News on the money and policy behind biomedical research. Covers foundation and career-development awards, endocrine and neuroscience funding, and university royalties.
A new study estimates an 'eliciting dose' for peanut allergies, revealing that tiny amounts can trigger reactions in some individuals. The researchers found that exposure to 0.052 milligrams of peanut protein is likely to cause or elicit an allergic reaction in 1% of patients.
Researchers identified a novel neural circuit that mediates the reciprocal control of feeding and psychological states in mouse models. Correcting this circuit eliminated anxiety, depression, and reduced body weight in obese mice.
The University of Delaware lab will investigate the role of Elav11 and its partners in eye development under a four-year NIH grant. Researchers aim to understand mechanisms behind cataracts and lens abnormalities.
The LSU Veterinary School has received a $11 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to create a Center for Pre-Clinical Cancer Research, which aims to develop more effective anti-cancer treatments. The new center will provide specialized core facilities and training opportunities for researchers.
Researchers discover juvenile snailfish exhibiting bright green and red biofluorescence in Arctic habitats, a rare occurrence. The finding provides insight into the function of fluorescence in marine species, shedding light on its potential role in communication and mating behaviors.
A recent study published by the University of California - San Francisco detected 109 chemicals in pregnant women, including 55 new ones, which may be derived from consumer products or industrial sources. The researchers used high-resolution mass spectrometry to identify man-made chemicals in people.
Scientists discovered the structural and molecular factors governing the stability of a protein complex involved in DNA repair pathways. The study reveals that exposure to organic solvents and oxidizing environments can cause the complex to disassemble, offering insights into novel phenomena and potential treatments for diseases such a...
Researchers have created stem-cell-derived organoids that can produce mature tear products, shedding light on the biology of crying and dry-eye disease. The organoids can be transplanted into mouse tear glands and form functional duct-like structures, revealing new insights into potential treatments for Sjögren's syndrome.
The Diversity-Mentorship Collaborative program will provide innovative support for URM faculty, including research assistance and competitive career development awards. The grant aims to boost the number of URM faculty through recruitment, retention, advancement, and mentoring.
Researchers at Michigan State University are exploring the impact of climate change on plants' efficiency, focusing on photorespiration, a process that reduces plant productivity. By understanding this phenomenon better, they hope to develop new breeding techniques and improve crop yields.
The study uses a generative adversarial network to classify Alzheimer's disease with improved accuracy. The model learns from low- and high-quality brain images, generating images of better quality that predict disease status more accurately than traditional models.
Researchers investigated acute COVID-19 symptoms and depressive symptoms in adults, finding a significant association between the two. The study suggests that individuals experiencing acute COVID-19 symptoms may be at increased risk of developing depressive symptoms.
A recent study reveals the challenges faced by Latinx patients hospitalized with COVID-19, including delayed diagnosis and inadequate treatment. The research underscores the need for improved culturally sensitive care to address these disparities and improve health outcomes.
A study of orthodox Jewish adults in the US found early parallel outbreaks in culturally linked communities before government directives. The research highlights sociocultural factors contributing to SARS-CoV-2 spread.
The PrecisionTox project aims to develop a new approach to chemical safety management using genetics, genomics, and non-sentient organisms. By avoiding animal testing, the consortium hopes to accelerate discoveries and improve the regulation of harmful chemicals.
Researchers have captured detailed images of newborn babies' lungs as they take their first breaths, revealing complex methods of adapting to air-breathing at birth. The study provides clues to improving preterm babies' survival chances and long-term health outcomes.
The MDI Biological Laboratory will collaborate with the Maine CDC to test 500 wells from student households in Maine, focusing on arsenic mitigation and data literacy. The grant aims to reduce environmental health hazards and develop tools for effective program evaluation.
Researchers at VIB discovered the molecular architecture of the TPLATE complex, a crucial protein complex in plants that regulates the outer membrane composition. The study provides new insights into the evolution of this complex and its role in vesicle trafficking, essential for eukaryotic processes.
A new, openly available SARS-CoV-2 laboratory research toolkit was published in PLOS Biology. The toolkit includes a 'single plasmid reverse genetics' system allowing researchers to manipulate the coronavirus genome and study individual mutations. This will fast-track investigation of COVID-19 research, including novel variants, drug d...
A University of Missouri engineer has received a $500,000 grant to mass-produce a wearable bioelectronic device capable of detecting COVID-19 and tracking multiple vital signs. The device, which can be customized to fit individual health needs, aims to provide critical information for early detection and potentially save lives.
The Kessler Foundation is conducting a two-year study on the role of hemarthroses in the development of osteoarthritis of the knee in military personnel. The team aims to explore regenerative processes to counter toxic effects of joint injury and prevent long-term damage.
A University of Queensland-led project combines old antibiotics with a new compound to revive their effectiveness against drug-resistant bacteria. The goal is to combat the growing threat of superbugs, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
Researchers have developed a new tool to address disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) by targeting blood clots with nanogel spheres loaded with tissue-type plasminogen activator. In vivo studies show promising results in rat models and in vitro tests using DIC patient blood plasma.
Researchers will investigate climate-resistant oats and develop innovative products with industrial partners. The project aims to promote the health, economic, and environmental benefits of growing oats in Wales and Ireland.
The study found that schools with armed guards had lower average injury rates and fewer severe injuries compared to those without armed guards. Armed guard presence was also associated with a decrease in the use of firearms during school shootings.
A recent NIH study found that women are less likely to be represented as chairs and reviewers on study sections, especially in institutes with higher total funding. Women are also more likely to hold lower academic ranks and temporary memberships.
Funding for surgeon scientists has increased by 40% in terms of both numbers and amounts since 2010, despite overall NIH funding decreases and an increase in demand for clinical productivity. Basic science research has also remained stable, with 70% of grants focused on basic science.
Cold sores are triggered when herpes simplex virus reactsivate due to neuronal hyperexcitation caused by prolonged inflammation or stress. Interleukin 1 beta cytokine plays a key role in this process.
The Lundquist Institute will conduct a multi-site clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of psilocybin in individuals with severe psychological distress associated with terminal medical illness. The grant will also support education and outreach programs related to the use of psilocybin within the field of palliative care.
Researchers at UIC aim to develop an antibody-based eye drop to treat dry eye and ocular surface disease caused by inflammatory and immune system disorders. The new treatment, which uses pooled human immune globulins, is expected to be particularly helpful for patients with immune-related dry eyes.
A University of Miami-led team is expanding its pilot program to detect SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater, allowing for early warning systems and potential prevention of transmission. The two-year grant will also enable the team to collect and standardize data from institutions across the US, creating models to predict COVID-19 outbreaks.
The study found that medical specialties with higher percentages of female clinicians tend to have lower average salaries. The median salary for female physicians across all specialties was $300,000, compared to $350,000 for male physicians.
A multidisciplinary team at Colorado State University has received a $1 million award to study rare sugars found in soil, challenging historical biochemical principles and exploring vital questions about microbes. The research could lead to breakthroughs in disease research or new developments in the food and beverage industry.
Amanda Botticello's study explores environmental barriers to community integration, while Denise Fyffe examines racial disparities in functional independence. Jeanne Zanca's project focuses on neurofeedback for managing neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury
Liheng Cai's lab creates a new synthetic rubber that is 1,000 times softer than conventional rubber but still holds its shape. The material has superior mechanical properties and can be used for various applications, including medical implants and soft robots.
Researchers at RCSI will use the grant to confirm their previous findings and study markers in other people at high risk of psychosis. The goal is to develop a commercially-available test to identify individuals most at risk and prevent psychotic disorders.
A study estimated the US nurse burnout rate and identified key factors associated with leaving the profession. The research found that nurses who experienced emotional exhaustion were more likely to consider leaving their jobs.
The Emory MVA COVID-19 vaccine has been shown to be safe and effective in mice and monkeys, inducing strong neutralizing antibodies and killer CD8 T cells. The vaccine's multi-layered approach also prevents lung inflammation and is adaptable to address disease variants.
Researchers have identified a spinal cord circuit responsible for opioid-related itch and found a drug that can relieve the sensation. Nalfurafine, clinically approved in Japan to treat itching caused by liver disease, relieved spinal morphine-induced itch in both mice and monkeys.
A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that defects in mitochondria may contribute to autism spectrum disorder. The researchers introduced a mild missense mutation into a mouse strain and observed impaired social interactions, increased repetitive behaviors, and anxiety-like traits.
The Salk Institute's NOMIS Center is expanding its research into health and immunity thanks to a $9.5 million gift from the NOMIS Foundation. The center aims to understand how the immune system interacts with other biological processes to combat diseases such as autoimmunity, cancer, and neurodegeneration.
Researchers have secured a £1.6 million grant to develop M102, a potential breakthrough in treating motor neuron disease (MND). The drug's neuroprotective properties were discovered by the University of Sheffield's Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), which will now advance its translational development.
A group of researchers is calling on the National Institutes of Health and other funding agencies to address disparities in allocating support to Black researchers. The disparity has resulted in Black applicant award rates being around 55% lower than those of white principal investigators.
The National Institutes of Health has awarded Wayne State University a total of $5.59 million to support research into preventing and treating cerebral palsy. Dr. Sidhartha Tan's projects aim to develop new drugs targeting neuronal nitric oxide synthase and explore the role of tetrahydrobiopterin in brain injury.
A study examined the association between a statewide COVID-19 shelter-in-place order and lower rates of seasonal respiratory viral activity in Northern California. The results showed that the shelter-in-place order was associated with reduced seasonal respiratory virus activity before and after its implementation.
A new report from Boston University School of Medicine identifies key research priorities for detecting undiagnosed AF, including developing evidence-based screening strategies and investigating diverse patient subgroups. The study aims to improve diagnosis, management, and prognosis of patients with undiagnosed AF.
A new research project at Aarhus University aims to create novel, biodegradable materials for sustainable electronics. The project, led by Assistant Professor Shweta Agarwala, uses materials science and printed electronics to develop materials that can replace traditional silicon-based components.
A recent study found that people from racial minorities are more likely to become severely unwell or die from COVID-19 compared to those of white ethnicity. The research aims to investigate the causes of this disparity through interviews and questionnaires with East London residents.
A new study finds that exercise protein MOTS-c improves physical performance, capacity and fitness in older mice. In human subjects, MOTS-c levels increase after exercise and may hold promise for addressing age-related decline and frailty.
A novel family of enzymes in butterflies produces (E)-beta-ocimene as an anti-aphrodisiac pheromone, similar to a floral attractant found in many flower scents. This independent evolutionary process highlights the convergent evolution of chemical signals across kingdoms.
A new pilot study using electromagnetic field stimulation has shown promise in restoring arm and hand function in individuals with traumatic spinal cord injuries. The study, conducted at Kessler Foundation, aims to improve motor control and activities of daily living for those with chronic spinal cord injury.
Researchers have discovered viral small RNAs in mosquito cells, shedding light on the transmission of viruses like yellow fever and dengue fever. This study provides a comprehensive platform for comparing the characteristics of small RNAs across four mosquito species.
Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute identified MDA-5 as the primary sensor in human lungs that detects SARS-CoV-2. The protein recognizes replicating viruses and activates interferon, a key player in the body's defense against viral invasion.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found a significant inverse association between physical activity and the occurrence of cardiovascular disease, with participants in highest quartiles showing substantial risk reduction. The study used data from 90,211 UK Biobank participants and found no threshold for this association.
A study from Boston Medical Center found that using indicative language when recommending HPV vaccination boosts vaccine acceptance and conversation efficiency while preserving patient satisfaction. This approach resulted in a nine-fold increase in vaccine acceptance and shorter vaccine discussions compared to elective styles.
Researchers will develop a low-tech virtual village platform to connect people living with HIV, providing resources and social support. The study aims to reduce depression, anxiety, and isolation among seniors aging with HIV during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Researchers led by Olaf Groß will test the effectiveness of their IMMUNOSTIM compounds in boosting cancer treatment and vaccine efficacy. The team aims to develop a new class of immune-activating drugs that can enhance the body's natural defense against infectious diseases.
The European Research Council has awarded €8.25 million in ERC Proof of Concept grants to 55 researchers, enabling them to explore the commercial and societal potential of their work. This funding will support the development of new technologies, such as a low-cost COVID-19 test and clean energy producing technology.
A £1.2M grant will upgrade the CLIMB COVID-19 project's computational equipment to process genomic data globally. Researchers can analyze genomes from local populations in relation to global datasets, facilitating equitable data sharing and fighting pandemic diseases.
The European Research Council (ERC) has funded a new platform leveraging crowd-sourced image classification to train AI algorithms. This innovation addresses the gap in current market platforms, providing users with a tailored, quality-controlled crowdsourcing experience for efficient and fair data collection.