News on doctoral training and the researchers it produces. Covers PhD and fellowship programs, physician-scientist training, and major training investments.
Researchers identified the cellular origin of a rare form of breast cancer, metaplastic carcinomas, which originate from basal epithelial cell types. The study used mouse models and cancer-causing genes introduced into healthy breast cells to understand the cellular beginnings of cancer.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital discovered that administering methylphenidate, a commonly used stimulant drug, can significantly speed up recovery from general anesthesia in rats. This breakthrough could potentially reduce post-anesthesia complications and improve patient outcomes.
Researchers have discovered a potential new biomarker for heart attacks, cardiac myosin binding protein-C (cMyBP-C), which is released into the blood following a heart attack. Elevated levels of cMyBP-C may help diagnose heart attacks more accurately, reducing unnecessary hospital admissions.
A new study suggests that equations estimating kidney function can work as well as direct measurements, allowing patients with chronic kidney disease to avoid painful and invasive procedures. The study found that kidney function estimates linked as tightly to complications as direct measurements, refuting the conventional view that dir...
The study improves computational tools for medical interpretation of genomes, enabling disease-risk prediction and personalized medication responses. The research involves a four-person family with a history of blood clotting, allowing for the identification of genetic variants associated with health risks.
Researchers have developed a diagnostic tool that uses brain activity patterns to give an objective physiologic assessment of pain, accurately predicting thermal pain in healthy subjects 81% of the time. The study aims to improve detection and treatment of chronic pain.
Researchers found that social networks and confidence in maintaining sobriety in social situations are key factors in successful recovery through AA. The study analyzed data from over 1,700 participants and showed that increased participation in AA during the first three months led to more successful recovery over the following year.
Researchers developed a small molecule called JQ1 that targets the bromodomain protein BRD4, switching off the MYC gene and slowing down cancer cell division. The study showed promising results in treating multiple myeloma and other cancers driven by MYC.
A study found that online tailored nutrition programs had no effect on reducing saturated fat intake, as measured by blood lipids. The researchers suggest exploring methods to improve the impact of computer-tailored interventions and incorporating social interaction.
Researchers found that cancers can become resistant to cetuximab by using an alternative signaling pathway activated by the ERBB2 protein, which is not affected by the drug. Combining cetuximab with ERBB2 inhibitors may be an effective therapy for these patients.
A new study by the American Psychological Association suggests that volunteering to help others can lead to a lower risk of mortality. Volunteers who reported altruistic values or social connections as their main motivations lived longer than those with self-centered reasons for volunteering.
The Newark College of Engineering at NJIT has been selected by the National Science Foundation (NSF) for a five-year program to keep engineering students enrolled. The ENGAGE program aims to improve student-faculty interaction and spatial visualization skills through evidence-based research-based strategies.
A new study published in Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation found that higher volume of resistance training combined with aerobic exercise did not yield additional benefits for patients undergoing cardiac rehabilitation. However, the combination of RT and AT resulted in substantial physical fitness benefits and reductions...
Researchers found that substances in old mice's blood inhibit new nerve cell generation and impair cognitive function in young brains. Eotaxin, a protein attracting immune cells to areas where it has been secreted, was identified as a key factor contributing to aging-related changes.
A prospective cohort study found that post-myocardial infarction snus quitters had a significantly lower risk of total mortality compared to current users. The association was independent of smoking habits and partly explained by changes in lifestyle variables.
A comprehensive review of research literature highlights the need for child-care facilities to support healthy eating habits and regular physical activity. The study suggests that significant improvements in these behaviors depend on combined strength of interventions and supportive policy changes.
A new study found that cumulative benefits of physical activity across adulthood are associated with improved midlife physical performance and strength. Leisure time physical activity is crucial for maintaining physical performance and muscle strength in older adults, promoting functional health and quality of life.
Women's sexual satisfaction is linked to their overall quality of life and perception of successful aging, even as physical health declines with age. Approximately 67% of women reported being moderately to very satisfied with their sex lives across different age groups.
The National Institutes of Health has awarded Dartmouth Medical School a $11 million grant to establish a network of institutions in northern New England for quantitative biologists. The Center of Biomedical Research Excellence will recruit, train, and support young scientists to investigate the interaction between genes and environment.
This book explains a new, scientifically based approach called story editing that can make you happier and turn you into a better parent. Wilson argues that conventional approaches are ineffective and shows what works, highlighting the strategies outlined in his practical advice chapters.
A study by UCSD researchers reveals a rapid increase in hookah use among California youth aged 18-24, with most users smoking with friends. Hookah is perceived as a safer alternative to cigarettes despite being less healthy, prompting calls for laws to ban hookah lounges.
A new study published by the American Psychological Association found significant sex differences in mental illness prevalence, with women more likely to develop anxiety and depression. Men, on the other hand, are more prone to substance abuse and antisocial disorders. The study's findings suggest that treatment approaches for men and ...
A new study analyzed over 230,000 physician-years of coverage and found that 7.4% of all physicians faced a claim, but only 1.6% made a malpractice payment. The risk of making payment varied from around 5% in low-risk specialties to nearly 20% in high-risk specialties.
A study of 586 children with mildly to moderately impaired kidneys found that they often experienced poor growth, delayed puberty, metabolic problems, and high blood pressure. These conditions can be slowed by more aggressive interventions to improve blood pressure and metabolic abnormalities.
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center are receiving $1 million each from the Prostate Cancer Foundation to develop a vaccine that boosts patients' immune systems against prostate cancer. The goal of this treatment is to directly attack prostate-cancer cells and potentially be less expensive and more easily disseminated.
Researchers at Yerkes National Primate Research Center have shown that chimpanzees exhibit a significant bias for prosocial behavior, particularly towards partners who are patient. The study's findings confirm the altruistic nature of chimpanzees, suggesting human altruism may not be as rare as previously thought.
A collaborative study between UNC and Duke scientists reveals that disruptions in protein signals can lead to improper mitochondrial distribution during cell division, resulting in reduced ATP levels. This finding has implications for diseases such as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.
Cyberstalkers increasingly use technology to torment their victims, causing higher levels of stress, anxiety, and trauma. Researchers also found that students who blamed themselves for cyberbullying were more likely to ruminate and suffer serious stress.
A consumer psychologist suggests that people can eat healthier without conscious thought by modifying their surroundings. Simple strategies include eating off salad plates, keeping unhealthy foods out of sight, and eating in the kitchen or dining room, leading to weight loss success.
Recent research shows that small interventions can increase black students' grades by a third and persist for three years. Stereotype threat can have a strong negative impact on test and school performance, but Steele's work offers hope for reducing its effects.
Infants exposed to moldy homes are three times more likely to develop asthma by age 7. The study, published in Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, analyzed data from 176 children and found that genetic factors also play a critical role in childhood asthma development.
A new study shows natural killer cells can contribute to HIV immune response, suggesting an additional cell type with anti-HIV activity. Researchers found that HIV strains infecting individuals with specific NK cell receptors had variant forms of viral proteins, implying the virus mutates to avoid NK cell activity.
The American Psychological Association will feature public demonstrations of psychological science applications, including a device that enables 'seeing' with one's ears. The Science Showcase also includes an interactive home energy-use feedback system and a test to determine on-the-job fatigue associated with sleep loss.
Jazwinski's research focuses on genetics of aging, molecular genetics, and population genetics, and has expanded to human aging with key findings on gene-gene interactions in longevity and healthy aging.
Robert Binstock, a professor at Case Western Reserve University, has made a significant impact on policies regarding aging. His research has improved the targeting of services to economically and socially disadvantaged older persons.
A new study found that myocardial infarction survivors living in low socioeconomic status neighborhoods had lower levels of leisure-time physical activity compared to those from wealthier areas. The association was strongest in the first 5 years after MI and remained significant after adjusting for individual factors.
Researchers at the University of Arizona College of Medicine have discovered that a select few T cells can better protect against infections like flu due to special features. The study suggests targeting these cells through vaccination could improve protection against disease in older adults.
Scientists create first large-scale map of a plant's protein network, revealing evolutionary process and disease mechanisms. The study, published in Science, uses Arabidopsis thaliana to uncover how microbes disrupt plant defenses against disease.
A University of North Carolina-led international study shows that male circumcision is associated with a lower prevalence of human papillomavirus-associated precancerous lesions of the penis among Kenyan men. Circumcision was found to reduce HPV-associated penile precancerous lesions by 78%.
Research examines the long-term psychological effects of 9/11 attacks on Americans, including increased prejudice and anxiety, as well as charitable donations and civic engagement. The study also explores how psychology is helping people understand and cope with the enduring impacts of terrorism.
Researchers found that alpha-B-crystallin reduces brain lesion size and inflammation in mice after a stroke, even when administered 12 hours post-event. The protein acts as a brake on the immune system, lowering levels of inflammatory molecules.
The University of California, San Diego has received a major $18 million grant to further develop the science of glycobiology. The grant will focus on training scientists fluent in glycan chemistry and biology to study how glycans modulate inflammatory responses and fund collaborative projects.
A study by Group Health Research Institute found that oral contraceptives can slow down bone gain in young women, especially those taking higher hormone doses. The study measured bone densities in 301 teen and 305 young adult women who used oral contraceptives, compared to similar women who did not use this method.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has named 21 esteemed members as its 2011 Fellows, acknowledging their significant contributions to radiation oncology. These distinguished professionals have demonstrated excellence in research, patient care, education, and leadership, making them highly respected in the field.
A 50-year study found that high neuroticism and low conscientiousness are associated with weight gain and loss, while impulsivity is the strongest predictor of obesity. Individuals with impulsive personalities tend to struggle with self-control and may be more prone to binge eating and poor lifestyle choices.
A simple survey can help identify Americans at risk of developing depression or PTSD after injury. The screening tool has nearly 100% accuracy in negative results and could facilitate early diagnosis and targeted mental health resources.
A five-year NIH grant will fund research at the Emory Vaccine Center and Yerkes National Primate Research Center to develop a safe and effective HIV vaccine. The goal is to understand how to prevent early stages of mucosal infection from simian immunodeficiency virus, a key step in developing an effective HIV vaccine.
Researchers have been awarded grants to develop innovative therapies for pulmonary fibrosis, autoimmune disease, cancer, and arthritis. The projects include a joint aspirate facilitator device and novel compounds for Pseudomonas biofilm disruption.
A study by Loyola University Health System researcher Holly Kramer found that a large waist circumference doubles the risk of dying among kidney disease patients. Waist circumference was more strongly linked to mortality than BMI, a commonly used measure of obesity.
Researchers developed a high-resolution imaging technology called microOCT that can reveal cellular and subcellular features of coronary artery disease. The study shows detailed images of endothelial cells, inflammatory cells, smooth muscle cells, fibrin proteins, and platelets involved in clot formation.
Two PhD students, Dr. Sally Shen and Dr. Mano Kalaiarasan, won cash awards for groundbreaking research on treating antibiotics in wastewater and fine particles' impact on environment and health. The prizes recognize excellence in environmental sustainability research, fostering innovation and inspiring young scholars.
A study will test a novel therapy to increase bone mass in mice flown in space, which may also provide insights into preventing skeletal fragility among patients on earth. The therapy aims to counteract the effects of microgravity on bones.
The Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation has awarded prestigious fellowships to 18 outstanding postdoctoral scientists, providing them with independent funding to pursue novel ideas in cancer research. The fellowships will support research into various aspects of cancer, including gene expression, cell growth, and tumor development.
Researchers discovered a natural plant compound that blocks vessel growth by interfering with cellular adhesion, found to reduce tumor growth and improve treatment outcomes in animal models. The compound, dehydro-alpha-lapachone, was identified as a potential new class of antiangiogenesis drugs targeting blood vessel formation.
The American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) has presented nine research awards and two grants to recognize cutting-edge research in key areas of orthopaedic sports medicine. The award recipients include researchers studying molecular mechanisms in meniscal injury, tendon-to-bone repair, and osteoarthritis.
A study by Massachusetts General Hospital researchers reveals that disruption of the molecular pathway causing Gaucher disease leads to toxic α-synuclein deposits in Parkinson's disease. This finding indicates therapies targeting this pathway may be a new option for patients with Parkinson's disease.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have identified a possible new approach to treating myelofibrosis by inhibiting an enzyme that forms scar tissue in the bone marrow. The study found that inhibiting this enzyme resulted in a significant decrease in the burden of myelofibrosis, offering a potential new avenue for treat...
The foundation awarded Clinical Investigator Awards to nine early-career physician-scientists conducting patient-oriented cancer research at major centers. The recipients will receive $450,000 each over three years, while Continuation Grants will provide an additional two years of funding totaling $300,000.
A study published by the American Psychological Association found that rats on high-fat diets gained more weight after eating low-calorie potato chips made with fat substitutes. The study suggests that relying on fat substitutes for weight loss may not be effective and could even lead to weight gain.
A study of 552 Maine high school students found no correlation between the presence of fast food stores near schools and their risk of being overweight. Despite high consumption of sweetened drinks and fast food among students, proximity to unhealthy food retailers had little impact on their weight status.