News on doctoral training and the researchers it produces. Covers PhD and fellowship programs, physician-scientist training, and major training investments.
Three winners of the 2015 Blavatnik National Awards for Young Scientists are recognized for their pioneering work in neuroscience, sustainable energy, and wireless networks. Dr. Christopher Chang, a chemist, has made discoveries in both fields, while Dr. Edward Chang, a neurosurgeon, mapped the neural code for human language processing...
A Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health pilot program found that offering healthier menu items at carryout stores increased gross revenue by an average 25%, not just improved health. The study, published in the American Journal of Health Promotion, suggests that convincing more carryouts to alter their menus can be profitable.
A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that young people from poor nations can benefit from mental health treatment, even with untrained lay workers. Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy showed a nearly 82% reduction in trauma symptom scores compared to usual treatment.
Dr. Hartmuth Kolb was recognized for his pioneering research on neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). His PET imaging tracers showed promise in evaluating NFT pathology, holding potential for disease diagnosis and monitoring.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have engineered a new version of the gene-editing tool CRISPR-Cas9, enabling it to target an expanded range of DNA sequences. The new variants show improved specificity, reducing off-target mutations and expanding the potential applications for CRISPR technology.
Researchers at the University at Buffalo have discovered a previously unknown neural pathway that can regulate changes made in the brain due to cocaine use. By manipulating Activin receptors, they found that it is possible to increase or decrease cocaine-taking and relapse behavior in animal models.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital developed a new method for skin rejuvenation using pulsed electrical fields, which induce cellular death and proliferation without affecting the extracellular matrix. This non-invasive procedure shows promise in improving skin health with minimal risk of scarring or altered pigmentation.
A recent study published in LGBT Health highlights negative healthcare experiences for African American lesbian and bisexual women, with a third reporting adverse interactions. The article also explores the impact of these experiences on future health outcomes.
Min Yu, a USC stem cell researcher, has been named a Pew-Stewart scholar for her work on metastatic breast cancer. She aims to identify molecular adaptations and genetic mutations that allow circulating tumor cells to establish new tumors throughout the body.
A UCSF-Mayo Clinic team has identified three molecular markers that can classify gliomas more accurately than current methods. The study found that these markers are associated with distinct subgroups of gliomas varying in median survival times and characteristics.
A study from Cornell Food & Brand Lab reveals that buying too much food, preparing in abundance, and improper storage lead to significant household food waste. Implementing efficient meal planning strategies and proper food storage techniques can significantly reduce waste and save money.
Researchers at NYU Langone Health have successfully halted and reversed the growth of certain cancerous white blood cells in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) by blocking a specific protein receptor called CXCR4.
A new CDC study reveals that transgender HIV-infected women in the US have poorer antiretroviral therapy adherence and viral load suppression compared to non-transgender men. They also experience higher rates of homelessness and unmet basic needs such as food and housing.
Phelps was recognized for his contributions to nuclear medicine and molecular imaging, including the invention of PET scanners. His work has improved outcomes for patients with cancer, neurological disorders, and cardiovascular disease.
The Genetics Society of America has awarded the DeLill Nasser Award to ten early-career scientists, providing travel grants to attend conferences that enhance their career. The award recognizes excellence in genetics research and supports the professional development of recipients.
A study on social amoebae reveals that genes for cooperation and cheating have reached a stalemate, with increased genetic diversity near the social genes suggesting a prolonged stalemate. The findings suggest that cheating can be successful only when it is rare, and fail when it becomes so numerous it pushes out cooperators.
A study of over 30,000 patients found that not resuming blood pressure medication within two days of surgery significantly increases the risk of infections, pneumonia, heart failure, and kidney failure. Resuming ARBs sooner reduces these risks.
Professors Sonia Aú and Federico Rosei recognized by the CAE for their outstanding contributions to wireless communications and nanomaterials. They will be inducted as new fellows at a ceremony on June 4, 2015.
The grant will support research in perinatal biology, including studies of fetal and newborn development, placental biology, and reproductive diseases. The center aims to understand the effects of environmental disturbances during critical developmental periods on health and disease throughout life.
A study led by Ellen Heber-Katz demonstrates that a primordial form of energy production can trigger healthy regrowth of lost or damaged tissue in mice. The researchers found that stabilizing the HIF-1a pathway opens up new possibilities for mammalian tissue regeneration, potentially leading to new therapies for human tissue repair.
A recent study published by the American Psychological Association found that cyberbullying was less emotionally harmful to kids than traditional in-person harassment. The study analyzed data from telephone interviews with 791 American youth ages 10-20, who reported an average of 311 harassment incidents in the prior year.
A study of 34,157 postmenopausal women found that vitamin D and calcium supplements had no significant impact on menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes and fatigue. The results suggest that these supplements may not be an effective treatment option for relieving menopausal symptoms.
The LDM system developed at UPV/EHU has been selected as the technology for the new digital standard in North America, allowing for simultaneous use of TV channels on the UHF band. This system significantly improves the use of the radioelectric spectrum, enabling services such as Ultra High Definition TV and mobile phone broadcasting.
Stanford researchers found a surprising link between creative problem-solving and heightened activity in the cerebellum, traditionally thought of as the brain's movement-coordination center. The study suggests that shifting executive-control centers impairs creativity.
Researchers at the University at Buffalo have identified a genetic mutation that produces certain autistic behaviors in mice. They also found a therapeutic strategy to restore normal behaviors by reversing the disruption of neuronal communication, suggesting a promising treatment for autism.
A new study by Cornell Food & Brand Lab found that emphasizing healthy food benefits over warning about unhealthy foods is more effective for most people. Focusing on the positive consequences of eating healthy, such as broccoli's benefits, can lead to better dietary habits.
A new report suggests that gun violence restraining orders can be a promising strategy for reducing firearm homicide and suicide in the US. GVROs allow family members or intimate partners to request an order from a civil court, authorizing law enforcement to remove guns from the individual's possession and prohibiting new purchases.
Research published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that inducing a sense of awe can promote altruistic, helpful, and positive social behavior. Awe diminishes emphasis on individual self, encouraging people to prioritize others' welfare.
A new study reveals that young U.S. veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are at a higher risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The study found that the severity of PTSD symptoms is strongly associated with an increased risk of OSA, and that nearly 70% of participants had a high risk for sleep apnea.
A University of Colorado Cancer Center study found smokers are 60% less likely to vote than non-smokers in a recent election. The data comes from the Colorado Tobacco Attitudes and Behaviors Study, which reached 11,626 people through random digit dialing.
A new Stanford University School of Medicine study found that vast numbers of self-reactive immune cells remain in circulation well into adulthood, challenging the long-held belief that they are weeded out early in life. This suggests that adults may be more susceptible to autoimmune disease than previously thought.
A comprehensive review of over 40 years of research on bullying reveals its complex nature and negative impact on victims. The study suggests that bullying is a distinct form of interpersonal aggression, with long-term effects that can endure into adulthood.
A new Cornell study found that when school-grown salad greens were incorporated into cafeteria lunches, high school students increased their salad selection by 500% and consumed two-thirds of their salads. However, plate waste also rose, indicating a potential trade-off.
A Penn study found that four different financial incentive programs helped more smokers quit than free access to behavioral counseling and nicotine replacement therapy. Deposit contracts were the most effective, with a success rate of 55% among participants who accepted them.
A new study suggests that Congress approval ratings are partly due to a decline in prosocial words used by lawmakers. The study found that the use of warm, agreeable language predicts public approval six months later.
A new study found that desegregated schooling is tied to better performance for certain cognitive abilities in older African American adults. The research suggests early differences in schooling affect starting cognitive performance levels but not rates of decline.
Researchers find single protein, nuclear Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 1 (nFGFR1), orchestrates gene expression in embryo development. This discovery has potential to enhance understanding and treatment of cancers and congenital diseases.
A recent study found that dexamethasone can reduce the risk of severe acute kidney injury after cardiac surgery by 2.5 times compared to a placebo. Patients with pre-existing advanced chronic kidney disease showed the greatest benefits from the drug.
Two Yale researchers received the Bernard Sanberg Memorial Award for Brain Repair, Dr. John Elsworth for his work on cell-based therapies and Dr. Cesar Borlongan for his groundbreaking stem cell therapy research. Their awards recognize significant contributions to neural therapy and brain repair.
Researchers at UCSF-Brown have discovered an enzyme that breaks down bat tissue, exacerbating the spread of white-nose syndrome. They identified Destructin-1, a collagen-digesting enzyme, and found potential inhibitors, paving the way for new treatments.
Scholars at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health explore the implications of fear-based campaigns in public health, highlighting successes and failures. While fear-based campaigns have been effective in reducing smoking rates, they may be counterproductive for HIV prevention, stigmatizing affected populations.
Researchers have developed a new chemogenetic technique that enables them to switch specific behaviors in mice on and off, demonstrating the control of brain circuits over behavior. This tool, KORD, has the potential to treat diseases such as schizophrenia, depression, and epilepsy by modulating neurons.
A study published in Brain Connectivity reveals that epilepsy disrupts the organization of brain networks and functional efficiency. The researchers found distinct patterns of reorganizational changes in the brains of individuals with epilepsy, including increased or decreased functional connections between brain networks.
Researchers found that shoppers who ate an apple sample bought 28% more fruits and vegetables than those who didn't. The study suggests that small healthy snacks can prime shoppers to make healthier food choices.
A study found that women who breastfed their babies had a lower risk of breast cancer recurrence, with the strongest effect seen in those who breastfed for 6 months or more. The protective effect was most pronounced for tumors of specific genetic subtypes.
A new study links insomnia to occupational impairment in night shift workers, with alert insomniacs showing the highest level of impairment in work productivity and cognitive function. The study emphasizes the importance of treating insomnia in night shift workers to improve work-related outcomes.
Researchers create robust platform to investigate hundreds of mutations in a single experiment, allowing for the mapping of gene expression networks and understanding how genetic variations contribute to human diseases. The tool helps identify disruptions in gene regulation, leading to disease.
Researchers suggest that targeting PI3 kinase could improve learning and behavioral flexibility in people with fragile X syndrome. Genetic tools can alleviate cognitive deficits and behavioral alterations observed in a mouse model, providing a potential treatment strategy.
Researchers have found that healthy newborns can alter and rid their bodies of bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical used in plastics and food packaging. The study challenged the current thinking on BPA toxicology and suggests that exposure to BPA in infancy may not be as harmful as previously believed.
A study in Australia found that the public generally favors eliminating disincentives for living kidney donors, but is opposed to providing financial incentives. Many participants believed reimbursement and justifiable recompensation were acceptable ways to support living donors.
The Genetics Society of America presented 14 early career researchers with GSA poster awards for their outstanding contributions to fungal genetics. The winners, including graduate students and postdoctoral scientists, showcased innovative research in various fields.
Neuroscientists have identified a novel brain circuit responsible for anxiety during nicotine withdrawal, which could lead to new treatments for smokers trying to quit. The study found that a region called the interpeduncular nucleus is activated and causes anxiety, offering a distinct target for dampening affective symptoms.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine found that grid cells in mice accumulate errors while navigating familiar spaces, which are corrected by border cells upon encountering a wall. This discovery supports the theory that these cells use sensory and motion data to construct internal maps.
A Case Western Reserve University researcher found that housework improves physical and emotional well-being in older adults with chronic illnesses. The study, which analyzed data from 337 participants aged 65-94, revealed that maintaining a clean home has a positive impact on mental health, contrary to expectations.
A study found that faculty members in academic disciplines are more responsive to requests from white male prospective students, while ignoring those of women and minorities. The bias was particularly pronounced in higher-paid disciplines and private universities.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that smokers who use e-cigarettes are 49% less likely to decrease cigarette use and 59% less likely to quit compared to non-users. The researchers discovered that daily smokers and women were more likely to have tried e-cigarettes.
A new study suggests that injecting stem cells into the eye may preserve vision in people with early-stage age-related macular degeneration. The treatment, which uses adult-derived human cells, has shown promise in laboratory rats and could potentially be used to slow or reverse the effects of the disease.
A new assay developed by researchers can identify novel drug candidates that protect kidney cells from damage, which could lead to the development of new treatments for chronic kidney disease. The system has already identified a small molecule called pyrintegrin that effectively protected rodent kidney cells.
UMass Medical School scientists are developing a novel technology using CRISPR gene editing to excise latent HIV virus from infected cells. The goal is to create a functional cure by precisely cutting the DNA of the latent virus out of an infected cell.
Research published by the American Psychological Association found that gratitude was associated with better mood, sleep, and reduced inflammation in patients with asymptomatic heart failure. Writing down things for which they were thankful daily also showed reductions in inflammatory biomarkers and improved heart rate variability.