex. The researchers also observed significant changes in resting state brain networks.
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center report a breakthrough in extending the life of implantable devices by rapidly regenerating molecular constituents in situ. The new approach, using an enzyme called Staphylococcus aureus Sortase A, enables repeated regeneration of bioactive films without device removal.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital identified subcapsular sinus macrophages that form a protective barrier around lymph nodes, blocking the spread of melanoma and other cancers. These SCS macrophages act as tumor suppressors but can be disrupted by cancer treatment drugs.
A study by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that Maryland's 2011 increase in alcohol sales tax led to a 3.8% decrease in total alcohol sales. Sales of spirits were 5.1% lower, beer sales were 3.2% lower, and wine sales were 2.5% lower.
The Mount Sinai Hospital and Sage Bionetworks conducted a genome study of over 589,000 adults to identify individuals resistant to severe Mendelian childhood diseases. Thirteen healthy people with associated genetic variants were found, but limitations in the original studies' informed consent policies hinder further analysis.
Many restaurant kids' meals meet calorie criteria, but fall short on fat, saturated fat, and sodium levels. Researchers call for restaurants to market healthier options and parents to guide children toward healthy choices.
The Autism Science Foundation has awarded $2.3 million in grants to support innovative autism research and training programs. The funding will go towards pre- and post-doctoral fellowships, undergraduate summer research grants, and other initiatives aimed at improving our understanding of autism and developing effective treatments.
A critical review of literature suggests that just half the recommended exercise level can lead to marked health benefits. Experts challenge current guidelines to update recommendations and highlight the importance of individualized prescriptions considering unique characteristics and needs.
A study found that few people are aware of the Nursing Home Compare website, which aims to help families find high-quality care facilities. The site's accuracy is also compromised by trust issues and limited information on costs and activities.
Scientists at Case Western Reserve University have identified three glycosyltransferases, B3GNT2, B4GALT2, and ST6GALNAC2, as significant mutational targets in colon cancer. These findings suggest that functionally deleterious mutations in these genes contribute to aberrant glycosylation and tumor progression.
A new study found that effectively treating depression can reduce a patient's chance of having a stroke, heart failure, a heart attack, or death. Effective treatment for depression reduces a patient's heart risks to the same level as those who never had short-term depression.
A study from Intermountain Medical Center Heart Institute found that low levels of both total vitamin D and bioavailable vitamin D are associated with poor cardiovascular outcomes, including heart attacks. The research evaluated 4,200 participants and discovered that measuring these two components is crucial in predicting major adverse...
A global study found that people living in densely populated and walkable neighborhoods with interconnected streets got up to 90 minutes of physical activity weekly. Four environmental attributes stood out as having the most impact on physical activity: net residential density, intersection density, number of parks and public transit d...
The CSUN mathematics department developed a highly effective structure for the PUMP program, which has had a significant impact on preparing students from underrepresented groups for PhD programs. Over 50 CSUN math majors have enrolled in PhD programs, with high expectations that the CSU Alliance will produce similar results.
Researchers found that depictions of frosted cake on cake mix boxes result in consumers overestimating the appropriate serving size by nearly 135% more calories. This is especially true for women in the food service industry, who overestimated serving sizes by 122 calories.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have devised a new approach to identify and sequence DNA from cancer cells circulating in the blood, increasing sensitivity by 15 times. The 'integrated digital error suppression' technique builds upon a method called CAPP-Seq, allowing for accurate identification of actionable muta...
The study found that selective UBE3A loss from GABAergic brain circuits leads to seizure behaviors and EEG abnormalities typical of AS model mice. Further research into the effects of UBE3A loss in other neuron types may reveal new therapeutic strategies for Angelman syndrome.
Researchers at Group Health Research Institute discovered that mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) can alleviate chronic low back pain, with improvements seen at six months and one year compared to usual care. MBSR training led to significant reductions in functional limitations and self-reported back pain.
A total of 697 applications were received for 75 HFSP postdoctoral fellowships, with 69 Long-Term Fellowships awarded to life scientists extending their expertise into another field and 6 Cross-Disciplinary Fellowships supporting young scientists from non-life science backgrounds
A new study found that elderly kidney failure patients who chose conservative management had a similar survival rate to those on dialysis. The research suggests that conservative care may be a reasonable option for selected older patients with end-stage renal disease.
A study by Cedars-Sinai researchers found that the C9orf72 gene is crucial for immune cell function in the brain, leading to potential new therapies for ALS. The discovery highlights the active contribution of the brain's immune system to disease progression.
Researchers have developed Expansion Mini-Microscopy (ExMM), a technique that combines physical expansion with optical magnification to achieve high-resolution images at low costs. This innovation enables the creation of mini-microscopes from webcam and off-the-shelf components, offering a cost-effective solution for imaging biological...
A randomized clinical trial found that treatment with inhaled xenon gas combined with hypothermia resulted in less white matter damage compared to hypothermia alone. The study suggests potential benefits for comatose survivors of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, but further evaluation is needed.
A study by Drexel University researchers found that surface-going cave crickets show a higher degree of genetic isolation than their cave-dwelling cousins. The crickets' ability to disperse and breed with other populations was previously thought to lead to less genetic variation, but the study's findings suggest otherwise. This has imp...
Research published in Nature found that brief restriction of amino acids can dampen intestinal inflammation in mice, mediated by the GCN2 molecule. Mice fed low protein diets or lacking GCN2 were protected from colitis-like symptoms.
Jeffrey M. Friedman was honored for his discovery of leptin and the neural pathway that regulates feeding behavior, providing a foundation for understanding obesity and related pathologies. The award recognizes his translational research that has impacted our understanding of human biology and disease treatment.
The Pfizer/ACMG Foundation Clinical Genetics Combined Residency for Translational Genomic Scholars Fellowship Award supports training in biochemical genetics, lysosomal storage diseases, and therapeutics. The award grants $75,000 per year to two recipients selected by the ACMG Foundation.
Scientists have discovered that newly generated brain cells, also known as adult neurogenesis, are required for memory formation and pattern separation. The study found that these cells exhibit unique activity patterns, which help distinguish between different environments.
A new study combines optical coherence tomography (OCT) with near-infrared autofluorescence (NIRAF) imaging to identify fibroatheromas, advanced lesions prone to rupture. The technique provided more accurate information on molecular composition and inflammation in arterial plaques.
The Genetics Society of America is announcing its inaugural class of PALM Network Spring 2016 Fellows. These fellows are working with mentors to develop and implement evidence-based active learning strategies in their classrooms, aiming to catalyze enduring change in teaching culture at their institutions.
A socially active lifestyle is associated with higher late-life satisfaction and less severe declines in well-being. Valuing social goals boosts feelings of competence and belonging.
The University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing is selected for a grant to increase the number of PhD-prepared nurses. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's Future of Nursing Scholars program will provide financial support and leadership development to two nursing students over three years.
Scientists have developed a method to systematically identify individual classes of brain cells, or neurons, in the spinal cord. By analyzing genetic characteristics and applying statistical approaches, researchers were able to distinguish 50 distinct types of V1 interneurons.
The Association for Gerontology in Higher Education (AGHE) has awarded several individuals and organizations for their outstanding contributions to gerontology education and training. These awards recognize excellence in scholarship, mentorship, leadership, and innovative approaches to teaching and learning in the field of aging.
A study of US patients on dialysis from 2005 to 2012 found declining ESA use and hemoglobin concentrations, resulting in increased transfusions. However, rates of death and cardiovascular events decreased during this period, suggesting a possible beneficial effect of recent trends in anemia drug use.
Researchers have developed a cooling technique that protects the brain's speech centers during surgery and identifies specific areas responsible for word formation and speech timing. The study used focal cooling to map brain functions, including speech ability, and found distinct roles for specific brain regions in forming words.
A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that women undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) had better survival rates than men at one year. However, women also experienced a higher rate of vascular complications and major bleeding after the procedure.
A study of 1492 patients with chronic kidney disease found that nearly 28% had masked hypertension, which increases the risk of kidney, heart, and vascular damage. Measuring blood pressure outside the clinic is recommended to assess patients' risks for hypertension-related health problems.
Researchers found that industry-sponsored programs for reducing drinking and driving often lack evidence of effectiveness or have not been studied. Examples of effective interventions like sobriety checkpoints and ignition interlocks were rarely used in these initiatives.
Researchers have identified a specific gene mutation that appears to link unusual sleep patterns and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). The PER3 gene mutation was found in family members with both conditions, suggesting a connection between circadian genes and mood disorders.
Researchers have discovered that synthetic plant hormones MEB55 and ST362 can effectively cause DNA damage and turn off a major DNA repair mechanism, making them promising agents for treating human prostate cancer. When combined with PARP inhibitors, these agents halt both DNA repair pathways, leading to the death of cancer cells.
A Cornell study found that incentivizing managers to promote healthier work environments can boost employee wellness. The researchers surveyed 270 adults with manager roles, discovering that 68% supported being evaluated for their employee wellness actions.
Research published by the American Psychological Association found that people who feel older than their peers are more likely to be hospitalized. The study analyzed data from over 10,000 adults and found a 10-25% increased likelihood of hospitalization among those who reported feeling older.
A recent study has found that most protein isoforms encoded by the same gene have radically different roles within tissues and cells, despite being structurally alike. This discovery suggests that each protein isoform needs to be studied individually to understand its normal role and potential involvement in disease.
A study in mice reveals that changes in the lateral septum, a brain structure tied to anxiety and fear control, trigger 'septal rage' - sudden, violent outbursts. The research may lead to better understanding of aggression in other animals, including humans.
Researchers found that mindlessly slim individuals prioritize quality over quantity in their diet and engage in enjoyment-based eating habits.
A new model examines the relationship between factors impacting African Americans' advance care planning, revealing limited knowledge on improving this population's care. The study highlights the need for personalized approach to end-of-life care and encourages increased awareness.
A new study reveals that Australopithecus sediba did not have a jaw structure suitable for eating hard foods, contradicting earlier research. The discovery suggests that dietary changes played a significant role in shaping the evolution of early humans.
A recent study published in Nature Communications reveals that Australopithecus sediba, a possible early human ancestor, had a significant limitation in its ability to bite powerfully. The team used biomechanical testing and computer modeling to demonstrate that biting too hard would have dislocated the jaw of this species.
Children with ADHD are more likely to experience persistent symptoms if their parents express high levels of criticism over time, according to a new study. Sustained parental criticism was associated with the continuation of ADHD symptoms in children who had been diagnosed with ADHD.
When older adults stop driving, they experience doubled symptoms of depression, faster physical and mental health declines, and increased mortality risk. Effective programs ensuring mobility and social activities are needed to mitigate these adverse effects.
A new study in mice shows that repetitive mild concussions can cause mounting damage and brain inflammation, even with extended rest periods. The findings support the importance of adequate rest after a concussion to allow for neural network rebalancing and repair.
A new study reveals reduced racial disparities in kidney transplant outcomes between black and white recipients over the past 2 decades. The findings show improved organ survival rates for black patients, including those who received live donor or deceased donor kidney transplants.
Experts offer guidance for pregnant women to avoid mosquitoes, while debating the need for annual physicals in patients. The ACIP releases its 2016 Recommended Adult Immunization Schedule with major changes to HPV and pneumococcal vaccines.