News on the money and policy behind biomedical research. Covers foundation and career-development awards, endocrine and neuroscience funding, and university royalties.
Navin Varadarajan will study adoptive cell therapy (ACT) using a special polymer slide called the Nano well array. He aims to identify specific properties of modified TIL cells involved in fighting tumors, helping researchers develop successful new therapies.
Researchers set lower limit for blazar's redshift, indicating distance of at least 7.4 billion light-years, challenging current models of blazar emission mechanisms and extragalactic background light propagation.
A team of neuroscientists studied the case of EP, a man with radical memory loss due to viral encephalitis. Unlike HM, who retained some residual tissue, EP's brain damage resulted in total destruction of specific memory-linked structures, rendering him unable to learn new information.
Two new super-Earths and a Mars-sized planet have been found in the habitable zone of Kepler-62, a star similar to our Sun. These planets are thought to be solid and rocky or rocky with frozen water, making them potentially hospitable to life.
The European Commission needs to reform its science funding programme by reducing red tape and improving transparency to get the most out of €70 billion in research funding. This includes better mapping and linking of funded projects, open data drives, and ending discriminatory salary policies.
Researchers at VCU Massey Cancer Center have developed a novel drug combination therapy that targets the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in leukemia cells, leading to profound cell death. The therapy combines ABT-737 and BEZ235, which inhibit pro-survival proteins and reduce apoptosis in cancer cells.
The European Commission needs to reform its science funding programme by reducing red tape, improving data mapping and linking, promoting open data, and ending inegalitarian salary policies. The current programme aims to bring €70 billion of research funding, but reforms are necessary to unlock its full potential.
The Keystone Symposia on Molecular & Cellular Biology has received a grant from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation to support an Advanced Life Sciences Training Program for early-career scientists. The two-day conference will provide training in grant-writing and diversity-related challenges.
A national study published in PNAS found that US science faculty with education specialties have varying levels of formal training in science education, but are more likely to receive grant money at Ph.D.-granting institutions. Despite this, there is an intriguing disconnect between training and funding outcomes for these faculty members.
Scientists at the John Innes Centre revived a classic heritage barley variety called Chevallier, which has shown valuable disease resistance. The new barley is set to improve beer production by preventing contamination with mycotoxins, leading to better-tasting beers like Porter and India Pale Ale.
The American Cancer Society has awarded 175 national research and training grants totaling $79,073,250. The grants will fund investigators at 93 institutions across the US, with a focus on esophageal cancer, retinoblastoma, childhood cancer, lung cancer, and breast cancer.
Kenneth Tsai, M.D., Ph.D., has been awarded the Sixth Annual Landon Foundation-AACR INNOVATOR Award for Cancer Prevention Research. The project aims to map the molecular path from normal skin to squamous cell carcinoma, with the goal of identifying biomarkers and targets for chemoprevention and therapy.
A genetic risk score has been developed to predict who is likely to become a lifelong heavy smoker. Individuals with high-risk genetic profiles were more likely to start smoking as teens, progress to heavy smoking, and develop nicotine dependence.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that young children are more likely to die when their mother is seriously ill, with the highest risk occurring in the months leading up to and following her death. The researchers also discovered a significant increase in child mortality rates if the mother dies of AIDS-related causes.
The NIH has awarded a $1.67 million grant to UT Dallas researchers, led by Dr. Santosh D'Mello, to investigate the connection between histone deacetylase-3 (HDAC3) and Huntington's disease. The study seeks to understand why specific brain cells degenerate in this devastating disorder.
A Norwegian study found that patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) at Parkinson's disease diagnosis have a higher risk of developing early dementia. The study, which included 182 patients with PD, showed that more than 25% of those with MCI developed dementia within three years.
Professor Diana Chu's NSF-funded research explores how chemical structure of sperm proteins affects DNA packaging and interpretation. Her studies may help understand fertility disorders in humans and other animals, as well as answer broader questions about gene regulation.
A new study by the University of Michigan found that Michigan hospitals have significantly lower rates of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (UTIs) compared to other US hospitals. The study, which used a low-tech approach to timely removal of urinary catheters, resulted in a 25% decrease in UTI rates at Michigan hospitals.
Researchers found that blocking an enzyme promoting inflammation can prevent cardiac tissue damage and fibrosis after a heart attack. The study's results show improved cardiac function and reduced inflammatory factors in mice treated with the compound.
The Forsyth Center for Salivary Diagnostics will revolutionize disease testing using saliva-based tests, which contain virtually all medical diagnostic information as blood. The facility aims to develop and commercialize new assays that are less expensive and more convenient.
Researchers from Kessler Foundation share progress in rehabilitation research for individuals with multiple sclerosis and stroke, highlighting potential benefits of pharmacological agents, brain stimulation, and aerobic exercise. These studies investigate cognitive complications and explore strategies to improve outcomes.
Researchers led by Dr. Michael A. Weiss are developing a rapid-acting, glucose-responsive insulin that can reduce the risk of hypoglycemia in diabetes patients. The new form of insulin will be designed to detect high or low glucose levels and release only as needed.
A study will determine if a two-question screener accurately identifies underage drinking issues among children and teenagers. The researchers aim to assess the screener's effectiveness across different factors such as ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and family structure.
The authors implemented an electronic data collection tool in a large referral hospital in southern Malawi, using the Surveillance Programme of IN-patients and Epidemiology (SPINE) system. This tool allows for accurate assessment of disease burden and monitoring of changing patterns of disease at the hospital.
The Lyncean Compact Light Source is a miniature synchrotron X-ray source that offers high-quality X-ray beams for various applications in biology, chemistry, and materials science. The grant will support further development to enhance its performance.
A commonly used erectile dysfunction drug, sildenafil, was found to be ineffective in treating patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction. The RELAX study, a multicenter trial of 216 patients, showed no benefit from the drug in improving maximum exercise ability or walking distance.
Cangrelor, a novel intravenous anti-clotting medication, has been shown to be more effective than clopidogrel in preventing blood clots in patients undergoing coronary stent procedures. The study found that cangrelor reduced the odds of complications by 22% and stent thrombosis by 38%.
Markus Covert, a Stanford bioengineer, has been awarded a $1.5 million grant to develop complex computer models of living organisms. He aims to build models of human cells and tackle fundamental questions in biology.
A researcher has received a grant to develop a method to organize enzymes on electrodes to create nanoscale devices that efficiently convert chemical energy into electricity. The goal is to enhance kinetics by spatial organization and apply the understanding to biofuel cells, pharmaceuticals, and commodity chemicals.
The March of Dimes is funding new research into preterm birth, focusing on genetics, infections, and hormones. The goal is to reduce the national preterm birth rate from 11.7% to 9.6%.
A new report estimates that sequestration will lead to a $120 million funding loss for community health centers, resulting in 900,000 fewer patients served and 3 million fewer visits. The impact will disproportionately affect the poorest Americans, children, young families, and members of ethnic and racial minority groups.
The University of Nottingham has received two five-year research grants to develop next-gen 'smart' manufacturing systems that can adapt quickly to changes in product requirements and technology. These systems will enable self-repair, self-adaptation, and reconfiguration with low-cost maintenance.
Researchers John Wong, Ronald Berger, and Hien Nguyen receive awards and funding to develop life-saving technologies. The Life Prizes aim to accelerate the translation of promising research into commercial applications, speeding up the delivery of innovative medical solutions.
The Collaboration on Mobility Training (COMIT) study aims to maximize independence among wheelchair users with spinal cord injury. The five-year study will examine the impact of web-based training and group sessions on wheelchair skills and maintenance.
The Dynamic Gastric Model simulates human stomach processes accurately, enabling drug and food testing. A new £900k project will refine the model to predict nutrient and drug availability in humans.
Amar Basu's techniques enable rapid testing of biological liquids with nanoliter-picoliter volumes, reducing costs and improving assay speed. His projects focus on controlling droplet motion using lasers and sorting droplets based on chemical composition without labels.
Ron Davis, chair of the Neuroscience Department at Scripps Research Institute, has been selected for a prestigious Javits Neuroscience Investigator Award to study active forgetting in memory formation. The grant will focus on understanding the role of dopamine signaling in learning and memory, with potential implications for treating d...
The Benaroya Research Institute has established a T1D Exchange Biobank Operations Center with a $4.4 million grant from The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust. This center will coordinate clinical study proposals and sample requests, facilitating research with thousands of participants.
A new £2million project at Imperial College London aims to improve patient care in the NHS by bringing together data from GPs and hospitals. Researchers will analyze and link health data to demonstrate better treatment options and care, enabling a clearer picture of health trends.
Primary care clinicians may be missing three-fourths of the alcohol problems in their patients due to relying on hunches rather than screening questions. Regular screening with brief alcohol questions can identify individuals at risk and reduce risky drinking, according to a new study.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have discovered a potential cure for both acute and chronic forms of Chagas disease in mice using the small molecule VNI. The treatment achieved 100% survival without toxic side effects.
A study finds diclofenac is the most commonly used NSAID in 15 countries and is included on essential medicines lists of 74 low- to high-income countries. Despite its cardiovascular risks, researchers call for diclofenac to be removed from national lists and have its global marketing authorisations revoked.
International researchers argue that mobile health technology needs more evidence to support its widespread use in healthcare. The authors highlight the need for innovative research designs and standardized features to inform the scale-up of mHealth interventions.
CSHL scientists discovered a new protein, RNF20, essential for MLL-rearranged leukemia amplification. Suppressing RNF20 expression decreased leukemia cell proliferation and extended mouse lifespan.
Researchers found that only 16% of US hospitals could provide complete pricing information, with prices varying nearly 10-fold across institutions. The study highlights the difficulty in obtaining pricing data for common medical procedures, making it challenging for patients and healthcare decision-makers to make informed decisions.
Researchers found that Tai Chi significantly reduced falls among adult stroke survivors, improving both static and dynamic balance. The study involved 89 participants who practiced either Tai Chi or usual care for 12 weeks, with the Tai Chi group experiencing fewer falls.
Geneviève Almouzni has been recognized for her pioneering work on histones and chromatin, promoting epigenetics in Europe, and mentoring female scientists. She will receive the 2013 FEBS | EMBO Women in Science Award for her exceptional achievements in molecular biology.
A clinical trial combining brain cooling and clot-busting drug therapy has received FDA approval to expand from 50 to 400 participants. Brain cooling has been shown to reduce neurological damage after stroke, with potential benefits in saving lives and preventing neurological damage after heart attack.
Researchers are investigating how macrophage activation affects nerve damage in HIV patients, with the goal of developing biomarkers for early detection and potential treatments.
A new study led by Harvard School of Public Health found that sedentary TV viewing can nearly halve sperm counts, while moderate to vigorous exercise may boost them. Men who watched more than 20 hours of TV weekly had a 44% lower sperm count, while those who exercised for 15 or more hours weekly had a 73% higher sperm count.
A new Penn study found no evidence to support concerns that abnormal disease proteins are infectious and can be transmitted from one person to another. Researchers analyzed data from a cohort of patients who received human growth hormone therapy and found no cases of Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, or other neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers at UC San Diego will investigate factors promoting successful aging in HIV-infected adults, including resilience and biomarkers of physical and cognitive aging.
A study published in JAMA Neurology found no evidence of human-to-human transmission of AD and PD protein in cadaver-derived hGH recipients, contradicting previous concerns. The research included 34 autopsy patients and a group of c-hGH recipients, yielding no cases of AD or PD.
The Sixth Starr Cancer Consortium Grant Competition awarded $5 million to five collaborative cancer research projects at Memorial Sloan-Kettering, The Rockefeller University, and Weill Cornell Medical College. These projects aim to deepen understanding of cancers and transform detection and treatment through innovative approaches.
Researchers analyzed over 858,717 grant and contract summaries to identify potential instances of duplicate funding. They found strong evidence that tens of millions of dollars may have been spent on grants where at least a portion was already being funded.
The study focuses on targeting four conditions, including PTSD, TBI, insomnia, and depression, as well as ADHD and Asperger Syndrome in specific populations. Researchers aim to scientifically evaluate the potential benefits of HIRREM as a safe, effective, noninvasive therapy.
Researchers found that late eaters lost significantly less weight and had a slower rate of weight-loss, suggesting the timing of large meals is an important factor. However, the timing of smaller meals did not play a role in weight loss success.
A new study led by Wayne State University will aim to develop methods for better identifying women at increased risk for stroke. The research aims to educate doctors on how to follow recommended guidelines to identify these patients, leading to improved treatment and screening rates.
Scientists will use high-throughput screening to identify novel inhibitors of ASK1, a promising therapeutic target for diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. The grant aims to develop new treatments using compounds from the Scripps compound collection.
The NIH has launched a collaborative effort to find biomarkers for Parkinson's disease, which could help predict, diagnose, or monitor the condition. Researchers are exploring various approaches, including non-invasive imaging and protein analysis, to identify potential biomarkers that could improve treatment outcomes.