News on doctoral training and the researchers it produces. Covers PhD and fellowship programs, physician-scientist training, and major training investments.
Researchers at Kessler Foundation found that cognitive fatigue changes functional connectivity within the brain's 'fatigue network', which comprises key brain regions. This novel finding may accelerate advances toward effective interventions for disabling fatigue caused by various conditions.
A monoclonal antibody 'cocktail' developed at Vanderbilt University Medical Center effectively neutralizes all known COVID-19 variants. The treatment, comprising two antibodies isolated from previously infected individuals, targets sites on the spike protein other than the highly mutable E484K residue.
A new rapid 3D printing method developed by University at Buffalo engineers has the potential to create life-sized human tissue and organs in just minutes, rather than hours. The technique uses hydrogels and stereolithography to print cells with embedded blood vessel networks, a key step towards producing functional 3D-printed organs.
Measures of kidney function, such as the urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio and estimated glomerular filtration rate, may improve estimates of future cardiovascular disease risk. The addition of these non-traditional risk factors could refine stratification and predict cardiovascular disease more accurately.
Research by American Psychological Association found that higher income predicts more positive self-regard emotions such as confidence, pride and determination, while lower income is associated with negative emotions like sadness and fear. The study analyzed data from over 1.6 million people across 162 countries.
Researchers at Yale University have developed a model where human red blood cells are rescued in circulation using combined liver and growth factor humanization. This breakthrough has the potential to treat diseases such as myelodysplastic syndrome, sickle cell disease, and malaria.
Researchers at The Lundquist Institute have discovered a new compound called triptonide, which exhibits ideal male contraceptive effects in pre-clinical studies. Triptonide can be purified from a Chinese herb or produced through chemical synthesis and induces altered sperm with minimal motility, leading to male infertility in 3-4 weeks.
A study published in The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found a significant increase in mental health treatment visits, particularly for substance use and anxiety, during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. This rise is attributed to the challenges posed by shelter-in-place orders and the shift to virtual care.
A study of over half a million Swedish women found that attending consecutive mammography screens reduces fatal breast cancer incidence by 50% and mortality by 22-33%. Repeated attendance confers greater protection than single-screen attendance, highlighting the importance of regular screening.
Researchers at UNC-Chapel Hill develop collaborative strategy to test hypothesis on how tiny chemicals formed basic biochemistry four billion years ago. They aim to enhance understanding of cellular processes to detect new disease treatment strategies and inspire life outside Earth.
A study by the American Psychological Association found that individuals with lower education levels and those who have a positive attitude towards alternative medicine are more susceptible to believing misinformation on healthcare topics. The researchers also discovered that people who fell for misinformation on one topic were more li...
A study by Drexel University researchers found that rural seniors in Medicare Advantage plans switched to traditional Medicare at a higher rate than nonrural seniors, mainly due to limited access to providers. This highlights the need for policies to incentivize healthcare professionals to practice in rural areas.
The NIH has awarded UC San Diego $33 million over four years for five COVID-19 diagnostic projects, including RADx-UP and RADx-rad initiatives. These efforts focus on managing data centers, expanding testing in disadvantaged communities, and developing innovative approaches to address gaps in COVID-19 testing.
As the COVID-19 pandemic subsides, experts emphasize the need for vocational rehabilitation to prioritize access to technology and home-based employment for individuals with disabilities. This shift is crucial in preparing them for the new global workplace, where many jobs have transitioned to remote work.
Research published by the American Psychological Association found that black women and girls are more likely to engage in exercise and eat healthy when faced with discrimination. The study suggests that optimism plays a role in this positive response, contrasting with avoidant coping strategies seen in less optimistic individuals.
In a major advance, CAR T-cell therapy ide-cel has generated deep, sustained remissions in patients who had relapsed from several previous therapies. Almost 75% of participants responded to the therapy, and one-third had a complete response or disappearance of all signs of their cancer.
A new study found that daily emails about tobacco chemicals and health risks increased smokers' desire to quit by almost 10%. The messages, combined with graphic images, were sufficient to stimulate quit intentions. Researchers believe this innovative strategy can inform the FDA's educational campaigns.
Researchers found that light-intensity physical activity, such as gardening or walking, may protect mobility in older women. Women who spent the most time performing light-intensity activities had a 46% lower risk of mobility loss compared to those with lower levels of physical activity.
A study found that veterans receiving all post-kidney transplant care within the VA have a lower risk of death compared to those receiving care through Medicare. The study suggests that high-quality care within the VA may contribute to better outcomes.
An interdisciplinary team of biologists and computational researchers designed a neural network named BPNet that can interpret regulatory code by predicting transcription factor binding from DNA sequences with unprecedented accuracy. The model revealed novel insights, including a rule governing the binding of the well-studied transcrip...
The HHMI Hanna Gray Fellows Program awards $1.4M to 21 early-career researchers from diverse backgrounds to tackle life sciences challenges. The program fosters a community that encourages research freedom and networking, aiming to increase academic diversity in the US.
The winners of the Cell Press and CST Rising Black Scientists Awards share their essays on creating a more inclusive scientific community. Olufolakemi Olusanya and Chrystal Starbird discuss their personal journeys, challenges, and hopes for contributing to a more equitable science.
Researchers discovered a single blood protein associated with increased risk of post-operative delirium. The finding paves the way for a non-invasive test to guide prediction, diagnosis and monitoring of delirium.
A study published by the American Psychological Association found that response speed is an important cue on which people base their sincerity inferences. Participants rated delayed responses as less sincere than immediate ones, regardless of the question's seriousness.
A study from McGill University reveals a persistent gender gap in hiring, with women earning 64% of PhD degrees in archaeology but making up only 46% of assistant professors. The researchers suggest that subtle practices and inhospitable working environments may be contributing to the attrition rates of women in academia.
Researchers at UT Health San Antonio have identified a human protein called SAMHD1 that can recognize and respond to the HIV virus. This recognition mechanism may lead to a new approach for treating HIV/AIDS by targeting the protein with a specific drug.
Researchers at the University at Buffalo have developed a novel radiative cooling system that can efficiently cool buildings using solar power. The system, comprising two mirrors, absorbs sunlight and reflects heat into the sky, achieving record-breaking temperature reductions in both laboratory and outdoor tests.
Amanda Botticello's study explores environmental barriers to community integration, while Denise Fyffe examines racial disparities in functional independence. Jeanne Zanca's project focuses on neurofeedback for managing neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury
The Emory MVA COVID-19 vaccine has been shown to be safe and effective in mice and monkeys, inducing strong neutralizing antibodies and killer CD8 T cells. The vaccine's multi-layered approach also prevents lung inflammation and is adaptable to address disease variants.
A $5 million grant will support studies on scalable, low-cost, and noninvasive approaches to identify Alzheimer's disease. The project aims to improve the quality of life for patients and families by providing validated tools for early detection.
A study published in Obesity Reviews found that people are unaware of the calorie content of alcoholic drinks and support labelling. However, most studies were low-quality and did not find a significant impact on consumption levels.
Research reveals that American adult cancer survivors often face barriers to healthy eating, with significant disparities observed across sociodemographic factors. A Mediterranean-style diet may reduce overall cancer risk for women, but not for men, highlighting the importance of personalized nutrition interventions in cancer care.
Researchers at State University of New York College of Optometry discovered that visual contrast increases when reading outdoors, making it easier to see letters and improving eyesight. This finding has significant implications for basic research, eye clinics, and architectural design.
Researchers study feldspar recycling in Yosemite National Park's Tuolumne intrusive complex to understand incremental growth processes. A new model predicts relationships between hanging-wall extension, fault slip, and fault dip for the Ragged Mountain Fault in Alaska.
A PhD student has discovered a way to conduct micro-brewing experiments using only a single barley seed in a 1.5 millilitre tube, reducing the need for large-scale brewing operations. This method could speed up the quality testing of newly-bred barley varieties and potentially lead to new styles of beer.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have discovered the coronavirus's 'Achilles' heel', a proofreading enzyme called nsp14-ExoN. This enzyme regulates RNA recombination and can be targeted to block viral replication, potentially leading to new treatments for COVID-19.
The German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina hosts an international virtual panel discussion on COVID-19 vaccination challenges. Experts will address issues like equitable global allocation and vaccine effectiveness. The event aims to promote scientific dialogue among the international community.
Breast cancer cells can evade immune attacks by increasing the level of protein MAL2 on their surface, leading to enhanced tumor growth. Targeting this action could improve immunotherapy for patients. Researchers identified MAL2 as a key protein and found that inhibiting it can almost completely stop tumor growth.
Researchers found that a personalized cancer vaccine, NeoVax, stimulates a durable immune response in patients with melanoma. The study demonstrated the staying power of the immune response, which remained effective nearly four years after vaccination and expanded to recognize other proteins on tumor cells.
A Stanford study reveals that chronic inflammation driven by myeloid cells is the main driver of brain aging. The researchers found that blocking a specific hormone-receptor interaction in these cells can restore youthful metabolism and calm down inflammation, potentially reversing age-related cognitive decline.
A recent study published by the American Psychological Association found that women who deviate from traditional femininity are perceived as less credible and their claims of sexual harassment are viewed as less valid. This bias can prevent non-stereotypical women from accessing legal protections, leaving them vulnerable to further vic...
Researchers are expanding a Phase II clinical trial of vadadustat, an investigational oral drug, to investigate its potential to prevent acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in COVID-19 patients. The trial aims to improve oxygen delivery to tissues and reduce alveolar inflammation.
Researchers at Stowers Institute for Medical Research have discovered a signaling pathway that regulates the secretion of proteins important for maintaining eye structure, including the ciliary body. This finding holds promise for early detection and treatment of degenerative eye conditions such as glaucoma.
A large population-based family study found that individuals with an affected first-degree relative have a threefold higher risk of chronic kidney disease. Genetic factors play an important role in modulating susceptibility to kidney disease.
Research identifies fetal APOL1 kidney risk alleles as contributing factors for preeclampsia in African-American mothers, while maternal-fetal genotype discordance is also linked to this risk. The study suggests a connection between APOL1 genetic variants and preeclampsia, particularly among mothers of African ancestry.
China's kidney disease burden is expected to increase significantly, with an estimated 874,373 patients receiving dialysis by 2025. The study used insurance claims data to estimate the national prevalence of dialysis in China.
Researchers found that exposure to acrolein, a chemical produced by tobacco combustion, increases cardiovascular disease risk; Higher levels of toxic chemicals were detected in tobacco smokers than marijuana only smokers. The study suggests reducing acrolein exposure could lower risk.
A University of Cincinnati study has found that a mother's stress levels can affect her child's DNA and increase the risk of developing diseases such as asthma, obesity, and autism. The research suggests that maternal stress can alter physiological states in the fetus, leading to adverse health outcomes.
Scientists discovered molecular basis for how shapeshifting immune system protein XCL1 evolved, outlining principles for designing metamorphic proteins as transformers. These principles can be used to develop biosensors, build nanoscale machines, and even create therapeutics.
The employment-to-population ratio for working-age people with disabilities increased slightly to 29.4 percent in December 2020, while the labor force participation rate decreased by 1.2 percentage points. The COVID-19 surge is expected to impact employment trends in coming months.
A new treatment approach and delivery vehicle has been developed to reverse botulism paralysis in mice, showing promise for treating other neurological disorders. The therapy uses a detoxified botulinum toxin as a delivery vehicle for a mini-antibody derived from camels.
A new study reveals that periodontitis-causing bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalis borrows growth molecules from harmless Veillonella parvula, enabling its replication and causing gum disease. The relationship is one-directional, with V. parvula receiving no obvious benefit from sharing its growth molecules.
A century of data suggests SARS-CoV-2's expected long-term effects on the brain and nervous system will have chronic consequences on quality of life and independence. The study, funded by the Alzheimer's Association, aims to understand how COVID-19 increases risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and psychiatric conditions.
Researchers developed a multidimensional model of trophoblast motility using a functionalized gelatin hydrogel. The study revealed that EGF and TGF-beta1 play critical roles in modulating trophoblast motility, providing insights into implantation mechanisms during normal and complex pregnancies.
A study by Stanford Medicine researchers found that COVID-19 severity correlates with the proportion of antibodies targeting the virus's inner shell, not just the spike protein. This discovery raises concerns about re-infection and the need for repeated vaccinations to maintain a protective immune response.
A standardized tool for assessing chest pain risk was associated with comparable care for high-risk women, while low- and intermediate-risk women received consistent care with guidelines. Despite less care, women had fewer reports of heart attacks or death within 30 days compared to men.
Researchers at UTHealth have discovered a gene signaling pathway linked to schizophrenia using human-induced pluripotent stem cells. The PI3K/GSK3 pathway was found to be dysregulated in neurons from patients with schizophrenia, with SGK1 inhibitor being associated with the condition.
Researchers found that while lockdowns lowered excess deaths for many Californians, they had little impact on Latino residents and those without a high school degree. These groups faced increased risk due to crowded living conditions and essential work, leading to higher excess death rates during the pandemic.
Frequent testing can slow transmission at a population level by empowering individuals with their transmission status. Entrance screening upon entry into locations can add another layer of protection and facilitate the economy's reopening.
Exposure to fine particulate air pollution is associated with a greater likelihood of chronic kidney disease. The risk is stronger in urban areas, males, younger adults, and those without comorbid diseases. Air pollution levels can be estimated using satellite-based information.