News on doctoral training and the researchers it produces. Covers PhD and fellowship programs, physician-scientist training, and major training investments.
A new study from Drexel University found that women with greater fat stores in their midsections reported being less satisfied with their bodies and were more likely to develop loss-of-control eating. The researchers suggest that targeting individuals with centralized fat distribution could be beneficial for preventing eating disorders.
Higher levels of urinary potassium excretion were linked with slower declines in kidney function and lower cardiovascular complications among patients with type 2 diabetes. A diet rich in potassium may help protect heart and kidney health, according to the study.
Researchers have identified biomarkers and potential therapeutic approaches for pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis (PAM), a rare lung disease. A low-phosphate diet and EDTA treatment were found to prevent stone development and reverse lung calcification in animal models.
A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that normal-weight individuals with central obesity have twice the mortality risk as those who are overweight or obese. Researchers examined data from over 15,000 participants and concluded that lifestyle modification strategies may be crucial for this population.
Researchers at USC and Sangamo BioSciences have developed a more efficient method for editing genes in blood-forming stem cells (HSPCs), which could potentially treat diseases such as HIV and other blood disorders. By combining two delivery methods, the team achieved unprecedented efficiency rates ranging from 15 to 40 percent.
A Cornell University study suggests that diet and physical activity are key factors in managing weight, rather than eliminating specific foods like junk food. The research found that intake of soda, candy, and fast food is not linked to Body Mass Index (BMI) for most adults, except those at the extreme ends of the BMI spectrum.
Researchers in Pennsylvania have been granted funding from the American Heart Association to support their work on cardiovascular diseases and stroke. The grants will enable them to gather data and develop new treatment strategies for patients with Fontan physiology, a condition that affects thousands of people worldwide.
Studies reveal high rates of male military sexual trauma due to stigma and shame, affecting mental health outcomes. Female veterans who experienced assault are also at risk of PTSD and delayed seeking help.
The new center aims to understand how 3-D genome structure influences gene expression, cellular function, development, and disease. Researchers will generate three-dimensional models of the human genome using advanced technologies and imaging methods.
Researchers found that increased grey matter volume in the right hemisphere relates to better-than-expected speech abilities in stroke survivors. The study suggests a new direction in treatment for post-stroke language disorders.
Frequently monitoring goal progress boosts likelihood of achievement, as does publicly reporting or physically recording it. Researchers found prompting participants to monitor their progress improves behavioral performance and attaining goals.
Researchers found that living environments contribute to health disparities among US men, with integrated communities showing less difference in behaviors compared to national data. Socio-economic factors and environmental conditions play a significant role in explaining racial disparities.
Franziska Michor is awarded the NYSCF -- Robertson Stem Cell Prize for her interdisciplinary research on cancer genesis, using mathematical models to understand cancer evolution. Her work simulates drug treatment regimens and has been tested in clinical trials for non-small-cell lung cancer and brain tumors.
The New York Stem Cell Foundation has awarded $7.5 million to five researchers through the NYSCF -- Robertson Investigator Program, supporting innovative work in stem cell biology and neuroscience. The recipients aim to advance our understanding of cellular processes and develop new treatments for diseases.
A study by the American Psychological Association found that negative publicity surrounding police actions can reduce officers' motivation to perform their duties, but does not decrease their willingness to engage in community partnerships. Fair treatment and confidence in authority can counteract these effects.
Researchers found that insulin stimulates the release of dopamine in the brain, leading to a feeling of pleasure. The study also suggests that people may choose high-carb or low-fat meals based on their insulin levels, potentially affecting weight and type II diabetes.
A study published in Nature Communications reveals a mechanism by which the pathologic version of tau protein spreads from neuron to neuron in the brain, contributing to Alzheimer's disease progression. This process involves the release and uptake of high-molecular-weight, soluble tau proteins that are studded with phosphate molecules.
A comprehensive meta-analysis found fear-based appeals to be effective in changing attitudes and intentions, with the greatest impact on women and one-time behaviors. The study also confirmed that fear appeals can lead to significant change across the board, although the effect is small.
A study published in Nature found that the thalamic reticular nucleus (TRN) plays a crucial role in multitasking by filtering out distracting sensory information. The TRN acts like a switchboard, continuously filtering sensory input and shifting attention to one sense while blocking out others.
A new study shows a decline in postdoctoral researchers in the US, with a 5.5% loss from 2010-13, despite increasing PhD students. This decrease affects men and women, as well as US citizens and foreign postdocs.
A study found nearly 3 out of 10 marijuana users experienced a disorder in 2012-13, affecting 6.846 million Americans. The prevalence of marijuana use doubled over the period from 2001-2002 to 2012-2013.
Researchers found hyperconnectivity between fronto-parietal regions and less organized flow of information in individuals with chronic moderate to severe TBI compared to healthy controls. The study suggests a causal relationship between working memory tasks and brain injury.
Youth aged 13-20 are more than five times more likely to consume brands that advertise on TV, and 36% more likely to drink brands that advertise in magazines. Researchers used exposure estimates from media research firms to link brand-specific advertising with consumption among underage drinkers.
Researchers found that people tend to choose mates with similar genomic ancestries, leading to stronger assortative mating patterns. This phenomenon may have implications for genetic disease perpetuation and health benefits.
Researchers at Emory University's Winship Cancer Institute have discovered a potential anticancer drug in orange lichens, called parietin. The pigment kills human leukemia cells and inhibits the growth of cancer cell lines, including lung and head and neck tumors.
A new Cornell study found that women who had breakfast cereal sitting on their counters weighed 20-lbs more than those without, while soft drinks contributed to a 24-26 lb weight increase. In contrast, households with fruit bowls showed a 13-lb weight loss.
New Jersey researchers used neuroimaging to investigate reading deficits in patients with subacute left hemispheric stroke. They found associations between phonological deficits and lesions in the anterior temporal lobe and mid-fusiform gyrus. This study may lead to targeted interventions for acquired reading deficits, benefiting indiv...
A study of 228 young women found that alcohol-involved first experiences were more likely to occur outside relationships, with less planning and higher risk of assault. Young women who used alcohol during their first sex were three times more likely to be victims of incapacitated rape.
A new study found that sleep deprivation can reduce the effectiveness of stem cell transplants by up to 50%. Researchers at Stanford University discovered that a four-hour sleep deficit can impair the ability of stem cells to migrate and function properly. However, recovery sleep can restore the cells' normal function.
A recent CU Anschutz study reveals that people with Type 2 diabetes perceive exercise as more difficult due to metabolic and cardiovascular challenges. The researchers found elevated lactate levels and increased rating of perceived exertion among individuals with the disease.
Matthew Lovett-Barron received the $2,500 prize for his innovative approach combining pharmacogenetics, neural recordings, and optogenetics to study fear learning and its neural mechanisms. His work has significant implications for understanding panic and anxiety disorders.
Patients with well-controlled type 2 diabetes who drank red wine daily for two years showed improved cardiac health and cholesterol management. The study suggests that moderate alcohol intake may have specific benefits for lipid variables, but the authors caution against potential risks.
The Society for Neuroscience awards recognize two neuroscientists, Adam Gazzaley and E. Paul Zehr, for their contributions to promoting public education and awareness about neuroscience. Diasynou Fioravante and Nicole Baganz are also honored for their outreach efforts and commitment to making science accessible to the public.
Ed Boyden and Nachum Ulanovsky are recognized for their groundbreaking work in neuroscience, including pioneering discoveries in optogenetics and neural activity recording. Their research is advancing our understanding of brain function and has the potential to lead to new treatments for neurological disorders.
The Society for Neuroscience has announced winners of its achievement awards, recognizing individuals who have promoted women's advancement in neuroscience and demonstrated excellence in mentoring and research. The award recipients include Julio Ramirez, Allison J. Doupe, Debra Bangasser, Mingshan Xue, Janice Naegele, and Paul Greengard.
Researchers from UNC and NC State create fully functioning human gut models on a chip, using primary cells derived from human biopsies and sophisticated architecture to mimic the gut's structure and function. This breakthrough enables personalized exploration of gut behavior during healthy and diseased states.
A study discovered six metabolites in the blood that strongly correlate with kidney function. Two of these metabolites, pseudouridine and C-mannosyltryptophan, are equally effective measures of kidney function as creatinine, offering potential improvements in diagnosing chronic kidney disease.
Henrique Pombeiro, a Ph.D. candidate at MIT Portugal, has been awarded a Fulbright Research Grant to investigate strategies for improving energy efficiency in buildings without compromising comfort. He will focus on residential and university buildings, developing energy models and frameworks for evaluating feedback mechanisms.
A new study reveals that older tobacco users pay significantly more for health insurance plans under the Affordable Care Act, with some facing surcharges of up to 46% more than non-tobacco users. This highlights concerns about the financial burden on these individuals and potential implications for health equity.
Low-income students who change schools frequently struggle with math skills and behavioral management. Research found that frequent school transitions lead to lower math achievement, even after controlling for preschool cognitive skills.
A study published in Psychological Medicine suggests that predictive analytics can pinpoint soldiers at highest violence risk for preventive interventions. The model, developed from administrative data, identifies 5% of soldiers as having the highest predicted risk, accounting for a significant proportion of violent crimes.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine found that people with anorexia nervosa have distinct microbial communities compared to healthy individuals, which is associated with some psychological symptoms. The study suggests that altering gut microbiota could help patients with weight maintenance and mood stabilization.
A study published by the American Psychological Association found that teenage girls who compulsively text do worse academically compared to their male counterparts. The research suggests that compulsive texting is more problematic than mere frequency of texting, as it involves trying to cut back and feeling frustrated.
Researchers found that people with MS who experienced neuro-ophthalmic symptoms, such as blurred vision and nystagmus, performed poorly on visual neuropsychological tasks like the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT). This suggests that these individuals may have residual delays in visual processing speed.
The NIH Common Fund has awarded three grants totaling over $30 million to researchers at University of California, San Diego. The 4D Nucleome Program aims to determine how DNA is organized within the cell's nucleus and its impact on human health and disease.
The Gerontological Society of America has awarded the Richard Kalish Innovative Publication Awards to six researchers for their groundbreaking work on aging and life course development. Bengtson, Harris, Putney, Sabbath, Mejia-Guevara, Glymour, and Berkman were recognized for their insightful publications that represent state-of-the-ar...
Researchers found exotic ticks carrying disease-causing bacteria on thousands of migratory birds arriving in the US each spring. The estimated 19 million exotic ticks introduced annually pose a potential threat to the ecosystem and human health.
Researchers at Caltech have developed a polymeric fuel additive that reduces the intensity of postimpact explosions in jet engines, without affecting fuel performance. The additive works by inhibiting droplet breakup under impact conditions, thereby reducing explosion size and turbulence.
Bradley Bernstein, an MGH researcher, received the Paul Marks Prize for his investigations into DNA packaging and its role in cancer development. His work has revealed epigenetic differences among glioblastoma cells, driving tumor refractoriness to therapies.
Researchers at CU Anschutz Medical Campus discovered that increasing Adiponectin during pregnancy can reduce the chances that the baby will become obese as well. This breakthrough could potentially break the cycle of obesity that has approached epidemic proportions in society.
Researchers developed a new methodology to predict consumer spending at competitors, using share-of-wallet as a key metric. The model reveals segments of customers, including those influenced by income and habit, allowing businesses to target high-potential customers and optimize cross-selling strategies.
Researchers found that the Brief International Cognitive Assessment for Multiple Sclerosis (BICAMS) can predict performance on daily living tasks. The study used Actual Reality technology to assess internet access and ordering tasks, showing poor BICAMS scores correlated with poor task performance.
Researchers have identified a unique group of stem cells in the human brain that generate most neurons, expanding the cortex by 1,000-fold. These stem cells, called outer radial glia (oRGs), exhibit remarkable generative capacity and self-renewal properties.
A 9,000-year-old case of human decapitation has been discovered in Lapa do Santo, Brazil, featuring amputated hands and v-shaped cut marks on the jaw and vertebrae. The remains are believed to demonstrate sophisticated mortuary rituals among hunter-gatherers in the Americas.
A meta-analysis of 42 studies found that goal-based, computerized feedback is the best approach to reduce energy use. Feedback on progress towards personal energy use goals was more effective than comparing energy usage to neighbors.
A study found that high urinary excretion levels of both sodium and potassium are linked with faster progression of chronic kidney disease. Patients with CKD often consume excessive amounts of sodium, which can worsen their condition.
A new method called Phantom Derivative (PhD) has been developed to determine complex structures with limited experimental data. PhD is a competitive approach in protein crystallography, producing results comparable to existing techniques like density-modification and Vive la Difference.
A novel radiopharmaceutical probe has been developed to detect blood clots anywhere in the body using whole-body PET scans. The probe can distinguish recently formed clots from older ones and reveal clot composition, which can determine treatment response.
A large US study confirms that tiny chemical particles in the air are linked to an increased risk of death from all causes and cardiovascular disease. Fine particles can be absorbed deep into the lungs and bloodstream, contributing to potentially fatal heart and lung diseases.
A large study of middle-aged Koreans reveals that both sedentary behavior and reduced physical activity contribute to the prevalence of NAFLD. The findings support increasing physical activity and reducing sitting time as crucial in reducing the risk of NAFLD.