News on the money and policy behind biomedical research. Covers foundation and career-development awards, endocrine and neuroscience funding, and university royalties.
The Fogarty African Bioethics Training Program has been awarded a five-year continuation grant from the National Institutes of Health to continue training researchers and enhancing research ethics capacity in sub-Saharan Africa. The program has already trained numerous alumni who have become recognized international experts in bioethics.
A study found that children spend less than an hour a day engaging in moderate to vigorous physical activity, with girls becoming more sedentary than boys by age eight. Children of older fathers spent higher percentages of time in sedentary behavior.
A systematic review found that private healthcare is not superior to the public sector in terms of efficiency, accountability, or effectiveness. The public sector often lacks timeliness and hospitality, while both sectors have financial barriers to care.
The Collaborative Research Awards Program in Alzheimer's Disease will support interdisciplinary basic and translational research projects. This program aims to spur creative approaches that advance the care of those with Alzheimer's disease by fostering collaboration across disciplines.
A study published by JAMA Network found that loneliness in older adults is associated with increased risk of functional decline and death. The research, which examined 1,604 participants, revealed that feeling lonely was linked to higher mortality rates and difficulties with daily activities.
A meta-analysis and review of medical literature found a clear association between smoking and an increased risk of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. The study, which included data from 11 countries, showed a 52% significant increase in odds for current or ever smokers.
SpherIngenics is developing a microbead-based delivery method to protect cells from death and migration after injection into damaged tissue. The company has received a two-year Phase II SBIR grant to continue development of the technology, which could reduce treatment costs by eliminating multiple procedures.
The NIH's Therapeutics Discovery program has partnered with eight pharmaceutical companies to make nearly 60 compounds available for research, accelerating the development of new treatments. Researchers can explore these compounds in disease areas where they haven't been previously explored.
A clinical trial found that nevirapine-based treatment was as effective as lopinavir/ritonavir in controlling HIV levels and reducing mortality among African women. The study confirms the affordability and efficacy of nevirapine-based treatment regimens for initial HIV treatment in resource-limited settings.
A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that male doctors make $12,001 more per year than their female colleagues after adjusting for various factors. This translates to a difference of over $350,000 over a 30-year career.
The Trudeau Institute has received a National Institutes of Health grant to study new treatments for bacterial infections. The institute's lab will investigate the effectiveness of Aronora's therapeutic approach on various types of bacterial infections, building on earlier studies that showed promise in mice.
The Mia J. Tegner Memorial Research Grants support research on the history of ocean ecology, aiming to predict future impacts from human interactions. The 2012 grants were awarded to four researchers studying various marine ecosystems, including Antarctica and the eastern Mediterranean seascape.
Researchers measured hormone levels to distinguish between two theories for the whale's decline, supporting the inadequate prey hypothesis. The data suggest that recovering Chinook salmon populations is critical to killer whale recovery.
International experts emphasize the need for concerted global efforts to address climate change and its substantial health impacts, particularly on vulnerable populations. Encouraging individual actions like walking, cycling, and healthier eating can bring co-benefits for both public health and reduced climate impact.
A new study found that hospitals are increasingly holding elderly Medicare recipients for observation instead of inpatient care, leading to higher out-of-pocket costs. The shift may be driven by hospitals and physicians seeking to avoid unfavorable Medicare audits targeting hospital admissions.
Dr. Terry Orr-Weaver is the recipient of the FASEB 2013 Excellence in Science Award, honoring her contributions to DNA replication and cell cycle research. She has made significant insights into the control of cell division, particularly in Drosophila.
A new series in PLoS Medicine aims to address the gap between public health approaches and clinical methods for addressing mental disorders. The series seeks case studies that demonstrate global mental health practices in real-world contexts.
The REMARK checklist provides criteria for assessing the completeness of reporting tumor marker studies, aiming to improve quality and relevance of research. Good reporting reveals study strengths and weaknesses, facilitating sound interpretation and application of results.
The Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics at UC Santa Barbara has received two new grants to advance its interdisciplinary biology initiatives. The grants, totaling $2 million, will support workshops, postdoctoral fellowships, and a new summer program aimed at the interface of physics and biology.
Researchers at UC San Diego have received over $12 million in new grants from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine to develop stem cell-based treatments for various diseases. The awards will support projects that aim to repair gene mutations, find new drugs and regeneratin spinal cord injuries.
The UK has allocated £250M for five-year strategic investment programmes in bioscience research, including 26 strategic science programmes and 14 key national research capabilities. This funding will focus on addressing global challenges such as sustainable food production, energy security, and healthcare.
A UC Irvine immunologist has received a $4.8 million grant to create new neural stem cells for treating multiple sclerosis. The cells aim to halt ongoing myelin loss and encourage the growth of new myelin to mend damaged nerves.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have identified a microRNA called miR-181b that can reduce the inflammatory response responsible for diseases like sepsis. The findings suggest that higher levels of miR-181b may be protective against sepsis and other inflammatory diseases.
The University of Louisville has received a $6.3 million grant to develop technology to help paralyzed people regain movement in their limbs, with the goal of improving quality of life. Researchers aim to advance research and treatment options for individuals with spinal cord injuries.
A Queen's University professor and his research team received a prestigious NIH grant to investigate the impact of 'topping up' with intravenous nutrition on survival rates among critically ill patients. The study aims to create new guidelines for optimal energy and protein delivery to critically ill patients.
A new tool has been developed to help healthcare professionals make informed decisions about which drugs to include in health care formularies. The tool, consisting of a checklist with 48 questions, evaluates the evidence of need, efficacy, medication safety, and other factors.
The UC San Diego Superfund Research Program has received a $15 million grant renewal to continue studying the molecular and genetic consequences of toxicant exposure from Superfund sites. The program aims to develop novel biological models to define how toxicants cause disease and find effective ways to remediate.
Canada provides scant support for large randomized controlled trials compared to Western countries, hindering effectiveness of medical therapies and procedures. Experts recommend increasing funding to remove bureaucratic barriers and conduct local studies due to unique social and health contexts.
A study of 27 orthopedic surgery residents found that they were functioning at less than 80% mental effectiveness due to fatigue during 48% of their awake time. Residents who worked night shifts slept an average of 5.1 hours daily, highlighting the prevalence and variability of resident fatigue.
The study confirms that studying genes shared with other animals is a viable means of extrapolating information about human biology. Researchers analyzed 400,000 pairs of genes and found only a weak decrease in functional similarity between orthologs.
Researchers have isolated a gene related to autism, schizophrenia, and obesity in zebrafish, which may also contribute to human conditions. The KCTD13 gene regulates brain cell growth and is associated with head size at birth.
A paralyzed woman was able to sip from a drink on her own for the first time in nearly 15 years using a thought-controlled robotic arm. The BrainGate neural interface system, which records brain signals and turns them into digital commands, showed significant promise in clinical trials.
Researchers found a strong association between early drug and alcohol use and lower levels of educational attainment. The study of over 6,000 male twins found that those who started drinking or using drugs before age 14 were less likely to finish college.
LA BioMed has received a Grand Challenges Explorations grant to develop an innovative treatment for premature infants using aerosolized synthetic lung surfactant. The project aims to reduce breathing problems in preterm babies by providing a non-invasive approach.
The National Psoriasis Foundation has awarded a record $2.06 million in grants to 26 scientists studying psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, aiming to advance knowledge and lead to new treatments. The foundation's mission is to find a cure for these autoimmune diseases through research, advocacy, and education.
Dr. Gregor Reid and his team will study the impact of probiotic yogurt on pregnant women and their children in Tanzania to investigate potential benefits for disease prevention. The project aims to understand how nutrition and bacteria can be passed from mothers to their children, a critical period for health development.
A $373,256 grant will be used to re-curate and modernize the West Virginia Biological Survey Museum, which houses over 21,000 specimens. The project aims to preserve the nation's largest museum collection of mammals, amphibians, and reptiles from West Virginia.
Northwestern University researchers have received two Grand Challenges Explorations grants to develop new compounds for malaria treatment and biosensors for low-cost diagnoses. The projects aim to improve the health of people in developing countries using synthetic biology techniques.
A Michigan State University researcher has developed a synthetic biosensor that glows green in response to conditions mimicking human tuberculosis infection. The goal is to find new treatments for chronic TB and multidrug-resistant TB.
A study using data from over 1 million adults found that a newer risk prediction equation classified more individuals as having chronic kidney disease and accurately predicted death and end-stage renal disease. The CKD-EPI equation outperformed the MDRD Study equation in categorizing risk, especially at higher GFR levels.
A study on Rwanda found that HIV/AIDS funding has no adverse effects on non-AIDS health services, and may even improve overall quality of care. The research suggests that comprehensive HIV/AIDS interventions can provide better preventive care, including superior delivery of childhood vaccinations.
Researchers applied financial portfolio theory to NIH funding allocation decisions, suggesting potential efficiency gains and improved public health outcomes. The study found that optimized funding allocations may yield more desirable results, with a 28% to 89% greater decrease in years of life lost.
A $2.4 million grant will help identify genetic variations that can predict the response to various treatment options for type 2 diabetes, with the goal of reducing cardiovascular disease. The study aims to target interventions to patients most likely to benefit and least likely to be harmed.
A genetic study has identified genes that may be responsible for the Western African Pygmies' relatively small size. The researchers found that genetic mutations in certain pathways govern reproductive hormone activation and growth hormone regulation, which could be linked to early reproduction as an adaptation to their environment.
The National Geographic Society has launched a new Air and Water Conservation Fund to support cutting-edge projects in China. Grants ranging from $20,000 to $50,000 will be awarded to on-the-ground projects exploring innovative approaches to conserving China's water and air resources.
Countries with limited health research capacity are mainly small islands and politically isolated nations, according to international experts. Establishing national health research strategies is crucial for public health systems to function and thrive.
A study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that treatment with levothyroxine reduced ischemic heart disease events and mortality in younger patients with subclinical hypothyroidism. However, the findings were not evident in older patients, highlighting the need for further research to confirm these results.
Researchers will investigate four cellular processes using Neurospora fungi to develop general principles of coupled network dynamics. The goal is to improve care for patients with abdominal trauma or gut pathogens exposure. The project aims to elucidate potential methods for enhanced disease treatment and trauma care.
A study proposes a triage tool to optimize lab capacity for patients with high CD4 failure likelihood. The model could help focus laboratory-based CD4 count testing on those who need it most.
A study found that open surgery is associated with a higher risk of small-bowel obstruction (SBO) compared to laparoscopic surgery. The authors analyzed data from 108,141 patients and found that the incidence of SBO ranged from 0.4% to 13.9%, depending on the type of operation.
Scientists at the University of Florida's Center for NeuroGenetics are studying a new idea that challenges traditional views on how proteins are made in cells and their impact on genetic diseases. The team aims to understand how repetitive DNA sequences can lead to disease-causing mutations without the usual protein expression signals.
Researchers found that Cantonese speakers demonstrated enhanced musical pitch perception compared to Canadian French and English speakers. Notably, individuals with congenital amusia who also spoke Cantonese still showed improved pitch perception.
The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology has received a $70,450 NSF grant to improve middle and high school science education. The program includes two workshops and annual mini-grant opportunities for teachers to develop hands-on curricula.
The University of Louisville has established a cardiac clinical research center thanks to a $3.4 million NIH grant. Researchers will test the safety and effectiveness of adult stem cell therapies for cardiovascular disorders.
A randomized clinical trial found that patients given a choice between fecal occult blood testing (FOBT) and colonoscopy completed CRC screening more often than those assigned to colonoscopy alone. Racial/ethnic differences in screening completion rates were observed, with African-Americans having the lowest rate.
Dr. John Whyte is the recipient of Kessler Foundation's 2nd Annual Joel A. DeLisa, MD Award for his contributions to rehabilitation strategies and outcomes for people with severe brain injury. The award includes a $50,000 grant for his research activities.
The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) awarded four grants to investigators in 2012, supporting research on point-of-care focused cardiac ultrasound and detection of physiologic changes within the median nerve. Funding aims to advance medical ultrasound technology and education.
The National Collegiate Athletic Association is funding a study to examine the effects of sports-related concussions on student-athletes over their college careers and beyond. The study aims to identify factors that contribute to later problems, such as chronic traumatic encephalopathy, in order to minimize risks.
The University of Chicago Medicine will launch a new program to study the role of spirituality in medical practice and education, with a focus on how a physician's personal beliefs inform their professional life. The Faculty Scholars program aims to train junior faculty to conduct research on this topic.
The number of retractions in scientific journals has increased by over 10-fold in the past decade, driven by economic incentives and a hypercompetitive environment. This trend is seen as a symptom of a growing dysfunction in biomedical research, with researchers feeling pressure to publish in high-profile journals to secure funding.