News on doctoral training and the researchers it produces. Covers PhD and fellowship programs, physician-scientist training, and major training investments.
A research team, including Anthony Wynshaw-Boris and Shinya Yamanaka, successfully used induced pluripotent stem cell reprogramming to correct a defective ring chromosome with a normal one. This approach has potential to treat birth defects, mental disabilities, and growth limitations caused by chromosomal abnormalities.
A single low dose of lithium helped restore kidney function in mice with acute kidney injury, suggesting a potential therapeutic application for the mood stabilizer. Acute kidney injury is a serious complication affecting hospitalized patients, with limited treatment options.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine deploy a combination therapy targeting persistent HIV-infected cells that standard therapies cannot kill. The study uses mouse models and finds that an antibody combined with a bacterial toxin can penetrate infected cells and kill them, resulting in a six-fold drop in the number of infected cells.
Extended varenicline treatment improved tobacco abstinence rates among individuals with serious mental illness. Participants who received varenicline and cognitive behavioral therapy for 40 weeks had three times more success maintaining abstinence than those receiving only cognitive behavioral therapy.
A pilot study will test the effectiveness of self-generated learning in individuals with multiple sclerosis who have memory and learning difficulties. Researchers aim to improve memory performance, functional performance, quality of life, and satisfaction with treatment.
Researchers discovered that six autoimmune diseases arise from DNA changes located outside genes. Multiple genetic switches controlling gene expression are affected in each disease, leading to incorrect gene expression. The study provides a new model for understanding the genetic causes of common complex diseases.
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes have identified the precise chain of molecular events driving CD4 T cell death in HIV-infected individuals, leading to AIDS. They also discovered an existing anti-inflammatory drug that blocks this process, paving the way for a Phase 2 clinical trial.
Advances in metabolic engineering and systems biology are optimizing fungi to produce specific bioproducts, improving cellular performance, and utilizing fungal diversity. The journal article provides a comprehensive overview of the integrated approaches used to customize fungal cell factories for industrial applications.
USC scientists have discovered the role of Wnt7b in activating hair growth and reducing baldness. The study's findings could lead to new therapeutics for various human diseases, including skin regeneration for burn patients and skin cancer.
Researchers found that exposure to dog dust reduces asthma risk in children and protects against respiratory infections by targeting a specific bacterial species. The study suggests that manipulating the gut microbiome with Lactobacillus johnsonii may prevent or treat asthma and allergies.
The American Society for Cell Biology's Celldance 2013 video contest recognized top videos showcasing cellular processes. The first-place winner received a $500 cash prize for his time-lapse video of muscle cell differentiation, while two second-place winners shared a $250 cash prize each.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that increased physical activity can slow the progression of kidney disease in patients. The researchers discovered that each 60-minute increment in weekly physical activity was linked with a 0.5% slower decline per year in kidney function.
Scientists at Stanford University School of Medicine have found that the nose is a reservoir for Staphylococcus aureus, a major cause of disease. The study suggests that targeting these hidden sites may be more effective in preventing infections.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed a new form of 'zero-dimensional' carbon nanotube that could revolutionize the field of electronics. The shorter nanotubes are more dispersible and potentially easier to process for industrial and biomedical applications.
Researchers have identified a specific genetic mutation driving Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia in up to 30% of patients. A new drug targeting this mutation shows promise in animal studies, offering hope for targeted treatment options.
A study found that HIV infection occurred in 68% of HIV-positive transplant recipients' new organs despite undetectable blood levels. Researchers developed a new, simple urine test to diagnose kidney infections in these patients, which could improve diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers have determined the structure of TRPV1, a protein that plays a central role in pain perception and heat sensation, at near-atomic resolution using electron cryo-microscopy. This breakthrough offers fresh insights to drug designers searching for new pain treatments and sheds light on the protein's unique properties.
A study published in the International Journal of Obesity found that pro-inflammatory proteins associated with adult obesity may actually protect young children from insulin resistance. The research team studied obese and non-obese African-American and Caucasian children, aged 7-9, to better understand inflammation's role in developing...
The Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) has announced the winners of its inaugural short article and photography competition. Laura Hepburn's essay on underwater hydrothermal vents won the top prize, while Paul Hopwood's image of burying beetles processing an animal carcass took second place in the photography section. The comp...
The Genetics Society of America has awarded 11 undergraduate students with travel grants to present their research at the 55th Annual Drosophila Research Conference in San Diego. The students will be presenting their work to over 1,500 researchers and gaining invaluable experience.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have developed a new technique to isolate and examine a photosynthetic megacomplex in its complete functioning state. This breakthrough provides a deeper understanding of the organization of these complex membranes, which are essential for plant growth and movement.
A study by Aarhus University researchers reveals that labor mobility is essential for small European countries to match China's export growth rates. Companies can hire employees with experience in and knowledge about new export destinations to gain a competitive edge.
A Stanford study reveals that astrocytes, a mysterious class of brain cells, actively refine nerve-cell circuits by selectively eliminating synapses, much like a sculptor chisels away excess rock to create an artwork. This process is triggered by activity in neurons and persists into adulthood.
Researchers from the University of Cincinnati found that people with migraines who also have allergies or hay fever experience more severe headaches than those without these conditions. Those with mixed rhinitis, experiencing both allergic and non-allergic triggers, were 45% more likely to endure disabling headaches.
A protein called GEF-H1 is critical for macrophages' ability to respond to viral infections. Mice lacking this protein were unable to mount an effective immune defense against influenza and other viruses.
A study led by UCSF scientists pinpointed the disruption of a single cell type in the prefrontal cortex during fetal development as a significant factor in autism emergence. The finding suggests that though hundreds of genes contribute to autism, the underlying biological mechanisms will be far fewer.
A recent study found that couples where only one spouse was a heavy drinker had a significantly higher divorce rate than other couples. In contrast, the divorce rate for two heavy drinkers was no worse than for two non-heavy drinkers.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have developed an approach to increase beneficial HDL cholesterol levels in non-human primates by targeting shared nucleotide sequences that inhibit microRNAs. This strategy showed a nearly 40% increase in HDL levels, outperforming current therapies.
Researchers found that introducing protective variant APOE2 into brains of animals with established plaques reduced amyloid beta deposition, retention and neurotoxicity. This suggests the potential for gene-therapy-based treatment to alleviate Alzheimer's disease progression.
A new Stanford study overturns the long-held theory on how humans perceive sound, challenging the 30-year-old model of adaptation. The research found that calcium is not necessary for adaptation in mammalian auditory hair cells, opening up new avenues for understanding and potentially treating hearing loss.
Researchers identified critical role of stem cell factor in cardiac repair and regeneration, showing potential clinical benefits of gene transfer to reverse heart damage. The study demonstrated significant improvement in cardiac function and reduced heart muscle cell death.
Researchers investigating dengue fever's presence in two US cities, Key West and Tucson, found similarities in resident behavior and mosquito population sizes despite differing climates. The study aims to understand why dengue is not more common in Tucson, where mosquito control campaigns are less intensive.
A new study by Stanford researchers reveals the genetic roots of Caribbean populations, shedding light on historical events such as European colonization and African immigration. The research uses a novel DNA analysis method to infer genetic ancestry at a fine geographic scale.
A growing body of evidence shows that diet affects brain function and identifies patterns associated with eating disorders like binge eating. Targeted magnetic stimulation reduces severe eating disorder symptoms, while rats' impulsivity is linked to calorie consumption on binges.
Novel therapies for nicotine and heroin addiction show promise, while research reveals underlying brain mechanisms driving compulsive disorders like addiction and pathological gambling. Understanding these processes may lead to non-pharmaceutical interventions and new treatment approaches.
Studies suggest novel therapies for nicotine and heroin addiction are effective, with magnetic stimulation helping smokers quit and reducing rats' motivation to take heroin. Chronic pain also increases the risk of overdose among people with addiction, according to research findings presented at Neuroscience 2013.
New studies uncover the connection between social status and specific brain structures and activity, particularly in the context of social stress. The findings suggest that adult rats living in disrupted environments produce fewer new brain cells, while people with larger social networks have bigger and better-connected brain regions.
A new study found that the uninsured struggle to choose health insurance plans due to a lack of understanding about key terms. The research suggests that healthcare navigators can play an important role in simplifying information and improving communication to help people make informed decisions.
Researchers have pinpointed specific brain regions and molecules associated with depression and anxiety, offering potential new avenues for understanding and treating these debilitating mental health conditions. The study suggests that targeting certain brain areas and chemical signals may lead to more effective treatments.
Scientists have gained a deeper understanding of multiple sclerosis, revealing warning signs and potential treatments. Researchers found that antibodies can break past the brain's protective barrier to attack the optic nerves and spinal cord, causing MS symptoms.
New studies reveal exercise and diet play crucial roles in treating depression, aging, and learning in teenagers. Lifestyle changes, such as yoga, meditation, and regular exercise, show promise for preserving movement function, improving memory, and boosting mood.
Studies show that absence of serotonin receptors during early development leads to highly aggressive behavior in mice, while adolescents exhibit increased impulsivity to danger. The findings have potential applications for treating disorders related to impulsivity and aggression.
UMMS researchers used advanced techniques to study the 3D structure of mitotic chromosomes, resolving a century-old debate. They found that chromosomes assemble into linearly organized, compressed chromatin loops during the metaphase stage of cell division.
Researchers at the Gladstone Institutes have identified a unique change in protein structure that guides the production of RNA from DNA. The study sheds light on key aspects of transcription, including polymerase pausing and acetylation, which are crucial for precise transcription and cellular processes.
The Infectious Diseases Society of America recommends investing in new diagnostic tests that can identify the bug causing an infection faster and provide results more accurately. These tests would help protect antibiotics and ensure patients receive the best treatment for various infectious diseases.
A randomized trial found that lowering salt intake reduces excess fluid volume, blood pressure, and protein excretion in the urine of people with CKD. This could lead to a 30% reduction in risk of progressing to end-stage kidney disease.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Radiology found that non-radiologists are increasingly performing ultrasound-guided invasive procedures. The study highlights the growing role of non-radiologists in these procedures, with significant increases noted between 2004 and 2010.
A new study found that a patient's immune response may provide better insights into bacterial infections than conventional tests, leading to more accurate diagnoses and appropriate antibiotic treatment. The research identified unique 'immune fingerprints' associated with certain pathogens and predicted the nature of the infection.
Researchers found that brain dendrites process information and multiply the brain's computing power. They used patch-clamp electrophysiology to demonstrate this, seeing bursts of spikes in dendrites while other parts of the neuron did not.
Researchers from NYU Langone presented new findings on a drug called hydroxychloroquine, which shows promise in preventing recurrent heart disease in at-risk pregnancies. The study identified multiple genetic risk variants for congenital heart block and may lead to new therapies for autoimmune and rheumatic conditions.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that men diagnosed with prostate cancer who were overweight or obese at diagnosis were more likely to die from the disease. Men with high Gleason scores had the strongest correlation between body mass index and death, suggesting weight loss could prolong survival.
A study by Loyola University Medical Center researchers found that nurses in a burn intensive care unit experience moral distress, which can lead to depression, anxiety, and job burnout. An educational intervention reduced moral distress scores, but not significantly enough to last six weeks after the program.
A study at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute discovered a gene fusion that fuels the growth of some lung adenocarcinomas, making targeted therapies effective for patients with specific genetic changes. The finding suggests that drugs targeting NTRK1's protein product could be effective in treating these patients.
Researchers found that brain dendrites actively process information, multiplying the brain's computing power. Dendritic spikes are selectively generated depending on visual stimuli, indicating local processing within dendrites. This discovery has exciting implications for understanding neurological disorders and brain circuitry.
The I-GAP consortium has identified 11 new regions of the genome involved in Alzheimer's disease, providing insights into its molecular mechanisms. These findings confirm biological pathways and immune response involvement, opening avenues to understanding the causes of AD.
Researchers used next-generation sequencing to identify clinically relevant genetic variants associated with CAS. In eight cases, clinically significant variants were found, confirming previous reports and identifying novel associations.
The Roundtable Discussion highlights the need for biomanufacturing degree programs combining classroom learning with hands-on research and scale-up experience. Partnerships between colleges and industry are essential to develop innovative educational and training programs, enabling young people to engage the bioeconomy.
Two new centers will focus on building relationships with local health and social service professionals to support skill-building opportunities for personnel. The new centers aim to strengthen the services that improve the health of older people by improving the interface between practice and academia.
Scientists have captured images of the SecY/Sec61 channels in cell membranes, revealing how nascent proteins are transported to their target destinations. This discovery provides valuable insights into the mechanisms of protein transport and cell function.
The Johns Hopkins Berman Institute of Bioethics has launched a new two-year postdoctoral fellowship program in bioethics, funded by the Hecht-Levi Foundation. The program aims to support at least 10 promising young scholars in their research and career development.