News on doctoral training and the researchers it produces. Covers PhD and fellowship programs, physician-scientist training, and major training investments.
Teens who blogged about their social problems and engaged with an online community showed significant improvement in self-esteem, emotional distress, and positive social behaviors. The study found that blogging had a stronger positive effect than private diary writing alone.
A collaborative study by New Jersey stroke specialists has developed a bedside clinical evaluation to detect spatial neglect, a hidden disability that impedes recovery after stroke. The study found that psychometric assessments may be used to identify specific motor-exploratory deficits in spatial neglect.
A team of scientists from Boston University School of Medicine has identified a novel compound that inhibits viruses from replicating, including poxviruses such as Monkeypox. The compound works by inactivating an essential piece of virus machinery, preventing the virus from amplifying itself.
Gladstone and UCSF scientists have discovered how HIV commandeers human proteins to weaken the body's defenses and enhance virulence. The study identifies a key interaction between HIV protein Vif and the human protein CBFß, which enables the virus to infect CD4 T cells.
A new study published in the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation found that aquatic therapy beginning 6 days after TKA significantly improved results. In contrast, delaying its onset after THA may be more appropriate. Aquatic therapy has been shown to reduce effusion in the knee joint, leading to less pain.
Researchers at Stanford Medicine have shown that iPS cells can mirror the defining defects of Marfan syndrome as well as embryonic stem cells. This study advances the credibility of induced pluripotent stem cells for modeling human diseases and offers an ethically uncomplicated alternative to embryonic stem cells.
A study at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center found that patients are overwhelmingly interested in accessing their doctors' notes, but doctors are cautious about the impact on their workflow. Patients reported benefits such as improved medication adherence and feeling more in control of their care.
A study published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology found that a breath test using Metabolomx's colorimetric sensor array can detect lung cancer and differentiate between its types with high accuracy. The test shows promise as a non-invasive, rapid, and inexpensive companion diagnostic for early lung cancer detection.
A new study found that providing clear caloric information about sugar-sweetened beverages may reduce their consumption among adolescents. Researchers discovered that physically presenting calories as physical activity equivalents was most effective in decreasing sugar-sweetened beverage purchases among black adolescents.
The Senate Aging Committee's 50th anniversary highlights pressing issues facing older Americans, including housing, healthcare, and workforce changes. Experts advocate for policy reforms to meet the needs of an aging society, emphasizing intergenerational cooperation and inclusivity.
Mothers working part-time jobs tend to have fewer symptoms of depression and better overall health than those who stay at home. They also show no significant differences in parenting involvement or family life support compared to full-time working mothers.
Researchers from UH Seidman Cancer Center presented groundbreaking research on autophagy and its potential as a novel therapeutic target for lymphoma and other lymphoid neoplasia. The study showed that targeting autophagy may enhance glucocorticoids' effectiveness in killing cancer cells, offering new hope for cancer treatment.
Women who practiced stress reduction and mindful eating had greater reductions in deep belly fat, associated with an elevated risk for heart disease or diabetes. Mindfulness techniques helped prevent weight gain even without dieting.
A study by the University of Maryland found that social determinants like workplace policies and household size contributed to a higher risk of exposure to H1N1 among Hispanics during the 2009 pandemic. The researchers suggest creating federal sick leave mandates to address this health disparity.
Researchers at Stanford Medicine have discovered a pathway that reveals how podocytes, specialized epithelial cells in the kidney, can regenerate and renew themselves during normal kidney function. This finding could lead to the development of therapies to treat people with chronic kidney disease.
A new study published in Health Care Management Review found that physical environment, workgroup cohesion, and job satisfaction have a significant impact on nurses' ratings of patient care quality. Improving these factors can lead to better patient outcomes without requiring increases in nurse staffing.
Researchers have successfully delivered replacement genes to patients with muscular dystrophy using a 'chimeric' virus. The study demonstrates the potential of customized gene therapy as a treatment option for this devastating disease.
A study published by the American Psychological Association found that creative individuals are more prone to cheating, as their talent can lead them to justify unethical behavior. This contradicts the notion that intelligence and dishonesty are unrelated.
Researchers found a gene mutation causing calcium channels to be defective, leading to impaired neuronal communication and development. The study used induced pluripotent stem cells to grow brain-like spheres from skin cells of patients with Timothy syndrome, which showed abnormalities in calcium levels and gene expression.
A decade-long study found that rehabilitating vacant lots reduces gun assaults across most of Philadelphia and vandalism in one section. Greening also associated with residents reporting less stress and more exercise in certain sections.
A new study by the American Psychological Association found that perceived racism can cause mental health symptoms similar to trauma in black Americans. Researchers analyzed 66 studies and found a robust link between racism experiences and self-reported depression and anxiety.
Researchers at University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine discovered a new human gene, TAF15, similar to TDP-43 and FUS, that may contribute to ALS pathology. The study used yeast as a model organism to identify potential disease genes associated with the neurodegenerative disease.
Research demonstrates that life experiences can be transmitted from one generation to the next through epigenetics, affecting brain plasticity and behavior. This new knowledge has implications for understanding the cognitive benefits of motherhood and how environmental factors influence brain development in offspring.
Research identifies regions and functions of the brain involved in risk-taking decisions, shedding light on mechanisms driving economic behavior. The findings have potential applications for treating brain disorders characterized by poor decision-making.
A primary care-based weight intervention led to a significant weight loss of 10.1 pounds over two years in obese patients. The program, which included lifestyle counseling and meal replacements, also improved cardiovascular disease risk factors.
Researchers are discovering promising treatments for pain, including mirror box therapy and a new opioid-like drug that relieves acute pain without euphoric effects. The studies also identify the neurobiological source of common morphine side effects.
Studies suggest that physical activity, hormone therapy, and social engagement can boost brain health in older adults, reducing memory loss and decision-making problems.
Two studies presented at the American Society of Nephrology's Annual Kidney Week highlight concerns about dialysis clinic closures and their impact on patients' quality of life. The new initiative hopes to reduce new cases of chronic kidney disease and its progression, complications, disability, death, and economic costs.
Two studies agree that diabetics with kidney failure shouldn't lower their blood glucose levels as much as those without kidney failure, suggesting a different optimal range. Hemoglobin A1C levels between 7% and 8% were found to be associated with the lowest risk of death for these patients.
Researchers identified a key mechanism behind diabetes-related cognitive impairment, finding that insulin resistance triggers inflammation leading to cortical atrophy and brain dysfunction. The study provides new insights into the disease's impact on the brain and highlights the importance of managing and preventing diabetes.
New studies found that clean indoor air laws are associated with increased voluntary smokefree policies in the home, particularly in households with smokers and children. The laws have a significant impact on protecting kids from secondhand smoke exposure, with children up to twice as likely to take up smoking themselves.
A study published by researchers at the University of California, San Diego found a 67% excess of cortical cells in children with autism, pointing to prenatal processes gone awry as a possible cause. The excess neurons were discovered in areas associated with social, communication and cognitive development.
A new device combines optical frequency-domain imaging and near-infrared fluorescence to provide simultaneous structural and molecular images of internal arterial surfaces. This integrated approach can assess key factors linked to the risk of clot formation, enabling a 'stent checkup' for patients at risk.
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes have identified a protein called p75NTR that kick-starts the response to low levels of oxygen in cells. This discovery may lead to new therapies for conditions such as heart disease, stroke and certain types of cancer by modifying blood vessel production.
Researchers found that high levels of protective protein Nmnat1 reduce brain damage caused by oxygen and blood flow deprivation. The study offers a potential new strategy for treating cerebral palsy, strokes, and other neurodegenerative diseases.
The Michael J. Fox Foundation has awarded a grant to develop cerebral dopamine neurotrophic factor (CDNF) as a potential treatment for Parkinson's disease. CDNF has shown promising properties in pre-clinical models and future studies aim to evaluate its efficacy.
A randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled trial found that lower doses of corticosteroids were just as effective as higher doses in reducing shoulder pain and improving range of motion. The study suggests using a lower dose at the initial treatment stage to minimize potential complications.
A special issue of Journal of Interferon & Cytokine Research explores the complex role of cytokines in autoimmune diseases. Key findings include cytokine pathways that trigger cardiac inflammation and potential chemical markers for predicting autoimmune reactions.
A study by Kristin Laurin found that reminding people of God decreases their motivation to pursue personal goals, yet improves their ability to resist temptation. Participants who believed in an omniscient entity watching over them were more likely to resist temptations and achieve major life goals.
Researchers found that patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis have elevated levels of the protein Flt1, which hinders blood vessel repair. This impairment contributes to disease progression and increases the risk of kidney failure in these patients. Inhibiting Flt1 may help improve blood vessel repair and reduce this risk.
The American College of Medical Informatics (ACMI) has inducted 21 new Fellows, with nearly triple the number elected last year. The growing field of medical informatics is expanding its reach and recognizing top professionals.
Researchers found that small vesicles called exosome-like vesicles (ELVs) are involved in transporting signals through urine and interacting with primary cilia in the kidneys. This discovery may help understand how gene mutations cause autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD), a condition that often leads to kidney failure.
A new eye-tracking study found that consumers' self-reported viewing of Nutrition Facts label components was higher than objectively measured viewing. Centrally located labels were viewed more frequently and for longer periods than those located peripherally, with key nutrients nearer the top being viewed most often.
Dr. William Tierney, president and CEO of the Regenstrief Institute, is recognized for his work on implementing electronic health record systems and advancing clinical informatics. He has received numerous awards, including the Collen Award, which acknowledges his persistent efforts to advance biomedical and health informatics.
Excessive self-praise can have negative effects on mental health, according to new research published by the American Psychological Association. Accurate self-assessments and performance feedback are more beneficial for emotional well-being.
A Stanford University School of Medicine study found that modifying proteins in a laboratory roundworm increases the life span of both the original animal and its descendants, even when the modification is no longer present. This suggests that longevity can be inherited in a non-genetic manner over several generations.
A collaborative research team has developed an effective therapy against Hendra virus, giving an anti-virus human monoclonal antibody therapy after exposure protected animals from lethal disease. The study demonstrates promising results and offers a real potential treatment for Hendra virus infection in people.
A recent study found that public reporting of transplant centers' success rates has not improved care for patients, with wide gaps remaining between the best and worst clinics. The new method revealed that gaps persisted after public reporting was introduced in 2001, missing potential improvements in patient outcomes.
A new study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine finds that men with disabilities are at a heightened risk for lifetime and current sexual violence victimization. The study reveals that men with disabilities are more than four times more likely to be victimized by sexual assaults compared to men without disabilities.
Researchers will explore molecular changes in prostate cancer progression to therapy resistance using cutting-edge technologies like molecular imaging and ultra-high throughput DNA sequencing.
A new study published in Neurology found that people who can cross their legs soon after a severe stroke are more likely to have a good recovery. The study involved 68 patients and found that leg-crossers had lower death rates, fewer neurologic problems, and better independence in daily life compared to non-leg-crossers.
In a study published by the American Psychological Association, children aged 3-6 demonstrated a preference for attributing ownership to human-made objects over natural ones. This distinction was consistent even when encountering unfamiliar objects not previously seen.
A team of astrophysicists has detected pulsed gamma rays from the Crab Nebula with energies up to 400 billion electronvolts, far exceeding previous detection limits. The high-energy emission challenges existing pulsar models and may require significant adjustments to our understanding of these extreme systems.
Arizona State University is developing a high-throughput system for rapid radiation biodosimetry to measure gene expression in individuals exposed to abnormal levels of radiation. The project aims to ensure medical responders have the necessary information to provide appropriate medical treatment and human health safety.
A recent study published in Neurology found that people who rate their health as poor or fair have a 70% higher risk of developing dementia compared to those who rate their health as good. The association is particularly strong for those without cognitive problems, where the risk is nearly twice as high.
A team of researchers from Boston University's School of Medicine and College of Engineering have been awarded a $4.8 million NIH grant to develop a low-cost, multiplexed virus detection platform capable of rapidly detecting viral pathogens such as Ebola, Lassa Fever, and Marburg. The resulting diagnostic platform should be able to det...
A study published in Pain found that observers estimate lower pain intensity and are perceptually less sensitive to patients they don't like. Researchers used video fragments of patients experiencing shoulder pain and asked participants to rate pain severity and likability.
Researchers found that college football players who display physical affection toward their teammates are happier and more likely to have a mental edge. In contrast, those who conform to traditional male stereotypes tend to have lower self-esteem. The studies suggest that emotional expression may be beneficial for athletes in terms of ...
A collaborative network of scientists, including UNC's Cam Patterson, has been awarded a $6 million grant to explore the biology of heart failure and find new therapies. The project aims to define the role of proteotoxicity in clinically relevant models of heart failure.
Thomas L. Kash, a UNC assistant professor, has been awarded the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) for his innovative research on alcohol's effects on neural circuits in the brain. The award recognizes his potential for leadership as both a scientist and model citizen.