News on the money and policy behind biomedical research. Covers foundation and career-development awards, endocrine and neuroscience funding, and university royalties.
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.
Researchers have found that Zika virus infection soon after birth can lead to persistent socioemotional, cognitive and motor deficits, as well as abnormalities in brain structure and function. This study provides clues about potential long-term effects of Zika infection on developing brains.
The film features geologist Jane Willenbring, chemist Raychelle Burks, and biologist Nancy Hopkins, sharing their experiences with harassment, discrimination, and bias. The documentary aims to challenge audiences' implicit biases and inspire collective change in STEM culture.
Researchers developed a device that circulates cool water into pressure-relieving insoles to reduce foot temperature and diminish the risk of tissue breakdown. The device, TAPMARI, was tested in eight volunteers and showed promising results, potentially preventing thousands of amputations worldwide.
The University of South Australia has received a $2.7 million grant to further develop anti-bacterial technologies for medical devices, building on existing successes in diagnostics and prognostics. The project aims to create nanotechnology-inspired solutions to improve patient outcomes and reduce infections.
The CPRIT grant will support research into the mechanism of GD2 expression and response to chemoimmunotherapy in neuroblastoma. The funding will enable investigations into how tumor cells escape therapy with antibodies targeting GD2.
The National Institutes of Health has renewed funding for UC Davis's Mutant Mouse Resource and Research Center, providing $6.7 million over five years. The center will acquire new mouse strains and develop novel models to support biomedical researchers.
Data science researchers at UC Davis received over $1 million in grants to study innovative concepts with high impact. The grants will fund multidisciplinary research partnerships and projects addressing challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Brain Institute have identified neural pathways connecting the brain to the stomach, suggesting a bidirectional communication network that influences digestion and gut health. This discovery provides new insights into common gut disorders and may lead to the development of brain-based therapies.
This study compares COVID-19 cases in Iowa's border counties, which didn't issue a stay-at-home order, to Illinois' border counties that did. The analysis found higher estimated rates of COVID-19 in Illinois' border counties, suggesting the stay-at-home order had a significant impact on case numbers.
Columbia engineers apply machine learning techniques to create a method that combines big data and machine learning to selectively design gas-filtering polymer membranes. The study successfully identifies promising materials that surpass current membrane performance limits, paving the way for commercial use.
A large observational study found that NFL players experiencing more head impacts during their career are at a higher risk of death. The study included nearly 14,000 current and former NFL players, providing valuable insights into the long-term effects of repeated head trauma.
Clemson scientist Matthew Koski will advance his research on floral thermoregulatory mechanisms with a 3-year, $455,000 grant. He aims to understand how flowers adapt to climate change by studying their thermal environments in Colorado.
St. Jude awarded a National Science Foundation grant to develop new tools for studying pediatric diseases by integrating biology and engineering at the molecular level. The collaboration will provide St. Jude faculty with a new chemical and engineering toolbox to address gene regulation disorders, including childhood cancer.
JAMA Network commemorates 40 years of publishing A Piece of My Mind essays, featuring personal vignettes on the human side of medicine. Over 1,300 essays have been published since 1980, covering various medical topics.
Researchers at UTA are developing a rapid-response supply chain to deliver COVID-19 medications to underserved populations in Houston. The project aims to free up hospital capacity by providing treatments to critically ill patients first.
Dr. Staci Gruber will use the grant to investigate differences between whole-plant, full-spectrum and single extracted compounds in cannabis products. Her research aims to clarify the potential for synergistic effects of full-spectrum products versus single extracted compounds.
Researchers found that drug overdose deaths shifted from older to younger age groups as generations changed, with Baby Boomers facing higher risks in their mid-40s, Generation X in their late 30s, and Millennials in their early 20s. The study's results suggest a strong sociological imprinting effect, where attitudes towards drug use sh...
Researchers have identified ROBO2 as a potential therapeutic target for treating kidney diseases, including glomerular diseases and chronic kidney disease. High ROBO2 protein levels are found in injured kidney models and can lead to reduced podocyte adhesion, making it a promising area of investigation.
A recent study found that nearly 1% of the population carry genetic variants substantially increasing CVD and cancer risk. However, relying on family history alone may fail to identify high-risk individuals, highlighting the need for broader genetic testing populations.
The American Heart Association has funded 12 institutions to study cardiovascular/cerebrovascular correlations with COVID-19. Researchers will investigate various aspects of the virus's impact on the body, including clotting complications, cardiomyopathy treatment and mortality risk.
A 12-week study involving 1,600 emergency department personnel will assess the effectiveness of practices and personal protective equipment in preventing COVID-19 acquisition. The study aims to identify key strategies for reducing transmission risk among frontline health care workers.
Research focuses on simultaneous cannabis and alcohol use's impact on fetal brain development, nerve growth, and blood vessels. The study aims to understand the combined effects of SAC on developing offspring.
A team of researchers has identified 122 peptides from the Asian citrus psyllid that may help combat citrus greening disease. The peptides are derived from the insect's own neuropeptides and have shown promise as potential insecticides for use in citrus groves.
The North Carolina Diabetes Research Center will provide educational programs, pilot grants, and research infrastructure support to investigators in diabetes research. As one of only 12 NIH Diabetes Research Centers, the grant aims to connect investigators with collaborators to expand project scope.
Magnamed will supply 6,500 mechanical ventilators to hospitals in Brazil by August to help meet growing demand during the COVID-19 pandemic. The company partnered with several leading Brazilian and multinational corporations to achieve this goal.
Researchers investigated whether watching the 'Joker' movie would lead to increased prejudice towards people with mental illness. The study found no significant association between watching the film and changes in prejudice levels.
The University of Montana has received a $2.5 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to identify and advance a COVID-19 vaccine candidate. Researchers have implemented alternative work schedules, social distancing measures, and telecommuting to ensure safety while working on the project.
A decision analytical model describes key features of imported COVID-19 cases in Wenzhou, China, highlighting the city's high number of infections and severe outbreak. The study provides valuable insights into the epidemiology of COVID-19 in a region with unique characteristics.
A team of Wake Forest researchers, led by Gloria Muday, is working on a $3 million grant from the National Science Foundation to find heat-tolerant tomatoes. The goal is to map out how reproductive genes work in these varieties, which can help breed or engineer dependable crops despite rising global temperatures.
The University of Kentucky's Superfund Research Center has received a five-year, $8.7 million grant to conduct research on chlorinated organic compounds and their impact on human health and the environment. The center will investigate strategies to reduce risks posed by environmental contaminants in vulnerable communities.
The University of Utah has awarded seed grants to 56 cross-campus projects exploring COVID-19's impact on domestic violence and mental health. These projects will develop innovative strategies to prevent, treat, and mitigate the long-term effects of physical isolation.
A large cohort study found that donor lymphocyte infusion and intensified conditioning improve outcomes for patients with relapsed/refractory leukemia, achieving high 3-year leukemia-free survival rates. The study also showed that these interventions have varying impacts on different types of leukemia and donor recipients.
A new wireless biologging network enables high-resolution tracking of small animals, even in closed habitats. The system allows for fully automated tracking and proximity-sensing at high spatial and temporal resolution.
Researchers unveil 2 million-year-old Homo erectus skull, shedding light on three co-existing human ancestors in Africa. The discovery confirms African origin of Homo erectus and provides insights into childhood growth and development.
Researchers analyzed medical data from 61 adults who visited an emergency department with scooter-related injuries. The study highlights the growing concern of motorized scooter injuries, particularly among young adults and pedestrians.
The European Research Council has awarded 2.5 million euros to the e-DOTS project, led by Ikerbasque Professor Maurizio Prato, to explore the structure and properties of carbon nanodots for biomedical imaging and therapeutic applications. The project aims to develop an automated system to discover new nanodots with tailored properties.
A recent study analyzing nearly 230,000 men found significant racial disparities in prostate cancer survival rates across the United States. The research identified geographic areas with lower survival rates for certain racial groups compared to white patients.
Researchers compared federal and foundation funding for sickle cell disease and cystic fibrosis, finding that higher funding was associated with increased research productivity and faster drug development. The study suggests that increasing funding could improve treatment options for these two diseases.
A Northwestern University researcher received an NSF RAPID grant to develop a self-sanitizing face mask that deactivates viruses on contact. The project aims to reduce the number and activity of viruses in respiratory droplets, providing an additional layer of protection for healthcare workers and others.
Researchers at McGill University receive funding to develop a rapid diagnostic device for COVID-19 testing, screen approved drugs for efficacy against the virus, and study key genetic markers of immune response. The goal is to understand how coronaviruses evade human immunity and develop effective interventions to halt the pandemic.
The Critical Path Institute (C-Path) has established a Rare Disease Clinical Outcome Assessment Consortium with the FDA's support. The consortium aims to accelerate the development of new medical products for rare diseases by creating and curating a resource of information on publicly available clinical outcome assessments.
Simon Fraser University researchers have developed a novel method for detecting individual molecules of RNA within a living cell using the Mango system. This technology, which involves binding fluorescent dyes to specific RNA sequences, enables faster and more efficient detection of pathogens like the coronavirus.
Clara Hildebrandt, MD, has been awarded the 2020 Sanofi Genzyme/ACMG Foundation Next Generation Fellowship Award. The award supports her one-year medical biochemical fellowship at Boston Children's Hospital to explore barriers to timely administration of enzyme replacement therapy.
A new class of proteins, dubbed 'Hero', has been discovered that protects vulnerable proteins from aggregation and denaturation under extreme heat and other stresses. These flexible proteins may help prevent neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS and Huntington's disease by preserving molecular order.
Researchers used super-resolution imaging and a computational algorithm to study how bacteria multiply and grow into dense biofilms. They found that growth patterns are analogous to urbanization, with individual bacteria forming 'cities' that merge and expand over time.
A Dartmouth research team analyzed the Minister's gait in Monty Python's 'The Ministry of Silly Walks.' The study found that his walk was 6.7 times more variable than normal, sparking a comparison to peer review inefficiencies in academic research. Researchers propose streamlining grant applications and awarding grants more quickly to ...
Professor Peter Girguis has been awarded a five-year grant from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation to pursue innovative research on symbiosis in aquatic systems. His team will use engineering approaches, genome sequencing, and protein analysis to understand how these symbioses change their environments.
A new project aims to bring together academic, clinical, and community partners to improve access to healthy local foods for Latinos in rural communities. The UC Riverside School of Medicine will lead the two-year engagement project, which includes a cookbook and training of health educators to promote MyPlate recipes.
Nine researchers from Baylor College of Medicine and the University of Houston have been awarded $60,000 grants to explore a range of subjects including oncology, cardiology, and genetics. The projects will focus on developing new treatments and improving patient outcomes.
Studies show a growing number of US medical students with disabilities, but disparities continue in terms of research funding and job prospects. Researchers highlight the need for increased support and accommodations to address barriers to inclusion.
A recent study on Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh found that 64% had significant physical disabilities, while caregivers reported providing over 13 hours of care per day. Another study in the UK found that migrant mothers were less likely to visit emergency departments with their children, but those who did had higher utilization rates.
Adnan was honored for his groundbreaking research in traumatic brain injury and multiscale mechanics, which has led to significant advances in the field. He is recognized as one of the best in the field, accorded by ASME to less than 3% of those in the field.
A new study found that individuals with irregular sleep patterns experienced a two-fold increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease compared to those with regular sleep patterns. This suggests that healthy sleep isn't just about quantity, but also about variability, and can have an important effect on heart health.
A Montana State University research team, led by Lindsey Albertson and Geoffrey Poole, is exploring the impact of caddisfly larvae on stream ecosystems. The study aims to understand how caddisflies influence nutrient processing and microbial communities in streams.
A recent study by Stanford University examined the association between the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) and out-of-pocket spending among patients with traumatic injuries. The researchers found a significant increase in premium and out-of-pocket spending among patients who received care under the ACA.
Researchers found that social determinant screening only captures 16% of patients struggling to pay utility bills, emphasizing the need for improved health systems. The study suggests that patients with chronic serious illnesses may be more likely to have difficulty paying utilities due to seasonal and socioeconomic factors.
According to a study published in JAMA Network Open, US alcohol-induced deaths rates declined from 2000 to 2016, but significant disparities remained among demographic groups. The study found that women, racial and ethnic minorities, and those living in rural areas were disproportionately affected by alcohol-related deaths.
Researchers will focus on developing new strategies to suppress lung tumors and improve chemotherapy outcomes. They'll also work on improving CT and fluorescence imaging for kidney cancer surgery.
A new study published in Annals of Surgery found that nearly all weight-loss surgery patients quit smoking at least a month before their operation, but the prevalence of smoking steadily climbs back to pre-surgery levels within seven years. The researchers suggest that ongoing support is needed to reduce and quickly respond to relapses.