News on doctoral training and the researchers it produces. Covers PhD and fellowship programs, physician-scientist training, and major training investments.
A study by Emory University researchers found that black girls who abused alcohol had low condom usage rates, even after participating in HIV interventions. The study suggests that addressing alcohol use is crucial to developing effective HIV interventions for this demographic.
A Columbia University study found that periodontal disease can be an independent predictor of incident Type 2 diabetes. Over a 20-year follow-up, individuals with elevated levels of periodontal disease were nearly twice as likely to develop Type 2 diabetes compared to those without periodontal disease.
Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital linked genetics to brain reward circuitry and preference, revealing a connection between gene variants and brain activity. The study used brain imaging, genetics, and experimental psychology techniques to identify a correlation between the CREB1 gene variant and brain structure activity.
Research by Marlese Durr and Adia Harvey Wingfield reveals that black professionals engage in 'emotional performance' to fulfill white colleagues' expectations, strengthening race/ethnic group solidarity. This emotional labor can lead to feelings of isolation and frustration among African American women.
A new UCSF study finds that rats that voluntarily use cocaine exhibit persistent cellular memories in the brain's reward center, even after several months of abstinence. This suggests that active choice plays a significant role in cocaine addiction and that environmental cues can trigger relapse.
A new study found that microRNA may influence the development of alcohol tolerance by regulating gene expression in brain cells. MicroRNA-9 was shown to block the expression of certain BK channel variants, which exhibited high alcohol sensitivity and low tolerance.
The Michael J. Fox Foundation has awarded $1.1 million for 15 high-risk, high-reward research projects to explore new approaches to treating Parkinson's disease using gene silencing techniques and induced pluripotent stem cell technology. The funding aims to develop transformative treatments and a cure for PD.
According to a study published in Obesity, over 86% of Americans are expected to be overweight or obese by 2030 if current trends continue. This would result in significant healthcare costs and an increased risk of various health conditions.
A new study reveals that citizens of poorer nations are equally concerned about environmental quality as their counterparts in rich nations. This challenges the long-held assumption that poverty-stricken countries prioritize basic needs over environmental protection.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital found that HIV can escape the immune system by exchanging genetic information with other strains, leading to more potent strains. This mechanism, known as superinfection, can cause rapid increases in viral levels and poses a challenge for vaccine design.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have discovered a protein called p53 that responds to disruptions in the cell's protein factories, leading to changes in skin color and causing anemia in mice. The findings may lead to new treatments for bone marrow failure in humans by modulating the levels of p53.
The Michael J. Fox Foundation has awarded $2.4 million to nine research teams to validate potential therapeutic targets for Parkinson's disease. The funding aims to accumulate evidence and reduce the risk of investment for industry, ultimately accelerating PD drug development.
Research suggests that men tend to look at their partners in a more negative light after meeting a single, attractive woman, while women are more likely to strengthen their current relationships after being approached by an available, attractive man. Men can learn to resist temptation with training and strategy.
A systematic literature review found that peer nutrition education significantly improves health outcomes among Latinos, including diabetes self-management and breastfeeding. The study highlights the need to formally incorporate peer nutrition educators into healthcare systems to address health disparities.
The UCSF School of Nursing will continue its research and training activities related to personal care services, focusing on workforce issues and improving access to services for people with disabilities. The center's work aims to provide support for individuals to live and work independently in their community.
The LSUHSC has been awarded a $10 million COBRE grant to support cardiovascular research projects and mentor junior faculty. The grant will fund four research projects and one pilot project, focusing on various aspects of cardiovascular disease, including hypertension, stents, and stroke.
A new screening tool, Everyday Cognition (ECog), evaluates basic mental functioning in everyday activities, revealing potential cognitive impairment. The ECog helps clinicians identify individuals at risk for developing dementia, enabling earlier diagnosis and intervention.
A study published in the Journal of Applied Biobehavioral Research found that directed thinking increased exercise performance and fitness among sedentary college students. Researchers asked participants to think about actions they could take to improve their cardiovascular fitness, leading to a significant increase in exercise time.
The Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation has awarded fellowships to 14 promising young scientists conducting innovative cancer research projects. The three-year award provides independent funding to support their work in basic and translational cancer research.
A new animal study found that boosting a specific brain protein quickly cuts excessive drinking and prevents relapse. The treatment does not block other pleasure-seeking behaviors, showing promise for a new strategy to combat alcohol abuse, addiction and especially relapse.
A new study by UC researchers suggests that cases of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) among soldiers who served in the first Persian Gulf War were caused by specific events, with a declining risk after 1996.
A study found that doula support during labor significantly reduced cesarean delivery rates by 12% and the need for epidurals by 11%. Continuous presence of a non-medical companion provided benefits even when male partners or family members were present.
Researchers explored coping strategies for vulvar vestibulitis syndrome (vvs) in heterosexual couples. They found that treating the couple, not just the woman, and developing a shared sense of meaning about vvs helped alleviate tension and improve communication.
Research from the University of Cincinnati reveals a direct link between prenatal and early-childhood lead exposure and higher rates of criminal arrest in adulthood. Individuals with elevated blood-lead levels before birth and during early childhood had higher rates of arrests, especially for violent crimes.
Researchers at Emory University developed an intrabody that binds to mutant huntingtin, reducing clumps and alleviating motor problems in mice. The study suggests a strategy for dissecting harmful effects of protein aggregates in other neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers have made significant progress in developing neural cell transplants as a potential treatment for Parkinson's disease. Engineered human neural progenitor cells that produce glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) show promise in promoting functional recovery and improving motor function without causing negative side effects.
A nationwide study found a significant association between coarse particulate matter and increased risk of cardiovascular disease hospital admissions. The research also suggested that the risk was higher in more urban counties.
A national study of Asian adults found that strong ties to ethnicity can both protect against and worsen the negative effects of racism. For those born in the US, a strong ethnic identity in their 40s can counteract discrimination's impact, while those above 50 may experience increased distress due to stress management.
A new study led by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute researchers found that abnormal surrounding cells cause the walls of the ducts to deteriorate, enabling tumor cells to escape. The discovery may lead to screening tests and treatments targeting genetic abnormalities in cells lining the ducts.
Dr. Milan Fiala has received the 2008 Alzheimer Award for his work on phagocytosis of amyloid-beta and inflammation in Alzheimer's disease. His research suggests that the immune system's failure to clear waste products from the brain is a key contributor to the disease.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have discovered that beta arrestins, which stop cell signals, also initiate pathways to produce new proteins in virtually all tissues. This new pathway has opened up new avenues for studying protein manufacturing and controlling biological functions.
A new study found that companies selectively release information to manage internal trouble, using optimistic language to downplay concerns. The research concludes that company managers may behave unethically, negatively impacting investors and society.
A PhD study by Juan Pedro Reyes found that integrating safety into building design can significantly reduce accidents and costs. The research developed a mathematical model to calculate the sustainability of a building's safety, with promising results.
A study by researchers from the American Psychological Association found that people experience mental fatigue and decreased productivity when faced with numerous choices. In experiments involving 328 participants, those who made choices had trouble staying focused and completing tasks compared to those who didn't make decisions.
The University of Iowa Mathematics Department is recognized for its successful recruitment and mentorship efforts, particularly for underrepresented minority students. The department's innovative approach has raised the achievement level of all students, with a significant increase in PhDs granted to minority students.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have discovered the first clues about the ancient origins of the placenta, a vital organ exchanging gas and nutrients between mother and fetus. The study suggests that the placenta evolved from simpler tissue in eggshells of birds and reptiles.
Researchers have found two more mutations in the TDP-43 gene that could become candidates for drug targets, providing direct evidence of its role in ALS and FTD. The study also suggests potential implications beyond these diseases.
A new algorithm ranks abnormal genes according to their likelihood of contributing to cancer. The study found that a specific gene plays a crucial role in regulating tumor growth and that its loss triggers a shutdown of a key pathway, leading to unchecked cell proliferation.
A large study of six grade students found that early intervention is imperative to prevent teen alcohol abuse. The researchers identified several key factors, including parental influences, peer influences, environment, and involvement in sports and other activities.
A team of Stanford University School of Medicine researchers has developed a new type of imaging system using Raman spectroscopy to illuminate tumors in living subjects. The technique allows for the detection of multiple molecular targets simultaneously, enabling finer biochemical details and more precise imaging.
Researchers have identified a key player in the killing of brain cells after a stroke or seizure - asparagine endopeptidase (AEP). AEP unleashes enzymes that break down brain cells' DNA, causing permanent damage.
A study of 80 years of research found that cooperative learning leads to better social relationships, academic success, and peer interaction among 12- to 15-year-olds. In contrast, competitive and individualistic environments hinder friendships and lower achievement scores.
A new study found that human umbilical cord blood cell therapy reduced amyloid-ß plaques by 62% and cerebral amyloid angiopathy by 86% in mice with Alzheimer's-like disease. The treatment targeted the pathogenic inflammatory response associated with CD40-CD40L activity.
Researchers found that people's brains interpret visual stimulation based on assumptions about their environment. In a study examining how the brain and eye work together, participants were shown a jumping target that appeared in different locations within concentric circles.
A new study published in the Journal of School Health reveals that children with healthier diets outperform their peers academically. The research found students with higher fruit and vegetable intake and lower fat consumption were less likely to fail literacy assessments.
A study led by Massachusetts General Hospital confirms that a combination of gene variants associated with cholesterol levels reflect patients' cholesterol levels and increase risk of heart attack, stroke, or sudden cardiac death. The study's findings provide a foundation for personalized medicine and may lead to the development of mor...
Researchers found that measuring fatty acid ethyl esters in an infant's first bowel movement can identify children at risk for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS). Early intervention may minimize disabilities and improve developmental outcomes.
A global study found that 82 percent of parents who smoked reported smoking around their children, exposing them to high levels of secondhand smoke. Hair nicotine levels were detected in 78 percent of children living with a smoker and 59 percent without, highlighting the need for improved public awareness.
Researchers aim to understand how a small minority of HIV-positive individuals remain healthy despite years of infection. The new grant will recruit 2,000 participants and compare DNA from elite controllers to those with progressive HIV infection to identify genetic factors behind viremic control.
Scientists at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have found an alternate pathway to angiogenesis, triggered by PGC-1alpha sensing low oxygen levels. This discovery may offer new opportunities for treating heart and blood vessel diseases.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have identified a new strategy for normalizing tumor blood supply by controlling nitric oxide levels. By selectively suppressing NO production in tumor cells while maintaining it in blood vessels, the study found improved appearance and function of the tumor's blood supply.
Most online sex offenders are adults who target teens, seducing victims into sexual relationships. The youth most vulnerable have histories of abuse, family problems, and risk-taking tendencies. Current educational efforts may not be effective in preventing these crimes.
The Academy of Courageous Minority Engineers (ACME) framework includes web technology, weekly face-to-face meetings, and research seminars to support minority graduate students. ACME has helped over 45 graduate students earn their degrees, including a notable success story for architect Robbin Chapman.
Researchers found that rats given artificial sweetener saccharin consumed more calories, gained weight, and did not compensate later. The study suggests that breaking the connection between sweetness and high-calorie food can confuse the body's ability to regulate intake.
Researchers used advanced imaging to examine brain tissue in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease, finding that amyloid plaques can develop in as little as a day and neuronal changes appear soon afterwards. The study provides new insights into the timing of brain changes associated with Alzheimer's dementia.
A Stanford study found that specially programmed PDAs can prod middle-aged and older Americans into increasing their physical activity levels by approximately five hours each week. The devices provided reminders and feedback to help participants set goals and track progress, leading to a significant increase in exercise frequency.
A genetic study of 14,000 people found two genes, alpha 3 and alpha 5 nicotinic receptor subunits, to be associated with an increased risk of heavy smoking. The implicated DNA variants can be used to predict ability to quit using existing medications, potentially leading to more efficient treatment.
Research with genetically modified mice shows that blocking a single cellular change can prevent morphine tolerance and dependence. The study suggests a new strategy to develop morphine derivatives with improved pain relief without addiction risk.
A Queensland University of Technology researcher has discovered two new pigments at the famous Maya archaeological site in Honduras that would have had a lustrous effect. The pigments, including green and mica, were found on stucco masks and revealed that the Rosalila temple was built using over 15 layers of paint and stucco.
Researchers from the Pediatric Metabolic Syndrome Working Group explore the potential for a unified definition of metabolic syndrome in children, highlighting the need for clear identification of risk factors. They find that waist circumference and weight-to-height ratios may be more accurate than body mass index alone in determining m...