News on doctoral training and the researchers it produces. Covers PhD and fellowship programs, physician-scientist training, and major training investments.
Research reveals how fragile X protein, FMRP, hooks up with microRNAs to switch the production of other proteins on and off. This process is crucial for learning and memory, as neurons need to make new proteins at specific synapses.
Scientists at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute discovered that cyclin D1 helps cancer cells repair DNA damage caused by radiation treatments, making tumors resistant to the therapy. Blocking cyclin D1 levels in cancer cells makes them more sensitive to radiation and certain cancer drugs.
A recent study found that women veterans of US wars in Iraq and Afghanistan experienced similar levels of combat-related stress and post-deployment mental health impacts as their male counterparts. The research, based on survey responses from 595 service members, suggests that women's exposure to combat stress may be only slightly lowe...
A new online tool, Mouse Phylogeny Viewer, allows researchers to select from 162 strains of laboratory mice for which the entire genome has been characterized. This tool enables scientists to design better experiments by selecting strains with greater genetic diversity, ultimately improving the translation of results to humans.
A team of researchers has pinpointed genome regions that contribute to the debilitating lung disease associated with cystic fibrosis, providing insight into its causes and potential diagnostic markers. The study also points to new therapeutic approaches for related diseases such as COPD.
Researchers at Stanford University developed a special wound dressing that significantly reduced scar tissue caused by incisions in animal tests and early clinical trials. The novel 'stress-shielding device' provides uniform compression across the wound, reducing scarring and potentially making surgical revisions more appealing.
A recent study found that prayer about health issues increased dramatically among American adults over the past three decades, with 49% of respondents praying in 2007. The study also revealed correlations between prayer and socioeconomic factors, such as income and education level.
The World Future Foundation has contributed US$250,000 towards NTU's first-of-its-kind Ph.D. prize for excellence in environmental and sustainability research. Five annual prizes will be awarded to top PhD theses related to these topics, with a focus on societal and economic relevance.
Researchers found that COPD patients who participated in a self-confidence-building program increased their light physical activity immediately after training, with average gains of 20 minutes per day. However, these improvements were short-lived and did not persist beyond the end of the program.
The Cole Foundation has awarded over $700,000 in fellowships to researchers studying pediatric leukemia and lymphoma. The funding will support the work of 14 scientists at Université de Montréal and McGill University, with projects focused on understanding the disease's causes and developing new treatments.
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation has established a set of quality measurements for its prison health care services, building on research from the RAND Corporation. The new measurements will help improve access to care and quality of care in the prison system.
A recent study published in Brain Connectivity suggests that ongoing, intrinsic brain activity accounts for the majority of human brain energy usage. This finding challenges previous assumptions and highlights the complexity of brain function and structure.
A new study from UCSD School of Medicine reveals the plasticity of some gene expression programs, allowing for alternative induced gene expression. This plasticity may contribute to cancer cell growth and normal differentiation, with implications for hormone therapy.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have separated two distinct ways in which the p53 protein works, with implications for developing treatments that mitigate radiotherapy and chemotherapy side effects. The study reveals that disabling one part of the protein could allow healthy cells to survive DNA damage without pro...
Research published by the American Psychological Association found that people with good peer support systems at work may live longer than those without. The study also showed that control and decision authority had a different effect on mortality rates for men and women.
A study published in Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior found that factors influencing children's use of and time spent in fast-food and full-service restaurants include parental work schedules and parenting styles. Fathers who frequently dine out with their kids tend to have a greater impact on their eating habits.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have developed a new technology called mass cytometry, which allows for simultaneous measurement of dozens of features on and in cells. This enables scientists to categorize more immune cell types than ever before and gain insights into cellular processes.
A study published in Reproductive Toxicology found that maternal exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) during pregnancy is associated with decreased birth weight of offspring. Researchers also discovered that the magnitude of decrease in birth weight was greater in children whose mothers were directly exposed to high BPA levels in the workplace.
Researchers have found that brain enlargement in autism is due to increased folding on the surface of the brain and not an increase in gray matter. Brain growth in children with autism begins as early as 1 year old and continues until age 2.
The University of Louisville School of Nursing has established a Kentucky Racing Health Services Center (KRHSC) to provide comprehensive health care services to track workers. KRHSC, led by Whitney Nash, serves about 2,500 patients annually, offering acute and chronic care as well as preventive services.
This year's class of distinguished fellows recognizes outstanding leadership and service in vision research. The ARVO Fellows will be officially inducted at the Association's Annual Meeting, May 1, 2023.
The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) honored its 2011 Award recipients, including Robert E. Anderson, Paulus de Jong, James T. Rosenbaum, Andrew J. Fischer, and Gullapalli N. Rao, for their groundbreaking research on photoreceptors, retinal diseases, intraocular inflammation, myopia, and vision-guided ocular ...
According to a new study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, many US adults are not meeting adequate calcium intake levels. The study found that median dietary calcium intake was lower in older age groups and that energy intake declined with aging.
Cancer cells survive by ignoring signals to become senescent and continuing to make copies of themselves at will. Researchers discovered a molecular switch required for entry into quiescence and senescence, which may provide new targets for cancer treatment and help develop neurons in infants with Down syndrome.
Researchers found shorter telomere length in adults with PTSD and a history of childhood trauma, associated with increased risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and autoimmune diseases. The study suggests that childhood trauma may contribute to the development of PTSD and accelerated aging.
The new journal Brain Connectivity debuts with four compelling articles exploring brain connectivity, functional networks, and neurological disorders. Researchers discuss advances in neuroimaging methods, brain activity reconstruction, and white matter studies, shedding light on the organization and development of brain connections.
A study from Massachusetts General Hospital found that mindfulness meditation enhances regulation of alpha rhythms, which 'turn down the volume' on distracting information. This improvement allows practitioners to better process new facts and regulate pain perception.
Engineered gold nanoparticles have been shown to be non-toxic when administered by two alternative routes in mice, suggesting they may be safe for human use. The particles are designed to detect cancer-lesion sites with high sensitivity and could lead to early disease detection.
A special issue of American Psychologist explores the role of psychology in understanding and addressing global climate change. The issue highlights the importance of psychological factors in shaping human behavior, particularly in the context of low-carbon technologies, economic incentives, and information dissemination.
A new experimental treatment for boosting the effectiveness of stem-cell transplants with umbilical cord blood has shown a favorable safety profile in long-term animal studies. After one year following transplant, treated cord blood units reconstituted all normal types of blood cells and prevented cancer development.
A UCSF study reveals a possible early sign of dementia: the inability to detect sarcasm and lies. Researchers mapped brain activity in older adults with neurodegenerative diseases and found associations between deteriorating brain regions and this ability. This finding could help diagnose dementia earlier, enabling timely intervention.
A recent study found that chronic cerebral venous insufficiency (CCSVI) is more prevalent in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, particularly those with progressive forms of the disease. The research suggests CCSVI may be a consequence of MS progression rather than a cause, warranting further investigation.
A review article in the Journal of Caffeine Research suggests that caffeine disrupts glucose metabolism, increasing insulin resistance and exacerbating blood glucose levels in people with diabetes. The study reveals potential harm of caffeine consumption for over 220 million individuals worldwide affected by type 2 diabetes.
The Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine has recognized seven outstanding young investigators with the 2011 Young Investigator Award. These researchers demonstrated originality, importance, and presentation of their data in various fields of study, including vascular dysfunction and skeletal muscle microvascular rarefaction.
The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center will lead the Cancer Immunotherapy Trials Network (CITN), a multicenter research network on promising new agents that boost patients' immune systems. The CITN aims to develop treatments for cancer by selecting, designing and conducting early-phase trials using priority agents.
A study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that US women were confused by recent mammography screening recommendations, with 30% more confused than helped. The majority of media coverage was unsupportive, and women aged 40-49 years were most likely to be confused.
Researchers from NYU Cancer Institute presented several promising findings at the AACR 102nd Annual Meeting 2011. They developed a novel test to detect early-stage asbestos-related pulmonary cancer with high accuracy, and explored treatment strategies for glioblastomas. Additionally, they mapped genome-wide nickel-related cancer effect...
A new study found that long-term depression is associated with premature aging of immune cells, potentially leading to increased susceptibility to other illnesses. Researchers also discovered a link between telomere shortening and oxidative stress in depressed individuals.
Adolescent binge drinking may lead to subtle yet persistent alterations in the frontal cortex, impacting decision-making and related behaviors. Reduces neurotransmitter activity and forebrain volume, increasing risk of impulsive actions and poor adaptation to life situations as adults.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have identified a promising target for an AIDS vaccine: the V3 loop of the virus's protein envelope. Immune system antibodies aimed at this loop may offer protection against multiple genetic subtypes of HIV-1, offering hope for a universally effective vaccine.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that people who slept 6-8 hours a night and reported lower stress levels lost more weight. The study involved nearly 500 participants who were trying to lose at least 10 pounds, and those with the lowest stress levels and adequate sleep were most likely to succeed.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have developed a targeted therapy strategy that slows the progression of NUT midline carcinoma in children. The approach uses an HDAC inhibitor to distract cancer proteins from their usual activity, causing cells to behave like normal cells.
A study by Massachusetts General Hospital and Brown University found that seizures begin with diverse neuronal activity, rather than synchronized activity. The researchers observed pre-seizure changes in neuronal activity and detected changes before seizures began in most patients.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association found that inadequate nutrition is a significant risk factor for anemia in postmenopausal women. The study, which analyzed data from over 72,000 women, found that deficiencies in multiple nutrients were associated with a higher risk of persistent anemia.
Julien Langou receives $400,000 NSF CAREER award to study algorithms and their limitations in numerical simulations. His research aims to better understand how fast the fastest algorithm can execute on a given computing platform.
Researchers discovered a novel regulatory role for lincRNA in determining cell protein selection and identity. The study identifies HOTTIP as a molecule that marks key genes as 'open for business,' allowing cells to maintain their characteristic patterns.
A joint PhD research group will be established to focus on electromobility, with Daimler supplying EUR 1.75 million in total funding for nine PhD students over four years. The group aims to enhance transfer between science and industry in the field of electromobility.
A new imaging approach allows scientists to watch spliceosome assembly in motion, revealing a surprise: the process is reversible and has 'dead ends'. This breakthrough helps understand alternative splicing, crucial for gene expression and protein diversity.
A new analysis of over 25 years of research links exposure to risk-glorifying media with increased risk-taking behaviors and attitudes. Video games were found to be more likely to prompt dangerous behavior than passive media exposure such as watching films or listening to music.
A National Sleep Foundation poll found that 43% of Americans report rarely getting a good night's sleep on weeknights due to pervasive technology use before bedtime. The study highlights the impact of screens and interactive technologies on sleep habits, particularly in younger generations.
Postmenopausal breast cancer survivors are more likely to fall than their peers, according to a new study in the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. The research suggests that balance disturbances caused by treatment may contribute to falls in these patients.
Researchers found a significant decrease in cerebral palsy diagnoses among premature infants over the past 15 years. The rates dropped from 6.5% to 2.2%, indicating improved care before, during, and after birth.
Despite significant advances in kidney care, type 1 diabetes patients with kidney dysfunction continue to face increased risks of kidney failure and heart-related death. New therapies are needed to retard progression to end-stage renal disease.
A study from Emory University and the University of Vermont has found a link between high blood levels of hormone PACAP and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in women, but not men. The hormone modulates central nervous system activity, metabolism, and immune function.
The Association for Gerontology in Higher Education has elected new officers, including Janet Frank as President-Elect and Kathryn Hyer as Treasurer. The organization also recognized several individuals with awards for their outstanding contributions to gerontological education, including Edward F. Ansello with the Clark Tibbitts Award...
A study found that participants acted more morally than they predicted, with emotion playing a central role in moral behavior. The researchers suggest that people misjudge their emotional responses when considering moral dilemmas, leading to unexpected actions.
The Locomotor Experience Applied Post-stroke (LEAPS) trial found that 52% of participants experienced improved functional walking ability one year post-stroke, regardless of the type of exercise program they received. Early locomotor training and home-based programs targeting strength and balance achieved similar results.
A new study examines the effect of FDA regulations restricting outdoor tobacco advertising near schools and playgrounds. The researchers found that even smaller buffer zones would still affect a significant number of retailers, with up to 1.5 million pieces of outdoor tobacco advertising potentially removed across the country if a 1,00...
Researchers have identified the gene DOT1L as critical for heart function, which could lead to improved diagnosis and treatment of dilated cardiomyopathy. The study found that low levels of DOT1L enzyme can cause heart disease, including congestive heart failure.
Researchers at UNC are developing computer models to help physicians predict which treatments will work best for children with upper airway problems. The project aims to create tools to evaluate the pediatric airway and predict medical or surgical interventions for specific children with conditions such as Pierre Robin sequence.