News on doctoral training and the researchers it produces. Covers PhD and fellowship programs, physician-scientist training, and major training investments.
The review article explores the therapeutic advantages of phosphorothioate groups in oligonucleotides, enabling novel gene expression-regulation therapies. Novel applications include microRNA and long non-coding RNA targets and decoy oligonucleotides.
Researchers found that memantine, an Alzheimer's drug, reduces binge eating by blocking addictive behaviors in the brain. The study identified the nucleus accumbens as a key area responsible for these behaviors, and applying memantine directly into this area suppressed binge-eating behavior.
A new study found that older women with moderate to severe breathing disruptions during sleep are more likely to experience a decline in their ability to perform daily activities. The research suggests that treatment of sleep-disordered breathing may help prevent functional decline.
People with social anxiety disorder tend to think their friendships are worse than they really are, but a new study reveals this perception may be misplaced. The study found that friendships of people with social anxiety disorder were not significantly worse than those without the disorder, contrary to their self-reported experiences.
Researchers found that hospital workers washed their hands less frequently towards the end of their shifts, with compliance rates dropping by an average of 8.7 percentage points. This decline was attributed to mental fatigue, leading to a decrease in self-regulatory capacity and prioritization of tasks.
A pre-clinical study finds that a specially crafted compound can disrupt the production of MYCN protein, causing tumors to shrink with little or no harm to normal cells. The approach uses an alternative mechanism to target the defective transcriptional mechanisms involved in cancer growth.
Researchers have discovered that inhibiting a particular mitochondrial fission protein could reverse Parkinson's Disease symptoms by reducing cell death and dopamine release deficits. This study offers exciting potential for an effective treatment and paves the way for future studies in this field.
Rates of problem gambling remained stable despite an increase in gambling opportunities, with only a decrease in overall participation and average days spent gambling. Men are more than twice as likely as women to be problem gamblers, contrary to popular perceptions.
Grad students require 'street smarts' for success in academia, with techniques like self-marketing and networking crucial for career advancement. The proportion of PhDs securing tenured positions has declined, emphasizing the need for efficient use of training time and professional connections.
A team of researchers from the University of Pittsburgh found that individuals who generate creative solutions tend to build on existing ideas rather than using unrelated concepts. The study, published in Design Studies, collected data from over 350 participants and showed that ideas closely related to a problem were more likely to be ...
A study published in Nature reveals that a 'wimpy' mouse antibody may actually play a key role in protecting against kidney disease. The researchers found that the antibody, which is abundant in mice and thought to offer poor assistance in fighting infections, can prevent the development of kidney disease when injected into genetically...
Scientists aim to understand immune system factors that influence insulin production in people with type 1 diabetes. They hope to develop biomarkers and a drug combination to help people live with fewer complications and increased ability to manage their disease.
A study found that dialysis patients on easily removable beta blockers have a higher risk of premature death compared to those on harder-to-remove beta blockers. The researchers suggest changing prescriptions to lower this risk.
Historian Emma Levitt uses 'score cheques' to analyze jousting tournaments and their impact on medieval masculinity. Her research reveals the cultural significance of tournaments in displaying manhood and explores how men like Charles Brandon, a skilled jouster, rose through the social ranks.
A new study published in the journal AGE found that both high-intensity aerobic and strength-training programs, as well as gross motor activities, can improve executive functions in older adults. The study suggests that physical activity is a key factor in maintaining cognitive health across age groups.
A study of nearly 12,000 people in Belarus found that higher radiation doses were associated with more aggressive tumor features, such as spread to lymphatic vessels. The findings have implications for those exposed to radioactive iodine fallout from the Fukushima nuclear reactor incidents.
Spices and herbs have been shown to reduce sodium intake by up to 966mg/day, increase satiety, and enhance energy metabolism. They also show promise in improving insulin sensitivity and cardiovascular health. A call to action is issued to bring flavor to the forefront of public health conversations.
A study by the University at Buffalo School of Management found that startups reap the most benefits from partnering with a small number of established companies, gaining access to resources and markets. However, as more partners are added, internal capability weakens and costs exceed benefits, ultimately turning negative.
A study of individuals with Down syndrome has identified large rare deletions involving cilia genes as common causes of congenital heart defects. The research also suggests that these genetic alterations may impact other organs beyond the heart, leading to personalized healthcare approaches for affected individuals.
Researchers have discovered two compounds, OD36 and OD38, that specifically target and block RIPK2, an enzyme that activates inflammation. These compounds show promise in decreasing inflammation and may pave the way for more effective drugs.
A study by UCSF researchers found that cardiac monitor alarm frequency and accuracy are crucial to improving patient safety. The study suggests that medical devices should focus on using all available ECG leads and provide prompts for optimal alarm settings.
A new animal study found that a walnut-enriched diet improved learning skills, memory, and reduced anxiety in mice. The researchers suggest that walnuts' high antioxidant content may protect the brain from degeneration typical of Alzheimer's disease.
A UC San Francisco research team found that a specific microRNA, miR-30a-5p, plays a central role in the development of alcohol addiction by lowering levels of protective protein BDNF. Increasing miR-30a-5p levels in the brain region mPFC reduced BDNF and led to excessive drinking behavior.
A new Review article explores the potential to target IL-27-activated mechanisms in diseases such as multiple sclerosis and Crohn's disease. The cytokine's dual anti-inflammatory and proinflammatory activities suggest it could be a significant determinant of inflammatory responses.
A novel RNAi-based therapy has shown promising results in treating anemia by stimulating the liver to produce erythropoietin (EPO). The treatment targets the EGLN1 gene, leading to increased EPO and hemoglobin levels. This breakthrough could provide a safer alternative to current recombinant human EPO treatments.
A new study by UCSF researchers found a significant association between sugared soda consumption and cell aging, as measured by telomere shortening in immune cells. The findings suggest that regular consumption of sugar-sweetened sodas may influence disease development through accelerated cellular aging.
A blood test can help doctors predict which patients with an autoimmune disease are at risk of relapse, potentially preventing kidney failure. Researchers found that autoantibody increases were linked to an 11-fold increased risk of relapse in patients with kidney involvement.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that installing calorie-counting signs in stores led to a significant decrease in sugary drink purchases among black adolescents. The study, which lasted six weeks, showed that teens who saw the signs were more likely to choose lower-calorie beverages or smaller sizes.
A new way of syncing music with video has been discovered, increasing the memorability and commercial impact of TV ads. By making small adjustments to the soundtrack, researchers found a marked improvement in memory response.
A study by Cornell Food & Brand Lab found that trivial elements like graphs and formulas can lead consumers to believe products are more effective. The researchers concluded that presenting consumers with 'scientific looking' information increases product confidence because individuals trust the appearance of scientific validity.
A study by Case Western Reserve University's social work school found that many women in poverty struggle to drop users in their lives, making it difficult to establish new networks of non-using friends and supporters. The researchers identified relationships in the network as a key factor in whether women used drugs or not.
Researchers at UMass Chan Medical School and UMMSM have identified a rare genetic pathway that protects against bipolar disorder. Decades of research in Old Order Amish families with a high incidence of both diseases revealed a significant negative association between Ellis van-Creveld syndrome and bipolar affective disorder.
The New York Stem Cell Foundation has awarded $9 million to six promising scientists, including three stem cell researchers and three neuroscience researchers. The awards will enable them to expand their laboratories and train other scientists.
The authors compared the effects of continuous versus bandwidth haptic steering guidance on drivers' ability to stay in their lane and overall satisfaction. They found that bandwidth guidance was more effective at preventing errors and improving performance. The study's findings have implications for human-automation interaction/autonomy.
The Boston Children's Hospital-led consortium aims to launch clinical trials for new treatments and develop biomarkers to monitor treatment effectiveness. The study will enroll patients with rare genetic syndromes causing ASD/ID, such as tuberous sclerosis complex, Phelan-McDermid syndrome, and PTEN mutations.
A UCSF study found that HIV-infected men who use stimulants experience difficulties accessing antiretroviral therapy due to concerns over adherence. However, the research shows that these patients can take their medications reliably with integrated care services.
Five UCSF researchers received NIH awards to pursue groundbreaking research on autoimmune diseases, cancer, diabetes, and neurological disorders. Their projects focus on developing novel diagnostic tools and therapeutic approaches.
Research findings suggest that aerobic activity improves the health-related quality of life and reduces depressive symptoms among hemodialysis patients. The study also found that dialysis facilities can promote physical activity levels by offering exercise programs, potentially improving patient outcomes.
Researchers found that high-sensitivity troponin T and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide levels strongly predict heart failure in individuals with mild to severe kidney disease. These biomarkers may indicate subclinical cardiovascular changes, contributing to the development of heart failure.
A new study suggests decreased brain connectivity between pain-related and sensorimotor areas may contribute to deficient pain regulation in fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia patients exhibit impaired normal pain perception due to functional decoupling of pain-processing brain regions.
Boston University will receive a five-year, $1.8 million NIH 'BEST' grant to enhance training for PhD students and postdoctoral researchers in biomedical research, preparing them for careers beyond academia.
The new guidelines from the American Thyroid Association reaffirm levothyroxine as the gold standard treatment for hypothyroidism. Levothyroxine has been thoroughly tested and found to be very effective in reversing symptoms of hypothyroidism in most individuals.
Researchers at University of Cincinnati discover that electroencephalography (EEG) electrodes on the scalp can measure spreading depolarizations in injured brains, which are associated with worse outcomes. This non-invasive technique has the potential to revolutionize bedside neuro-monitoring.
A new pilot study published in Appetite found that chef-made meals can increase participation in the National School Lunch Program by 9% and overall selection and consumption of vegetables by 16%. Chefs Move to Schools, an initiative that pairs chefs with schools, was tested in a high school in Upstate New York.
A team of scientists identified a rise in branched-chain amino acids as an early indicator of pancreatic cancer development, occurring years before symptoms appear. The breakthrough discovery has the potential to spur progress in detecting and treating the disease.
Researchers report that crizotinib effectively halted tumor growth in 36 of 50 study participants and suppressed it in another 9. The study confirmed that ROS1 is a viable therapeutic target for ROS1-positive lung cancer patients.
A recent study at the University of Eastern Finland developed a tool called Jeliot ConAn that uses conflictive animations to teach computer programming. The tool's intentional errors engage students in activities to find and signal errors, improving their critical thinking skills.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have developed a novel compound that impedes the spread of multiple myeloma to bones in mice. By targeting the microenvironment, the compound alters the bone marrow environment, making it less hospitable to cancer cells, and slows disease progression and prolongs survival.
A study published in Science Translational Medicine found that immune cell activity within the first 24 hours after surgery can predict a patient's recovery time. The researchers used single-cell mass cytometry to analyze blood samples from patients undergoing hip-replacement procedures, revealing a unique pattern of immune response.
A study by Cornell Food & Brand Lab found that lower buffet prices lead to less taste satisfaction. Diners who paid more for the same food rated it as being 11% tastier and enjoyed the experience more.
Researchers used induced pluripotent stem cells to compare heart muscle cell survival decisions in people with and without a genetic mutation. They found that the mutation affects heart health by controlling cell survival during stress, and identified a protein involved in programmed cell death.
Kessler Foundation researchers have discovered a link between slowed processing speed and executive deficits in people with multiple sclerosis. The study found that slower processing speed accounted for the observed executive function deficits, suggesting a potential target for cognitive rehabilitation strategies.
A new point-of-care CD4 test can quickly provide HIV diagnosis results, allowing more patients to receive treatment sooner. In resource-limited settings, this can lead to almost a full year of additional life expectancy, making it a cost-effective solution.
Researchers at UCSF identified an antibiotic, lactocillin, produced by a common vaginal bacterial species that kills certain pathogens while sparing others. The study suggests that naturally occurring drugs made by our own microbes may play an important role in maintaining human health.
A study published in Telemedicine and e-Health found that telemedicine can lead to fewer and shorter hospital stays, as well as fewer emergency room visits and even fewer deaths. The integration of telemedicine into healthcare adds great value in managing chronic disease.
The 2014 ESA awards honored Dr. John C. Palumbo for his translational research and outreach program, providing innovative insect management solutions in desert vegetable crops. Dr. Peter C. Ellsworth received the Award for Excellence in Integrated Pest Management for his work on IPM science-based solutions and cotton agroecosystem rese...
The Entomological Society of America has awarded ten graduate students with AFRI travel grants to attend Entomology 2014 in Portland, Oregon. The winners include Heather Connelly, Adam Dale, Carrie Deans, and Michael Garvey, who will receive funding for research opportunities, presentations, and networking.
Temple University researchers discovered a promising new target for treating end-stage heart failure by blocking the vasopressin type 1A receptor, which interferes with the heart's ability to receive important signals. The finding could lead to more effective therapies and improve symptoms in patients with heart failure.
A study by the American Psychological Association found that people living in more liberal countries are generally happier, with liberals reporting lower well-being. Conservatives, on the other hand, are happier than their liberal counterparts, regardless of where they live or the government's political leanings. The researchers analyz...
The latest issue of Public Policy & Aging Report lays down a policy prescription for a sustainable system of long-term services and supports. The report provides groundwork for policymakers to build upon, with recommendations on financing, delivery, and workforce issues.