News on doctoral training and the researchers it produces. Covers PhD and fellowship programs, physician-scientist training, and major training investments.
A study conducted at an EPA facility shows that expired and sterilized used N95 masks retain their effectiveness in protecting healthcare workers from COVID-19 infection. The researchers created a hierarchy of mask supplies, ranking N95 masks as the safest option, followed by CDC-FDA-NIOSH approved products.
A Stanford study reveals that severely ill COVID-19 patients experience immune system paralysis, leading to enhanced inflammation and lung damage. The research identified three molecular suspects associated with lung inflammation and bacterial debris in the blood, suggesting potential therapeutic targets for combating COVID-19.
Researchers discover that Pseudomonas and Burkholderia use Type VI Secretion Systems to compete for dominance in the lungs of people with cystic fibrosis. As Pseudomonas adapts, it loses its competitive edge, allowing Burkholderia to establish infection.
The employment-to-population ratio for working-age people with disabilities decreased from 28.4% in June 2020 to 28.1% in July 2020, while the labor force participation rate for these individuals also declined. These findings suggest prolonged unemployment may discourage workers and lead to long-term employment stress.
The survey found a negative effect of Trump's election on Europeans' image of the US, but no significant impact on signing a trade and investment agreement. Undecided individuals were more likely to adjust their view in a negative direction, rather than those with positive images.
The NIH Medical Imaging and Data Resource Center (MIDRC) is a collaborative effort to develop new AI-powered diagnostic tools for COVID-19. The center aims to accelerate the development of personalized therapies by analyzing medical images and clinical data, leading to improved patient outcomes.
A recent survey of nearly 800 cigar smokers found that more than twice as many reported increasing their tobacco use since the pandemic's onset. The study suggests that stress, anxiety, and reduced access to cessation resources may contribute to this trend.
A team of researchers at Stanford University has made a breakthrough in developing a wireless brain-computer interface that can accurately control electronic prostheses using thoughts. The new technology uses a tenth of the power required by current wire-enabled systems, making it safer and more natural for patients with paralysis or n...
Researchers from UCI School of Medicine evaluate anterograde and retrograde viral tracers for neural circuit analysis, providing guidance on experimental uses. The primer aims to advance the study of neural circuits using animal models to define mechanisms underlying neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders.
A new therapeutic approach for CLN3 Batten disease has been developed by a team led by Rosalind Franklin University researcher Michelle Hastings. The treatment uses antisense oligonucleotides to target the mutated gene causing the disease, showing promise in rodent models and human cells cultured from patients.
Researchers used 3D brain organoids to model inflammation's effect on the blood-brain barrier, finding significant changes that contribute to its dysfunction. The study suggests these organoids can help understand disease mechanisms and optimize treatment strategies.
Researchers at Kessler Foundation found significant differences in brain activation patterns between individuals with and without multiple sclerosis (MS) due to mental fatigue. MS participants showed reduced activation of anterior brain regions and slower processing speeds under high cognitive loads.
A set of reviews concludes that hundreds of studies link widespread health issues including infertility, diabetes, and impaired brain development to hormone disruptors in pesticides, flame retardants, and certain plastics.
A study published in The Lancet Public Health found that nearly 60% of US parents of unvaccinated adolescents have no intention to initiate the HPV vaccine series. Healthcare providers play a crucial role in addressing parental misconceptions and ensuring series completion.
Researchers have shown that when one optic nerve is damaged, the opposite optic nerve shares its metabolic energy with the brain. This sharing process helps explain how neurodegeneration spreads between brain regions in diseases like glaucoma and Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers studied cavefish and surface fish for clues on immune system adaptations. The study found that cavefish have a more sensitive innate immune system but lower levels of inflammation due to their unique environment. This could provide insights into human autoimmune diseases like Type 1 diabetes.
A team of scientists at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center has identified a sub-class of peptides in legumes that inhibit the growth of gray mold fungus. The peptides, known as NCR044, work by concentrating in the nucleolus and targeting fungal spores and germlings.
Researchers found that high genetic risk scores, including apolipoprotein E ε4, increase dementia risk by 2.6 times, while favorable cardiovascular health reduces the risk by 0.45 times.
Experiences of lifetime discrimination are associated with high blood pressure in African American adults, according to a new study published in Hypertension. High blood pressure is linked to life-threatening conditions like stroke and heart disease, and may also increase risk of severe COVID-19 symptoms.
Physicists at Massachusetts General Hospital have identified superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles as a potential contrast agent for low-field MRI scanners. The nanoparticles could enable the use of low-cost MRI technology in emergency rooms and doctors' offices for routine screenings, revolutionizing disease diagnosis and screening.
A recent editorial by University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing researchers emphasizes the importance of palliative care in supporting patients, families, and healthcare systems during pandemics. The authors provide recommendations for integrating palliative nursing roles to mitigate the effects of future health crises.
Researchers emphasize the importance of population-wide behavior change to combat COVID-19, citing gaps in public understanding and behavior. Financial strain associated with hospitalizations is expected to disproportionately affect younger patients with lower premium plans.
A surgeon demonstrated telesurgery using robotic technology and a 5G network, performing remote operations on a cadaver patient from 15 km away. This was the first public demonstration of remote surgery over 5G. Researchers also explored albumin-creatinine ratio for CKD screening, staging, and prognosis.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center report that remdesivir potently inhibited SARS-CoV-2 in human lung cell cultures and improved lung function in mice. The study provides the first rigorous demonstration of potent inhibition of SARS-CoV-2.
Researchers identified a critical early step in the visual process, discovering that rods and cones communicate primarily through connexin36 gap junctions. This understanding will aid in developing photoreceptor or retinal implants to restore vision.
A new NYU study found that exercising in nearby parks reduces anxiety and depression, but safety concerns prevent many from using them. The researchers suggest improving park lighting, programs, and community engagement to make parks feel safer.
A new study suggests that early initiation of annual breast cancer screening with MRI and mammography may reduce breast cancer mortality by half or more in female childhood cancer survivors previously exposed to chest radiation. The findings highlight the importance of MRI in reducing deaths from breast cancer in this population.
Researchers at UC San Diego develop new method to accurately compare dog age to human age, based on methyl group patterns in genomes. The formula provides a 'molecular clock' that can help evaluate anti-aging products and understand aging processes in dogs.
Between 2007 and 2016, standardized hospitalization rates declined for coronary artery and vascular disease, heart rhythm disorders, stroke, and heart failure. However, there were notable increases for acquired valvular heart disease, congenital heart disease, and vascular cognitive impairment.
A study by Amy G. Halberstadt found that prospective teachers are more likely to misperceive Black children as angry than white children, which can have negative consequences for Black youth. The study suggests that this anger bias can lead to Black children being disciplined unfairly and suspended more often from school.
A new study by NYU Langone Health found that commercially available fireworks emit toxic metals such as lead, copper, and titanium, which can damage human cells and animal lungs. Exposure to these particles was also linked to increased oxidation in the body, a chemical process that can cause cell damage.
The 2020 Kessler Foundation National Employment and Disability Survey found that college graduates with disabilities transition to work at the same rate as their peers without disabilities, 90%. The survey also revealed that students with disabilities are more likely to pursue career paths focused on helping people.
Researchers at NYU Langone Health have developed a new vaccination strategy that targets the toxic molecules released by Staphylococcal bacteria, including MRSA, to prevent deadly infections. In a study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine, mice vaccinated with this experimental vaccine demonstrated an immune response and ...
A new study found that certain medical terms used by physicians to describe kidney health may be distressing or too difficult to understand for patients with kidney disease. Using consistent and meaningful language can help improve patients' health and satisfaction.
A new adjuvant, 3M-052, has been shown to induce long-lasting immunity against HIV in a pre-clinical study involving 90 rhesus monkeys. The adjuvant successfully generated vaccine-specific, long-lived bone marrow plasma cells that maintained high numbers for over one year after vaccination.
Researchers have decoded the brain's smell-processing center, identifying a code for converting sensory information into perception. By manipulating nerve signaling, they found changes in glomeruli activation led to significant drops in odor recognition accuracy, with timing and order crucial for correct detection.
A new study from Regenstrief Institute shows that using electronic health information exchanges to prepopulate forms for notifiable disease reports increases reporting rates and completeness. This method facilitates public health surveillance, enabling quicker response to outbreaks and informing public health decisions.
Researchers call for policy reforms, expanded nursing scopes of practice, and optimized contributions to meet global public health needs. The editorial emphasizes the urgent need for widespread investment in nursing to contain and manage future crises.
A recent study found that regular physical activity can help maintain or improve frailty in older adults. The research suggests that individuals who engage in low-to-moderate energy activities on a regular basis tend to be less physically, psychologically, and socially frail compared to those with lower levels of activity.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine honored three trainee investigators for their exceptional sleep research. Kent Werner, MD, PhD, received the top prize, while Michael R. Goldstein, PhD, and Samira Naime, MD, were awarded honorable mentions for their work on sleep disturbances and gender parity in medicine.
A JAMA Network Open study reveals that nearly half of medical treatments and orders for incapacitated patients are incompatible with the surrogate's goals of care. Surrogates tend to prefer less aggressive care options, which often don't align with hospital treatment protocols.
Researchers in Brian Strahl's lab reveal that different chemical modifications of a single amino acid residue on histones can have unique and shared functions in gene expression and DNA repair. They found that specific methylation states on histones regulate diverse chromatin functions, including responding to stress conditions.
A new study by Vanderbilt University Medical Center researchers found that opioid prescriptions after childbirth are associated with a higher risk of overdose and persistent use. Over 160,000 pregnant women were followed for their opioid prescription filling rates after delivery.
A joint project between TU Dresden and UNU-FLORES uses modeling to simulate observed changes in soil structure due to agricultural management, aiming to improve hydrological models. Field experiments showed that tillage had little effect on soil structure over time, while direct sowing improved water retention.
A study found that New Zealanders reported higher trust in institutions and greater patriotism during the pandemic lockdown, but also experienced slightly higher levels of psychological distress. The strong national response appeared to contribute to the increase in trust.
Researchers used sub-millimeter brain implants to determine which brain areas are responsible for facial and scene recognition. The study found that the medial parietal cortex plays a crucial role in identifying faces and places, working together with traditional memory regions to facilitate recognition.
A study published in the International Journal of Cancer found that outdoor light at night was associated with a 10% higher risk of developing breast cancer. The research analyzed satellite data on residential outdoor light exposure and followed 186,981 postmenopausal women for 16 years.
Researchers at UCalgary have made a breakthrough discovery that could lead to the development of treatments for Fragile X syndrome, a genetic cause of Autism Spectrum Disorder. By replacing the missing FMRP protein in the brain, scientists hope to reduce hyperactivity and improve cognitive function.
The University of Maryland School of Medicine's Center for International Health, Education and Biosecurity (Ciheb) received $4 million from the CDC to support COVID-19 response activities in four countries. In Nigeria, a population-based study will estimate COVID-19 prevalence and inform local response efforts.
Two University of Cincinnati students developed an interactive dashboard to track COVID-19 cases and deaths. The COVID-19 Watcher displays data from every county and metropolitan area, allowing users to compare their city's progression with others.
A nationwide EHR study found that patients treated with phenylephrine had a lower mortality rate (24.5%) compared to dopamine and norepinephrine, even in patients with acute comorbidities. The study suggests phenylephrine as the optimal treatment for nontraumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage.
A new Stanford Medicine study provides a comprehensive analysis of the molecular effects of exercise, shedding light on how physical fitness is determined at a molecular level. The research reveals a strong correlation between specific molecules and an individual's aerobic fitness, paving the way for the development of a blood test tha...
A unique microscope, called DIVER, uses phasor approach to fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM) to examine kidney tissue samples. The device can quickly analyze scarring in damaged kidneys, providing valuable insights for treatment decisions.
A new framework for assessing and managing serious spinal pathologies has been developed by the International Federation of Orthopaedic Manipulative Physical Therapists (IFOMPT). The framework provides a clinical-reasoning pathway to recognize red flags in spinal injuries and disease, enabling early identification and management.
Researchers have created iron-based and organic building blocks that connect to form tetrahedral cages, capturing certain PFAS. The traps bind to the outside of the cages instead of getting caught inside, providing insights into how they work.
The $11 million grant will support four research projects investigating lipid metabolism, reproductive fat tissue's contribution to preeclampsia, and the neural circuit linking metabolism and anxiety. The goal is to develop new treatments for obesity-related illnesses.
Kali Thomas, a researcher at Brown University, has been honored with the inaugural Terrie Fox Wetle Rising Star Award in Health Services and Aging Research. She is being recognized for her work on organizing and delivering long-term services and supports to improve health outcomes for older adults.
James L. Kirkland, MD, PhD, received the Irving S. Wright Award for his research on cellular senescence and age-related diseases, while Sean Curran, PhD, won the Vincent Cristofalo Rising Star Award for his work on aging biology. Both awards recognize their contributions to advancing our understanding of aging.
Researchers have discovered a link between exposure to certain environmental chemicals and an increased risk of chronic kidney disease. The study analyzed data from 46,748 US adults and found that elevated levels of seven chemicals were associated with markers of kidney disease.
Researchers created a way to study and map intercellular signaling to understand cell movement mechanisms in healthy cells and disease states like cancer metastasis. The new tool uses microscopy tools and mathematical methods to visualize protein activity and quantify regulation of signaling networks.