News on the money and policy behind biomedical research. Covers foundation and career-development awards, endocrine and neuroscience funding, and university royalties.
The Scripps Research Institute has received a $206,250 grant from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) to expand its high school summer internship program. The program aims to inspire talented students from diverse backgrounds to pursue careers in stem cell research.
The article discusses the importance of researching health systems interventions and assessing the reliability of evidence. The authors argue that useful tools are available to evaluate effectiveness, but more work is needed to assess other key factors such as policy acceptability and implementation feasibility.
A study found that CD4 cell count is associated with AIDS risk in HIV-infected adults on combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) with a suppressed viral load. Patients with higher CD4 counts have lower AIDS risk, even at counts above 500 cells/μL.
Neuroscience research with military funding sparks debate over scientific validity and consequential ethical considerations. Dual-use applications include brain-computer interfaces and neuromodulation technologies that may enhance or suppress neurological capacities in soldiers.
A study found that selective reporting of trials enhances apparent clinical effectiveness, potentially misleading clinicians. The results of published trials influence prescribing decisions.
Aarhus University researchers will study five specific mental disorders: schizophrenia, manic depression, depression, autism, and ADHD. They aim to identify biological disease mechanisms and provide the basis for better treatment and prevention.
The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and AACR have awarded $1.2 million in grants to two postdoctoral fellows, Stephanie K. Dougan and Oliver G. McDonald, to advance pancreatic cancer research through immunotherapy and epigenetic reprogramming studies.
University of Michigan researchers lead a longitudinal study on concussions and sports, aiming to create unprecedented data on brain health. The study will follow athletes through their lifetime, monitoring the long-term effects of head injuries.
A study published in PLOS Medicine suggests that women who have a previous caesarean section may benefit from a planned repeat caesarean section in terms of reduced bleeding and infant mortality. The research found that elective repeat caesarean sections were associated with lower risks of severe bleeding and serious infant morbidity.
Researchers have found the oldest organism with a skeleton, Coronacollina acula, which lived between 560-550 million years ago. The discovery provides insight into early life on Earth and may help scientists recognize life elsewhere in the universe.
Scientists used NMR to study pharmaceutical molecules' packing and hydrogen bonding arrangements, shedding new light on polymorphic forms.
The Faculty of 1000 awarded $250 travel grants to 74 Associate Faculty Members who submitted six or more evaluations in 2011. The highest number of evaluations came from Faculties of Cell Biology, Immunology, Neuroscience, and Anaesthesiology & Pain Management.
In low- and middle-income countries, low levels of care-seeking for newborn illnesses hinder efforts to reduce neonatal mortality. The study highlights the need for standardized approaches to improve healthcare systems and increase access to quality care.
A new series of health system guidance is needed to address challenges such as translating research in low- and middle-income countries. The authors suggest that further research is required to develop meaningful advice on health systems complexity, political systems, and contexts.
Researchers have discovered a novel cell death pathway in bacteria that shares similarities with apoptosis in higher organisms. The newly described Apoptotic-Like Death (ALD) pathway is characterized by DNA fragmentation and depolarization of the cell membrane, similar to eukaryotic apoptosis.
A study found that family members of ICU patients tend to be overly optimistic about recovery prospects, even when faced with poor prognoses. The researchers suggest that this optimism serves as a coping mechanism in high-stress situations, and may lead to caregiver decisions that do not reflect the patient's values.
Researchers are deconstructing molecular and genetic rhythms to better understand biological timing mechanisms. By isolating genes and signals, they hope to control and repair broken clocks, leading to breakthroughs in fields like cancer research and communication signal improvement.
A study published in PLOS Genetics reveals that chimpanzees living in close proximity are substantially more genetically different than humans from different continents. This finding highlights the importance of conserving each population independently to address habitat loss and hunting challenges.
Researchers have discovered two new extinct camel species in the Panama Canal excavation, extending the distribution of mammals to their southernmost point in Central America. The discovery provides insights into the history of the tropics and the evolution of camels.
Global mental health faces significant funding challenges, with over 70% of the burden in low- and middle-income countries. A new framework is proposed to address this issue, highlighting the need for a coherent evidence base and sustained political support.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that using clean delivery kits and practicing clean delivery techniques significantly reduces neonatal mortality rates. The use of these kits alone did not guarantee the adoption of life-saving practices, emphasizing the need for further research on locally appropriate promotion strategies.
The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) has selected 11 projects for funding, aiming to professionalise the use and management of research infrastructure. These core facilities will receive a total of €450,000 over three years to strengthen links between instrumentation centres and the scientific community.
Researchers from five states and Canada are studying cellular-level processes that control uterine muscles, air pollution's effect on pregnancy, and the causes of preeclampsia. The goal is to lower the nation's preterm birth rate to 9.6% by 2020.
The Helmholtz Association is funding a research project to develop a standardized screening platform for identifying active agents to treat protein misfolding diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. The grant will be matched by the MDC, allowing researchers to test larger libraries of potential active agents.
A study published in PLOS Medicine suggests that text messaging can improve malaria control in Africa by transmitting information from the periphery to health managers, as well as supporting patient management. The authors highlight six areas where text messaging interventions can have a significant impact.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai are exploring new treatments for Alzheimer's disease by targeting the immune system and amyloid plaques in the brain. The goal is to identify drugs that can stimulate macrophages to clean up these plaques, allowing brain regeneration.
A new iPad app, DASH II, is being trialled in Newcastle and North Tyneside hospitals to help doctors and patients make informed decisions about stroke treatment. The app provides visual interpretations of risks and benefits, enabling medical teams to explain predicted outcomes clearly.
A research team led by Brandeis Professor Donald Shepard is investigating the cost-effectiveness of a new malaria prevention strategy involving a wallpaper-like liner technology. The technology has shown promising results in reducing malaria infections by 38 percent in Kenya.
A study found that painACTION.com increased participants' confidence in preventing headaches and managing pain, leading to more daily activities and reduced depression, anxiety, and stress. The online intervention was effective as an adjunct to comprehensive medical care for chronic migraine management.
A novel gene-therapy approach to restore vision in people with blindness caused by age-related macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa has attracted additional funding. The technology, developed at Wayne State University, uses a virus to deliver a photoreceptor gene from green algae, restoring light sensitivity to retinas.
Researchers from Notre Dame and two universities are studying the impact of speciation on parasitic wasps and their fruit fly prey. The study may help control pests in orchards, saving the apple industry millions annually.
Analysis of North American prickly pear cacti species shows widespread hybrid origin, likely resulting from western and southeastern US parental species hybridization. Genome duplication contributed to the distribution pattern seen today.
A Marshall University researcher has received a $60,000 grant to investigate the connection between obesity and cancer. The study aims to understand why obesity increases human risk for several types of cancers.
The University of Louisville will receive a $576,800 grant to develop a low-cost, simple test for diagnosing tuberculosis (TB) in developing countries. Researchers aim to identify and validate TB biomarkers using a disposable sampling plate and breath test.
Biologists Fran Bonier and Ignacio Moore investigate how stressed bird parents care for their young and respond to environmental challenges. The study aims to determine whether glucocorticoid levels affect bird parenting behaviors, with potential implications for understanding the effects of stress on organisms and evolution.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that dogs excel at interpreting pointing gestures, while chimps fail to identify objects of interest. This result suggests that dogs may possess a unique form of communication that challenges the long-held assumption that humans have a monopoly on this ability.
Scientists at Duke University Medical Center discovered that copper is essential for detecting sulfur-containing substances, which are responsible for strong odors. The research, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, suggests a possible link between copper and drug receptor responses.
The Stichting af Jochnick Foundation is funding research into the fundamental causes of diabetes at Karolinska Institutet, aiming to develop more effective treatments for the disease. The project will use unique methods to study insulin regulation in living organisms and identify new targets for drugs.
According to a study published in Archives of Neurology, revised criteria for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) may reclassify patients with very mild or mild Alzheimer's disease dementia. The new guidelines allow for more flexibility in defining functional independence, potentially affecting diagnostic approaches and treatment options.
A five-year study will determine the causes and impact of hyperkyphosis, a condition affecting 40% of older adults, causing breathing and mobility difficulties. The study aims to identify underlying causes and develop prevention strategies for this often-ignored condition.
Christian Schlötterer is studying how fruit flies adapt to climate change through genetic analysis, aiming to understand the molecular mechanisms behind adaptation. His project may provide insights into natural variation and gene changes required for survival in new environments.
The study analyzed ED data from the 2008 National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey and found that patients treated at safety-net EDs were more likely to be young and minority than those treated at non-safety-net EDs. Despite concerns about performance measures penalizing underfunded safety-net institutions, the study suggests th...
The Massachusetts Life Sciences Center awarded Dana-Farber Cancer Institute a $10 million grant to support the expansion of its pioneering cancer imaging research program. The new facility will enable better diagnosis, targeted therapies, and improved patient outcomes.
Researchers at Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência receive €2.2 million funding to investigate mechanisms behind 'tolerance to infection'. They aim to identify protective genetic programs controlling tissue damage in various diseases, paving the way for new therapeutic interventions.
The Broad Institute has received a $32.5 million grant to launch the Klarman Cell Observatory, which will decipher how biological decisions are made in health and disease. The Observatory aims to shed light on the inner workings of cells, leading to major treatment breakthroughs.
A new NIH grant could lead to a potential treatment for obesity-related diseases. Preliminary studies show that controlling a specific gene pathway can prevent long-term inflammation and its associated diseases.
The article proposes three areas of legal liability for ghostwriters: reliance on false safety and efficacy data, inducing government reimbursement under false pretenses, and anti-kickback statute violations. Guest authors' participation in ghostwritten articles may also lead to claims of fraud on the court against pharmaceutical compa...
SUNY Downstate has been awarded a four-year challenge grant of $220,000 from Research to Prevent Blindness to develop advanced research into blinding diseases. The institution's ophthalmology team is now one of 52 institutions receiving recognition for its eye research.
Research suggests that exposure to iodinated contrast media during imaging procedures may lead to changes in thyroid function, including an increased risk of developing hyperthyroidism. A study found associations between contrast media exposure and both overt hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, highlighting the need for further investi...
A new study by Rutgers University finds that paid family leave is associated with increased wages for women, reduced spending on employee replacement costs, and lower rates of public assistance. The research also highlights the need for a national policy to provide workers with stable time off to care for their families.
The St. Baldrick's Foundation has awarded a grant of $47,000 to the Biopathology Center at Nationwide Children's Hospital to enhance its digital pathology services. This funding will enable researchers to conduct more studies and enroll more children in clinical trials, which are their best hope for a cure.
Dr. Sandra Van Schaeybroeck's research aims to identify ways to increase survival from bowel cancer by developing new treatment strategies and understanding drug resistance. The £688,000 Cancer Research UK Clinical Scientist Fellowship renewal will support her work for another three years.
The IUPUI-launched Institute for Mathematical Modeling and Computational Science aims to train a new generation of researchers to identify and solve scientific issues. The institute focuses on areas such as drug delivery, pollution, and brain mapping, using mathematical modeling and computational science approaches.
The study analyzes the impact of the 2001 Doha Declaration on compulsory licensing of pharmaceuticals, highlighting a need for systematic evaluation of global health agreements. The authors investigated trends in compulsory licensing since 1995 and found significant changes in response to the declaration.
A long-term study found elevated mortality rates among individuals who experienced venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism compared to controls. The research, published in PLoS Medicine, underscores the major consequences of venous thrombosis on both morbidity and mortality.
A new study by Rice University illustrates a disconnect between government funding of biomedical research by young investigators and the Nobel Prize standard. The average age of biomedical researchers getting their first grant from the NIH in 2008 was 42, compared to the average age of Nobel winners at 41.
The Elsevier Foundation has awarded $650,000 to nine institutions worldwide for innovative libraries and new scholars in developing countries. The grants aim to improve access to scientific information and support early-career women scientists.
Research found that individuals with dementia had a significantly higher rate of hospital admissions for all causes and ambulatory care-sensitive conditions. These findings suggest opportunities to improve outpatient care for seniors with dementia by identifying preventive strategies for common conditions like pneumonia, heart failure,...
Researchers at the University of Warwick are part of a four-year project to search for new antibiotics, addressing growing resistance in bacteria such as E. coli and MRSA. The project aims to understand bacterial cell wall growth and discover new chemicals that can interfere with this process.
The FGF20 gene is required for proper development of the mouse inner ear, and its inactivation leads to a loss of outer hair cells. Researchers found that FGF20 signaling must occur on or before day 14 of embryonic development to produce a normal inner ear.