News on the money and policy behind biomedical research. Covers foundation and career-development awards, endocrine and neuroscience funding, and university royalties.
The Hamilton Eye Institute at University of Tennessee Health Science Center has received a $300,000 RPB Challenge Grant to continue its vision research initiatives. The grant will support the expansion of research faculty, innovative pilot studies, and new equipment for the institute's research efforts.
The 1907 Trailblazer Awards support pioneering early-career mental health researchers Dr. Benjamin Bartelle, Dr. Laura Lewis, and Dr. Katherine Scangos with two-year grants valued at over $120,000 each. Their projects aim to advance our understanding of depression symptom severity in major depression and develop novel treatments.
The study found that beverage prices remained stable after the repeal, while volume sold decreased. In contrast to expectations, the tax's removal did not lead to a significant increase in the consumption of sugary drinks.
Researchers used CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing to identify a gene responsible for regulating coral's response to heat stress. The study found that corals can die of starvation without the nutrients provided by photosynthesis, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts for fragile reef ecosystems.
Barts Life Sciences is leveraging £6.7m in funding from Barts Charity to analyze patient data and develop personalized medicine approaches. The initiative focuses on preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes, with the goal of improving health outcomes for patients in east London and beyond.
A recent study led by LSU Health researchers discovered a reciprocal interaction between GABA and endocannabinoids in the brain, which accelerates the breakdown of molecules regulating brain cell communication. This imbalance is linked to neurological disorders and may be targeted for therapy.
Researchers at Temple University Health System aim to break down race-related barriers to lung cancer screening and care among Blacks and African Americans. The two-year grant will support the expansion of a successful lung cancer screening program using a multi-specialty, integrated model.
Researchers found that households will continue to be a significant venue for SARS-CoV-2 transmission despite isolation efforts. The study emphasizes the importance of implementing effective public health measures to mitigate this risk.
Researchers at UVA Health System identified a gene variant MIA3 that produces a protein promoting smooth muscle cell proliferation, leading to thicker, stable protective caps on blood vessel plaques. This discovery could help prevent heart attacks by stabilizing plaque lesions and reducing the risk of coronary artery disease.
The Kessler Foundation received a $10,000 grant from the Craig H. Neilsen Foundation to facilitate ongoing spinal cord injury education for inpatients and their families. This virtual education format enables group interaction despite physical distancing measures, providing additional support for caregivers.
A $2.1 million federal grant will enhance clinical trial access in five areas, including care before birth and obesity, with the goal of improving health outcomes for all Louisiana children and potentially slowing or preventing chronic diseases like asthma.
Patients with atrial fibrillation are advised to avoid heavy alcohol consumption due to increased risk of stroke and other complications. Heavy drinking was associated with a 32% increased risk compared to abstainers, while moderate drinking seemed safe.
The Konza Prairie Long-Term Ecological Research program has supported a comprehensive ecological research and outreach program since 1980, focusing on the world's most productive yet endangered tallgrass prairie. With the recent NSF grant renewal, researchers will build on decades of research to understand causes and consequences of ec...
A study analyzing necropsy reports of stranded killer whales found human activity as a cause of death for orcas across every age group. The study highlights the need to address human interactions, such as vessel strikes and fishing gear entanglement, to protect these vulnerable populations.
The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI) has awarded nearly $32 million in funding to support biomedical imaging researchers and technology development. The grants will focus on visualizing proteins in cells at near-atomic resolution to better understand health and disease.
Researchers at ESRF and UCL are developing a transformational X-ray tomography technology to scan whole human bodies with unprecedented resolution. They aim to enable cellular-level imaging, which could help understand complex diseases like COVID-19.
The University of Delaware has secured a $11 million National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant to support its biomedical research program. The grant, led by Professor Joseph Fox, will focus on discovering new molecules to study and treat diseases such as breast cancer and tuberculosis.
A team of researchers analyzed 648 DFT1 tumors collected between 2003 and 2018, revealing that early on in the spread of the tumor, five clades emerged, with two dying out while three continued to spread. The study highlights the importance of geography in influencing the movements of devils and their disease.
Pitt researchers found that insufficient social support and unrealistic weight loss expectations can predict dissatisfaction with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery. Higher physical activity levels after surgery improve mental and physical quality of life, regardless of weight loss.
Researchers aim to fill knowledge gaps on spina bifida by setting up an international registry of patients and investigating the role of folic acid in disease risk. The grant will also fund whole genome sequencing to identify potential causes and underlying mechanisms of the disease.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that children born via cesarean section have a higher risk of infection-related hospitalization up to five years of age. Researchers analyzed data from over 7 million children and observed a 10% greater risk of infection among cesarean-born children.
The grants will focus on studying the impact of Proposition 64, employment conditions, and marketing on cannabis use among various demographics. UCLA faculty members will conduct research on workplace experiences, safety conditions, and career trajectory in the cannabis industry.
The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI) has awarded $3 million in funding for open source software projects, including those essential to modern biomedicine. CZI also provided $1.7 million in funding to organizations advancing reproducibility practices and support for open research infrastructure.
A new study found that children in a Melbourne family developed a COVID-19 immune response despite chronic exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The youngest child showed no symptoms and had the strongest antibody response, indicating an effective protection mechanism against reinfection.
An international team has received a 10 million euro grant to investigate the evolution of human quantification. The QUANTA project will analyze quantification as a bio-cultural phenomenon, combining insights from anthropology, linguistics, archaeology, and cognitive science.
The grant aims to establish a research center to investigate HIV- and human papillomavirus (HPV)-related cancers in Africa. The center will build on existing efforts that have improved research, clinical, and laboratory capacity in Rwanda.
Fowler leads a team of researchers collecting algae and invertebrates from 13 marinas along the East Coast to detect novel species invasions and monitor established invaders. The study aims to train the next generation of taxonomists through collaborations with local scientists and public outreach efforts.
The Karen Toffler Charitable Trust has gifted Boston University School of Medicine a $40,000 grant to support early-stage, future-focused brain science research. The funding will enable young researchers to explore high-impact ideas that could push the future of humanity in a brighter direction.
A UK-based company has secured funding to develop biodegradable alternatives to plastic microbeads used in various industries. The project will explore the use of cellulose microbeads as a carrier for enzymes in industrial chemical production, aiming to reduce ocean pollution.
Researchers investigated changes in rates and risk factors for vision-threatening eye infections related to IV drug use. Over a decade, US hospitalizations for these infections increased, with notable risks among young adults and those with underlying health conditions.
Researchers have successfully raised funding for a project to develop a new super-resolution microscopy technique that can visualize individual synapse proteins with nanometer-scale resolution. The project combines expansion microscopy and single-molecule-sensitive super-resolution microscopy to achieve improved microscopic resolution.
The study analyzed national health record data to examine the rate of positive BRCA gene variant tests among older women. Between 2008 and 2018, the trend in positive results varied by age group, with younger women showing a higher increase in positivity.
A new study reveals that a natural enemy of the Asian fruit fly Drosphila suzukii is actually a complex of at least two cryptic species. Only one parasitoid, from one genetic group, has been found to be suitable as a biological control agent against the pest.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have developed a new method to extract tiny but extremely powerful SARS-CoV-2 antibody fragments from llamas. These nanobodies are much smaller than human antibodies and many times more effective at neutralizing the virus, with the potential to prevent and treat COVID-19.
Research shows Neanderthal children were introduced to solid food at around 5-6 months, mirroring modern human patterns. This finding suggests similar energy demands during early infancy and a close pace of growth between Homo sapiens and Neanderthals.
The inaugural awards promote translational opportunities and therapeutics development at Harvard and affiliated hospitals. Five research projects targeting diverse conditions, including type 1 diabetes and severe asthma, will each receive $1 million over two years to advance their efforts.
Researchers from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Bar-Ilan University, and the University of Central Florida are collaborating on a $4.2 million grant-funded project to advance our understanding of DNA arrangement within cells in space and time. The goal is to shed light on the role of nuclear movement in gene expression...
A study published in PLOS Biology found that individuals with autism spectrum disorder show reduced flexible behavior due to less optimal learning. The research used a developmental approach and examined flexible behavior on a probabilistic reversal learning task in children, adolescents, and adults with ASD.
A new $2 million grant from NCI SeroNet will enhance representation of Black and Hispanic people in SARS-CoV-2 immunology research through narrative storytelling. Researchers aim to overcome barriers to participation by connecting with community members personally and motivating them to volunteer.
The Misophonia Research Fund has awarded over $4 million in funding to researchers studying misophonia, a condition that triggers strong emotions in response to specific sounds. The funded projects will develop new therapeutic strategies and investigate the physiological basis of misophonia symptomology.
StabiLux Biosciences has received a $500,000 NSF grant to refine high-brightness dyes into commercial-grade products. The technology can revitalize organic dyes with tunable brightness and high photostability for biomedical applications.
Researchers have discovered that cancer cells use their nucleus to sense environmental compression and trigger responses to evade overcrowded areas. The study proposes a new mechanism by which tumor cells cope with the lack of space and compressive stresses, involving the unfolded and stretched nuclear membranes.
Researchers at UCI will examine molecular 4D nucleome changes in the human hippocampus during aging, with a focus on physical activity's effects. The team aims to produce multi-omics cell atlases to understand chromatin organization and function in brain aging.
Haotian Wang, a researcher at Rice University, has received a $875,000 five-year grant from the David and Lucile Packard Foundation to pursue his work on converting carbon dioxide into fuels. The award supports his technology that uses renewable electricity to convert greenhouse gases into valuable chemical fuels.
A study found that 14.6% of UK patients with new opioid prescriptions became long-term users, with risk factors including age, social deprivation, and history of self-harm or substance abuse. The study calls for safer prescribing practices to avoid addiction epidemics.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that third-trimester ultrasound screening has limited effectiveness in predicting macrosomia and associated neonatal morbidity. The authors recommend caution before introducing universal third-trimester screening for macrosomia.
A national survey examined e-cigarette use among US adults who were either current or former smokers. The study found that e-cigarette users were more likely to quit smoking compared to non-users.
The Penn Center for Multi-Scale Molecular Mapping of the Female Reproductive System will create a comprehensive resource for women's health by documenting the molecular characteristics of individual cells in the female reproductive system.
Research!America has launched a microgrant program supporting virtual civic engagement initiatives among young STEM graduate trainees, fostering skills in communication and government understanding. The program aims to create dialogue between public officials and community members, focusing on student-led projects.
West Virginia University has received a $1.2 million grant to establish telehealth connections between rural emergency departments and medical specialists. The program aims to provide acute, emergent subspecialty care in rural areas, reducing the need for hospital transfers and readmissions.
Six University of Ottawa-affiliated projects have received $1 million in CIHR funding to study the impact of COVID-19 on mental health and substance use. Researchers will assess workforce capacity, measure stress among frontline cleaners, and develop holistic support for vulnerable populations.
The M2D2 $200K Challenge recognizes promising ventures developing groundbreaking medical devices and biotechnology innovations to improve healthcare outcomes. The competition provides funding, in-kind support, and expert resources to accelerate their progress.
Experimental study reveals electric clothes dryers as a significant source of microfiber pollution. The devices emit fibers from laundry through their vents, contaminating the air and potentially harming ecosystems.
The project investigates how liquid droplets break up and vaporize in detonation waves, which could lead to better engine technologies. Dr. Jacob McFarland's research aims to understand the effects of droplet breakup on combustion processes.
Continuity Pharma has been awarded a $1.5 million grant from DARPA to develop continuous manufacturing technology for reshoring generic drugs. The company aims to ensure the availability of essential medicines to patients in need by applying novel continuous manufacturing capabilities.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School will develop next-generation monoclonal antibodies targeting fentanyl-like chemicals to treat acute intoxication and overdose. The grant supports the development of antibody-based medical countermeasures, which would not interfere with life-saving medications like naloxone.
Christine Constantinople aims to understand aversion to loss in economic decision-making under new NIH grant, with potential implications for education and related fields. Her research will focus on neural mechanisms underlying loss aversion, including arithmetic calculations.
Faculty members Peter Adams and Jerold Chun receive prestigious awards for groundbreaking research on human aging and Alzheimer's disease. The grants will support innovative approaches to healthy aging, prevent degenerative disease and cancer.
Researchers at UC Davis School of Medicine and UTHealth will study the role of incidental white matter lesions in dementia among diverse people with cognitive complaints. The team aims to develop a 'risk profile' that identifies the likelihood of WML-related cognitive impairment and dementia over five to 10 years.
Researchers aim to develop treatments that can prevent or treat Alzheimer's disease with two large-scale studies on pre-dementia conditions MCR and brain stimulation techniques.