News on doctoral training and the researchers it produces. Covers PhD and fellowship programs, physician-scientist training, and major training investments.
Researchers found distinct changes in gene activity and methylation patterns in blood cells of adult PTSD patients with a history of childhood abuse compared to those without. These differences may underlie different mechanisms of symptom formation in the brain.
Researchers at UNC have identified a key regulatory switch that controls the development of blood vessels. Disrupting this gene, CASZ1, can prevent proper vessel formation and lead to cardiovascular disease. Further study may reveal new therapeutic targets for treating cardiovascular disease.
Michel M. Modo and Thomas B. Freeman received the 2013 Bernard Sanberg Memorial Award for Brain Repair for their groundbreaking work in neurorestorative biology, stem cell transplantation, and Parkinson's disease research. The awards recognize their outstanding contributions to advancing neural therapy and brain repair.
Researchers found that anti-smoking ads with strong arguments trigger brain activity associated with behavioral change and lead to less nicotine in smokers' urine. The study suggests that ad content is more important than format or special effects for reducing tobacco intake.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine discovered that focusing on changing both diet and exercise simultaneously gives a bigger boost than tackling them sequentially. Participants who started with both diet and exercise habits at the same time were more likely to meet national guidelines for exercise and nutrition.
The new ASTRO white paper recommends 10 fundamental elements for safe and effective IGRT practices, including establishing a multi-professional team and performing end-to-end testing for new procedures. The paper aims to improve the safety and effectiveness of image-guided radiation therapy in radiation oncology.
Researchers developed an efficient method of analyzing brain activity using magnetoencephalography (MEG) to detect autism in children. The approach showed significant differences in functional connectivity and background noise between autistic and non-autistic brains, with 94% accuracy.
New York University College of Nursing's Dr. Sherry Deren received a five-year, $6.7 million grant from the National Institute on Drug Abuse for continued funding of the Center for Drug Use and HIV Research (CDUHR). The Center will enhance translation and implementation of research findings to maximize public health impact.
A new study published in Pediatrics found that ParentCorps, a family-focused program developed at NYU Langone, improves early academic achievement and overall school performance among minority pre-kindergarten students. The program helps parents and teachers engage with families early on in their children's education, using scientifica...
A special issue of Medical Acupuncture explores the basic science and mechanisms of action underlying medical acupuncture. The study found associations between neurotransmitters in the brain and patient responses to traditional vs. sham acupuncture, suggesting improved outcomes with matched treatments.
Researchers propose strategies to enhance the therapeutic effects of interferon in cancer treatment. They explore mechanisms of interferon signaling that lead to tumor cell death and suggest directions for future research, such as alternative methods of delivering interferon-activated immune cells.
Peihua Jiang, a molecular neurobiologist at Monell Chemical Senses Center, has been awarded the Ajinomoto Award for his groundbreaking work on taste stem cells. His research has identified previously elusive adult taste stem cells and implications for patients with loss of taste function.
Researchers at UCSF discovered that long noncoding RNA molecules, once considered 'junk', are involved in brain development and may contribute to neurodegenerative diseases. The study identified 88 lncRNAs associated with Huntington's disease and found weaker associations with Alzheimer's and other conditions.
The Nebraska Conference for Undergraduate Women in Mathematics has been a life-changing experience for over 2,600 women undergraduates since its founding in 1999. The conference boosts participants' self-confidence and sense of community through carefully planned activities.
Researchers found a consistent pattern of activity across individuals in several brain structures, including those involved in movement planning, memory, and attention. The study suggests that higher-level centers direct subcortical auditory structures to respond preferentially to music.
Researchers at Stanford University have developed a process called CLARITY that renders mouse brains transparent, enabling 3D imaging and molecular analysis. This breakthrough technology allows scientists to study the brain's complex structures without sectioning or damaging the tissue.
Researchers found that adaptable leaders have more complex and differentiated brain networks in areas associated with self-regulation, decision-making, and memory. They also demonstrated greater adaptability and effectiveness in a hypothetical military scenario.
Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill School of Medicine have created a protein switch that can be used to interrogate the molecular mechanisms of human health and disease. By studying Src kinase, they revealed a previously unknown role in cell motility, consistent with its ties to tumor progression and metastasis.
A study found a significant association between the ABCA7 gene variation and increased late-onset Alzheimer disease risk among African Americans, with a twofold increase in risk compared to European American populations. The research also highlights unique genetic risk levels for African Americans.
Nine undergraduate students presenting their research using Drosophila as a model organism discussed cell death, immunity and neural development. The students won the Victoria Finnerty Undergraduate Travel Awards to attend the 54th Annual Drosophila Research Conference in Washington, D.C.
A Phase 1 clinical trial tested an antisense treatment for ALS, blocking production of a mutated protein that causes the progressive neurodegenerative disease. The treatment was successfully distributed throughout the central nervous system and showed no serious adverse effects.
Researchers have discovered that epileptic seizures in temporal-lobe epilepsy patients can propagate through anatomically and functionally connected brain networks. The study found reduced gray-matter concentrations in certain brain regions, which correlated with changes in functional connectivity and communication between brain areas.
Researchers documented a California sea lion's ability to synchronize her head movements with music, challenging current theories on brain mechanisms that enable vocal mimicry. The study found that the sea lion could keep the beat even when metronome-like ticks missed a beat.
Researchers found a distinctive DNA mix-up and 20 mutated genes in esophageal adenocarcinomas, which may help diagnose the disease earlier and develop better treatments. The study also identified genes that can switch on cancer cells to invade surrounding tissue.
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes found that a certain type of DNA damage can occur during normal brain functions such as learning. The team identified two therapeutic strategies that reduce disruptions to this process, which is associated with Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers found 21 genomic regions with a 'signature' for both inflammatory disease susceptibility and natural selection. These variants rose in frequency to help protect humans against viruses and bacteria, but now increase the risk of autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.
A study found that individuals with chronic kidney disease who adhered to a healthy lifestyle had a greater likelihood of surviving over a 13-year period. Nonsmoking was associated with the greatest survival benefits.
A new study involving over 900,000 women found that biennial mammograms are as effective as yearly exams in detecting breast cancer and reducing false positives. For women with dense breasts, screening every two years decreases the risk of false-positive results by about a third.
ConservoCare is developing a medical device to restore bladder function lost due to injury or illness. The device uses high-frequency electrical nerve stimulation to eliminate sphincter spasms and allow on-demand control of bladder function.
The ReWalk powered exoskeleton restored ambulatory function to patients with thoracic-level spinal cord injury. Dr. Alberto Esquenazi won the 2012 AAP Excellence in Research Writing Award for this study.
A new low-cost nano-biosensor can detect Listeria monocytogenes, a foodborne pathogen that causes listeriosis. The biosensor uses gold nanoparticles and has the potential for commercial development.
Scientists at UC San Francisco have developed a more precise way to turn off genes using a protein from bacteria to fight off viruses. The new technology, called CRISPR interference, allows researchers to selectively perturb gene expression on a genome-wide scale and identify key proteins that control cellular events.
A comprehensive study has identified seven new regions of the human genome associated with increased risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The study, led by Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, found that AMD is not caused by a single genetic change but rather by many events that accumulate over time.
Researchers found that a protein synthesis blocker can significantly reduce fear and stress in rats after they experienced a mildly traumatic event. The study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, suggests that this approach could have clinical implications for treating posttraumatic stress disorder.
Researchers have identified a potent compound that activates immune responses in newborns' white blood cells substantially better than anything previously tested, potentially making vaccines effective right at birth. The compound, VTX-294, produced strong immune responses and triggered production of cytokines and co-stimulatory molecules.
The new guidelines aim to improve glycemic control in type 1 diabetes by standardizing glucose monitoring data collection, reporting, and analysis. The recommendations also focus on implementing practical solutions for healthcare providers and patients.
A recent study found that postmenopausal women who smoked had significantly higher odds of experiencing tooth loss due to periodontal disease. The researchers also discovered that the more women smoked, the greater their risk of losing teeth as a result of periodontal disease.
Research suggests that older people who expect a bleak future are more likely to take precautions to maintain health and safety, leading to better outcomes. Meanwhile, younger individuals tend to have a brighter outlook but may face greater risks of disabilities and death.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have identified a group of progenitor cells in the inner ear that can become sensory hair cells and supporting cells. These findings may lead to new ways to treat hearing loss and deafness, and could potentially aid patients with damaged or impaired sensory hair cells.
A recent study from the University of British Columbia's Sauder School of Business reveals that female-female workplace conflicts are often perceived as more negative than male-male or male-female conflicts. Participants rated all-female conflicts as more likely to negatively influence job satisfaction and team repair, despite finding ...
A UNC-led team has identified four molecular classes of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), a disease with limited information on its molecular profile. The study confirms the presence of these subtypes and demonstrates their clinical relevance, paving the way for targeted therapies.
Studies show dialysis patients using catheters face higher risks of death, infections, and cardiovascular events compared to those with arteriovenous fistulas or grafts. Higher quality studies are needed to determine the true safety of different types of vascular access.
Researchers propose a new approach to designing diets by focusing on the impact of food's micronutrients, rather than macronutrients. This approach aims to reduce disease and promote wellness by 'listening' to the body's response to specific nutrients.
A study found that certain gene mutations increase the risk of developing aHUS and affect patient prognosis after diagnosis. Screening for these mutations may help diagnose and treat affected individuals.
A study published by the American Psychological Association found that spending on others provides a psychological reward, regardless of cultural or economic context. The researchers surveyed over 234,000 individuals across 136 countries and found a positive relationship between personal well-being and spending on others.
Researchers analyze air pollution levels and health effects, identifying communities at higher risk for respiratory diseases. The study aims to improve understanding of cause-and-effect relationships between pollution and health outcomes.
A technique that removes additional toxins during dialysis decreased kidney failure patients' risk of dying from any cause by 30% over three years, with lower risks of heart-related causes and infections. The study's findings suggest OL-HDF may indeed prolong kidney failure patients' lives compared to conventional hemodialysis.
The Association for Gerontology in Higher Education (AGHE) recognizes outstanding individuals in gerontology and geriatrics education. New officers, fellows, and awardees are honored for their leadership and contributions to the field.
Researchers found that young adults who interacted with computerized avatars experienced a significant reduction in depressive symptoms over three months. The avatar-based intervention improved self-management skills and helped participants rehearse office visits ahead of time.
The Gerontological Society of America has received a three-year grant to build upon its success in training geriatric social workers. The grant aims to establish a National Center on Gerontological Social Work Excellence, focusing on collaboration with the VA and mobilizing the HGSWI Alumni Network.
A large international study of over three million births found that higher particulate air pollution levels were associated with increased rates of low birth weight. The study, published in Environmental Health Perspectives, highlights the need for policy makers to address air pollution to prevent serious health consequences.
A new study finds that obesity increases risk of death with age, contradicting earlier research on the 'obesity paradox'. The analysis of over 800,000 adults reveals that obese individuals face a higher risk of mortality as they get older.
A UCSF study of over 140,000 women aged 66-89 found that biennial screening led to fewer false positives and no increased risk of late-stage breast cancer. The study suggests life expectancy and co-existing illnesses should be considered when making cancer screening recommendations for older women.
A Penn study found that patients' end-of-life care preferences are heavily influenced by default options, with most preferring comfort-oriented care. The research suggests that clinicians should be aware of this phenomenon when recommending advance directives to their patients.
A new strain of MRSA has emerged that can spread beyond hospital walls, putting everyone at risk. Researchers have identified a gene that causes this strain to linger on the skin longer than other strains, making it more susceptible to polyamines, which can be toxic to other forms of the bacteria.
A new peer-reviewed journal will identify crucial LGBT healthcare needs and provide a much-needed authoritative source for LGBT health research. The journal will promote optimal healthcare for millions of sexual and gender minority persons worldwide by focusing on their specific health concerns.
A special issue of Industrial Biotechnology explores innovative uses of nanotechnology in food and agriculture, including nanoparticle bioactivity, soil denitrification, and nutrient microencapsulation. Researchers discuss promising applications and methods for industrial biotech innovation.
The foundation awarded 15 Damon Runyon Fellows with $156,000 each to pursue novel ideas in cancer research. The recipients include Adam de la Zerda and Gabriel C. Lander, who aim to visualize signaling within tumors and characterize molecular machines in cells.
A study of nearly 600,000 students found that African-American and Hispanic students tend to work longer hours than non-Hispanic white students but experience less negative effects on their grades. High school students who worked long hours at part-time jobs were more likely to be employed and report working more than 25 hours a week.
A prospective study of 1,200 healthy women found that low serum vitamin D levels before diagnosis increased the risk of premenopausal breast cancer. Women with low vitamin D levels had approximately three times the risk of breast cancer as those in the highest vitamin D group.