News on the money and policy behind biomedical research. Covers foundation and career-development awards, endocrine and neuroscience funding, and university royalties.
A team of researchers, led by Drs. Meaney and Smith, will investigate the cellular mechanisms of concussions and their impact on brain recovery. They aim to decipher how the brain re-routes signals after a concussion and develop new clinical interventions.
B.J. Fregly, a mechanical engineering researcher, will work with oncologists at Rice University to optimize pelvic surgery outcomes using personalized computer models. The goal is to predict surgical outcomes and improve recovery times for cancer patients undergoing difficult pelvic surgeries.
A large study of adults who underwent weight-loss surgery found that nearly one in five developed problems with alcohol. The most common procedure, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, was associated with a higher risk of alcohol use disorder than other procedures.
The Trauma Medical Home model provides comprehensive care for injured individuals over 50, addressing physical, psychological, and cognitive recovery. By monitoring patient progress and coordinating with primary care physicians, the model aims to significantly decrease healthcare costs and improve patient outcomes.
A human protein called valosin containing protein (VCP) is crucial for human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) replication. Reducing VCP expression in infected cells significantly reduced viral replication.
The Center for Excellence in Engineering Biology has awarded a $500,000 grant to Columbia University to develop human cells that can grow with reduced external nutrients, known as prototrophy. This pilot project is part of the Genome Project-write (GP-write) Grand Challenge, aiming to deepen an understanding of life and develop pragmat...
Despite strong progress, Israel still faces significant health disparities, with lower life expectancy and higher rates of heart disease, diabetes, and smoking among its Arab population. The country's aging population poses a growing challenge, and addressing ethnic inequalities is crucial to ensuring universal healthcare coverage.
Xiaoyen Zheng, a GW researcher, has received a $1.7 million grant to continue studying the Hedgehog receptor's mechanisms. Her research aims to understand the role of ciliary trafficking in regulating the Patched component.
Researchers discovered genetic influences in 'type 1.5' diabetes that may offer clues for more accurate diagnosis and treatment. The study found that LADA is closer to T1D than T2D, suggesting some patients with adult-onset type 2 diabetes may have late-onset type 1 diabetes.
The Teaching Health Centers (THC) program, created under the Affordable Care Act, funds 700 primary care residents to serve in 28 states, helping 500,000 people living below poverty line, most with public insurance or none.
The University of Alabama at Birmingham has been awarded a five-year, $11.2 million Program Project Grant to study the renal control of sodium and salt balance. The research aims to understand how the body regulates salt intake and its impact on blood pressure regulation.
Scientists have successfully generated lung tissue using Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs), which can be used to test new treatments for various lung diseases. The study reveals key genes controlling lung formation and creates mini-lung organoids for further research.
Researchers at UTSA developed a chip that can extend battery life of electronics, making lower power devices like cell phones work more efficiently. The chip is small in size and manages power consumption to reduce heat and increase device lifespan.
Sandra Rieger, Ph.D., will investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying peripheral neuropathy caused by Taxol (paclitaxel) and explore potential treatments using MMP-inhibiting compounds. The grant aims to develop new drug therapies for this debilitating condition affecting millions of Americans.
Boston University School of Medicine's team science approach has led to numerous publications, new research grants, and training opportunities. The Evans Center for Interdisciplinary Biomedical Research has facilitated successful biomedical partnerships, resulting in 421 highly cited scientific publications.
The Sidney Kimmel Foundation has selected the final 15 research scientists and medical doctors to receive two-year grants totaling $200,000 each. These grantees will contribute to significant contributions to cancer research and are among the most promising young investigators.
A study of 27 Tibetan genomes found variants of five genes that help Tibetans survive at high altitudes. The genes are related to oxygen levels, vitamin D metabolism, and other physiological responses to extreme conditions.
Several emerging companies are developing innovative neuromodulation therapies to alleviate conditions such as autism spectrum disorder, spinal cord injury, and persistent pain. BioInduction Ltd.'s Picostim and BlueWind Medical's RENOVA iStim aim to provide targeted stimulation for various clinical indications.
A study published in PLOS Biology reveals that gut bacteria control food preferences in fruit flies by inducing metabolic changes that mimic protein satiety. The research identifies two bacterial species responsible for altering appetite behavior, shedding light on the complex interaction between diet and microbes.
Researchers have discovered how individual neurons coordinate to anticipate events in the brain's auditory cortex. This process is impaired in neurological and psychiatric disorders such as dyslexia and ADHD. By understanding these mechanisms, scientists hope to develop new models for studying predictive signals in the brain.
Pacific Islanders face significant mental health disparities due to cultural taboos, stigma, and lack of information about resources. A new two-year study led by UC Riverside's Andrew Subica aims to develop culturally attuned interventions to promote engagement in mental health services.
The University of Maryland School of Medicine has been awarded a $9 million grant to develop new tools against drug-resistant malaria. The research aims to accelerate malaria elimination in Southeast Asia by integrating clinical and field research findings.
Researchers found that NDP1, a signaling molecule made from DHA, triggers the production of a protective protein against toxic free radicals and injury in the brain and retina. The discovery may contribute to possible therapeutic interventions for retinal degenerations and ischemic stroke.
BMC is expanding its baby-friendly hospital initiative in Mississippi with a $1.5 million grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. The program aims to increase breastfeeding rates and reduce disparities by providing technical assistance to hospitals in achieving the Baby-Friendly designation.
A study published in Psychiatry Research Neuroimaging found that the reward system in women's brains is larger than in nonalcoholic women and smaller in alcoholic women than in nonalcoholic men. The study also showed a negative association between sobriety time and ventricle size, suggesting recovery from alcoholism.
A new species of extinct carnivorous mammal, Masrasector nananubis, was identified in Egyptian fossils dating back 34 million years. The hyaenodont was a teratodontine with largely complete skulls and limb bones.
The National Institute on Aging has awarded $1.3 million to the American Federation for Aging Research as the first Nathan Shock Centers Coordinating Center. This center will coordinate activities among six basic biology of aging centers, enhance external communication with researchers and the public, and facilitate data sharing.
Dr. John Lahey has been honored with the first-ever ACGT Edward Netter Award for his contributions to cancer gene therapy. He is recognized for his strategic planning that grew student enrollment from 2,000 to nearly 10,000 students at Quinnipiac University.
The University of Texas at Arlington's Bioengineering Department has been awarded a $1 million NIH T-32 grant to train doctoral students in nanotechnology for treating cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases. The program will offer collaborations with multiple departments and colleges, providing multi-disciplinary training and innovative...
The University of Kentucky has been awarded a $11.2 million grant to establish a new center for cancer and metabolism research. The Center for Cancer and Metabolism will focus on understanding the link between dysfunctional metabolism and cancer, with the goal of developing novel therapies.
Three TU Dresden scientists, Prof. Stephan Grill, Frank Buchholz, and Stefan Kaskel, receive significant ERC Advanced Grants to advance research in embryo development, efficient genetic surgery, and pressure amplifying materials with potential applications in energy and environmental technologies
Researchers discovered three novel genetic mutations associated with Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy, increasing the number of known risk factors fourfold. The study also revealed sex-specific differences in genetics and found that these genes can predict disease risk with approximately 78% accuracy.
Kim Sneppen, a professor at the University of Copenhagen, has been awarded a large ERC grant to explore diversity in biological systems using methods from physics and complex systems. His project aims to understand how diversity emerges and is maintained in complex biological systems.
Wolves in Yellowstone National Park prefer to hunt elk over bison despite bison being more abundant, likely due to the danger posed by larger prey.
A UC Riverside researcher has received a two-year grant to explore a therapeutic target for IBD patients with TCPTP mutations. The study aims to correct intestinal barrier defects and reduce inflammation in the intestine.
A UTSA student-led team has received a $50,000 NSF grant to continue developing their infrared medical camera, InfraVein. The team will travel to Boston for the NSF I-Corps seminar series, where they will test their business model and market strategy with potential customers.
The American Society of Hematology has awarded $150,000 in Bridge Grants to five researchers to sustain their hematologic research proposals. The grants will help preserve programs at institutions across the US and encourage the retention of promising researchers in uncertain NIH funding environments.
The National Science Foundation has awarded 156 early career engineers with a total of $78 million in grants, covering fields like smart materials, advanced robotics, and secure communications. These awardees will conduct five-year research projects and are expected to make significant advances in their respective areas.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University discovered a self-renewing mechanism to help retina sense light using biochemically manipulated vitamin A. This mechanism could lead to improved therapeutics for treating people with vision impairment and other nerve cell disorders.
The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is providing $2.4 million in funding to support veterinary services and alleviate shortages in rural areas. The grant program will help veterinarians, veterinary students, and other health professionals gain specialized skills and provide practices with additional resources.
A team led by Jennifer Wargo at MD Anderson is studying the connection between gut bacteria and immune system response in melanoma patients treated with anti-PD1 therapy. The study aims to understand how microbiome diversity influences treatment outcomes.
A new study published in Science shows that public funding research is essential for commercial innovation, with 30% of NIH-funded grants generating articles cited by private-sector patents. This highlights the importance of continued investment in biomedical research and its potential economic returns.
A recent study published in Science reveals that public funding for biomedical research is essential for driving innovation. The analysis found that 30% of NIH-funded grants generate articles that are subsequently cited by commercial patents, highlighting the importance of publicly-funded research in informing commercial innovation.
A new MIT study reveals that 31% of NIH grants contribute to private-sector patents in biomedicine, while 8% generate patents directly. The research shows no significant difference between 'basic' and 'applied' research grants in terms of patent generation.
The US burden of neurological disease is estimated to be nearly $800 billion/year, with costs projected to grow as the elderly population doubles between 2011 and 2050. The American Neurological Association commissioned a study detailing the annual cost of nine key neurological diseases and disorders.
A new study found that individual Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (iCST) delivered at home by family caregivers has no effect on dementia patients' cognition but improves their relationship with caregivers. The therapy also enhances the caregiver's quality of life.
Researchers call for a coordinated effort to understand plant-microbiome interactions to improve plant health and agricultural productivity. Five key research priorities are proposed to address nutrient use, stress tolerance, disease resistance, microbiome assembly, and functional mechanisms.
A new study by an international team of scientists has found that Antarctica's biodiversity and conservation management are similar to those globally. Despite some areas of improvement, such as invasive species management, overall progress is lagging behind global targets.
Researchers have discovered small molecule drugs that activate signaling pathways leading to specific adult brain cell types from stem cells. These findings provide new insights into neural development and repair, identifying several new approved drugs with potential therapeutic value for brain injury repair.
Researchers have discovered a molecule sent by fat cells to the fly brain that signals when energy stores are sufficient, inhibiting feeding behavior. This finding suggests a potential appetite-suppression mechanism in humans and may lead to new weight management strategies.
JAX Professor Yijun Ruan has received a $1.05 million grant from the Human Frontier Science Program to explore the fundamental mechanics of memory and learning, as well as epilepsy. The research team will investigate how genome topology contributes to changes in gene expression that underlie these conditions.
The STEP-UP program, supported by a $1.3 million NIH grant, provides biomedical research training to disadvantaged college undergraduates, promoting careers in biomedical research and academic medicine. Over 230 students have been trained, with 80% enrolling in doctoral or professional degree programs.
Kessler Foundation and Children's Specialized Hospital renew their three-year collaboration to improve mobility, cognition, and educational outcomes in children with disabilities, leveraging $3.4 million in funding.
Repeal of key ACA provisions and failure to renew critical funding streams would result in significant funding losses for community health centers. Nearly 80% of centers estimate financial losses exceeding 20%, with many at risk of laying off staff, cutting services, or shutting down clinical sites.
The six HPC centres will enable new discoveries, drive innovation, and provide access to powerful computers for researchers. The centres will be used for various applications such as predicting jet engine performance, exploring new materials, and developing driverless cars.
The Keck School of Medicine is exploring the link between GERD and esophageal cancer, with a focus on inflammation, injury, and repair in the esophagus. The research aims to better understand how myofibroblasts contribute to esophageal cancer development.
Alfred Crosby, a UMass Amherst polymer scientist, has received a $1 million grant to explore the development of nanoscale wrinkles in plants and animals. He will collaborate with experts from the University of Cambridge and Switzerland to understand how these patterns relate to all living organisms.
CuanTec develops durable, antimicrobial, and biodegradable food packaging for seafood using a biopolymer from shellfish. The company aims to reduce £60 million annual losses in the seafood sector by converting waste into valuable products.
The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) and the Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association (CMTA) have awarded a $119,999 grant to study gene therapy for CMT1X. The two-year research project aims to examine the effectiveness of repeated injections and treatment at later stages of the disease.
A study found that black, Hispanic, and less-educated women consume a less nutritious diet in the weeks leading up to their first pregnancy. The diets were assessed using the Healthy Eating Index-2010, which measures 12 key aspects of diet quality.