News on the money and policy behind biomedical research. Covers foundation and career-development awards, endocrine and neuroscience funding, and university royalties.
INRS has secured a $10 million grant from the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) to acquire cutting-edge biotech and nanophotonics equipment. The new laboratories will enable researchers to develop innovative materials and technologies, improving healthcare and information technology.
Nicolas Doucet's team will develop new tools to study RNases and their role in cancer, inflammation, and asthma. The grant could lead to new medications and a better understanding of enzyme function.
Researchers at University of California, San Diego School of Medicine discover mutant protein levels in muscle cells are involved in SBMA, suggesting an alternative treatment avenue. Antisense oligonucleotides suppress mutant protein toxicity in mice, improving symptoms and survival.
Virginia Tech researchers have developed a microfluidic device that enables the analysis of small quantities of cells, allowing for better understanding of diseases. The device uses chromatin immunoprecipitation and produces reliable results with as few as 10-100 cells, compared to millions of cells previously required.
Scientists observe quantum critical point in TiSe2, challenging prevailing theory on superconductivity emergence. Domain wall formation connected to superconductivity, not CDW melting, reveals new phase boundary with implications for understanding superconducting behavior.
A Dream Team led by Elizabeth Jaffee and Robert Vonderheide aims to exploit patients' own immune cells to treat pancreatic cancer. The team will use vaccination and other agents to activate antitumor immune cells and convert the tumor microenvironment into a fostered rejection environment.
The SU2C-Lustgarten Foundation Pancreatic Cancer Convergence Dream Team aims to develop new therapies using patients' own immune cells to treat pancreatic cancer. The team, led by experts in various institutions, will focus on understanding the tumor microenvironment and developing therapeutic agents to eliminate barriers to treatment.
Researchers have identified a genetic association with facial asymmetry in an ancient cavefish, which may help solve mysteries surrounding cleft palate and hemifacial microsomia. The study used high-tech imaging techniques to compare the craniofacial features of cavefish with those of surface-dwelling fish.
Researchers develop genetically engineered mice with inherited brachyury gene change to study chordoma development. The mice will be made available to scientists through The Jackson Laboratory's repository.
The IOF-Servier Young Investigator Research Grant aims to develop and validate a sarcopenia-specific quality-of-life (QoL) tool. The grant will be used to assess the impact of sarcopenia on QoL in two prospective cohorts. Sarcopenia affects seniors, causing loss of muscle mass and strength.
A BUSM study found that expanding health insurance coverage in Massachusetts did not reduce 30-day readmission rates, particularly among African-American and Hispanic populations. The researchers suggest that states need to go beyond expanding insurance coverage to address disparities in access to care.
A comprehensive analysis of government grants and publications revealed that only a minor fraction of the funding was intended for aging research. Gerontogenes, which increase lifespan when overexpressed or mutated, are involved in stress response pathways that confirm the existence of a genetics-longevity program.
Researchers at NYU Langone Health have synthesized a fully functioning chromosome in yeast using computer-aided design, overcoming the biggest hurdle in synthetic biology. The seven-year effort built a chromosome with over 270,000 base pairs, enabling new capabilities and traits in yeast cells.
A new $1.5 million grant will expand a research initiative to improve diagnosis and care for pregnant women with pre-eclampsia, aiming to reduce maternal and newborn deaths worldwide. The project, led by Dr. Peter von Dadelszen, has already shown promising results with its clinical diagnostic predictive model, miniPIERS.
Researchers use CT scanning to capture high-speed 3D X-ray visuals of fly flight muscles, showing structural deformations as key to wing control. The study's findings offer insights into the intricate mechanics of a fly's wingbeat, which beats up to 50 times per second.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center are investigating the role of genetic variations, infection, inflammation, fetal lung development, and cervical ripening in triggering preterm labor. The study aims to identify women at risk of preterm labor and develop new treatments to prevent it.
SIR Foundation honors Ziv J Haskal with the Leaders in Innovation Award for his groundbreaking research in TIPS, dialysis access, and embolization procedures. The foundation also recognizes outstanding achievements in research and innovation among young investigators and residents.
The NIH has awarded a five-year grant of up to $28 million to establish a center for excellence in finding an antibody cocktail to fight the deadly Ebola virus. Researchers from 15 institutions, led by Erica Ollmann Saphire at Scripps Research Institute, will collaborate on definitive experiments.
The American Society of Nephrology warns that dwindling medical research funding is hindering progress in kidney disease and other medical studies. With 20 million Americans affected by chronic kidney disease, the need for continued clinical advances is pressing.
Researchers have shed light on the red widow spider's restricted diet, revealing it primarily preys upon five species of scarab beetles endemic to the Florida scrub habitat. This finding highlights the need for habitat conservation efforts in this unique ecosystem.
Researchers at Einstein will focus on discovering new immunotherapeutic candidates against Ebola and Marburg viruses, while another group will assess how well each antibody works. The project aims to advance treatments for hemorrhagic fever viruses, which cause severe diseases with high mortality rates.
The Kessler Foundation has received funding for five research projects focused on spinal cord injury rehabilitation. These projects aim to improve pain management, functional outcomes, and quality of life for individuals with SCI.
A Mount Sinai study reveals that GM-CSF protein production is critical for maintaining immune tolerance in the gut, and its deficiency may lead to increased susceptibility to inflammatory bowel diseases. The research suggests that targeting the GM-CSF axis could be a promising strategy for developing effective treatments for IBD.
Researchers at CU Denver Anschutz Medical Campus will receive $3 million as part of a national effort to study pediatric stroke. The focus is on understanding mechanisms of injury, protection, and repair of the brain following stroke in children, with the goal of training a new generation of pediatric stroke physicians.
The Frank R. Lillie Research Innovation Awards will fund two years of research for $125,000 per award, supporting novel collaborative projects at the Marine Biological Laboratory that aim to transform our understanding of fundamental biological processes and human health.
University of Notre Dame biologists Nicole Achee and Neil Lobo are leading a five-year project to develop spatial repellent products for mosquito control, aiming to prevent malaria and dengue fever. The grant will generate data on the effectiveness of this new paradigm in mosquito control.
A study found that peer review research in biomedicine lacks dedicated funding, resulting in underrepresented studies and poor publication rates. The analysis included 614 abstracts and revealed a significant gap in the development of methods to improve peer review.
Researchers seeking to understand the causes of premature birth aim to identify women at risk and develop new treatments. Genetic variations, infection, fetal lung development, and cervical changes are being investigated as potential triggers for preterm labor.
Angelique Louie, a UC Davis professor, has been awarded a $1 million grant from the W.M. Keck Foundation to develop novel technology for detecting gene expression in deep tissues using bioluminescent gene reporters and MRI. The project aims to facilitate noninvasive imaging for various biomedical applications.
The study found that Lapita inhabitants of Vanuatu relied primarily on foraging for food, with a diet including reef fish, marine turtles, fruit bats, and domestic land animals. The analysis of nitrogen and carbon isotopes in human bones also suggests a diet rich in plants, but with significant amounts of protein from animal sources.
A study of 1,055 physicians found that married women with children spent 8.5 hours more on parenting and domestic activities than their male counterparts, despite accounting for a spouse's employment. The finding highlights the persistent gender differences in household labor among high-achieving female doctors.
Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) affects nearly 30 million Americans, causing significant healthcare costs annually. The Northwestern Medicine Sinus and Allergy Center is receiving a $8.4M NIH grant to advance CRS research and develop new treatment strategies.
For-profit hospices tend to provide fewer community benefits, serve more patients with longer stays, and exceed Medicare's cap on length of stay. In contrast, nonprofit hospices are more likely to partner with oncology centers and address disparities in hospice use.
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) has rated The Wistar Institute Cancer Center as 'exceptional' and recommended a $14.9 million support grant renewal over five years. This rating highlights the center's commitment to scientific collaboration, research excellence, and translating discoveries into better cancer treatments.
The Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB) announced the winners of its second annual Stand Up for Science Video Competition. The winning videos highlighted the importance of federal funding for biomedical and biological science research.
The University of Pittsburgh's Center for Medical Innovation has awarded funding to six research groups developing innovative biomedical technologies, including smart wound gels, point-of-care diagnostic instruments, and minimally-invasive brain surgery devices. These projects aim to improve healthcare outcomes and save lives.
A new study by Penn researchers found that genetic variations in white women can increase the risk of early menopause, particularly in those who smoke heavily. The study, which analyzed data from over 400 women, revealed a significant association between certain gene variants and an earlier onset of menopause in heavy smokers.
The University of Leeds has been awarded £5.8 million from the MRC and approximately £5 million from the ESRC to establish a leading centre in data analytics. The funding will support a range of research projects, including consumer data analysis and electronic health records.
A cluster randomized trial found that an educational toolkit did not improve quality of care or outcomes for patients with diabetes. The study, published in PLOS Medicine, involved over 900,000 people aged ≥40 years with diagnosed diabetes in Ontario, Canada.
A new nanoparticle system will recruit stem cells to regenerate arterial walls, reducing complications and extending patient lives. Researchers have discovered a way to use nanoparticles to help arteries heal more effectively following surgical procedures.
Two UC Irvine research teams will use the grants to investigate the fundamental structure and function of stem cells, with potential applications for treating cancer, neurological diseases, and injuries. The funded projects aim to uncover specific properties of human stem cells used in transplants.
A bioengineer is researching the necessary nutrients for stem cells to grow and function as heart cells, with a focus on understanding cell metabolism. The goal is to prevent diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and obesity by optimizing heart cell nutrition.
The Medical Research Council Centre for Drug Safety Science at the University of Liverpool has received £3m in new funding to continue reducing the impact of adverse reactions to medicinal drugs. Adverse drug reactions result in significant healthcare costs and pose a major challenge for the pharmaceutical industry.
A new UK synthetic biology centre, OpenPlant, has been awarded £12 million funding to create a climate of openness in the field. The centre aims to develop and share new tools and libraries of plant DNA, fostering innovation in sustainable agriculture and medicine.
The University of Oklahoma and Albert Einstein College of Medicine will establish an Institute of Structural Biology to advance research on the impact of proteins. Researchers will target deadly diseases and search for new cures, gaining expertise in X-ray analysis and large-scale structural genomics.
The UCSF team will use the funding to expand clinical testing of the Smart Diaphragm, a wireless monitoring system that detects early signs of preterm birth. The device aims to prevent or delay preterm labor by tracking microscopic changes in cervical tissue.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that a school-based intermittent screening and treatment program for malaria had no health or education benefits in rural coastal Kenya. Despite high participation rates, the program did not reduce anemia or improve class attendance scores among children. However, the authors suggest that school...
Tufts Medical Center has been awarded a PCORI funding award to develop a method for patient-centered enrollment in comparative effectiveness trials. The project, led by Dr. Harry P. Selker, will use data from electronic health records to identify patients who may benefit from clinical trials.
The University of Cincinnati has received over $1 million from the US Air Force to fund seven research projects studying the effects of air medical evacuation. Researchers will investigate how altitude affects medical equipment, resuscitation methods, and caregiver performance during flights.
A meta-analysis of studies found that patients with normal blood pressure at home but elevated blood pressure when measured at a clinic have an increased risk of death and cardiovascular events. Home blood pressure monitoring refined risk stratification, particularly for individuals with high-normal or masked hypertension.
New research questions the effectiveness of increased enforcement measures against poaching, citing a potential increase in organized crime involvement. The authors argue that addressing the root causes of poaching, such as growing wealth gaps between African supply areas and Asian demand centers, is crucial to conservation efforts.
A new study by University of Pittsburgh researchers found that uninsured patients with common medical diagnoses are significantly less likely to be transferred between hospitals. Women, insured or not, also face lower transfer rates for the same diagnoses, suggesting potential health disparities.
Researchers have discovered a way to unravel misfolded proteins using 'reprogrammed' Hsp104, a common yeast protein. The study found that minor mutations in the middle domain of Hsp104 can unlock its clump-busting capabilities, offering a potential therapeutic opportunity for brain diseases such as ALS and Alzheimer's.
A newly-developed dietary fiber with a slow release mechanism may alleviate IBS symptoms and improve gut health, targeting the distal colon where colon cancer and other diseases occur.
A study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings reveals that most guidelines are based on lower-quality evidence and fail to disclose authors' conflicts of interest. The study highlights the need for more concise and transparent guideline development processes.
Magdalena Bezanilla's four-year, $600,000 grant will help explore how cells control delivery of building blocks for the extracellular matrix in plants. The research will use a moss species with a known genome to manipulate DNA changes and evaluate protein secretion effects.
The researchers propose to build complex polymer nanostructures on scaffolds made of plant viruses to provide control and precision. They aim to produce an evenly dispersed polymer coating with consistent and efficient properties, reducing toxic side effects in drug delivery.
A Harvard School of Public Health study found little evidence that low-income adults in non-expanding states will migrate to expand their coverage. Instead, Medicaid enrollment occurred gradually over time, with participation increasing among previously eligible parents and certain young people.
A Swedish study found a dose-dependent inverse association between alcohol consumption and the risk of developing multiple sclerosis. The researchers suggest that patients with MS may not need to completely abstain from alcohol.
The Kessler Foundation is conducting a 3-year research study to improve the health and quality of life of military personnel and civilians with spinal cord injury. The study aims to develop an assessment tool that evaluates individuals' ability to direct their care and their caregivers' skills in performing care tasks.