News on the money and policy behind biomedical research. Covers foundation and career-development awards, endocrine and neuroscience funding, and university royalties.
The Milken Institute and Ann Theodore Foundation have awarded $600,000 in funding to early-career sarcoidosis researchers through the Learning Opportunities in Medicine and Sarcoidosis grant program. The program aims to provide sustainable funding and mentorship to rising generations of researchers and clinicians.
The summit brought together endocrine leaders to identify opportunities to work closely together on increasing the visibility of endocrine health in policy decisions. Early findings from a workforce survey revealed challenges including long patient waiting times and retention concerns among early-career clinicians.
The Robert A. Winn Excellence in Clinical Trials Award Program is expanding its career development award to include neuropsychiatry researcher-physicians. This expansion aims to improve clinical trial enrollment and represent diverse patient populations affected by complex disorders.
Rutgers University has developed a self-sustaining fund that reinvests revenue from commercialized technologies to support next-wave innovations. The model has generated an estimated 2.5-3.5 times more investment in follow-on funding.
The PerMiCCion consortium is studying the microbiome to develop personalized prevention and treatment strategies for early-onset colorectal cancer. They identified a characteristic 'oncogenic microbiome' that promotes inflammation and influences immune response.
Biomedical researchers recommend diversifying funding sources, pursuing earlier licensing and commercialization, and fostering international collaborations. The US drug discovery landscape is at risk due to federal funding cuts, and alternative approaches are needed to ensure continued progress.
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center has been awarded $29 million by the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) to support impactful prevention programs and groundbreaking cancer research. The funding will also enable the recruitment of a CPRIT Scholar.
The University of Cincinnati's Center for Clinical & Translational Science & Training has received a seven-year, $37.2 million grant renewal to support its mission in advancing translational science and research. The center will transform into an integrated Clinical and Translational Learning System to accelerate the discovery, dissemi...
The European Society of Endocrinology has released the EndoCompass Research Roadmap, a major new initiative to align research efforts and improve funding strategies for hormone-related health challenges. The roadmap identifies specific research needs across eight endocrine specialties and five cross-cutting areas.
The Pew Charitable Trusts has awarded four-year grants to 22 early-career scientists, enabling them to uncover fundamental insights about human health and disease. The selected researchers will explore various topics, including gut bacteria's role in metabolic diseases and the development of the human brain.
The Pew Charitable Trusts has funded 10 postdoctoral Latin American researchers for two years of biomedical science research in the US. They are exploring topics like brain tumor evolution, immune cell function, and nervous system repair.
The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) CEO, Sudip S. Parikh, testified before the Senate Appropriations Committee about the importance of funding for biomedical research in America. He highlighted the risks of recent budget cuts and proposed budgets that could irreparably damage the nation's innovation ecosystem.
Dr. Seymour Reichlin's remarkable career spanned five decades, marked by scientific excellence, mentorship, and generosity. His influence on neuroendocrinology has been profound, with ongoing contributions at age 100 revealing new insights into Alzheimer's disease and ecstatic mysticism.
The AACR Trailblazer Cancer Research Grant Program awards $1 million grants to early-stage and mid-career investigators over three years. The program aims to advance cancer biology, drive translational science, and improve patient outcomes.
The CoVaRR-Net network successfully bridged critical research and public health gaps exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic through interdisciplinary collaboration and innovative approaches like wastewater surveillance. Its achievements include 139 peer-reviewed publications, evidence-based public health decisions, and a global leader in ear...
Three UTA faculty members, Kyrah Brown, Ben Jones, and J. Ping Liu, received top honors for their groundbreaking research contributions. Brown's interdisciplinary work focuses on reproductive and cardiac health among women, while Jones' research explores neutrinos to understand the universe's mysteries.
Researchers have discovered genetic properties in prostate cancer that can be targeted to improve patient outcomes, particularly for Chinese men. The findings highlight the potential of precision medicine and more effective treatments.
Researchers at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center have received a $1.94 million grant to study inhibitors that target peripheral neuropathic pain. The project aims to develop novel non-opioid and non-addicting therapies capable of effectively managing chronic pain.
Researchers at UT Arlington's CIHI are developing innovative solutions to address complex health needs in children with disabilities, behavioral health issues, and medical conditions. The projects aim to improve healthcare services, enhance quality of life, and promote healthier aging through cutting-edge research and model organisms.
Bacteria use tactile sensors to detect surfaces and trigger biochemical signals for colonization. Understanding mechanosensing is crucial for improving gut health and preventing biofouling in industries.
The Colorectal Cancer Alliance is strengthening its commitment to Project Cure CRC, a nonprofit dedicated to ending the disease through innovative research and patient navigation. The organization has awarded three new grants and will present two poster sessions at the AACR Annual Meeting.
MSU is developing a computer program called MOSAIC to create holistic biological profiles from skeletal remains, making the investigative process clearer and more efficient. The project aims to leverage relationships between various structures to provide estimates without biasing results by focusing on individual components.
Aspiro Therapeutics is advancing an innovative inhaled therapy for asthma and COPD using peptidomimetics based on CC16. The treatment aims to address the underlying mechanism driving respiratory conditions, providing a more effective option for patients.
Boston University School of Medicine has received PCORI funding to study the long-term effects of federal policy changes on opioid use disorder treatment. The study aims to identify where and for whom more patient-centered practices can be implemented.
University of Cincinnati researchers, in collaboration with end users, develop a user-centered, easy-to-use assistive device to help restore hand grasping motions. The team aims to combine an exoskeleton device with functional electrical stimulation (FES) technology to create a hybrid system.
The Feihe Pediatric Brain Development Research Initiative at Boston Children's Hospital aims to improve brain development through genetic, nutritional, and environmental factors. The initiative has awarded funding to seven researchers working on projects related to prenatal and postnatal brain development.
University of Virginia researcher Natasha D. Sheybani has received a $5.5 million grant to advance her research on focused ultrasound technology for breast cancer immunotherapy. Her work aims to enhance the safety, effectiveness, and precision of immunotherapy drugs.
Scientists investigate whether living neurons can transport light through their axons, which would significantly change current models of the nervous system. If successful, it could have major implications for treating brain diseases and healing the brain.
Researchers at The University of Texas at San Antonio are working on a new AI tool to improve lives after brain injury. They plan to analyze data from 3,000 veterans and develop an interactive dashboard for clinicians to use, providing insights that could revolutionize treatment.
A new study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that AI diagnostic and treatment recommendations were more accurate than those made by physicians in a virtual urgent care setting. In 77% of cases, AI recommendations were rated as optimal, compared to 67% for physicians' decisions.
The Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening (SLAS) has awarded a $100,000 Graduate Education Fellowship Grant to Vasu Rao of the University of Michigan. Rao's research aims to develop new methods for understanding non-model bacteria using artificial intelligence and laboratory automation.
A qualitative study reveals that migration has a complex influence on border-region emergency medical services, leading to more injuries and deaths. Increased federal funding is needed to support the work of local EMS clinicians, who are struggling with unsustainable strain.
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) has awarded four early-career oncologists with $150,000 in funding to tackle pressing challenges in cancer care. The recipients will support studies aiming to improve cancer outcomes through molecular residual disease-guided adjuvant therapy and electronic symptom monitoring.
Researchers Schmidt and Selvin will explore the connections between cardiovascular disease and diabetes, with a focus on large white blood cells and wearable continuous glucose monitors. Their work aims to develop new treatment therapies and improve health outcomes for people with diabetes.
Canada needs adequate funding for high-quality scientific research, including sharing of health data with international partners. The country should also increase contributions to the World Health Organization (WHO) during this time.
A professor is conducting a study to increase forest farming in Appalachia, with the goal of creating a sustainable economy for the region. The project aims to develop the workforce and formalize businesses to ensure efficient supply chains.
The Endocrine Society expresses concern over the administration's plan to reorganize HHS, slashing federal funding and staff, which will hinder medical discoveries and approve new treatments. The society warns that politicization of scientific grants will harm millions of people needing medical care for endocrine conditions.
A study found that mice exposed to microgravity for 37 days experienced significant bone loss, especially in weight-bearing bones. This research may inform human acclimation strategies for spaceflight.
Virginia Tech researchers Pamela VandeVord and Gunnar Brolinson received a $2.17 million grant to investigate cranial osteopathic manual manipulation as a potential treatment for traumatic brain injury symptoms, particularly headaches. The noninvasive technique aims to enhance brain fluid motion and balance the autonomic nervous system.
Researchers developed a portable system using AI to spot cognitive impairment by measuring subtle differences in motor function. The device accurately identified 83% of participants with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), offering potential for early intervention and improved outcomes.
Dr. Ronald Newbold has been appointed as the permanent CEO of Empire Discovery Institute (EDI), a non-profit drug discovery and development accelerator. With over 30 years of business development experience, Dr. Newbold will lead EDI's growth and expansion, including the addition of new programs and partnerships.
Researchers at Wayne State University are investigating the mechanisms behind diabetes onset, with a focus on aberrant nuclear signaling and cellular defects. The study aims to identify novel therapeutic targets and test small molecule inhibitors to prevent the establishment of these defects.
Kayunta Johnson-Winters, a UTA associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry, has been honored as an American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology fellow. Her research on F420-dependent enzymes has expanded understanding of disease proteins and paved the way for potential treatments.
Researchers Garett Sansom and Lindsay Sansom will evaluate soil conditions in Settegast and Lakewood neighborhoods for cancer-causing heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The project aims to identify residents' environment-related concerns and develop a better understanding of local priorities and challenges.
The Whole Health Consortium at Virginia Tech has funded several research projects, including one that uses geospatial analysis to improve healthcare access for veterans. Another project aims to develop a 'just-in-time' intervention for chronic pain and opioid use disorder in Appalachia.
A recent study in Nature Communications reveals that white blood cells employ a novel mechanism to dislodge bacteria from human tissues using brute force and integrin-based adhesion rings. The research, led by Xuefeng Wang, has significant implications for understanding the role of macrophages in cleaning up environmental pollutants.
The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences has achieved its highest ever ranking in National Institutes of Health funding, improving its ranking to 102 out of 2,838 institutions and receiving $75.2 million in funding. The college's faculty members conduct numerous types of research across various academic departments.
A study found that global biodiversity conservation funding is severely limited, with most threatened species receiving little to no support. The researchers call for a new approach to conservation funding, prioritizing all species equally.
Tom Maniatis, a prominent molecular biologist, is warning of the impact of the NIH's planned 15% cap on indirect costs. He believes small independent institutions will be harmed, stifling technological innovation and scientific progress. The scientific community must act swiftly to prevent this from happening.
A recent study from the University of Missouri and Yale University found that restricting flavored e-cigarettes leads to a decrease in vaping among young adults. However, this restriction also increases traditional cigarette smoking among young adults compared to states without such restrictions.
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center received nearly $23 million in CPRIT funding to advance cancer research, translational science, and clinical trials. The funding will support the recruitment of a first-time tenure-track faculty member and enhance the understanding of cancer biology.
The Lung Cancer Research Foundation and Israel Cancer Research Fund are partnering to test an innovative new treatment for lung cancer. The project aims to explore the effects of a drug that targets IGF2BP1, a protein involved in cancer cell growth.
Three University of Arizona Health Sciences faculty members have received career development awards to support their research. Erika Austhof will study the role of weather and ecological drivers in salmonella transmission, while Kristin Huntoon will investigate a drug for treating glioblastomas. Celina Valencia will examine the link be...
A new clinical trial will evaluate whether adding ketamine to standard treatment can improve outcomes for patients suffering from status epilepticus. The trial, called KESETT, hopes to determine whether ketamine can terminate the seizures in more patients than current treatments.
The Colorectal Cancer Alliance has awarded new grants to researchers, convened top scientists at the Cure CRC Summit, and launched K-SPY, a groundbreaking multi-center platform trial for high-risk colorectal cancer cases. The initiative aims to improve outcomes for millions affected by the disease.
A groundbreaking study by University of Missouri researchers shows that embedded counseling services in veterinary programs lead to significant reductions in psychological distress among veterinary trainees. The study also highlights the critical role of mental health support in high-stress professional education, with implications for...
The researchers are developing high-performance Monte Carlo software to support computational materials design. The goal is to enable rigorous multi-scale simulations, allowing for the simulation of larger scale and fidelity than possible with current software.
Marshall University researcher Brandon Henderson has secured a $1.85 million NIH grant to study the impact of synthetic coolants in vaping products on nicotine addiction. The five-year research project will explore how synthetic coolants influence addiction-related behaviors, particularly among adolescents.
The Neuro-Oncology Translational Research Training Program aims to bridge laboratory discoveries and clinical applications in neuro-oncology, targeting glioblastoma and brain metastases. The program provides predoctoral and postdoctoral trainees with cutting-edge lab experience and mentorship across multiple disciplines.
Researchers have developed a new gene therapy that targets aggressive brain cancer, glioblastoma, with a precise delivery system. The treatment uses a novel virus to deliver a targeting drug to cancer cells, achieving cure rates of up to 90% in mouse models.