News on the money and policy behind biomedical research. Covers foundation and career-development awards, endocrine and neuroscience funding, and university royalties.
A new research project funded by a $600,000 grant is exploring the mechanics behind episiotomies, with the goal of developing safer and more effective surgical practices. The study uses advanced experimental techniques and computational simulations to understand how incisions spread and potentially lead to tears.
A University of Oklahoma researcher is exploring alternate strategies for identifying and targeting Alzheimer's and related diseases using a $2.2 million federal grant. The study aims to understand the mechanisms linking aging to cognitive decline, potentially leading to new treatments for dementia.
The ISS National Lab sponsored over 100 payloads to the orbiting laboratory, achieving the second-highest annual total. The lab also published a record 51 peer-reviewed articles in FY24, advancing scientific discovery and innovation.
A new microdosing approach using low doses of buprenorphine has been tested on patients with opioid use disorder, but most found it ineffective. The study, which included 126 participants, showed that only 34% were able to work up to a full dose of buprenorphine.
A new study aims to characterize the human virome, exploring its role in health and disease. The project will investigate nonpathogenic viruses and their potential impact on human phenotypes over time. Researchers hope to discover novel biomarkers for health and disease, as well as new therapeutic approaches.
Antonio Bicchi's IIT-led project VSoftPro aims to create a transhumeral prosthesis with user-controlled stiffness and passive adaptability. The goal is to replicate the natural appearance and functionality of a human arm, enhancing safe and natural interactions.
A deficiency of TLE6 protein, associated with female infertility, was also linked to abnormal sperm morphology and reduced motility in male mice. The study suggests that TLE6 plays a crucial role in energy production in sperm cells.
A study led by University of Cincinnati researcher Jun-Ming Zhang investigates the link between blood vessel movement and neuropathic spontaneous pain. The research aims to understand how blood vessel movement triggers cluster firing of neurons, a key mechanism in neuropathic pain.
The Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s initiative is launching a new funding opportunity to support collaborative research teams focused on understanding Parkinson’s disease heterogeneity across six focus areas. The grants will provide up to $3 million per year over three years.
Critical Path Institute's Translational Therapeutics Accelerator (TRxA) is launching its 2025 global Request for Proposals to support academic researchers in bridging the 'valley of death' in drug development. The program aims to enable the transition of innovative therapeutics from lab to patients.
Researchers at UVA have developed computer models to target specific bacteria in specific parts of the body, reducing the chance of antibiotic resistance. This approach could lead to more effective treatments and reduce the need for broad-spectrum antibiotics.
Researchers will focus on novel non-plastic materials used for oyster reef restoration, evaluating their impact on surrounding marine habitats. The project aims to find solutions that bring the natural environment back after degradation from storms or human impact.
The 2025 AAAS Annual Meeting in Boston will feature expert discussions on trust in science and science diplomacy. Researchers such as Holden Thorp and Ruth Morgan will examine how to demonstrate trustworthiness and put a new framework into practice.
The ISS National Lab is soliciting flight concepts for technology advancement using the space-based environment of the International Space Station. The lab aims to develop and test products and processes with potential economic impact through this $650,000 funding opportunity.
Jeremy Forsberg, UTA's Associate Research VP, has been named chair of the Costing and Financial Compliance committee within COGR. He will work with top research institutions and federal agencies to address regulatory burden on researchers.
The FAILSAFE project aims to combat fungal antimicrobial resistance by promoting innovative solutions and supporting researchers globally. The initiative has already awarded over £1.7 million in grants to 78 researchers across 13 countries.
Climate change is associated with poorer HIV prevention outcomes, including reduced testing and increased risk behaviors, leading to higher new infections and poorer treatment adherence. Researchers identified links between extreme weather events and HIV-related challenges, emphasizing the need for innovative interventions and strategies.
Researchers will analyze tissue samples from 100 patients over three years to understand why some respond better than others to biologic and targeted therapies. The study aims to improve matching of treatments to individual patients, reducing the guesswork and cost associated with ineffective treatment.
Weill Cornell Medicine has received a $2.3 million CDC grant to enhance care coordination for young breast cancer survivors, focusing on racially and socio-economically diverse groups to reduce symptom burden and improve survival outcomes.
A recent study by Mizzou researchers found that nursing home residents with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias are more likely to experience avoidable hospital transfers due to a mismatch between care provided and personal preferences. Increasing staff support, training, and resources can help improve outcomes for these residents.
Researchers developed a non-invasive way to assess fat composition around the heart using magnetic resonance imaging. This technique may help doctors identify patients at greatest risk for cardiac problems and predict treatment outcomes.
Dr. Gail Cornwall is investigating the structure of the brain extracellular matrix, a network of proteins and polysaccharides found in the space between neurons and glia. Her research aims to identify novel structural elements and mechanisms that enable brain plasticity and sex-specific responses.
Researchers aim to make school inhaler programs sustainable and scalable to improve student health and safety, with a focus on rural areas where challenges exist. The study seeks evidence-based recommendations to inform policymakers, healthcare providers, and educators on how to implement effective asthma management strategies.
Researchers have identified molecular changes that occur long before symptoms appear, shedding light on the development of Rett syndrome. These findings hold promise for developing safe gene therapies and monitoring biomarkers to track MECP2 gene function.
David D. O’Keefe has been named vice president of research development at Sanford Burnham Prebys, bringing his expertise to nurture a culture of grant writing and collaboration. He will support new assistant professors and advance the institute’s mission by identifying research trends and developing funding strategies.
The study aims to identify early warning signs and potential treatment for cerebral small vessel disease, a condition linked to vascular dementia. Researchers will analyze cerebrospinal fluid and brain tissues using cutting-edge technologies to map mRNA within cells affected by the disease.
A six-year study examining 38 clinical isolates of Cryptococcus found genes and gene alleles associated with disease severity. The research aims to develop new treatments targeting these genetic variations, predicting disease outcomes and improving patient care.
WashU Medicine receives a $10.8 million grant to support cutting-edge leukemia research and renew its SPORE program in blood cancer. The grant will fund four major research studies and a career-enhancement program to train the next generation of physician-scientists.
Researchers aim to advance eye transplantation through cutting-edge technologies and techniques, including cell-based therapies and device development. The six-year project, led by Kia Washington at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, seeks to overcome current limitations in whole-eye transplant success rates.
A team of researchers at USC will receive funding to test a novel approach to slowing age-related cognitive decline, targeting the brain's lymphatic system. The grant aims to delay the onset of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease by clearing waste buildup.
Ana Pombo, a biochemist at the Max Delbruck Center, has been awarded the prestigious Leibniz Prize for her pioneering research on the three-dimensional structure of genomes. Her work aims to understand how environmental factors influence gene regulation and diseases like autism or epilepsy.
The Pew Charitable Trusts has funded eight teams of researchers to conduct interdisciplinary biomedical research projects. These partnerships aim to advance scientific discovery and improve human health by combining expertise in cell biology, immunology, neuroscience, and genetics.
Researchers aim to improve treatment response in patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma by reprogramming tumor cells into immune cells that recognize and kill cancer cells. This approach combines checkpoint inhibitors to enhance the immune response.
Dr. Christopher Seet has received a $2.9 million R37 MERIT Award from the National Cancer Institute to develop innovative T cell therapies for cancer. The grant will support research into iPSC-derived T cells, which can be engineered for enhanced tumor-fighting capabilities.
A Virginia Tech researcher has received a collaborative grant to improve cancer therapies by developing 3D liver organoids and employing cutting-edge microscopy technology. The project aims to identify the most effective treatments for cancer, enabling better-targeted treatments.
Professor Robert Fledrich has been awarded an ERC Consolidator Grant for his research on the regeneration of peripheral nerves. His team aims to investigate the conditions required for successful nerve regeneration, focusing on glial cells' metabolic dynamics and communication pathways.
A recent study published in Nature found that mother fleas can transmit the plague to their offspring, posing a significant threat to prairie dog colonies and other rodent populations. This discovery highlights the importance of understanding the role of animals in the dissemination of the disease.
The European Union has funded a five-year research project to study the adaptability of tissues, with a focus on mucociliary tissues that play key roles in the body's protective functions. The team aims to understand how these tissues function and which mechanisms cause their failure in diseases.
Georg Winter's ERC Consolidator Grant has significantly advanced small molecule strategies for degrading cancer proteins, publishing over 30 studies in leading journals. His work on altering gene regulation holds tremendous potential for rewriting the genetic program of cancer cells and developing targeted therapies.
The Lieber Institute will use the grant to develop a new generative AI approach called GRAPE to create new drugs for treating schizophrenia and other mental illnesses. The tool will design molecular structures based on known gene expression patterns, aiming to mitigate the combined effects of hundreds of risk genes.
The University of Arizona researchers aim to gain a better understanding of factors contributing to the health and quality of life of people living with spina bifida. The project will collect data on patients of all ages, providing insights into gaps in care and unmet needs for individuals with spina bifida across the lifespan.
The $2.7 million grant will support a network of research sites across the US and Latin America, investigating clinical characteristics and potential differences in care for Latinos with Down syndrome. The study aims to identify risk and resiliency factors that could change the presentation of Down syndrome in diverse cultural contexts.
Leila Nabulsi is expanding her research program to pinpoint brain pathways affected by bipolar disorder. She will leverage the ENIGMA consortium and advanced statistical methods to build a database of brain changes, potentially improving diagnosis and treatment.
Min Li will receive the 2024 Palade Prize for his contributions to pancreatology, recognizing his pioneering work on pancreatic cancer and metabolic reprogramming. He has been continuously funded by the National Cancer Institute for 15 years and has published over 200 high-impact articles.
A new research grant aims to develop kinase inhibitors for treating type 1 diabetes, with a focus on preventing and reversing the condition. The grant is made through C-Path's TRxA program in partnership with The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust.
A new AI program, PanEcho, has been developed to interpret echocardiography videos independently, reducing wait times and improving timely medical care. The program demonstrated accuracy in estimating continuous echocardiographic parameters and quantifying left ventricle dimensions and function.
Scientists have successfully used optogenetics to control seizure activity in living human brain tissue, opening doors to new treatments for epilepsy and other neurological diseases. By switching off specific neurons with light pulses, researchers can prevent seizures from occurring, providing a less invasive alternative to surgery.
Researchers at Anglia Ruskin University are investigating the complex relationship between fat tissue and colorectal cancer. The study aims to enhance knowledge of the tumour microenvironment, uncover new molecules crucial for cancer growth, and develop more effective treatments.
The American Federation for Aging Research has announced sixteen recipients of the 2024 Glenn Foundation for Medical Research Postdoctoral Fellowships in Aging Research and four recipients of the Glenn Foundation for Medical Research Grants for Junior Faculty, providing $1.5 million in vital funding.
The American Federation for Aging Research (AFAR) has awarded seven grants to early career scientists to explore various topics in aging research. The $150,000 awards will support the development of careers in aging research and contribute to the advancement of basic mechanisms of aging.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that using Chat GPT Plus does not significantly improve the accuracy of doctors' diagnoses, but it outperformed conventional methods in certain cases. The researchers suggest that physicians need more training and experience with AI to capitalize on its potential.
Singer Amy Grant's personal testimonial highlights the urgent need for support to save women's lives by funding research into better diagnosing, treating, and preventing cardiovascular disease. The American Heart Association aims to address awareness gaps and bridge clinical care gaps in women's heart health.
Researchers at WVU are developing a hybrid of silver and carbon nanotubes to reduce antibiotic-resistant infections in open bone fractures. The study aims to create a safe and effective antimicrobial material that can be used on various medical products.
A new two-year grant will support research on the intersection of alcohol use and intimate partner violence among bisexual+ young adults. The study aims to identify factors contributing to alcohol-related partner violence and inform interventions tailored to this vulnerable population.
TU Graz researcher Gerhard A. Holzapfel leads a six-year project to develop AI-based methods for analyzing soft tissue mechanical properties using transcriptomics and microstructure imaging. The team aims to improve disease diagnosis and therapy in clinical practice.
A team of researchers, including Binghamton University's Ahyeon Koh, is working on an innovative project to treat inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's and ulcerative colitis. The goal is to create a 'cell factory' in the body that can produce pharmaceuticals to alleviate symptoms.
BEMOSAIC and MakingBlood projects aim to revolutionize vascular function and blood stem cell production, respectively. The ERC Synergy Grants will support the development of novel therapies for vascular-related pathologies and blood cancer patients.
Researchers will develop a high-resolution PET scanner that can accurately detect amyloid plaques and tau tangles, enabling earlier diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. The portable scanner aims to improve accessibility and portability for underserved communities.
Researchers from The University of Texas at Arlington are conducting a DNA analysis project to determine the genetic differences between the rare Dixon's whiptail and the common checkered whiptail. If the two species are found to be distinct, Dixon's whiptail may become eligible for endangered species protection.
The Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need program will fund eight doctoral students at WPI, increasing the department's diversity and footprint. The fellowships will help create new career paths in life sciences.