News on doctoral training and the researchers it produces. Covers PhD and fellowship programs, physician-scientist training, and major training investments.
A new study has found that a once-a-year treatment for osteoporosis can be as effective as monthly or weekly regimens at reducing bone fractures. The treatment, zoledronic acid, was shown to reduce the risk of spinal fractures by 70% and hip fractures by 40% over three years.
Researchers found that succimer chelation therapy improved postural balance by 6 percent and moving tasks by 19 percent in lead-exposed children. The therapy was effective in reducing lead levels in the blood but also showed benefits on neuromotor abilities.
A new study suggests that hospitals operating at or over their capacity may be at increased risk of adverse events. The research found a correlation between high workloads and adverse events in one of the four studied hospitals, highlighting the need for safety systems to cope with periods of high stress.
Despite concerns about obesity and diet-related maladies, US restaurant chains prioritize profit-driven decisions over healthier options. The study found that only a few executives expressed interest in offering low-fat foods and fresh produce on their menus.
Two recent studies published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that Americans are not meeting the recommended daily intake of fruits and vegetables. Despite recommendations since 1990, only 28% of adults meet the guidelines for fruit consumption, while less than 11% meet both fruit and vegetable guidelines.
The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine honored several individuals who have significantly contributed to the field of medical diagnostic ultrasound. The awards, including the William J. Fry Memorial Lecture Award and the Distinguished Sonographer Award, were presented at the 2007 AIUM Annual Convention in New York City.
The Stanford University School of Medicine study found that the Atkins diet was the most effective for weight loss among four popular diets. The women on the Atkins diet lost more weight and experienced greater improvements in cholesterol and blood pressure compared to those on other diets. The simplicity and high protein content of th...
Research suggests that giving choline to infants after birth can improve their learning and behavior if they were exposed to alcohol during development. The study found that choline significantly reduced the severity of alcohol-related over-activity and spatial learning deficits in rats.
The Stanford University School of Medicine conducted a six-month study on the effects of garlic on cholesterol levels. Despite decades of conflicting studies, the researchers found that consuming raw garlic or two popular supplements did not lower LDL cholesterol levels among adults with moderately high cholesterol levels.
Raymond L. Johnson, a professor at the University of Maryland, received the prestigious AAAS Mentor Award for Lifetime Achievement for mentoring 23 African American students to PhDs in mathematics. Gary S. May, head of Georgia Tech's electrical and computer engineering school, was also honored for guiding 33 African American students t...
A multi-country study found that more prominent text messages and graphic pictures on cigarette packages are effective in affecting smokers' behaviors. The study analyzed data from four countries and found that recent changes in health warnings were associated with increased effectiveness, while US warnings had the least impact.
A study by Daniel Ames and Francis Flynn found that assertiveness is the most common weakness among aspiring leaders, with 48% suggesting too much or too little. The researchers suggest that leaders who exhibit moderate assertiveness may be better able to balance their responses.
A study of nearly 900 adolescents found that nearly 80% had multiple physical activity and dietary risk behaviors. Only 2% met all four health guidelines.
Researchers have developed a novel transdermal vaccine approach that effectively clears brain-damaging plaques from a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. The vaccine works by triggering the immune system to recognize abnormal protein Ab as a foreign invader, reducing cognitive deficits and senile plaque burden.
A new study has identified a set of biomarkers using proteomics that could help diagnose myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and reduce the need for bone marrow biopsies. The findings, reported in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, used serum proteomic profiling to distinguish between MDS patients and healthy controls.
A large study found that carriers of the APOE4 gene, which increases Alzheimer's risk, showed the same normal age-related cognitive declines as non-carriers. The research suggests the higher-risk genotype acts only in later years to accelerate disease progression.
Researchers at the University of California - San Francisco have discovered two novel treatments that may prevent brain damage caused by stroke, administered through the nose to reduce brain cell death. The studies found that nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) reduced brain cell death by 70-86% and significantly reduced motor imp...
Yehoshua Perl's research aims to track down errant or misplaced medical terms in government agencies, hospitals, and academic institutions. His team develops techniques to identify and correct errors, ensuring consistent and accurate communication of clinical information.
Scientists have discovered that NSAIDs induce the MDA-7/IL-24 gene, which kills cancer cells while sparing healthy ones. This finding could lead to the development of targeted cancer treatments.
Irene Chen's research on protocells and RNA-based systems has led to a deeper understanding of the emergence of cellular behavior. Her work promises exciting insights into the origins of biological complexity, suggesting that evolving higher levels of organization might have been surprisingly easy during the origin of life.
A survey of IRB members found that over one-third have financial relationships with commercial firms, which could compromise the review process. The study highlights the need for clearer policies and more oversight to address these conflicts of interest.
Scientists have discovered that autoimmunity can be triggered in the thymus if T cells fail to recognize a single protein as self. This finding suggests that effective strategies to treat autoimmune disease should target not only peripheral sites but also the thymus.
SUNY Downstate researchers develop a substance that inhibits the progress of multiple sclerosis in an animal model. The agent, a novel calpain inhibitor, can be administered orally and has shown promise in treating both acute and chronic phases of MS.
A new optical imaging technique called OFDI can visualize broad areas of the esophagus and coronary arteries, allowing for early-stage disease diagnosis. The technique could identify precancerous lesions and vulnerable plaques in the coronary arteries.
A review of 290 studies found that women are more likely to meet diagnostic criteria for PTSD despite males experiencing more traumatic events on average. Women's higher PTSD rates were linked to sexual trauma and emotional responses to traumatic events.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati found that firefighters are twice as likely to develop testicular cancer and have higher rates of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and prostate cancer. The study analyzed data from 110,000 firefighters and confirmed previous findings on multiple myeloma risk.
Researchers sequenced the purple sea urchin genome, detecting an unusually large number of innate immunity genes and early components of adaptive immune system. The findings suggest that complex genetic regulatory circuits were assembled in a late evolutionary event.
The University of Manchester and University of Sheffield are using interactive video conferencing to improve the teaching of mathematics to PhD students. The project aims to provide a broader and deeper knowledge of math, enabling students to compete with international peers for key jobs and positions.
Researchers aim to create a topical cream that increases skin pigmentation and repairs DNA damage caused by UV radiation, reducing skin cancer risk. The project builds on previous findings that alpha-MSH can reverse the effects of UV radiation on skin cells.
A new study published in Pediatrics shows that an educational-behavioral program called Creating Opportunities for Parent Empowerment (COPE) can improve the mental health of parents and decrease the length of stay in the NICU by four to eight days for premature infants. The potential healthcare savings could total $2.4 billion if imple...
Researchers used a systematic review process to identify 10 key indicators of activity-friendly communities, including land use policies and clean environments. These findings represent an important first step in assessing and improving community support for routine physical activity.
A new study by researchers at the University of Arizona found that turmeric extract can prevent experimental rheumatoid arthritis and reduce bone loss. The curcuminoid extract inhibited the activation of NF-KB, a protein that enhances production of inflammatory proteins, and blocked the pathway that affects bone resorption.
The Lupus Research Institute has awarded $4.5 million in grants to 15 scientists to pursue novel lupus research, with a focus on genes, bacteria, and neuropsychiatric lupus. The funding will support both basic and applied studies that aim to advance new treatments for the disease.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital developed a new type of miniature endoscope that produces high-definition, three-dimensional images. This technology, called spectrally encoded endoscopy (SEE), allows for the creation of detailed images of areas previously inaccessible to medical diagnosis and treatment.
A Queensland University of Technology study found that eye pressure and shape change with eyelid movement, especially in people with downward gaze. The research suggests a link between eyelid pressure and corneal astigmatism, potentially explaining vision changes in older age.
The Gerontological Society of America has awarded $50,000 Hartford Doctoral Fellowships to 11 social work students conducting research on various aspects of aging. The fellowships aim to support the next generation of geriatric social work faculty and promote aging research.
A recent meta-analysis found that certain personality variables predict aggressive behavior, including anger, irritability, and impulsivity. The study analyzed data from 63 studies and identified two patterns of associations: aggression-prone and provocation-sensitive individuals.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have created a complete map of the molecular 'control panels' that regulate cell growth in breast cancer driven by estrogen. The atlas contains thousands of previously unknown on/off switches, providing new insights into gene regulation and potential treatments.
Three Stanford University School of Medicine researchers, Kwabena Boahen, Karla Kirkegaard, and David Relman, have won the NIH Director's Pioneer Award. They will receive $2.5 million over five years to pursue new research directions that are not already funded.
A new candidate biomarker, galectin-3, has been identified as a potential marker for heart failure diagnosis and prognosis. Elevated levels of this inflammatory protein can help diagnose heart failure and identify patients at risk of dying within 60 days.
Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital successfully tracked transplanted pancreatic islets using MRI, revealing complex factors behind islet loss and potential causes of rejection. The study could lead to improved outcomes for patients with type 1 diabetes.
A national survey of residents found that over half reported not receiving instruction on key interpreter use topics, despite federal regulations. The study highlights the need for better training and education to improve quality care for patients with limited English proficiency.
Researchers found that chimpanzees can pass on cultural behaviors through a chain of individuals, with techniques learned by one generation being successfully passed on to the next. This study provides evidence for generational learning in non-human primates and highlights similarities between human and chimpanzee cultural behavior.
Researchers found a molecular pathway that turns off immune cells targeting HIV, leading to exhaustion. Blocking this pathway restores function to these cells, suggesting a potential new approach to treating HIV infection.
A large-scale haplotype-mapping study aims to identify genetic factors that enable some HIV-infected individuals to suppress viral replication without treatment. The study, known as the Elite Controller Collaborative Study, hopes to develop a first-generation HIV vaccine that can successfully suppress viral levels.
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center identified a signaling pathway transforming healthy blood vessels into cancerous tumor vasculature. Rapamycin successfully blocked this pathway and reduced tumor growth and vascular leak in animal models.
A meta-analysis of 50 studies found no correlation between anxiety symptoms and pregnancy complications, including longer labor or low birth weight. Despite this, further research is needed to understand the impact of anxiety on pre-eclampsia and small infant weights.
A long-term study found that an Internet-based intervention program can help high-risk, college-age women avoid developing an eating disorder. The program, called 'Student Bodies,' aimed to reduce body image concerns and promote healthy eating habits.
The median age of San Francisco's homeless population has increased significantly over 14 years, shifting from 37 to 46. Chronic diseases related to homelessness are a major contributor to this trend. Researchers at UCSF have found worsening health status and chronic conditions among aging homeless adults.
A study led by Rebecca Sudore found that low literacy levels are associated with a higher risk of death among elderly people. Only 28% of adults understood a simplified medical consent form, even after modification to improve understanding. Limited literacy increases mortality risk by a factor of 1.75.
A research team from Massachusetts General Hospital has discovered a potential drug target for Huntington's disease by identifying a novel inhibitor of Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP1). PARP1 inhibitors can protect HD-affected cells from damage and energy depletion in laboratory assays.
A study of 18 HIV-positive subjects reveals that HIV in the brain and central nervous system is genetically different from HIV in the blood. A particular mutation in the HIV envelope gene is correlated with cognitive impairment, suggesting a key to understanding and potentially treating HIV dementia.
A new study by Northwestern Memorial Hospital reveals digital mammography reduces technologists' acquisition time by 35% and increases physician interpretation time by 57%, sparking discussions on balancing financial goals with patient care.
A study by University of Cincinnati researchers found that over 75% of consumer paints in India, Malaysia, and China had dangerously high lead levels, exceeding U.S. regulations. The team calls for an urgent worldwide ban on lead-based paint to prevent future public health problems.
Researchers at MGH and Cyberkinetics have successfully linked a paralyzed patient's thoughts to electronic impulses, allowing him to control devices such as a computer cursor and prosthetic hand. The breakthrough uses the BrainGate Neural Interface System, which translates brain signals into electronic commands.
Researchers at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies have discovered a DNA-binding protein called Nanog that coaxes mouse ES cells back into an immature state, regaining pluripotency. This finding has significant implications for regenerative medicine and could potentially be used to regenerate stem cells from differentiated cells.
The Nereda TM purification method uses oxygen-using bacterial granules to purify water, offering advantages over conventional processes in terms of space and energy requirements. This technology has been nominated for the Dutch Process Innovation Award and is currently being tested on a larger scale.
Researchers found that elevated RBP4 levels are closely associated with insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Exercise therapy can lower RBP4 levels and improve insulin sensitivity in individuals at risk of diabetes.
A new study by the University of Cincinnati found that infants exposed to specific airborne fungal spores have a higher risk of developing multiple allergies. The research team collected fungal spores from 144 infant homes and found that some fungi may cause allergic sensitization, while others inhibit allergy development.
The study found that smaller Eastern European states were more vulnerable to US influence due to their dependence on stronger partners. In contrast, Western European states' public opinions played little role in shaping their foreign policy positions.