News on doctoral training and the researchers it produces. Covers PhD and fellowship programs, physician-scientist training, and major training investments.
A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that the US spends more on healthcare than any other country due to higher prices for health care goods and services. Defensivemedicine contributes more to higher health spending than malpractice premiums.
Researchers discovered an overcopied MITF oncogene in melanoma cells, associated with poorer treatment outcomes. Targeting this gene may provide a new target for highly specific therapies for metastatic melanoma patients.
Researchers used high-resolution DNA scanning to identify regions of chromosomes with genetic errors in lung cancer cells. The study found five new areas with copy-number changes, including deleted and over-copied genes, which could lead to targeted therapies.
New research shows that sleep plays a key role in improving motor skill performance, particularly in children and stroke patients. By consolidating memories and strengthening connections between brain cells, sleep enables more efficient storage and retrieval of information.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have identified regions of irregular gene copy numbers in non-small cell lung cancer cells, pointing to a large number of previously unknown cancer-causing genes. The study also found that certain genes, including p63, play a role in the development of squamous cell carcinomas.
A Stanford study reveals that once patients have accessed healthcare, racial and ethnic disparities in care become negligible. Despite this, the researchers emphasize that disparities in access and utilization may still be significant contributing factors to health inequities.
A new clinical tool helps war veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder by assessing their brain's fear control mechanisms. The system uses electrodes to measure fear responses based on blink size, providing an objective way to test for PTSD.
A new study analyzing Medicare data from four quality improvement organizations found no significant improvements in most clinical areas, despite a larger investment. However, participating hospitals showed better results in screening and administering pneumonia vaccinations.
A recent study found that the APOE e2 allele is associated with a moderately increased risk for chronic kidney disease, whereas the e4 variant provides protection. The study involved 14,520 middle-aged participants and confirmed previous findings on the role of genetics in kidney disease.
Researchers have found that mitochondria function as oxygen sensors, producing reactive oxygen species in response to low oxygen conditions. However, a dual-mode mechanism involving the enzyme PHD emerges when oxygen levels are extremely low, suggesting a new strategy for enhancing the body's natural protective response.
The Gerontological Society of America has selected 10 new faculty scholars for their research on improving geriatric social work training. The selected researchers focus on various topics, including racial disparities in healthcare and caregiving experiences among older adults.
The ARVO Foundation has received a $500,000 gift from Alcon Laboratories to launch a new clinician-scientist mentoring program. The program aims to foster interactions between basic scientists and clinicians, while also recognizing the importance of clinician-scientists in ophthalmic research.
A study on genetic testing in families found that individuals with a family history of disease tend to form cliques with those who test positive for a mutation. The timing of disclosure is influenced by the type of disease and perceived need to prepare, highlighting the complexities of sharing genetic information within families.
A study by the Monell Chemical Senses Center found that homosexual men and lesbian women have distinct patterns of body odor preferences compared to heterosexual men and women. Gay men preferred odors from gay men and heterosexual women, while being least preferred by other groups.
NJIT digital poetry expert Dr. Funkhouser will teach a course on hypermedia writing and lead a creative multimedia workshop in Malaysia. He aims to integrate disparate forms of expression into useful hypermedia documents by leveraging database programming.
A new research program aims to create advanced nanotechnologies to analyze plaque formation on the molecular level and detect it at early stages. The program will focus on detecting plaque and pinpointing its genetic causes with three types of nanostructured probes.
Steve Finkbeiner, a Gladstone investigator, has won the prestigious Lieberman Award for his groundbreaking research on Huntington's disease. The award includes $150,000 in funding to build on his findings using a custom-designed robotic microscope that tracks changes in cells over long periods.
A study used optical coherence tomography (OCT) to visualize coronary arteries and identify vulnerable plaques in cardiac patients. The technology revealed that heart attack and acute coronary syndrome patients had more lipid and thinner fibrous caps than stable angina patients.
A breakthrough discovery identifies molecules that trigger secondary cerebral vasospasm after hemorrhagic stroke, leading to potential new treatments and diagnostic tests. Elevated levels of bilirubin and a specific group of oxidation products called BOXes are found to be correlated with the condition.
Researchers have identified key genetic pathways essential to RNA interference, a process that can silence specific genes. The findings suggest potential therapeutic applications for diseases such as cancer and age-related macular degeneration.
Researchers at NJIT have created a method to modify carbon nanotubes quickly and inexpensively using microwaves. This breakthrough enables the production of functionalized nanotubes with tailored properties, opening up new possibilities for various applications.
Several herbal supplements have shown promise in reducing illnesses in children, including Andrographis paniculata, Evening primrose oil, Ivy leaf, and Valerian. These supplements may help improve symptoms of colds, asthma, and other respiratory infections in children.
Research reveals genetic connections between nicotine tolerance, aggression, and neurotransmitter systems. Gene polymorphisms influence animal behavior, potentially explaining why humans develop addiction.
Researchers at MGH have identified a potential Alzheimer's risk gene variant that moderately raises the risk of developing the disease. The study found that specific changes in the ubiquilin-1 gene sequence occurred more frequently in individuals with Alzheimer's than in their unaffected siblings.
Martin Bengtsson, a young Swedish physicist, has been awarded the first Best Paper Award by the Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry Journal. His paper introduces a method to decrease laminar flow in microchannels without adding moving parts, which could become an important tool in microreactor technology.
Researchers found decreased calcium responses in olfactory receptor cells from patients with bipolar disorder. These findings may provide new targets for drug development and improve treatment predictions.
A new study on Rhesus monkeys found that a gender gap in spatial memory decreases with age and can be overcome with simple training. Young female monkeys showed significant improvements in spatial memory when trained, closing the gap between males and females.
A recent study reveals that cancer cells can develop resistance to gefitinib by mutating the EGFR gene, altering the drug's binding pocket and rendering it ineffective. This finding could lead to the development of new targeted therapies to treat non-small cell lung cancer.
Researchers found that naturally occurring proteins tumstatin, endostatin, and thrombospondin-1 inhibit angiogenesis, slowing tumor growth. The study's results suggest these proteins play a crucial role in controlling cancer progression, with potential therapeutic applications.
Scientists at UCSF's Ernest Gallo Clinic and Research Center have shown that Ibogaine decreases alcohol consumption in mice and rats by increasing GDNF levels. In separate studies, they demonstrated that GDNF alone also reduces alcohol consumption.
A new study analyzed surveys from 2,515 asthmatic patients to identify reliable quality indicators for physician profiling. The researchers found that having a sufficient number of patients and using clear-cut indicators like asthma self-management knowledge and use of inhaled steroids can help determine the best doctor for patients.
A new study by the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine reveals inconsistencies in candidate-screening practices among US Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) programs. The study found significant variation in reported likelihood of turning away candidates, with some programs accepting couples with addiction or welfare status.
Researchers highlight the need for accurate measurements of race in health and social science research to address racial health disparities. They propose using direct measurement of underlying social and environmental exposures instead of relying on self-identified racial groups.
Hair cell regeneration is a promising approach to treating hearing loss and related neurodegenerative disorders. Researchers have discovered that specific genes, including Rb, play a crucial role in halting the cell cycle, allowing for hair cell regeneration.
Researchers found an extensive system of dendritic cells throughout the intestinal tract that take up bacteria and other antigens. This discovery could lead to a better understanding of conditions like Crohn's Disease and ulcerative colitis, as well as the development of new vaccines.
A new computer-aided detection (CAD) system has been developed to detect colon polyps obscured by contrast-enhanced fluid in the colon. The algorithm successfully identified 19 out of 22 polyps in a study involving 17 patients, highlighting its potential to reduce missed diagnoses and lower cancer risk.
A new driving regulation in Japan allows people with epilepsy to obtain a driver's license after a seizure-free period of two years. The survey results highlighted the need for cooperation between authorities and the Japanese Epilepsy Society to further amend regulations and educate the public, patients, and professionals.
Researchers found that timing is crucial in combining antiangiogenesis and radiation therapy, with a synergistic effect observed when radiation was administered 4-6 days after initiation of DC101 therapy. This approach improved oxygen delivery to the tumor, reducing hypoxia and increasing sensitivity to radiation.
Dr. Keith Wilkinson's Nobel Prize-winning research on ubiquitin has provided detailed information about cell survival and death, shedding light on the ubiquitin system's role in regulating protein turnover rates. The discoveries present opportunities to develop highly selective drugs targeting various aspects of the ubiquitin pathway.
A study found that offering free nicotine replacement patches increases short-term quit rates among smokers, attracting more participants to cessation programs. The researchers saw a 37% increase in program involvement and a 27% increase in short-term quit rates after providing the patches.
Research reveals chimpanzees' brain anatomy is asymmetric in key areas, particularly the hippocampus, similar to humans. This finding suggests that asymmetry may be a fundamental aspect of primate nervous systems and influences behavior, such as facial expressions and spatial memory.
A study of 95 US cities found that ground-level ozone is associated with a 0.52% daily increase in deaths, with an average daily ozone level of 26ppb. A 10ppb reduction in daily ozone could save nearly 4,000 lives.
The study found that computer vignettes are more accurate than medical records in measuring physician performance, especially in assessing an individual doctor's strengths and weaknesses. Vignettes were shown to be effective in identifying areas of improvement for physicians within a clinic.
Yerkes researchers are presenting a variety of new data at the Society for Neuroscience Meeting, demonstrating advances in understanding brain function and behavior. Key findings include insights into how evolution has shaped human cellular systems, stress response mechanisms, and the role of vasopressin in social recognition.
A recent study published in JAMA found that a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and antidepressant medication is effective in treating adolescent obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The study, conducted at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, involved 112 children aged 7-17 who were randomly assigned to r...
Researchers create new methods to record brain activity, including collecting signals from hundreds of thousands of brain cells and using electrodes that don't penetrate the brain. These advancements bring the field closer to prosthetic devices controlled by thought, improving performance and reducing risks.
Studies show that early life stress can lead to cognitive impairment, memory loss, and impaired immune function later in life. Researchers also found that maternal care and prenatal stress can alter gene methylation and affect the development of brain cells.
Researchers found that an ACAT inhibitor reduced amyloid deposition and improved learning in female mice, suggesting a potential therapeutic approach for Alzheimer's. The study also showed promising results for male mice, which could lead to faster development of new treatments.
A supersized virtual library is being developed by a team led by New Jersey Institute of Technology professor Michael Bieber, PhD. The library will consolidate reference listings from public, university and online digital libraries, providing users with customized search results and automatic link additions.
A landmark longitudinal study reveals that individuals with personality disorder symptoms can experience a decline in their symptoms over time, regardless of treatment or co-occurring conditions. The study's findings challenge the long-held assumption that personality disorders are stable and inflexible.
A new study by Mayo Clinic researchers demonstrates that eosinophils are required for mucus accumulation and lung dysfunction associated with asthma. Transgenic mice without eosinophils showed reduced or eliminated disease symptoms following allergen exposure, paving the way for novel therapies to treat and prevent asthma.
A study found that nicotine therapy works as well for teens as for adults when used with behavioral skills training, but the effectiveness drops off for women. In contrast, adult smokers tend to maintain abstinence longer and are more successful in quitting with NRT.
The study reveals that tau protein undergoes a stepwise folding and truncation process in the formation of neurofibrillary tangles in Alzheimer's disease. Dr. Binder's research contributes to diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for AD patients, marking an important milestone in understanding the disease.
The current method of discounting in economic evaluation may not accurately reflect individuals' true preferences, as time preference varies widely. Healthcare programs with longer-term benefits are often undervalued, highlighting the need for a revised methodology.
A randomized, controlled clinical trial found that a targeted HIV prevention intervention significantly reduced consistent condom use and risky sexual behaviors in high-risk African-American adolescent girls. The intervention emphasized ethnic and gender pride, HIV knowledge, communication, and healthy relationships.
Researchers discovered 68 maternal mutations in zebrafish that may help understand human infertility and birth defects. These mutations affect early embryonic development, including cell divisions and tissue patterning.
Researchers from MGH and Arcturus found that the HOXB13/IL17BR gene expression ratio predicts tumor recurrence in estrogen-receptor-positive breast cancer patients receiving tamoxifen. The higher expression of HOXB13 and lower IL17BR levels indicate increased risk of recurrence.
Joseph M. Grogan, a Mechanical Engineering graduate, was recognized as a Tau Beta Pi Fellow for his academic excellence and exemplary character. He will pursue his master's and doctoral degrees in manufacturing engineering at the University of Pennsylvania.
The Hartford Faculty Scholar's Program aims to create faculty leaders in geriatric social work. Twelve scholars will address psychosocial needs of terminally ill elders and explore the use of video-phones as a telemedicine intervention.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center have discovered that axons are highly sensitive to tiny changes in molecular gradients. This finding has significant implications for understanding neural development and regeneration. The team plans to further investigate the role of molecular gradients in guiding axon growth.