News on the money and policy behind biomedical research. Covers foundation and career-development awards, endocrine and neuroscience funding, and university royalties.
A $2.7 million NCI grant will fund research on warning labels for little cigars and cigarillos, which have higher use rates due to smaller pack sizes and lower taxes compared to cigarettes.
The University of Illinois has been awarded a $3 million NSF NRT grant to establish a PhD level certificate program combining materials and data science. The program aims to train the next generation of graduate students knowledgeable in both areas, with partnerships from various industries and national laboratories.
Researchers are developing robust gene transfer and editing technologies to study the unique biology of hornworts, which could lead to breakthroughs in plant evolution, crop yields, and environmental sustainability. The ultimate goal is to engineer symbiotic nitrogen fixation into crop plants, reducing fertilizer use and pollution.
Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center will conduct clinical research into eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders, trained investigators and patient advocacy groups will participate in the Consortium of Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disease Researchers. The NIH grant renewal aims to improve understanding and treatment of chroni...
Researchers at George Washington University will establish a rare disease network for myasthenia gravis, focusing on basic and clinical investigators, patient advocacy groups, and biotechnology companies. The network aims to develop new therapies and increase awareness of the unique needs of myasthenia gravis patients.
MIT researchers are developing a multicellular integrated chip platform to model the complexity of Alzheimer's disease. They will integrate blood vessels and key cell types, including neurons, immune cells, and oligodendrocytes, to provide a powerful testbed for personalized research.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open suggests that sleeping on one's back during the third trimester of pregnancy may be associated with average lower birth weights. The study investigated this potential link and found a correlation between back sleepers and smaller newborns.
The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus has received a grant to advance implementation science and cancer control efforts. The Center will develop resources and education to enhance cancer prevention and control in Colorado and nationally.
A new intelligent depth sensor system will track and assess daily activities of patients recovering from stroke in their own homes. The system provides personalized therapy plans tailored to individual patient goals and abilities.
Researchers at UTA are developing a groundbreaking treatment to accelerate the healing of cranial injuries using live 3D printing and regenerative antioxidant materials. The approach has the potential to shorten healing time and make treatment more accessible for patients.
The NIH awarded UTEP's BUILDing SCHOLARS program a $15.2 million grant to train the next generation of biomedical researchers in the US Southwest, focusing on cancer, addiction, environmental health, and more. The program aims to increase diversity in the biomedical research workforce.
Jia Niu, a Boston College Assistant Professor of Chemistry, has been awarded a $2.3 million NIH Director's New Innovator Award to develop new genomic editing tools. The funding will support the expansion of his research agenda in multiplexable genomic editing tools and their application to understand complex gene networks.
African American women report feeling pressured to act as superwomen to cope with racial discrimination, but research reveals mixed results on the persona's impact on health. Some aspects of being a strong black woman seem to protect against chronic stress, while others exacerbate its negative effects.
A recent study presented at the ESMO Congress 2019 found that nearly four times more patients responded to immunotherapy with pembrolizumab than standard chemotherapy in a trial for advanced mesothelioma. However, these responses did not delay progression or improve survival rates.
A phase III trial has shown that targeted therapy ivosidenib improves progression-free survival and overall survival in patients with IDH1-mutated cholangiocarcinoma. The study demonstrated the feasibility of targeting a molecularly defined subgroup, leading to potential changes in clinical practice.
A researcher at OU Medicine is studying ways to predict who will get diabetes, so that physicians can intervene earlier. She aims to understand how a person's genetic makeup interacts with lifestyle factors like poor diet and lack of exercise to lead to diabetes.
A new phase III trial found that immune therapy added to chemotherapy improved pathological complete response in patients with early triple negative breast cancer, leading to a clinically meaningful benefit and potential cure for more patients. The study also indicated an improvement in event-free survival.
Two studies show that CDK4/6 inhibitors plus fulvestrant significantly improve overall survival in hormone receptor-positive advanced breast cancer. The combination is recommended as a standard of care for patients with metastatic disease.
Researchers found that combination immunotherapy increases the 5-year overall survival rate to 52%, compared to 26% for ipilimumab monotherapy, and preserves quality of life. The therapy has a high cure rate and is effective even in patients who stop treatment due to side effects.
The CheckMate-227 trial found that the combination of nivolumab and low-dose ipilimumab improves overall survival in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer compared to chemotherapy. The treatment was well-tolerated, with a low rate of discontinuation and treatment-related toxicities.
First-line osimertinib significantly lengthens overall survival compared to older generation EGFR-TKIs in patients with Ex19del/L858R EGFR mutated advanced non-small cell lung cancer. The median overall survival with osimertinib was 38.6 months, with over half of patients alive at three years.
A new collaborative project aims to address the Great Lakes' seafood trade deficit by promoting sustainable aquaculture. The project, funded by $1 million, will focus on environmentally responsible and science-based initiatives.
Rice University chemist Han Xiao is developing a custom-designed 21st amino acid to make life-saving substances and produce novel proteins for therapies. The goal is to create 'unnatural organisms' that can produce multiple designer amino acids, leading to breakthroughs in immunotherapy and cancer treatment.
The NIH HEAL Initiative awards $945 million for grants and contracts across 41 states to improve treatments for chronic pain and curb opioid use disorder. The initiative aims to develop non-addictive medications and models of care to balance patient safety with effective pain management.
A recent study reveals significant elevations in anti-inflammatory lipid mediators in response to Toxocara roundworm infections, which contribute to the pathogenesis of neurotoxocarosis. The findings provide new understanding of host-parasite interactions during this disease.
The AIDS and Cancer Specimen Resource (ACSR) has been renewed for 5 years with a $22 million grant from the National Institutes of Health. The ACSR provides annotated HIV malignancy specimens to qualified researchers, supporting research into HIV-associated cancers.
Researchers Keefe Manning and Yong Wang propose a new method of surface modification of nanoparticles for local drug delivery to prevent thrombosis in medical devices. The goal is to develop a solution that would reduce side effects and increase drug concentration without frequent administration of antithrombotic drugs.
The University of Kentucky received a grant to establish a Clinical Research Center to provide quality addiction treatment for opioid use disorder in criminal justice settings. The grant will enhance access to treatment for women transitioning from jail to the community, addressing unique vulnerabilities.
CPRIT awards UTHealth $11 million to fund innovative cancer-fighting projects, including targeted treatments and cancer prevention programs. The grants support researchers at McGovern Medical School and UTHealth School of Public Health.
The University of Maryland School of Medicine has been awarded a $200 million contract from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases to develop and test new influenza vaccines. The research aims to protect against emerging flu strains and improve seasonal vaccines.
Boston University School of Medicine researchers have developed a new protocol to produce large quantities of AAVs, which can deliver specific genes into humans and animals. The advanced technique bypasses developmental effects, saving time and reducing the number of animals used in research.
JUA Technologies International, a Purdue University-affiliated startup, received federal and state grants worth $150,000 to further develop its solar-powered crop-drying devices. The technology aims to reduce food waste by enabling efficient drying of various crops, resulting in significant economic benefits for small growers.
The Zylka Lab has been awarded $6.1 million to develop a CRISPR/Cas9-based gene therapy for Angelman syndrome, with the goal of 'unsilencing' the paternal UBE3A gene in mice and human neurons. This new treatment approach holds promise for advancing a first-of-its-kind treatment for a pediatric-onset autism spectrum disorder.
The Compact X-ray Free Electron Laser (CXFEL) is a groundbreaking instrument that will help scientists explore various fields of research with spectacular clarity. The device, designed by physicist William Graves, is 100 times less expensive to build and operate than conventional XFELs, offering a precise tool for researchers.
Samantha Kleinberg is developing artificial intelligence that provides personalized information to patients, enabling them to actively manage their health. The research focuses on using wearable data and machine learning to identify causes of diseases and develop more usable algorithms that consider human factors.
Researchers revive 103-year-old succession plots in Alaska's Glacier Bay National Park, finding stable communities rather than predictable trajectories. The findings challenge traditional chronosequence studies and highlight the importance of early events in shaping long-term ecosystem dynamics.
Researchers have isolated four compounds from Mimosa caesalpiniifolia that show effective antifungal activity against Candida species, including drug-resistant strains. The compounds will be tested in the form of ointments to combat candidiasis, a potentially lethal disease.
This study analyzed US youth suicide rates from 1999 to 2017, adjusting for differences in age and year of birth. The results show increased adjusted rates among females, while males showed a more modest increase, with significant variability in mortality rates over the period.
Researchers found that noradrenaline is necessary for astrocytes to respond to local stimulation, effectively integrating sensory and behavioral information. Astrocytes can track distinct information during behavior, including arousal state and sensory experience.
The University of Miami has received a $50,000 grant from the US Department of Health and Human Services' Office of Research Integrity to promote research integrity in Argentina. The grant aims to increase awareness of institutional policy and training in responsible conduct of research.
Patients with hidradenitis suppurativa are at increased risk of developing new long-term opioid use. Researchers found that nearly 25% of patients developed opioids over two years, highlighting the need for alternative pain management strategies.
A study found that most European expedited approvals for new medicines are based on non-validated surrogate endpoints instead of proven clinical outcomes, casting doubt on their effectiveness.
The $4.28 million grant will fund the W2R Scholars program, supporting at least 150 transfer students in math, life sciences, physical sciences, engineering, and computer sciences. The program aims to increase participation of low-income, first-generation, and underrepresented students in STEM fields.
A national study found that black and Hispanic patients are more likely to be transported to safety-net hospitals compared to white counterparts living in the same zip code. The research also showed that ambulance diversion practices can exacerbate health disparities.
Sharareh Kermanshachi is studying third rail insulator failures and developing a workforce development framework for concrete paving experts. Her research aims to improve transportation efficiency and reduce project failures in the US.
A study analyzed 453,577 US suicides between 1999 and 2016, finding patterns at the county level. The research also uncovered associated geographic and community-level factors contributing to suicide rates.
A new research group at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin is studying the connection between gut bacteria and high blood pressure. The goal is to develop personalized treatments that improve the gut microbiome's function and prevent organ damage.
The UCI Institute for Clinical & Translational Science will use the grant to initiate and extend efforts to translate biomedical research into new treatments, with a focus on diverse communities. The institute aims to partner with community partners to identify and resolve health needs in Orange County.
Researchers are developing optical imaging technologies to monitor treatment response during head and neck cancer therapy, allowing for changes to the treatment plan to more effectively treat patients. The goal is to identify how well the treatment is working during the process, enabling doctors and patients to make informed decisions.
A researcher at the University of Kansas is exploring the potential of 3D-biomimetic-tissue-engineered exosomes for understanding long-distance cellular communications that control our immune systems. The goal is to develop a molecular-engineering approach to speed development of immunotherapy treatments.
Researchers are conducting a national trial to identify transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR-CM) in older minority patients with congestive heart failure. The goal is to use highly sensitive heart imaging and blood tests to diagnose the disease earlier, potentially leading to better patient outcomes.
The University of Minnesota Medical School has been awarded a $945K grant to advance its cell-based therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Researchers aim to replace diseased muscle tissue with healthy muscle cells using human induced pluripotent stem cells.
Researchers found a modified Mediterranean-ketogenic diet altered gut microbiome and reduced Alzheimer's markers in participants with mild cognitive impairment. The study suggests that specific gut bacteria changes may impact dementia development.
Jane Reznick has been awarded an ERC Starting Grant to investigate the metabolism of naked mole rats, which live up to 30 years old without heart disease or cancer. Her research aims to understand how these animals adapt to oxygen deficiency and potentially develop new therapies for humans.
The Novo Nordisk Foundation has awarded EUR 93.5m to the University of Copenhagen's Center for Protein Research to map proteins in the human body and understand their function. This will enable the development of new drugs and improve diagnostics.
Research suggests that considering multiple types of interactions between species is key to understanding how ecosystems work. The study found that removing species can have a greater impact on ecosystem function when different kinds of interactions are taken into account.
The University of Texas at Arlington has been awarded over $2 million in Cancer Prevention & Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) grants to support its thriving cancer research initiatives. Dr. Piya Ghose received a $2 million grant for her work on programmed cell death, while Dr. Yaowu Hao received $200,000 to investigate radioactive n...
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have received a $1.95 million grant to create customizable, ultra-high density neural probes using 3D nanoparticle printing. This new technology will increase accessibility to brain tissue and enable prototype new electrode configurations on-demand.
A $4.8 million grant from the National Science Foundation will provide scholarships and support services for Pima Community College students transferring to the University of Arizona to pursue STEM degrees. The grant aims to diversify talent pathways in Arizona and create a culture of belonging for underrepresented students.
The NIH Genomic Innovator Awards provide funding to six institutions to support early career researchers studying genome biology and its applications. The awards aim to accelerate genomics research and promote flexible and ambitious research projects.