News on the money and policy behind biomedical research. Covers foundation and career-development awards, endocrine and neuroscience funding, and university royalties.
A new study from the University of Iowa found that improving access to affordable primary care reduced preventable hospital stays for black and Hispanics who receive both Medicare and Medicaid. However, it also showed that trips to the emergency department went up among all dual eligibles, regardless of race or ethnicity. The study sug...
Johns Hopkins scientists discovered that blocking calcium from entering mitochondria in heart cells didn't prevent cell death after heart attacks, but rather activated alternative pathways. The study's findings challenge the long-standing theory of using calcium channel blockage to prevent heart attack damage.
The American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) presents ten research awards and seven grants to recognize outstanding research initiatives. This year's award recipients include Thomas Kremen, Clare L. Ardern, Blaine A. Christiansen, Alexander Scott, and several others for their innovative projects on stem cell use, osteoa...
The project aims to improve food environments and increase physical activity in southwest Atlanta's target neighborhoods. Over three years, it will work to increase healthy food access for at least 75% of the communities.
A team of researchers from the University of Southampton has been awarded a British Council Newton Fund grant to support groundbreaking research on infectious diseases in Malaysia. The project aims to develop vaccines and improve public health capacity, with potential benefits for the country's Ministry of Health.
Scientists at the University of Pittsburgh Center for Vaccine Research are developing vaccines and therapies against deadly mosquito-borne diseases, including eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) and alphavirus. The research aims to limit brain entry by these viruses and identify biological markers of disease severity.
Bonnie L. Bassler receives the FASEB 2016 Excellence in Science Award for her pioneering work on quorum sensing, a universal chemical code used by bacteria to communicate. Her research has significant implications for food production, health, energy, and environmental issues.
Patient care leaders at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center highlight the need to eliminate emotional harms that can erode trust and damage patient-provider relationships. The medical center has developed a system to track and address these harms, which may be more prevalent than physical harms.
Healthcare education researchers call for increased funding to provide a sound evidence base for medical training methods. Without it, the future of healthcare training is at risk, leading to preventable errors and costly mistakes that can result in significant financial burdens on patients and the NHS.
Researchers will study the complex interaction of human and natural forces that may alter patterns of disease transmission. Small prawns are expected to kill snails effectively, providing a potential solution to schistosomiasis.
Rettsyndrome.org announces new Translational Research Awards to tackle nonsense mutations in MECP2 gene, aiming to develop treatments for Rett syndrome. The awards include the Read-Through Program and Neuro-Habilitation grants, furthering research towards new pharmacologic treatments and improved clinical practices.
Kasturi Haldar and Grant McFadden emphasize the importance of basic research in their articles on PLOS Pathogens. They share their personal experiences and highlight how fundamental research can lead to breakthroughs in fields like malaria, cancer, and inflammatory diseases.
Researchers developed a computational model to predict pressure ulcer formation in individuals with spinal cord injuries. The model demonstrated that early anti-inflammatory measures were crucial in preventing ulcers.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute are accelerating development of anti-diabetic compounds, focusing on peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors gamma (PPARG) and overcoming glitazone safety concerns. The new grant aims to inform clinical development and assess effects on bone.
The Louisiana State University Biomedical Research Network has received a $18.5 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to support biomedical research, faculty development, and infrastructure improvements. The program aims to increase the biomedical workforce in Louisiana and create a pipeline of future research scientists.
Scientists investigate placental microbiome, genes, and uterine muscle cells to understand preterm labor triggers. The goal is to develop novel drugs and treatments to prevent premature birth.
The study found that 39.96% of men and 29.74% of women were overweight, while 35.04% of men and 36.84% of women were obese. These rates are associated with a range of chronic health conditions.
A study by University of Pittsburgh researchers found a significant link between living in neighborhoods with high crime and vandalism and biological aging processes. Telomere length, a key indicator of cellular health, was found to be shorter in individuals from disadvantaged areas, similar to a 12-year chronological age difference.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute successfully test an experimental HIV vaccine candidate in mice, producing antibody precursors necessary to recognize and block HIV infection. The findings provide key information for the development of an effective AIDS vaccine.
Researchers have identified a previously unknown genetic immunodeficiency linked to DOCK2 mutations, which deactivates the immune system and leaves affected children open to aggressive and potentially fatal infections. The condition can be detectable by newborn screening and is curable with a hematopoietic stem cell transplant.
Professor Tiago H. Falk has received the Canadian Medical and Biological Engineering Society Early Career Achievement Award for his innovative research projects in biomedical engineering and multimedia communications. His work includes assistive devices for people with disabilities and low-cost methods for diagnosing Alzheimer's disease.
The world invested more than $200 billion to improve health in lower-income countries between 2000 and 2014. Despite a significant increase in funding after the Millennium Development Goals were established, global health financing stagnated between 2010 and 2014.
Since 1990, $458 billion was disbursed to developing countries for health, with the US government providing 31.2% and private philanthropies like the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation contributing 7.1%. Maternal health and newborn/child health received most of these funds.
A study found that genetic variants predicting higher systolic blood pressure are associated with lower Alzheimer's risk and increased use of antihypertensive medication. The study suggests that either high blood pressure or antihypertensive therapy may play a protective role against Alzheimer's disease development.
The National Institutes of Health has awarded Rhode Island Hospital a $5.8 million grant to support its cancer research program. The Center for Cancer Research Development will launch several pilot programs and extend the sustainability of its programs beyond Phase III, with a focus on developing new diagnostic and treatment protocols.
A study published in PLOS Computational Biology reveals that woodlice can calm their excited neighbors through a process of behavioral contagion, leading to greater group cohesion. This phenomenon is observed when calm individuals reduce the excitation of their neighbors, causing them to become calm as well.
Researchers Nira Pollock and John Branda aim to develop a novel urine test for early Lyme disease using a promising biomarker approach. The $100,000 grant will support their research on detecting Borrelia burgdorferi in urine samples from patients with early Lyme disease.
Vanderbilt University has been awarded a Grand Challenges Explorations Grant to develop a wearable insect-repellent device that creates a personal no-fly zone. The device aims to prevent mosquito-borne diseases by emitting a protective shield around the wearer.
Researchers developed an algorithm to predict planarian regeneration outcomes and identified a simple regulatory network. This breakthrough applies artificial intelligence to understand complex biological processes.
NYU Langone Medical Center has been awarded a $15 million federal grant to help primary care practices use the latest evidence to improve heart health. The grant, part of the EvidenceNOW Initiative, aims to reduce cardiovascular risk factors and study effective practice improvement strategies.
A new study suggests that the standard 30-day hospital readmission metric fails to accurately reflect changing risk factors. Researchers found that early readmissions (0-7 days post discharge) were associated with acute illness markers, while late readmissions (8-30 days post discharge) were more closely tied to chronic illness burden.
A recent study found that post-menopausal hormone therapy did not improve cognitive function, but may have benefits for certain mood symptoms. The trial included 693 recently postmenopausal women and followed them for four years, with some women experiencing improvements in mood symptoms.
The National Psoriasis Foundation has awarded eight researchers $75,000 each to study the causes of psoriasis and develop new treatments. The grants will support research into various aspects of psoriasis, including genetic mutations, skin stem cells, and inflammatory proteins.
Mayo Clinic researchers identified 69 never events among 1.5 million invasive procedures, with 628 human factors contributing to the errors. Four to nine factors contributed to each event, including environmental, organizational, job and individual characteristics.
The National Institutes of Health has awarded a $10.5 million grant to the Einstein-Mount Sinai Diabetes Research Center, which aims to expand ongoing diabetes research projects, initiate new studies, and improve service delivery in the New York metropolitan area.
Two RI-MUHC research leaders, Dr. Morag Park and Dr. Alain Ptito, have been awarded significant grants to advance their work in cancer therapy and brain injuries. The grants will support the development of new diagnostic tools and treatments for thousands of Canadians affected by head injuries.
A study published in PLOS Computational Biology found that sleep strengthens and weakens synapses, leading to memory erasure or new memories. The results provide an empirical framework for understanding the complex role of sleep in learning and memory.
The authors warn that unstable funding may harm the country's position as a world leader in biomedical research. Early-career scientists are particularly vulnerable, and support is needed to address this issue.
The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) has partnered with Bayer HealthCare to expand its Basic Cancer Research Fellowship Program. The partnership aims to support young scientists conducting basic cancer research, addressing the current funding crisis in biomedical research.
A University of Miami researcher has received a $1.9 million grant to investigate the impact of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) on smoking cessation in African American, Hispanic and White smokers. The study aims to reduce tobacco-associated health disparities by examining the effects of CBT on stress and depressive symptoms.
Leading medical schools warn of a hostile work environment due to uncertain federal funding, threatening research initiatives and clinical advances. The deans call for predictable funding streams and increased financial stability to support biomedical research and innovation.
The AHRQ-funded Healthy Hearts Northwest project aims to improve heart health among patients in primary care practices in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. The initiative provides resources, support, and quality improvement strategies to help small- and mid-sized practices build their capacity for delivering high-quality cardiovascular care.
The nation's research funding squeeze jeopardizes patient care, eroding time to conduct research and discouraging innovative science. Deans of leading academic medical centers call for predictable and sustainable funding indexed to inflation to support research and teaching.
A renowned researcher has been awarded a $4.9 million grant to advance her work on retinitis pigmentosa, a degenerative retinal disease affecting 150,000 individuals nationally. The grant will support stem cell therapy aiming to delay the progression of the disease and preserve vision.
Treatment with Botox improves skin pliability and elasticity, mimicking more youthful skin. However, these changes last only for four months, returning to pre-treatment levels.
The researcher will lead a collaboration to develop nanotechnology-based therapeutic platforms that can treat biofilm infection in chronic wounds. The goal is to create minimally invasive treatments with fast recovery times and fewer side effects.
A study of over 56,000 people born in Britain from 1946 to 2001 found that most of the rise in BMI has been due to increases at the upper end of the distribution, with childhood obesity more prevalent among younger generations. The age at which adults enter the overweight range decreased over time.
The Brain and Behavior Research Foundation has awarded $3.9 million in NARSAD grants to 40 independent investigators from around the world. These grants support basic research, new technologies, and next-generation therapies for schizophrenia, major affective disorders, and other serious mental illnesses.
Researchers found that only 34% of fixed-dose drug combinations (FDCs) in India received central regulatory approval. FDCs containing anti-depressant/benzodiazepine drugs were sold without CDSCO approval in over two-thirds of cases, highlighting the need for stricter regulations and monitoring.
A study of over 1.5 million patients found a passing increase in adjusted mortality rates following Massachusetts health insurance reform, suggesting that simply providing insurance incentives and subsidies may not improve survival for trauma patients. The study's findings resolve within a few years, but highlight the need for more com...
The Department of Energy's Office of Science has selected 44 early-career researchers to receive significant funding for research, bolstering the nation's scientific workforce. The program provides support to talented researchers during their formative years.
Researchers at Wayne State University are seeking to understand the genomic information of herpes simplex virus 1 and its interactions with host cells to develop new anti-herpes treatments. The study aims to uncover the functions of infected cell protein 0, which plays a key role in disrupting host defenses.
A redesigned wire system using stealth technology reduces heat generation in implanted device leads, allowing more patients to safely undergo MRI exams. This innovation expands access to state-of-the-art imaging for up to 300,000 patients worldwide.
A survey of nearly 7000 people found that 98% want to be informed if researchers stumble upon disease indicators in their genetic data. Genomic data has a perceived value, but clinically actionable data is the main interest. Healthcare professionals are concerned about sharing incidental findings and ancestry info.
A new study found that patient portals exacerbate existing health disparities, with less educated and minority patients being less likely to use electronic medical records. Patients with low health literacy skills were 3.5 times more likely to be registered than those without these skills.
The project aims to equip hospital chaplains with research skills, enabling them to guide, evaluate and advocate for spiritual care. This will advance outcome-oriented chaplaincy care and align with the growing body of evidence connecting religion and spirituality with better patient outcomes.
The District of Columbia Center for AIDS Research brings together six institutions to combat the HIV epidemic in Washington D.C. Georgetown University Medical Center plays a key role, with its Women's Interagency HIV Study and clinical and population sciences core providing critical services.
A recent study found that a drop in vaccine protection is a likely explanation for the surge in pertussis disease cases in the US. The 'acellular' vaccine is found to have lower protection levels compared to the previously-used 'whole-cell' vaccine.
The Indiana University Center for Aging Research and the Regenstrief Institute will expand their long-term care model OPTIMISTIC to target high rates of hospitalization among older adults in nursing homes. The grant aims to improve care, reduce hospitalizations, and increase access to palliative care.
A study published in Science found a high correlation between how NIH projects are rated by peer review and the quality of resulting research. The analysis showed that applications with better peer-review scores are consistently associated with better research outcomes.