News on the money and policy behind biomedical research. Covers foundation and career-development awards, endocrine and neuroscience funding, and university royalties.
The US has lost its lead in global biomedical research spending, with Asia's share increasing from 18% to 24%, while the US dropped from 51% to 45%. Industry funding cuts drove this decline, not public sector reductions. Increased support from governments and lower labor costs in Asia are key factors.
The American Thoracic Society Foundation and the American Lung Association are co-funding an $80,000 grant to study Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome, a rare inherited disease affecting the lungs. The research aims to understand HPS pulmonary fibrosis and explore potential treatments for common lung diseases like cystic fibrosis.
The Microbicide Trials Network, led by the University of Pittsburgh, has received a seven-year, $70 million grant to continue developing and testing HIV prevention products. The network aims to address unmet needs for new products targeting young women and men who have sex with men.
A study found that 18 medical communication companies received substantial funding from drug and device companies, offering continuing medical education programs and tracking physician behavior. The companies shared personal data with third parties without explicit consent, sparking concerns about transparency and data protection.
The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and Medical Research Council (MRC) have jointly awarded £1.43M to support the development of CCP4, a world-leading x-ray crystallography software resource. This funding renewal aims to further scientific knowledge and promote economic growth through innovative approache...
The grant aims to build a more precise understanding of chronic traumatic encephalopathy and traumatic brain injury in civilians over age 45. Investigators will use extensive resources from an ongoing study of brain aging and conduct analyses of neuropsychology, neuroradiology, neurological, geriatric, and epidemiological aspects.
Researchers are developing a humanized monoclonal antibody that specifically targets and inhibits the functioning of ROR1 in cancer stem cells. The goal is to deliver toxins selectively to cancer stem cells without harming normal cells.
The Center for Nano-Optics at Georgia State University aims to develop tools and instruments for nanoscale technology, with potential breakthroughs in biomedicine and computer processing. The center will focus on integrating spaser technology into transistors and developing nanoplasmonic metal funnels.
Six life science researchers from the UK, France, and US will receive EMBO Installation Grants to establish their research groups in the Czech Republic, Poland, Portugal, and Turkey. The grants aim to strengthen science in selected member states and facilitate collaboration with European centers of research and education.
Researchers have identified two rare gene variants in the phospholipase-D 3 gene (PLD3) that double an individual's risk of developing late-onset Alzheimer's disease. The study found that these variants were present in affected family members but not in healthy elderly relatives, suggesting a significant role in disease development.
A new study by the Monell Center found that humans have a unique array of olfactory receptors, which encode both intensity and quality of odors. The researchers discovered considerable variation within the genes for discrete receptors, with approximately 140 receptors differing in response to odor molecules between any two individuals.
A new study reveals specific molecular changes in the body following mindfulness meditation, including altered levels of gene-regulating machinery and reduced pro-inflammatory genes. The findings provide a possible biological mechanism for therapeutic effects and suggest that meditation can lead to epigenetic alterations of the genome.
A study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that patients with traumatic eye socket injuries fared equally well at half the cost when treated at a busy teaching hospital compared to other Maryland hospitals. The study's findings suggest that high-volume care and standardized protocols can lead to significant cost savings.
A PLOS Medicine study reveals that half of trials with posted results on ClinicalTrials.gov have not been published in a journal. The study found that unpublished trials were more likely to report certain outcomes, such as participant flow and adverse events, suggesting improved transparency in clinical research.
A large pooled analysis of over 7,000 patients with malaria suggests that dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine is highly efficacious but that young children are at higher risk of treatment failure due to insufficient doses. The study highlights the need for optimal drug dosing levels in this population.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center are developing a next-generation condom that uses nanoparticle technology to increase comfort, strength, and sensation. The goal is to make condoms more appealing to use and reduce the stigma associated with them.
A $225,000 grant will help map the landscape of epigenetic changes associated with chemotherapy, a new area in cancer research. The collaboration aims to identify novel targets for more effective cancer treatment.
A new study published in PNAS found that total US methane emissions may be 50% higher than government estimates, with large discrepancies in the south-central region. The study's findings have implications for national and state greenhouse gas reduction strategies.
Einstein-Ferkauf researchers have been awarded a $2.5 million NIH grant to develop a telephone-based approach to improving diabetes self-management and treatment outcomes in primary care. The program aims to reduce complications, emotional distress, and improve medication adherence among patients with type 2 diabetes.
A new rabies vaccine aims to develop a single dose contraceptive vaccine, reducing child deaths and controlling dog rabies. The vaccine targets dendritic cells to induce strong immune responses against rabies and foreign antigens.
The New York State Department of Health awards Montefiore Medical Center a $1.17 million grant to support the Center for Comparative Effectiveness Research, focused on economically underserved populations. The grant will help train physician researchers and generate synergy among clinical researchers to compare treatment options.
Researchers at NC State University have developed a technique to produce large quantities of gold nanorods while controlling their dimensions and optical properties. This allows for the creation of nanorods with tailored aspect ratios, essential for various biomedical applications.
The American Gastroenterological Association has expanded its corporate grant with Covidien to advance gastroenterology research and improve patient outcomes. The AGA-Covidien Research and Development Pilot Award in Technology will provide funding for innovative devices, diagnostic tools, and technologies.
Two studies on breast MRI usage found a significant increase in its use for diagnostic evaluations and screenings, particularly among high-risk women. The studies also revealed disparities in the use of breast MRI, with some groups receiving more frequent screening than others.
A study of 60 people aged 45 years or older found that accelerated surgery within six hours reduced major complications by 30% compared to standard care. Faster surgery may be better for hip fractures, say researchers at McMaster University.
The Synthetic Biology Project at Woodrow Wilson International Center has been awarded a €4 million EU grant to foster responsible governance of synthetic biology. The project aims to initiate mutual learning among stakeholders from science, industry, and civil society.
A new NIH-funded study will investigate a deadly bleeding disorder called coagulopathy that occurs without warning in trauma patients. Researchers hope to develop effective therapeutic approaches with the goal of saving lives.
A Clemson University scientist is studying the impact of environmental changes on lucinids, a common species of clam found in Southern coastal marine sediments. The research aims to understand how these clams contribute to coastal biodiversity and develop strategies to manage natural resources.
A $1.4 million project led by CWRU psychologist Julie Exline aims to understand the factors behind religious and spiritual struggles. The study will explore how spiritual conflicts arise, resolve, and impact individuals from different life stages, including college students, US adults, and military veterans.
A study revealed RSV infection induces distinct global gene expression patterns in young children, identifying a 'biosignature' for diagnosis and disease severity assessment. The research also uncovered suppressed non-specific immune system genes and elevated inflammation genes in infants under 6 months.
The study found that epigenetic modification of the HAND2 gene plays a critical role in endometrial cancer development. Hand2 methylation is already increased in premalignant endometrial lesions and predicts a poor response to progesterone treatment.
Researchers are exploring the role of innate immunity in Alzheimer's disease, hoping to identify novel therapies. By analyzing gene expression and RNA transcripts, they aim to understand the immune response's impact on the disease.
Faculty members with NIH grant funding have significantly higher h-index values than those without funding, indicating greater scholarly impact. Higher academic ranks are also associated with increased h-index and NIH funding amounts among NIH-funded faculty members.
A new virtual world program is being developed to support amputees in developing the skills needed to navigate the real world. The program will simulate experiences such as riding a jet ski and diving in a coral reef, allowing participants to test different prosthetic models and plan home modifications.
Researchers have identified a new pathway that kills eosinophils before they can cause harm. The study found that targeting this pathway could lead to new therapies for devastating eosinophilic disorders.
A proposed funding mechanism coupled with a competitive peer-review process may transform the physician workforce, according to an analysis in Health Affairs. The current system is inflexible, ignoring growing needs for competencies beyond acute patient care.
Researchers have found that manipulating cyanobacteria's clock genes can increase its production of commercially valuable biomolecules. The study discovered that locking the biological clock into a daytime setting increased the amount of biomolecules produced by up to 700 percent.
Scientists have uncovered a 165-million-year-old fossil of copulating froghoppers, providing insight into the earliest record of insect mating. The discovery suggests that froghopper genital symmetry and mating position remained static for over 165 million years.
A NASA-funded project at UTSA aims to develop a 'lab on a robot' prototype that can analyze planetary composition without human exposure. The fourth prototype will utilize wireless technology and a chemical sensor to determine sample composition in minutes.
A recent study by George Washington University found that 20% of Medicare's graduate medical education (GME) funding goes to New York, while 29 states receive less than 1%. The study highlights the need for reform in the GME payment system to address imbalances in physician availability across the country.
Severely obese teenagers who underwent weight-loss surgery experienced minimal complications, with no major complications or deaths reported during the initial hospitalization period. The study included 242 teens and found that only 8% experienced reoperation and 15% had minor complications like readmission for dehydration.
A new study from Duke University shows that nurse home visits can significantly reduce the need for emergency care in infants. The program, Durham Connects, costs an average of $700 per family and has been shown to decrease emergency care episodes by 50% in the first year of life.
The University of Missouri has received a $1.1 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to continue its Post-baccalaureate Research Education Program (PREP), which has trained 28 scholars since 2003. The program aims to increase diversity in biomedical sciences by providing research and educational experiences for post-bacc...
Studies show that medical students who receive guided relaxation and mindfulness training experience reduced stress levels and improved performance. The Wake Forest Baptist program provides a unique opportunity for medical schools to include stress-management training in their curriculums.
New research published in PLOS ONE confirms the presence of tuberculosis from 7,000 years ago in a human skeleton from Hungary. Analysis of ancient DNA and lipids on the bones revealed a bacterial complex associated with tuberculosis.
A Penn State researcher is conducting a study on the effectiveness of a web-based intervention aimed at helping women plan for pregnancy in the future. The tool, recommended by the CDC, helps women determine suitable birth control methods based on their life goals and preferences.
Researchers discovered a new molecular target for controlling malaria by blocking egg development in mosquitoes. The study found that a male hormone delivered during sex activates a protein switch, which boosts egg production. This finding holds promise for developing new tools to control malaria-transmitting mosquito populations.
Researchers studied Brachyury gene's role in regulating notochord development, finding CRM mutations affect timing of gene expression. This can lead to birth defects and cancer by delaying critical developmental processes.
Researchers have discovered a novel protease complex in bacteria that operates as a molecular motor, with a constant revolutions per minute (RPM) and varying gears to shred proteins. This 'cellular shredder' plays a crucial role in DNA damage repair, gene expression, and protein quality control.
The National Institutes of Health has awarded funding for three projects developing innovative robots that enhance mobility for visually and physically impaired individuals. These co-robots aim to improve treatment for atrial fibrillation by adapting to changing environments and ensuring accurate contact with the heart during procedures.
A multi-disciplinary research team at OU is developing a novel biomass conversion process to obtain a bio-oil compatible with refinery operations. The approach proposes significant improvement over existing commercial and previously proposed technologies.
Derek Taylor, a researcher at Case Western Reserve School of Medicine, has been awarded the NIH New Innovator Award to develop new methods for treating cancer. His research focuses on using telomerase as a 'Trojan horse' to deliver toxic compounds to cancer cells selectively.
The National Institutes of Health has awarded UT Southwestern Medical Center a $28.6 million Clinical and Translational Science Award to promote rapid translation of basic laboratory findings into patient care. The award will enable the institution to expand clinical research and disseminate new knowledge effectively.
The Tufts Clinical and Translational Science Institute has received a $24 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to support its work over the next five years. The funding will accelerate the translation of laboratory research into clinical use, medical practice, and health policy.
A systematic review of 81 diagnostic studies found that expert panels were often not properly blinded or described, leading to potential biases and poor reproducibility. The study highlights the need for improved reporting of expert panel diagnoses to ensure accurate and reliable results in diagnostic research.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University will use molecular imaging agents to detect tumors in the earliest stages of growth, aiming to improve cancer diagnosis and treatment outcomes. The $1.9 million grant will enable them to translate their discoveries into clinical practice.
Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine has received a five-year, $1 million NIH grant to develop the Cleveland Stroke Clinical Trials Regional Coordinating Center. The project aims to improve prevention and treatment of strokes and rehabilitation for stroke patients through collaboration among five Cleveland institutions.
The University of Utah Center for Clinical and Translational Science has received a $20.4 million grant from the NIH to advance translational research in medicine, particularly in rare conditions such as spinal muscular atrophy. The center will utilize this funding to support all aspects of translational research over the next five years.
LSU researchers have received a nearly $1 million grant to develop software and infrastructure enabling Big Data research on the university's campus. The project, titled CC-NIE Integration, will empower scientific breakthroughs by providing advanced information technologies and cyberinfrastructure.
Researchers found no evidence that state public health departments lose funding when merged with Medicaid programs. In fact, the study suggests that strong public health agencies can help save Medicaid money by preventing costly diseases.