News on doctoral training and the researchers it produces. Covers PhD and fellowship programs, physician-scientist training, and major training investments.
A new study presented at the American Psychological Association's convention found that people who feel isolated are more likely to make risker financial decisions. The research, led by Rod Duclos, discovered that socially excluded individuals prefer longer odds for bigger lottery payoffs and take greater risks with their finances.
Researchers have established that two individuals, Mitochondrial Eve and Y-chromosomal Adam, shared a similar timeline for their existence, with estimates suggesting they overlapped between 120,000 to 156,000 years ago.
A study by the American Society of Nephrology found that moderate chronic kidney disease (CKD) costs Medicare tens of billions of dollars each year. The study estimated that Medicare spending attributable to CKD stages 2 through 4 is likely to exceed $48 billion per year, with costs ranging from $1700 to $12,700 per person per year.
Researchers found that a non-invasive ultrasound treatment can prevent acute kidney injury in mice by stimulating an anti-inflammatory response. The therapy, which uses sound waves to activate the immune system, showed promise as a potential prevention method for patients at risk of kidney damage after surgery.
According to new research, nearly 1 in 3 American youths aged 14-20 have been victims of dating violence and almost as many acknowledge committing violence toward a date. The study found significant overlap between victimization and perpetration, highlighting the importance of prevention programs that consider these dynamics.
Researchers found that a small percentage of patients with anti-NMDAR encephalitis experience isolated psychiatric symptoms, which can be treated with immunotherapies. The study suggests that abnormal test findings or subtle neurological symptoms should prompt screening for the condition.
Researchers created a 'dish' of patient-specific neurons from skin cells, discovering abnormal sodium current activity that could set off seizures in Dravet syndrome patients. The study holds promise for modeling seizure disorders and screening medications.
A study found that more frequent and longer patient-doctor contact in dialysis care is linked to better health outcomes for patients. Facilities with higher frequency and duration of contact had significantly lower mortality rates and fewer hospitalizations compared to those with intermediate or infrequent contact.
Loyola's Alcohol Research Program has received four NIH grants totaling over $3 million to investigate the effects of alcohol on organ systems. The program, led by Elizabeth J. Kovacs, PhD, aims to improve our understanding of how heavy drinking hinders recovery from burns or trauma and its impact on bone health.
Researchers discovered that inhibiting neural pathways between the prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens reduces compulsive drinking in rats. The study's findings suggest a potential link to FDA-approved medications targeting these pathways, which could accelerate the development of new treatments for human compulsive drinking.
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes discover that individual neurons' ability to flush out toxic proteins, not the buildup itself, contributes to Huntington's disease progression. A newly developed technology allowed them to see how different types of neurons respond to mutant huntingtin protein over time.
Experts from NYU Langone Medical Center will present new research on advanced treatments for neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease. The Comprehensive Center on Brain Aging is devoted to research and clinical advances toward the treatment and cure of all neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers developed a modified prion protein that resists changing its shape, preventing the propagation of neurodegenerative diseases. The study provides a novel pharmacologic strategy to develop new drugs targeting prion protein and stabilizing its normal shape.
A study by Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine researcher Katherine Wasson and colleagues provides insight into how primary care patients experience genetic testing. Most participants found results easy to understand with the help of a genetic counselor, but few could interpret them on their own.
Researchers found that amyloid plaque accumulation in the temporal lobe, rather than total amount, is associated with cognitive decline. This pattern of progression may serve as a more powerful biomarker for early detection of Alzheimer's disease.
The Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation has named four outstanding young scientists to tackle cancers in children and young adults. The award provides funding for basic scientists and clinicians conducting research with the potential to significantly impact pediatric cancer prevention, diagnosis, or treatment.
A recent study found that the protein Tissue Factor promotes the growth of both metastatic pancreatic cancer and primary breast cancer. Researchers identified a novel monoclonal antibody targeting this protein, which showed promise in stopping tumor growth in animal models.
A study analyzing data from 1000 black and white patients with kidney disease found that black patients experienced a faster progression to kidney failure. The disparity was predominantly present in patients with diabetes and those who excreted greater amounts of protein, indicating more advanced kidney dysfunction.
A new guide from the Infectious Diseases Society of America and American Society for Microbiology provides guidance on using laboratory tests to diagnose infectious diseases. The guide highlights key findings, including the importance of accurate lab results and proper specimen collection and management.
Researchers at TSRI will receive $2 million in funding to investigate the origins of life on Earth, focusing on chirality and replicating systems.
The American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) recognizes and encourages outstanding research in key areas of orthopaedic sports medicine. This year, AOSSM presented ten research awards and seven grants to support innovative projects, including studies on ACL deficiency, osteoarthritis, and sports injuries.
Researchers at University at Buffalo found that estrogen protects female stress resilience, but damages male working memory. The study, published in Molecular Psychiatry, suggests that estrogen hormone produced in the brain may be responsible for this difference.
Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation has named 17 new Fellows, awarding over $2.7 million in grants to early-career researchers conducting innovative cancer research. The recipients will work on novel projects aiming to develop more effective treatments for various cancers.
The UNC team developed biomarkers for challenging molecular subtypes of human breast cancer using genetically engineered mouse models. They found that these models accurately predicted human response to chemotherapy drugs, providing valuable insights into breast cancer treatment.
The Fondation Leducq has awarded a $6 million grant to a new global research network focused on cardiac regeneration. The network, which includes researchers from the Cardiovascular Research Center at Mount Sinai, aims to identify cellular and molecular targets for advancing cardiac regenerative therapeutics.
Researchers explore fungal biology and bioengineering applications to produce enzymes for releasing sugars from biomass, converting to biofuels and biobased chemicals. Advances in technology enable the development of new industrial processes.
A team of UCSF researchers discovered a sensory system in the foreleg of fruit flies that tells males whether a potential mate is from the same or different species. The Gr32a system prevents hybrids from forming, helping species preserve its identity.
A Phase III clinical trial showed that a simple drug regimen of clopidogrel and aspirin lowered the risk of stroke by almost one-third compared to aspirin alone. The three-month period following stroke is critical for medical intervention, and the combination was found to be more effective in preventing subsequent strokes.
A study by Kessler Foundation researchers found that brain reserve and cognitive reserve can protect against cognitive decline in multiple sclerosis patients. The research used imaging studies to estimate brain reserve and disease burden in 62 patients, as well as measuring early-life cognitive leisure as a source of cognitive reserve.
A study provides statistically-based guidelines for determining suitability of stem cell transplants in older patients with MDS. Reduced intensity transplants are recommended for high-risk patients, while non-transplant treatments are preferable for lower-risk patients.
A new study by UCSF researchers identified a brain pathway linked to addiction cravings and found that deactivating it could prevent relapse in rats. The study suggests that targeting the molecular pathway mediated by mTORC1 could lead to a treatment option for people with alcohol abuse disorders.
Research suggests that gene mutations causing cell signaling network disruptions during embryonic development can lead to subtle brain disruptions contributing to psychiatric disorders. Dact1 protein mutations in mice have been found to have structural flaws in interneurons, which regulate brain activity and cognitive processes.
A new algorithm developed by Aránzazu Jurío-Munárriz can magnify digital images 700 times faster than existing methods while maintaining quality. This innovation has potential applications in fields such as remote sensing, medical imaging, and pattern recognition.
A study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that administering large doses of intravenous iron over a short period increases dialysis patients' risk of developing serious infections. In contrast, smaller doses given less frequently do not increase infection risk.
Researchers developed a staging system to track ALS disease progression, mapping out four distinct stages and identifying transmission patterns. The study's findings suggest a similar transmission process in other neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, and may lead to new treatments like immunotherapies.
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes discovered how one protein regulates fundamental circadian processes and maintains metabolic health, shedding light on the molecular basis for metabolic health and disease. The study found that p75NTR production oscillates in time with the body's natural circadian clock.
A new study suggests that aspirin slows the accumulation of DNA mutations in abnormal cells in Barrett's esophagus, a pre-cancerous condition. This finding implies that aspirin may exert cancer-preventing effects by lowering mutation rates.
Researchers discovered unique copy-number variants (CNVs) in genes important to neuronal function, affecting 10 families with early-onset Alzheimer's. CNVs were found to be associated with novel gene mutations not previously linked to the disease.
The University of Cincinnati's Center for Environmental Genetics will continue to conduct innovative research on how environmental agents interact with genetic and epigenetic factors to influence disease risk and outcome. The center supports state-of-the-art core facilities and technologies, including bioinformatics, integrative techno...
A Kaiser Permanente study found that high levels of BPA in urine were associated with a double risk of obesity in girls between 9 and 12 years old. The study suggests that BPA could be a potential environmental obesogen, contributing to the worldwide obesity epidemic.
The Genetics Society of America has announced five recipients of the DeLill Nasser Award for Professional Development in Genetics. The award provides a $1,000 travel grant to attend conferences that enhance their career goals. This year's awardees include graduate students and postdoctoral researchers from various institutions.
Case Western Reserve University researchers found that 52% of individuals with PTSD also report symptoms of depression. The study, published in the Journal of Traumatic Stress, analyzed data from 57 peer-reviewed studies and concluded that both genders diagnosed with PTSD equally suffer from depression.
New research from Washington University in St. Louis suggests that older adults use less effective reference frames to visualize nearby objects, leading to difficulties with daily tasks like dialing phones and grasping objects. This study sheds light on the cognitive changes associated with aging and their impact on hand-eye coordination.
Two MGH-led studies show crizotinib is superior to chemotherapy for advanced ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer, with over double the progression-free survival. A second study reports the first crizotinib resistance in a ROS1-positive lung tumor, revealing the mechanism underlying that resistance.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have identified mutations in genes that encode chromatin regulators, which may contribute to the development of sporadic ALS. The study found 25 de novo mutations, including five in chromatin regulatory proteins, which could serve as potential therapeutic targets.
Researchers found that Africans develop type-2 diabetes through increased insulin resistance, while East Asians develop it through lower insulin-secretion ability. This understanding could lead to more targeted therapies for the disease.
A new 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) has been found to be as safe as the previously used 7-valent PCV7, according to a Kaiser Permanente study. The vaccine protects against a broader range of pneumococcal types and provides protection against serious infections such as meningitis.
Research found a significant association between early-life exposure to traffic-related air pollution and increased hyperactivity scores in children at age 7. The study suggests that traffic pollution may have long-lasting effects on the developing brain.
The AHRQ-funded journal supplement provides insights from 14 natural experiments on transforming primary care practice. Key findings highlight the importance of a strong foundation, visionary leadership, and contextual factors in achieving successful transformation towards the patient-centered medical home model.
A new study from Penn Medicine found that having a nighttime intensivist in the ICU did not improve patient outcomes, including length of stay and mortality. Despite this, hospitals may still consider adopting the model due to its potential educational benefits for residents.
Researchers have discovered that innate lymphoid cells and T cells follow a similar development pathway, involving the Notch protein pathway. This finding has implications for understanding inflammatory diseases and could lead to new treatments.
A JAMA study found that surgery for pelvic organ prolapse, specifically abdominal sacrocolpopexy, loses effectiveness over time. Despite initial success, women experience progressive loss of anatomic support and mesh erosion, a complication of the procedure.
A new article by Johns Hopkins faculty highlights the importance of advance directives in managing end-of-life care issues and reducing medical costs. Completing an advance directive document can lower end-of-life expenses for Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial insurance.
Researchers at the University of California - San Francisco have developed a type of human brain cell called medial ganglionic eminence (MGE) cell that grows seamlessly when transplanted into mice. These cells have the potential to treat several types of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders, including Parkinson's disease,...
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine developed a new technique to visualize cell interactions in living mice, pinpointing metastatic cancer cells' locations after breaking off from initial tumor sites. The method uses light-emitting proteins and has potential applications in studying various cell interactions.
Recent research on TBI in the elderly highlights the need for specialized diagnostic tools and treatments due to unique characteristics of older brains. Studies have found associations between lifetime TBI and dementia risk, as well as differences in cognitive function and medical history between those with dementia and a history of TBI.
A Cornell study found that skipping meals increases grocery shopping and leads to buying 31% more high-calorie foods. Not eating before shopping results in purchasing fewer low-calorie options.
The Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine publishes quality research, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses on orthopaedic sports medicine topics. The first three published articles include studies on ACL reconstruction, running-related injuries, and knee kinematics.
Scientists at UCSF have developed a new gene sequencing technique that can identify the Lone Star virus in less than 24 hours, significantly faster than conventional methods. The ultra-rapid deep sequencing approach has the potential to democratize viral surveillance and could help prevent outbreaks.
A genetic mutation in the casein kinase I delta gene has been linked to a typical form of migraine, with evidence showing its impact on pain threshold, cortical spreading depression, and astrocyte activity. This discovery offers hope for developing better therapies for migraine sufferers.