News on the money and policy behind biomedical research. Covers foundation and career-development awards, endocrine and neuroscience funding, and university royalties.
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine will analyze genomic data from 11,000 individuals to identify rare genetic variants that may protect against or contribute to Alzheimer's disease risk. The study aims to uncover the biological pathways underlying the disease and potentially lead to novel therapeutic targets.
Four doctoral students at Washington University in St. Louis will train in mechanobiology, integrating biology with engineering and other disciplines. They will conduct research on various length scales and develop teaching skills through outreach activities.
Cancer Research UK's Programme Foundation Award will provide up to £1.5 million over six years to support mid-career scientists. The award aims to bridge the gap for researchers who need investment to compete with senior scientists.
GW researcher Alexandros Tzatsos receives over $1 million in grants to study pancreatic cancer's epigenetic regulators. He aims to develop targeted therapies for this aggressive form of cancer by understanding the role of histone demethylase.
Joseph Jez, co-director of the plant and microbial biosciences graduate program at Washington University in St. Louis, has received a $1 million grant from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) to establish the Biotech Explorers Pathway. The pathway aims to introduce entering students to both science and business of biotechnology,...
A study found that nearly half of deployed soldiers reported combat injuries, with 44% experiencing chronic pain and 15.1% using opioids in the past month. The researchers emphasized the urgent need to address chronic pain and opioid misuse among military personnel.
Researchers discovered a group of marine bacteria that synthesize flame retardant-like chemicals, including a potent endocrine disruptor. The study highlights the pervasiveness of these compounds in the ocean food chain, raising concerns about human health risks.
Adults who watch TV for three hours or more each day may double their risk of premature death compared to those who watch less, according to new research. Sedentary behaviors like watching TV are linked to increased mortality rates, with a twofold higher risk for those watching three or more hours daily.
The Jackson Laboratory Cancer Center has renewed its NCI grant for another year, solidifying its position as a world-class institution in multidisciplinary cancer research. The center supports innovative projects and collaborates with major academic medical centers to develop precise interventions for preventing cancer progression.
The Pew Charitable Trusts and Alexander and Margaret Stewart Trust launched a new scholars program targeting cancer research. Five promising early-career scientists will receive funding for innovative research using genetics, pharmacology, and structural biology.
A recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that women may derive greater benefits from cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) compared to men. The CRT device helps regulate the heartbeat, improving symptoms and quality of life for individuals with heart failure.
Researchers from Illinois and Kyoto University collaborate on a global effort to improve rice productivity through increased photosynthetic efficiency. The study aims to enhance drought tolerance in rice crops, which are critical for food security globally.
Scientists at the University at Buffalo are developing novel dosing regimens for polymyxin antibiotics to combat 'superbugs' like Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The research aims to maximize antibacterial activity while minimizing resistance and toxicity.
The Endocrine Society recognized Sen. Dick Durbin's dedication to advancing endocrinology research, particularly through the introduction of the American Cures Act. The proposed bill aims to create a trust fund for mandatory biomedical research funding, increasing support for NIH and other health programs.
The Photosynthetic Antenna Research Center (PARC) has been awarded $14.4 million in renewed funding from the Department of Energy to continue its research on natural and bio-inspired systems for harvesting the sun's energy. The center will focus on developing more efficient biohybrid systems to capture and convert solar photons into us...
Researchers discovered a genetic partnership between KRAS and YAP1, enabling cancer cells to survive in the absence of KRAS. This 'escape mechanism' must be blocked alongside shutting down oncogene KRAS to kill tumor cells.
Researchers propose a public-private partnership to fund diverse drug-discovery projects simultaneously, increasing the chances of therapeutic breakthroughs. The model estimates a double-digit return on public investment over the long run.
Four Monash researchers have been awarded top prizes in the NHMRC's Research Excellence Awards for their groundbreaking work on MAIT cells, infection prevention, and population health. Associate Professor Allen Cheng and Associate Professor Terry Haines will lead projects to develop new treatments and improve healthcare services.
The University of Kentucky's Superfund Research Center has received a significant grant to investigate the health impacts of toxic chemicals on humans and the environment. The research center aims to develop new methods for detecting hazardous chemicals and cleaning up contaminated sites.
Researchers discovered that damaged mitochondria in retinal ganglion cells are transferred to adjacent astrocytes, which then degrade them. This process, dubbed transmitophagy, has significant implications for understanding and treating neurodegenerative disorders.
Boston Medical Center (BMC) has been awarded a five-year $861,000 grant to train Ugandans in basic research on tuberculosis and emerging infectious diseases. The program will provide rigorous training in basic research approaches and enable Uganda's Makerere University to build capacity for conducting basic sciences research.
A recent study by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine has found that five UK charities are funded by the alcohol industry and influence alcohol policy. The research highlights concerns over potential conflicts of interest, with two charities receiving significant funding from industry sources.
A study published in PLOS Computational Biology reveals that hereditary disease genes are found throughout the human body. This discovery highlights tissue-specific protein interactions and provides a powerful tool for identifying new therapeutic targets.
African malaria mosquito expert Bradley White receives $1.8M NIH grant to create fine-scale recombination rate maps for Anopheles gambiae. The project aims to model and predict efficacy of novel vector control strategies.
The Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory has received funding to study the role of plasma in nanoparticle synthesis, a process used in various applications including energy technologies and pharmaceutical products. Key researchers will investigate complex interactions between hot plasma gas and material synthesis.
Researchers at Penn University's Center for Environmental Toxicology will study asbestos exposure pathways and develop methods for bioremediation. The study aims to identify factors that increase the risk of mesothelioma and determine if genetic or environmental factors play a role.
The Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO) has awarded the NWO Spinoza Prize to four outstanding researchers: Dirk Bouwmeester, Corinne Hofman, Mark van Loosdrecht, and Theunis Piersma. They will receive 2.5 million euros to pursue their research in various fields of science.
Researchers have found evidence of an intercellular bacterial infection in natural populations of two species of Anopheles mosquitoes, a major vector of malaria. The Wolbachia infection has been shown to reduce the incidence of pathogen infections in mosquitoes and could be used to control malaria-transmitting mosquito populations.
Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio have identified a protein called Grb10 as the on-off switch for converting unhealthy white fat into beige fat, a process that increases energy expenditure and reduces obesity. The finding could lead to the development of novel diabetes and obesity drugs.
A group of New Zealand health policy researchers has called on the BMJ to be more transparent about its publications, particularly when it comes to funding and conflicts of interest. The researchers argue that the BMJ accepted a report without disclosing the funding source, which was paid by the Canterbury District Health Board.
The WPI team has received a $50,000 grant from the National Science Foundation's Innovation Corps program to explore commercial potential of their new technology. They are engineering surfaces with antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) to prevent infections on catheters, orthopedic implants and other medical devices.
The University of Miami received a five-year grant of $1.5 million from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute to enhance its course-based research experiences, focusing on early engagement in biology and chemistry labs. This initiative aims to increase student persistence in STEM courses and develop a more diverse scientific workforce.
A 10-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) effectively prevents community-acquired pneumonia in infants in Latin America, with a 22% reduction in new cases. The vaccine also leads to significant reductions in acute otitis media and invasive pneumococcal disease.
The University of Surrey has been awarded a Grand Challenges Explorations grant to develop an affordable test for human tuberculosis. The project aims to modify the BCG vaccination and design a new skin test that only gives a positive result when someone has the infection, making it more sustainable in developing countries.
The University of Notre Dame's Marya Lieberman has received a Grand Challenges Explorations grant to develop printed test cards for rapid field screening of human and animal medications. The test cards can detect low-quality medications, applying economic pressure to companies that manufacture or distribute them.
Jackson Laboratory Assistant Professors Jennifer Trowbridge and Chengkai Dai have received federal research grants to investigate acute myeloid leukemia and metformin's anti-cancer effects. They aim to elucidate specific problems in key areas of cancer research.
A University of Nebraska-Lincoln team has developed a promising new approach for HIV vaccine development using an attenuated and genetically modified virus. The approach involves manipulating the virus' codons to rely on an unnatural amino acid, preventing the virus from replicating in the human body.
The University of California, Riverside has received a five-year, $2.4 million grant from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute to support STEM education and increase retention rates among underrepresented groups. The grant will provide lower division science students with early research immersion and career exploration opportunities.
The University of Houston is redesigning introductory STEM courses with hands-on projects and mentoring programs to encourage students to persist in STEM fields. The $1.5M grant aims to improve how science is taught and provide early research opportunities for all students.
The University of Pittsburgh has received a five-year, $1.5 million grant from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) to develop new lab-based biology courses aimed at retaining science students. The effort will build upon existing initiatives and aim to engage more students in research experiences from their freshman year.
Researchers have discovered a new coronavirus inhibitor that exhibits potent antiviral activity by blocking the hijacking of host membranes. This compound, called K22, prevents coronaviruses from usurping and re-shaping human host cell membranes to produce new virus particles.
A study of over 1 million trauma patients found that younger white patients had better outcomes than younger black patients, while older black patients fared better than similarly injured older white patients. This paradoxical finding may lead to a better understanding of the mechanisms causing disparities in trauma outcomes.
Paul Glasziou argues that open access models can reduce research waste and improve the quality of medical research. He suggests that charities and governments should publish funded work in open access to make it more effective, as $100 billion of pre- and post-publication research is wasted annually.
A new approach enables researchers to distinguish between different microbial species in complex communities, allowing for the discovery of previously unknown species and a better understanding of their genomic content. This breakthrough has significant implications for studying the human microbiome and its impact on individual health.
Researchers at Temple University School of Medicine are working on three projects to investigate key molecular mechanisms in heart failure, aiming to develop new therapies. The projects focus on signaling pathways implicated in cardiac injury and repair, with the goal of having new treatments ready for patients.
A large cohort study found that universal strategies to prevent obesity, regardless of genetic risk, are more effective in reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The study highlights the importance of promoting healthy lifestyles to minimize excess weight, particularly among younger and leaner individuals.
A new study published in the American Journal of Public Health found no link between fluoride exposure and lower IQ in children. The Dunedin Multidisciplinary Study followed nearly 1,000 people born in 1972-1973 up to age 38, controlling for factors like socio-economic status and breastfeeding.
The National Institutes of Health has awarded $600,000 to the University of California, Riverside to expand its data storage capacity. This grant will enable researchers to process vast amounts of high-throughput data generated in various fields, including genome biology and biomedical sciences.
Researchers at UCLA discovered that B cells respond to threats by producing antibodies only when a high threshold is reached, reducing the risk of false alarms. This mechanism helps prevent immune deficiency and autoimmune diseases.
Yuntao Wu's lab has won a $3.3 million NIH grant to develop an HIV cure using a Trojan Horse approach. The strategy aims to eliminate the virus by targeting its hiding places in T-cells. If successful, it could offer a cure for people struggling with HIV.
The Department of Energy's Office of Science has selected 35 scientists to receive significant funding for research through the Early Career Research Program. The program provides support to exceptional researchers during their formative years, helping build and sustain America's scientific workforce.
Nikki Posnack's study will investigate BPA and DEHP's impact on the cardiovascular system, including their effect on internal stability and mechanical function. She aims to determine whether real concentrations of these chemicals can cause adverse cardiac effects.
Researchers from Scripps Research Institute will develop new technology to diagnose three diseases using a unique group of enzymes known as protein arginine deiminases (PAD). PADs have been linked to inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, and Alzheimer's disease.
Dr. Richard Plemper is developing novel therapeutics against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infection. He aims to identify an anti-RSV drug and at least one distinct alternative compound to address the unmet clinical need for RSV therapeutics.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that stillbirth may be linked to both underweight and overweight fetuses. The research used a new approach to estimate gestational age and identified abnormal fetal growth in 25% of stillbirths, with those born small for gestational age facing a 3- to 4-fold increased risk of stillbirth.
Beaumont researchers will investigate a stem cell-based technique to redirect cells to heal injuries without removing them from the patient's body. The goal is to develop new treatments for osteoarthritis and Achilles tendon ruptures.
Researchers at Plymouth University will use drug and gene therapies to test whether altering mitochondrial fission or fusion improves dopamine-producing nerve cells in experimental models of Parkinson's Disease. The goal is to identify a potential new therapeutic strategy for this brain disorder, potentially slowing disease progress an...
Scientists at the University of Texas at Dallas are investigating the potential human health effects of multi-walled carbon nanotubes, tiny structures used in various products. The researchers will use advanced microscopy techniques to track how these nanotubes interact with human cells and determine their impact on health.
Researchers Jonathan Powell, G. William Wong, and Elias Zambidis will explore novel treatments for diabetes using protein design, hormone discovery, and stem cell therapy.
Researchers will study diverse structures from plants and animals like mantis shrimp, toucan, and bamboo to develop strong, lightweight materials.