News on the money and policy behind biomedical research. Covers foundation and career-development awards, endocrine and neuroscience funding, and university royalties.
Researchers found that fewer adolescents started smoking after exposure to prevention programs and more quit if they began. Funding cuts negatively impacted these numbers, but state spending on prevention has increased, suggesting a potential reversal of behavior trends.
Studies reveal paradoxical roles of PML in regulating fat-burning metabolism and its impact on breast cancer cells, hematopoetic stem cell maintenance, and obesity. Enhanced cellular metabolism provides energy to breast cancer cells, while inhibition of fatty acid oxidation poses a risk to replenishment of HSCs.
Researchers at the University of Leicester have gained access to the UK's first Exhalyzer-D, a cutting-edge device that enables non-invasive testing for children with respiratory issues. The device allows for more accurate measurements and information about lung function.
A GW professor is studying the correlation between genetics and susceptibility to drug abuse. He will use genomics expertise to investigate morphine addiction in mouse models, focusing on changes in brain genes that may lead to addiction.
The Johns Hopkins Armstrong Institute for Patient Safety and Quality has received an $8.9 million grant from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation to focus on hospital intensive care units and prevent harms by engaging patients and their families in their care. The institute aims to improve outcomes using a systems engineering approach...
A large study found that using certain drugs, four or more effective drugs, and a duration of 7-8.5 months can lead to successful patient outcomes in MDR-TB treatment. However, the findings should be interpreted with caution due to limitations in the methods and data.
The Society of Interventional Radiology Foundation provides funding for medical students conducting preclinical research in interventional radiology. One student will receive a stipend and fellow's allowances through the program, which aims to cultivate future interventional radiology leaders.
Six CAMH researchers have received NARSAD Young Investigator Grants to investigate biological factors underlying schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and suicidal behaviour. The grants will fund research using advanced genetics, brain stimulation and brain imaging techniques, promising new treatments.
A new imaging technique called near-field thermoacoustics has the potential to benefit medical practitioners and biology researchers. The technique uses harmless electromagnetic radiation to create high-contrast images of normal tissues, tumors, and other pathological changes.
A team led by Richard Ulevitch has received a five-year project renewal from the National Institutes of Health to investigate the workings of the immune system. The grant aims to improve human diseases such as viral and bacterial infections, and inherited immune disorders.
A team of researchers warns that the US may lose its position as a hub for medical discovery due to Asian nations' increased funding and long-term plans. This could lead to a 'brain drain' of top young researchers and economic damage for the US.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has awarded 14 grants totaling $7.8 million to focus on basic research for designing a safe and effective HIV vaccine. Recent discoveries about HIV biology are guiding the development of new vaccine strategies.
The Teva Pharmaceuticals Scholars have made significant breakthroughs in the fight against cancer and hepatitis. Researchers presented new findings on anti-cancer drugs made from antibiotics and a potential new treatment for hepatitis C. Additionally, advancements were shown in delivering drugs to the body through innovative approaches.
A study projects that declining male circumcision rates in the US may lead to increased healthcare costs and infection prevalence. Researchers found that reducing MC rates could result in higher estimated lifetime medical costs for men and women.
The COPD Foundation and Brigham and Women's Hospital have launched the second phase of the COPDGene project, a comprehensive study analyzing the human genome to identify genetic predispositions to developing COPD. The study aims to develop specific treatments that could prevent disease progression and improve quality of life for indivi...
Two Johns Hopkins scientists, Cynthia Sears and Peter Searson, received $500k combined for their projects addressing neglected areas of cancer research. Sears aims to explore bacterial causes of colon cancer, while Searson develops a lab-on-a-chip platform to study metastasis.
The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation has awarded $11.9 million in NARSAD grants to support innovative brain and behavior research related to mental illnesses such as depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. The grants aim to advance treatments and therapies for these conditions.
The Bureau of Reclamation has awarded $1.2 million to 12 applied science projects in the Desert and Southern Rockies Landscape Conservation Cooperatives, with a focus on addressing climate change and improving water management. The funding will be matched by federal agencies and partners, providing over $3.5 million for these projects.
A new algorithm using high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T values can quickly classify patients as either likely to have a heart attack or not, reducing the need for prolonged monitoring. The strategy has been shown to be safe and accurate, ruling-out or ruling-in heart attacks within one hour in 77% of patients with acute chest pain.
A cluster randomized trial found that pay for performance improved demonstration of competency in treatment delivery and increased the number of patients receiving targeted treatment procedures. However, no statistically significant difference was found in patient remission status between the two groups.
The Technical University of Munich (TUM) is launching an internationally oriented career system with clear guidelines and transparent performance criteria for its 100 tenure track professorships. This system aims to recruit outstanding young researchers and provide them with real opportunities for upward career advancement.
The project aims to make neuroscience-specific compute and software tools conveniently available to students and investigators. The NSG portal will offer a streamlined process for uploading models, retrieving and storing data, and specifying parameters for running high-performance computing-based neuronal simulations.
A study analyzing malpractice claims in Australia found that doctors often fail to disclose significant risks to patients before treatment. The authors argue that this can lead to factual disagreements and disputes over informed consent, highlighting the need for improved communication between healthcare providers and patients.
The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania has been selected to lead a nationwide nurse-training initiative aimed at strengthening the nation's primary care workforce. The Graduate Nurse Education Demonstration will provide advanced training opportunities for hundreds of nurses over four years, increasing access to essential health...
Researchers at Scripps Florida are developing novel biochemical tests to identify inhibitors of the autophagy pathway, which can help overcome drug resistance and improve treatment efficacy for various cancers. The goal is to enhance the action of conventional anti-cancer therapeutics by targeting the critical on-off switch ULk1.
A University of Oklahoma research team has been awarded a $9.7 million NIH grant to study human diseases associated with aging, osteoporosis and diabetes. The grant will provide significant resources for investigators to pursue structure-based biomedical studies.
The Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) has awarded UT Southwestern Medical Center a total of $48.2 million in new grants to support high-impact cancer research and expand access to critical prevention programs across Texas. The awards include funding for seven Multi-Investigator Research Awards and 14 projects to...
Researchers found that younger elderly (60s-70s) show faster rates of brain tissue loss and cognitive decline than older AD patients. This discovery has profound implications for diagnosing AD and finding new treatments.
The Mayo Clinic Health System is part of a national learning collaborative to improve health care in rural communities. The project aims to standardize operations and efficiencies across Montana's medical practices, leveraging research to solve the nation's health care problems.
Ben-Gurion University researchers have been awarded 70 new individual and team grants from the Israel Science Foundation to support various research projects. These grants cover different disciplines, including psychology, materials engineering, and environmental science.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital found that longer wakefulness rates hinder task performance in visual search tasks. Participants performed slower during nighttime and after prolonged wakefulness.
The University of Missouri will use the grant to create a program called LIGHT2, which combines advanced technology with education for patients and providers. The high-tech component leverages MU's partnership with Cerner Corporation to improve health outcomes and reduce costs.
Researchers at UCLA have identified a novel molecule, ephrin-A5, that inhibits new connections between neurons, limiting brain recovery after stroke. Blocking this molecule promotes axonal sprouting and functional recovery in mouse models.
The National Science Foundation has awarded a three-year grant to Virginia Tech to optimize DNA molecule fabrication using industrial engineering methods. The project aims to increase productivity in life science research and create manufacturing jobs for undereducated individuals.
Researchers found a significant association between total hip and knee replacement surgeries and an increased risk of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) during the first two weeks after surgery. The risk remained elevated for six weeks, with the strongest association in patients over 80 years old.
Dr. Piyali Dasgupta received a three-year grant to investigate the anti-cancer activity of capsaicin in small cell lung cancer patients. The study aims to improve chemotherapy treatment outcomes, which often relapse quickly and become unresponsive.
The new grant will fund conferences on malaria, HIV vaccines, and tuberculosis, as well as Global Health Travel Awards for researchers from developing countries. The funding also supports pre-meeting workshops and registration costs for local participants in developing countries.
A new program at the University of Chicago Medical Center will test a comprehensive care physician model to reduce spending and improve care for frequently hospitalized patients. The model aims to strengthen the bond between doctors and patients, improving continuity of care after hospital stays.
Researchers have found that alpha-synuclein protein build-up inside neurons leads to misfiring due to calcium fluxes, a new insight into Parkinson's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders.
Researchers will explore ways to induce protective IgA human antibodies by vaccines to prevent HIV-1 infection, and produce recombinant IgAs to be tested as therapies.
A community-based nursing program delivered in collaboration with existing healthcare services showed promise in reducing deaths from chronic illnesses among older adults. The study, published in PLOS Medicine, found a 25% lower relative risk of death among intervention group participants compared to the control group.
Duke University has been awarded a seven-year, $186 million grant to develop an HIV vaccine by inducing precise immune factors. The program will focus on designing immunogens capable of preventing HIV transmission and protecting people worldwide.
Tel Aviv University has equipped a bio-safety lab with state-of-the-art equipment to research HIV/AIDS, developing novel therapies and diagnostic tools. The ASHA grant supports researchers studying the virus's mechanisms, host interactions, and co-infections.
Dr. Teresa Murray, a Louisiana Tech biomedical engineering professor, has received NIH funding for her research on glial cells and their role in aging and neurodegenerative diseases. Her innovative approach involves creating a tiny glass lens to study glial cell function and interactions with neurons.
A Saint Louis University scientist is working to harness the anti-inflammatory activity of antithrombin to reduce the incidence and severity of heart disease. He has also been studying the control of blood clotting factors for 23 years, with a focus on improving the effectiveness of activated protein C.
A recent study found that Federally funded clinics for low-income patients demonstrated greater adherence to guidelines on six quality measures compared to private primary care practices. The clinics performed better in pharmacologic management of chronic diseases and appropriate use of screening tests, while performing similarly on ot...
A case study on implementing the BasicNeeds model of mental health and development in Nepal found that user empowerment and community development are key to success. The model works in partnership with governments to provide essential services where mental health has not been a priority, leading to improved outcomes for users.
The American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) recognizes innovative research in orthopaedic sports medicine through various awards, including the Young Investigators Grants, Clinical Research Outcome Grant, Innovative Outcomes Assessment Grant, and O'Donoghue Sports Injury Research Award. The grants provide funding for s...
Einstein researchers will investigate NPC1's role in infection within different species, including bats and rodents. The study aims to pinpoint possible targets for antiviral drugs designed to combat Ebola.
The study analyzed over 1.5 million PCI procedures and found that drug-eluting stent use varies significantly among physicians, even among patients at low risk of restenosis. A reduction in DES use could lead to substantial cost savings while preserving clinical benefit.
The University of Michigan will use the funding to train researchers, provide tools and services, and involve more volunteers in their work. Over 11,000 people have already signed up for the registry.
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston's Translational Medicine Center has received a $20 million renewal grant from the NIH. The center, established in 2006, supports research development and collaboration among institutions.
Dr. Curtis Wray has been awarded a $729,000 grant to study disparities in liver cancer life expectancy among underserved populations. His research aims to identify factors contributing to the lower life expectancy of advanced liver cancer patients in these communities.
The UCLA School of Dentistry has received a $5 million NIH grant to create a comprehensive research training program for dentist-scientists and oral health researchers. The program aims to cultivate the next generation of leaders in science and research.
Stephen Buck, EResources and Periodicals Librarian at Dublin City University Library won the 2012 library travel grant by showcasing a strong need for two-way dialogue between publishers and librarians. The award aims to facilitate this partnership, especially in challenging times.
The Lifespan/Tufts/Brown Center for AIDS Research has received a $8.5 million, five-year renewal grant from the National Institutes of Health to support interdisciplinary collaboration and shared resources among over 60 investigators from various fields.
A long-term study found that problematic peer relationships in adolescence were correlated with all components of metabolic syndrome, including obesity and high blood pressure, in middle age. The study, led by Per E Gustafsson, monitored social relationships and health over 27 years.
The University of Akron has established a Conquer Chiari Research Center to improve diagnosis and treatment of Chiari malformation, a disorder causing head, neck, and shoulder pain. Researchers will use computational fluid dynamics to simulate brain fluid flow, helping determine if surgery is warranted.
Researchers at the University of Houston will pursue projects related to prostate cancer, diabetes, and obesity with funding from the NIH and DOD. The center's eight active NIH grants account for more than $18 million in research funding.
The Feinstein Institute has received a $9.3 million federal grant to train clinicians on better care for patients with schizophrenia. The three-year grant will educate providers on new mental health protocols and technology resources to deliver more-effective treatments.