News on doctoral training and the researchers it produces. Covers PhD and fellowship programs, physician-scientist training, and major training investments.
The 2009 awards recognize groundbreaking work in early detection of ovarian and lung cancers, improvements to bone marrow transplant safety, and discovery of new genetic markers for cancer. The $450,000 prize will support the projects over three years.
A new study found that people who experience social rejection tend to see others' actions as hostile and behave hurtfully. Those in control groups did not react in the same way, suggesting emotional response may not play a role in aggression.
A meta-analysis of cognitive rehabilitation studies suggests that treatments tailored to age, injury, symptoms, and time since injury are more effective. Cognitive skills training in specific domains like attention and visuospatial processing shows promise, while holistic approaches have limited benefits.
A follow-up study found that workers exposed to lead at work showed greater cognitive problems after age 55, even when current blood levels of lead were controlled. The researchers linked cumulative exposure to mild deficits in spatial ability, learning and memory, and overall cognitive score.
Children's eating habits and leisure-time patterns may not meet current recommendations as they transition from preschool to school age, according to a study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior. Parents of older children reported unhealthy food choices and lower levels of physical activity.
Stanford researchers have discovered a connection between two aging pathways, SIRT6 and NF-kB, which could lead to a new understanding of how cells age. The study found that SIRT6 regulates gene expression by modifying histones, making it harder for NF-kB to trigger the expression of genes associated with aging.
A new study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that nicotine gum can aid in gradual smoking reduction and cessation. The study showed a significant increase in odds of quitting (40-90%) and overall success rates (2-6 times) for participants using active nicotine gum, making it an effective treatment option f...
A study of 1687 young adults found that those with more time for meals consumed healthier foods and fewer fast foods. The researchers suggest addressing time barriers to promote healthy meal behaviors among young adults.
Research reveals that adult-onset diabetes slows mental functioning in several ways, with deficits appearing early and persisting into old age. The study found that healthy adults performed significantly better than those with diabetes on executive functioning and processing speed tests.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have identified a new tumor suppressor, protein kinase C-zeta, that may help develop targeted drug therapies to combat lung cancer. The study found that PKC-zeta normally slows down Ras transformation and prevents tumor development, but its absence or inactivity accelerates cancer growth.
A social psychologist replicated Stanley Milgram's famous obedience experiment and found that compliance rates remained largely unchanged, with no difference between men and women. The study suggests that situational factors still operate today, influencing people's willingness to follow authority figures.
The Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation devotes a special supplement to traumatic brain injury (TBI), featuring studies on patterns, predictors, and mechanisms for recovery. The supplement aims to encourage new directions for treatment research based on the root causes of behavioral and brain dysfunction.
Researchers have created a comprehensive catalogue of tissue-specific pathologies underlying hundreds of inherited diseases, including breast cancer, Parkinson's disease, heart disease, and autism. The catalogue, available online, could help physicians and researchers develop new treatments for these conditions.
A study of over 140,000 babies found late preterm births are associated with increased risk of cerebral palsy and mental retardation. The research highlights the need for early neurological assessments and cautious approach to elective deliveries before 39 weeks.
Researchers found that siblings with mental illnesses are 63% more likely to experience depressive episodes, while those with low IQs are 18% more likely to live near their sibling but have lower emotional attachment. Environmental and social factors also play a role in poor mental health among these siblings.
Severely obese patients who lose weight through diet and exercise may be as successful in keeping the weight off long-term as those who undergo bariatric surgery. Behavioral modifications are critical to long-term weight loss maintenance, according to a new study.
Researchers identified 11 new gene sites associated with cholesterol and triglyceride levels, bringing the total to 30 lipid-associated genes. Common variations in these genes can significantly influence blood lipid levels, potentially identifying individuals at higher risk for heart disease.
Research reveals that babies born to mothers who smoked during pregnancy are more irritable and difficult to soothe. The study emphasizes the need for early detection and targeted interventions to prevent long-term adverse outcomes and disruptions in maternal-infant bonding.
A University of Alberta study shows that rethinking jobs can significantly boost morale, job retention, and productivity. The 'Spirit at Work' intervention program reduced absenteeism and turnover rates among long-term health-care workers.
A multidisciplinary approach predicts the immunity of a vaccine based on gene expression patterns and T cell responses. The study successfully predicted immunity in up to 90% accuracy using the yellow fever vaccine as a model.
Emory University's new Human Health: Molecules to Mankind (M2M) program trains students in both laboratory and population sciences, aiming to create a comprehensive approach to understanding human health. The program partners researchers from schools of medicine, public health, and other institutions.
Researchers found that cancer drugs imatinib and sunitinib can put type 1 diabetes into remission in 80% of test mice. The benefits of the drugs' rapid action are attributed to their ability to block platelet-derived growth factor receptor, a tyrosine kinase not known to be implicated in diabetes.
Researchers developed an optical imaging technique called OFDI that visualizes areas of inflammation and plaque deposits in coronary arteries, improving understanding of coronary artery disease. The technique has the potential to diagnose and treat plaque before it leads to serious problems.
The Gerontological Society of America (GSA) recognizes 12 individuals with prestigious awards, including Donald P. Kent Award and Robert W. Kleemeier Award, for their exceptional work in teaching, research, and service. The award recipients are honored at GSA's 61st Annual Scientific Meeting in November 2008.
A collaborative study reveals how interactions between common gene variants affect brain function in schizophrenia patients, particularly in working memory. The findings suggest that combining these genetic variations may lead to reduced cortical activity, making them potential new targets for treatments.
Researchers silenced genes that prevent mature neurons from regenerating, causing them to recover and re-grow vigorously after damage. Up to 50% of injured neurons survived, and up to 10% showed significant re-growth of axons over long distances.
A new study found that maternal smoke exposure during pregnancy increases the risk of oral clefts in babies. Another study revealed that infants exposed to cigarette smoke are more irritable and difficult to soothe than those not exposed. The findings emphasize the importance of smoking cessation programs for expectant mothers.
A Stanford study found that gene expression patterns in mice with type-1 diabetes were similar to those in humans before symptoms appeared. The researchers identified clusters of genes that participated in coordinated changes over time, which may provide an early warning for pre-diabetics.
A workplace obesity program implemented at 12 Dow Chemical Company sites showed modest improvements in health risks, including weight management and decreased blood pressure, after one year. The study, led by Emory University public health researcher Ron Goetzel, examined the effects of environmental interventions on employee health.
A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that children living in inner city neighborhoods with higher green space experienced lower weight gains compared to those in areas with less greenery. The researchers followed over 3800 children and found no correlation between physical activity levels and BMI changes.
A study of 2,432 older Canadians found that positive outlook, low stress, and no smoking contribute to healthy aging. Factors such as moderate income, absence of chronic illness, and moderate alcohol consumption also play a role.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health are leading a $24 million national survey on older Americans' disability patterns. The study aims to understand how people's ability to function independently changes over time, influenced by social environment and medical care.
The partnership will facilitate collaborative research in areas such as structural biology, systems genetics, and radiation biology. GUMC researchers are utilizing ORNL's supercomputing capabilities to analyze complex molecular data and develop new diagnostic tools for cancer diagnosis.
Researchers found that self-efficacy is a strong predictor of physical activity levels at 12 months, while access to home exercise equipment was more predictive of adoption. Decisional balance, behavioral processes, outcome expectations, and enjoyment also play significant roles in maintaining physical activity.
The Gerontological Society of America has selected five exceptional PhD students for the prestigious Hartford Doctoral Fellowship in geriatric social work. The program provides $50,000 dissertation grants and matching support to focus on dissertation research projects over two years.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute identified five new mutations in the ALK gene responsible for growth and survival signals in neuroblastoma cells. A small molecule inhibitor, TAE684, halted proliferation and brought on cell death in test cells with these mutations.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have pinpointed the crucial role of Rb proteins in regulating blood stem cell division, finding that blocking their function leads to abnormal proliferation and immune system disruption.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have developed a new diagnostic test that can identify rare leukemias in hours instead of weeks. The test uses cell-signaling pathways to decipher potentially dangerous molecular conversations, offering a more reliable assessment of risk and potential treatment options.
Researchers found that whites who try to be colorblind in conversations about race are more likely to be perceived as prejudiced by black people. This includes even children as young as 10, who adopt this approach despite it leading them to perform poorly on a basic cognitive test.
A study found that older problem gamblers are three to four times more likely to harm themselves than younger counterparts. They prefer non-strategic games, which may accelerate the downward spiral of gambling problems.
Researchers have identified a new gene variant linked to non-diabetic end-stage renal disease in African Americans, increasing their risk of kidney failure. The MYH9 gene variant is found more frequently among individuals with West African ancestry and may interact with environmental factors to cause the disease.
Scientists at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have identified a previously unsuspected gene, CDK8, as a cancer-causing gene in many colon cancers. The study suggests that blocking CDK8 may be useful against tumors driven by overactive beta-catenin.
MicroRNA researcher Victor Ambros, PhD, received the prestigious Lasker Award alongside Gary Ruvkun and David Baulcombe. The award recognizes their work on microRNAs, which are now understood to regulate genes in both animals and plants.
Gary Ruvkun and colleagues discovered that tiny molecules of RNA can control the activity of critical genes in animals and plants. MicroRNAs may control one third of human protein-coding genes and have potential applications in diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of disorders.
A study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that NRF2, a master gene regulating antioxidant and pollutant-detoxifying genes, is significantly decreased in smokers with advanced COPD compared to those without. This discovery could lead to new drug therapies targeting the condition.
The study identified civic engagement as a distinct retirement role, characterized by volunteerism and paid work impacting the local community. Engaged retires differ significantly from those who volunteer less or do neither.
Researchers at Stanford University have discovered a vulnerable step in the hepatitis C virus' reproduction process that can be effectively targeted with an obsolete antihistamine. The novel technique used microfluidic chips to screen over 1,200 drug candidates and identified clemizole as a promising lead.
This special issue of Policy, Politics & Nursing Practice examines the economic value of nursing care and its impact on patient outcomes. The research reveals that improving work environment changes or staffing levels can lead to cost savings through increased nurse satisfaction and improved patient outcomes.
Studies across various species reveal that animals adjust their vocalizations to suit different social contexts, such as altering call duration and frequency in response to competition. This adaptability enables individuals to communicate effectively and navigate noisy environments.
A study of 788 US adults found that those with diabetes had higher levels of arsenic in their urine compared to those without diabetes. Inorganic arsenic from contaminated drinking water may play a role in the development of type 2 diabetes.
The American Psychological Association has adopted a resolution supporting full equality for transgender and gender-variant individuals, calling for appropriate, nondiscriminatory treatment. The association's Task Force on Gender Identity and Gender Variance recommends further research into all aspects of gender identity and expression.
Research shows that video games enhance cognitive and perceptual skills in children and adults, with benefits seen in classrooms, surgical procedures, and scientific thinking. Studies also reveal varied effects of game content and player behavior on learning outcomes.
The APA task force report highlights the importance of positive attitudes, racial identity, and family support in promoting resilience among African-American youth. The report identifies four key themes: active engagement, flexibility, communalism, and critical-mindedness.
A study published by the American Psychological Association found that people taking antidepressants drive worse than those who aren't taking such drugs. Depressed drivers on meds performed significantly poorer in a driving simulation test.
New studies examine the link between consumer behavior and emotional well-being, finding that value seekers are happiest, while non-spenders and experiencers are also more content. Additionally, researchers discovered that moderate-income gamblers, known as 'big fish,' are at high risk of financial and psychological trouble.
Research suggests a strong link between middle ear infections and obesity, with damaged taste nerves leading to a preference for fatty foods. Tonsillectomies may also contribute to weight gain in children and adults.
Researchers have developed a computer program that will help astronauts manage psychosocial challenges, including depression and interpersonal conflicts. The Virtual Space Station is being tested with veteran astronauts, providing private access to treatments even when they're far from Earth.
The American Psychological Association's task force emphasizes the need for evidence-based practice in treating youth with mental health issues. The approach should be culturally responsive and accessible to all youths, regardless of socioeconomic status or background. The report highlights the benefits of using empirically tested trea...
The Iowa Corn Promotion Board and NJIT have jointly agreed to license four patents for corn-derived isosorbide, a chemical with applications in plasticizer, UV-absorbing product, and epoxy coating. This alternative has been shown to be safe for use in baby bottles, infant toys, and other children's products.
Researchers found that girls who participated in the HORIZONS intervention were less likely to contract a STD and more likely to consistently use condoms during sex. The study suggests that gender-tailored and culturally-congruent interventions can reduce bacterial STD infections and enhance HIV-preventive behaviors.