News on the money and policy behind biomedical research. Covers foundation and career-development awards, endocrine and neuroscience funding, and university royalties.
A new $1.2 million grant will fund research and teacher training for doctoral students at the University of California, Riverside, focusing on students with disabilities. The program aims to improve reading skills and comprehension among low-skilled students, including English language learners.
A nationwide study found demographic and clinical factors associated with Parkinson's disease survival. Dementia was diagnosed in 69.6% of the study population, particularly among black patients, and significantly increased mortality risk. Environmental exposures also seemed to influence survival rates.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that microbial communities on the skin influence attractiveness to mosquitoes. Individuals with lower diversity and higher abundance of bacteria were more attractive to Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto mosquito, which plays a key role in malaria transmission.
The study emphasizes the importance of disclosing site investigators' recruitment performance to ensure transparency in multicentre clinical trials. By publishing this information, sponsors can provide insights into potential issues affecting recruitment, enabling a better understanding of treatment outcomes.
A Wayne State University researcher is studying the signaling process that triggers breast cancer transformation. The objective of his three-year study is to evaluate the potential roles of two small proteins in breast cancer progression.
Autism Speaks has awarded 47 new research grants, totaling $13.2 million, to advance understanding of epigenetic and gene-environment influences, neurobiology, and studies on adolescents and adults with autism. The grants will focus on increasing early diagnosis, improving treatment outcomes, and reducing the economic cost of autism.
A novel analytical framework, called a 'house model,' can help develop and strengthen health systems in post-conflict countries. The framework focuses on the production, deployment, and retention of health workers, highlighting the importance of linkages between different components of the human resource system.
Researchers found single-sex vaccination to be the most effective strategy for reducing human papillomavirus (HPV) infection rates. By vaccinating the sex with the highest pre-vaccine prevalence of HPV infection – typically females – immunity can be bolstered and herd immunity improved.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine received a $6.75 million grant to investigate the role of innate immunity in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). They discovered a deficit in infection-fighting cells, leading to a buildup of harmful agents in the body.
A PhD student in ecology and evolutionary biology is tracking how viruses spread from flying foxes to humans. Her research aims to fill gaps in bat population data using samples from museum specimens.
The Leonard Wolfson Experimental Neurology Centre will accelerate the development of treatments and identify future therapeutic targets for neurodegenerative diseases, aiming for earlier intervention for patients. The centre will be based at UCL's National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery.
The study highlights the significant role of public sector funding in the development of new pharmaceutical drugs. Most basic biomedical research is supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and government funding has a direct impact on priority-review drugs.
A study published in PLOS ONE shows that 2 megapixel camera phones can capture clear microscopy images for confirmation and analysis by specialists. This technology has the potential to improve medical diagnosis in remote areas, empowering undereducated healthcare workers.
Research led by John Scannella confirms that Triceratops is a single genus, resolving debate over the classification of Torosaurus and Nedoceratops. The study reveals that significant skeletal changes during development and natural variation within the genus cause specimens to exhibit varying features.
A recent study found that over 1 in 50 babies are born with a birth defect, significantly more common than previously estimated. The report highlights the need for improved regional monitoring to identify causes and reduce occurrences of anomalies.
A large trial in Ethiopia found that self-epilation using clean forceps is an acceptable alternative to surgery for treating minor trachomatous trichiasis. This approach preserves vision and offers logistical advantages over traditional surgical methods, making it a promising solution for low-resource countries.
Researchers find that internal group dynamics can lead to biased and misleading scientific findings, affecting the quality of published research. They advocate for improved collaboration practices, including clear goals and roles, to address this issue.
Conservation biologist Krithi K. Karanth receives National Geographic's 10,000th grant to study human-wildlife conflicts and habitat destruction in five Indian parks. The project aims to identify risks and consequences for local people and wildlife species like elephants, wild pigs, leopards, and tigers.
A study published in PLOS ONE introduces a lighter-weight GPS tag model that enables tracking of animals weighing at least 5.5 pounds, previously inaccessible due to equipment limitations. The team identified optimal deployment strategies for the smaller devices, resulting in successful tracking across a broader range of sizes.
The University of Missouri has received a $3 million grant from the National Science Foundation to train scientists in neutron scattering techniques. The program will focus on three areas of research and provide hands-on training at the university's Research Reactor facility.
A new grant from the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) aims to explore social and ethical issues surrounding clinical genome sequencing. The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia is one of five U.S. centers, focusing on pediatrics, to receive a four-year Clinical Sequencing Exploratory Research Project award.
The NHGRI Genome Sequencing Program will prioritize medical applications and rare inherited diseases over the next four years, with a $416 million investment. The program aims to identify genetic causes of Mendelian disorders and accelerate diagnosis and treatment.
A new study found that human brain development differs from chimpanzees and macaques, with hundreds of genes showing unique developmental patterns in the prefrontal cortex. MicroRNA activity patterns also showed significant differences, potentially linked to human-specific changes in cognitive abilities.
Research on funding models in primary care practices found no association with superior preventive care delivery. Instead, female physicians, smaller patient loads, and electronic reminders were linked to better health outcomes.
Scleroderma is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting 300,000 US citizens, causing skin thickening and internal organ damage. Researchers at Northwestern will identify biomarkers using proteomics to develop targeted therapies.
The Einstein-Montefiore site is one of only 25 federally-funded centers in the country, facilitating Phase II clinical trials for rare neurological diseases. The center aims to streamline logistics and provide research expertise, reducing study initiation time from years to months.
The TB Research Movement aims to create a framework for concrete actions to harmonize and synergize TB research efforts globally. The movement is creating a framework for more research and innovation, particularly for the poor and vulnerable populations burdened by TB.
The Kessler Foundation has received grants totaling $296,261 to study the impact of cultural factors on health-related quality of life for people with spinal cord injuries. Dr. Denise Fyffe will use the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) to examine the cultural sensitivity of PROMIS quality of life instru...
A team of researchers found that doctors who learned from both successes and failures performed better in making treatment choices. They used fMRI imaging to detect characteristic brain patterns for high performers and low performers, showing a correlation between attention to failed treatments and better performance.
Researchers used DNA barcoding to discover several previously undiscovered butterfly species in the Yucatan peninsula, correcting four cases of mistaken identification. The study showcases the utility of this method in characterizing biodiversity.
A new study from the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio challenges the idea that lacking a copy of the IGF1 receptor gene would increase life span. Knocking out one copy of the gene failed to lengthen male mice lifespan, with only modest increases in female mice.
A study by Mona Loutfy and colleagues found that women experience a complex system of stigma related to HIV, sexism, racism, homophobia, and sex work. The researchers identified resilience, social networks, and challenging stigma as effective coping strategies.
A University of Southampton professor has been awarded a European Research Council (ERC) grant to realise tools for fast, low-cost point-of-care clinical diagnostics and chemical analysis in water pollution and food safety. The £2.6m programme aims to advance biophotonics research in near- to mid-infra-red devices.
A recent study by University of Pittsburgh researchers found that fatigue and poor sleep quality among emergency medical services (EMS) workers are associated with higher rates of injuries, medical errors, and safety-compromising behaviors. The study suggests that improving sleep quality and reducing fatigue may be key targets for inte...
The WHO Mental Health Gap Action Programme aims to reduce the treatment gap for mental, neurological, and substance use disorders in low- and middle-income countries. The programme provides evidence-based management recommendations to improve access to treatment and care.
Kessler Foundation received a $250,000 grant from the Wallerstein Foundation to study hidden disabilities that complicate recovery after stroke. Researchers aim to find better treatments for these often-overlooked disabilities, which can prolong hospitalizations and increase the risk of injury.
A $7.5 million NIH grant will fund a Center of Excellence at Ohio State University to develop novel enzyme-based antidotes for nerve agents and pesticides. The team aims to create efficient enzymes that can neutralize multiple toxic agents, paving the way for new treatments and preventive measures.
Dr. Richard A. McIndoe is leading a $7.5 million National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases grant to support studies on diabetes affecting 8.3% of Americans. The Diabetic Complications Consortium shares data on complications like heart attack, stroke, vision loss, and kidney damage.
Pitt mathematicians collaborate with neurobiology researchers to study the transfer of signals between brain regions and develop less invasive treatments. Their study may guide the creation of more effective deep brain stimulation procedures.
Researchers developed a computational model to predict justice's votes, outperforming legal expert forecasts and case content algorithms. The study found decreasing court predictability over the Warren-Rehnquist era and lower predictability during Democratic presidencies.
Dr. David Llewellyn has been awarded a two-year grant to investigate the link between low vitamin D levels and increased risk of dementia. His research aims to identify vitamin D as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for preventing and treating the disease.
Infants born prematurely in Malawi are at a higher risk of death and developmental delays compared to term-born infants. The study found that premature babies were 1.79 times more likely to die than term babies, with increased rates of underweight and disability.
Six TUM researchers have received substantial ERC grants to support their groundbreaking research projects. Prof. Annette Menzel's project aims to investigate the impact of extreme weather events on ecosystems, while Prof. Christian Pfleiderer is working on magnetic vortices for information technology.
The Scott & White Cancer Research Institute has received a $3.5 million grant from the Cancer Prevention Research Institute of Texas to develop new cancer treatments. The funds will be used to upgrade facilities and support the production of promising drug candidates, enabling rapid transition from laboratory to clinical trials.
St. Michael's Hospital has received funding to develop a human endogenous retrovirus (HERV) vaccine that could eliminate latent HIV reservoirs. The project aims to target persistent viruses hiding in the body, with the goal of eliminating HIV from infected individuals.
The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia is investigating a novel drug approach to control and cure HIV infection. The hospital will study the potential of synthetic BET family protein antagonists to flush HIV out of its hiding places, where it can be destroyed by other antiretroviral drugs.
The National Cancer Institute has awarded Albert Einstein College of Medicine two grants totaling $8 million to study the microenvironments that drive the spread of cancer. The research aims to understand the complex process of metastasis, which is responsible for most cancer-related deaths.
A study published in PLOS ONE reveals that big cats' square-shaped vocal cords allow for louder roars at lower lung pressure, making it easier for the tissue to respond to airflow. This discovery contradicts a long-held theory and could potentially help doctors reconstruct damaged vocal fold tissue.
Scientists studying drugs for dementia treatment also find promise in treating heart failure, driven by a common enzyme. Preliminary studies suggest that blocking this enzyme may help slow the progression of both conditions.
A BUSM researcher has received two NIH grants totaling over $11 million to study systemic sclerosis (SSc), a rare and complex rheumatic disease. The funding will support clinical research, molecular studies, and identification of biomarkers to accelerate the understanding of SSc and develop new treatments.
A paradigm shift is needed to prioritize health equity in social determinants of health research, according to a recent study. The authors recommend four priority areas for future research and suggest refining norms and standards for monitoring health inequalities.
Dr. Modesto Orozco has been awarded an ERC Advanced Grant for his project SimDNA, a computational biology initiative aiming to unravel the structure and properties of nucleic acids. The five-year grant provides funding of around 2-3 million Euros.
The New England Regional Spinal Cord Injury Center at Boston Medical Center has been awarded a five-year grant to continue as the leading center in New England for spinal cord injury care, education, and research. This designation underscores the center's commitment to staying on the cutting edge of spinal cord research and treatment.
The New York University College of Nursing is conducting a two-year study on the impact of internationally educated nurses on patient safety in nursing homes. The research aims to identify differences and similarities in care processes and outcomes among RNs and LPNs/VNs.
Researchers studied woodpecker anatomy and behavior to understand how they resist head impact injury. Key findings include the relative 'spongy'-ness of cranial bones and beak features that absorb shock, leading to a combined effect of multiple morphological features.
A study by Roman Pfister and colleagues found a potentially causal link between low B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) hormone levels and the development of type 2 diabetes. The researchers suggest that BNP may be a promising target for interventions aimed at preventing type 2 diabetes.
Researchers at the University of Adelaide have identified a key gene that regulates the immune system, providing vital clues to reversing autoimmune diseases. The discovery is part of a $2 million grant to investigate new therapies for conditions such as multiple sclerosis and type 1 diabetes.
A University of Bristol researcher is using £1.3 million to study diatoms' ability to coat themselves in glass, with potential applications in medical imaging tools and novel catalysts.
The University of Louisville and Frazier Rehab Institute have been awarded a $2.2 million grant to establish a Spinal Cord Injury Model System, which aims to provide comprehensive rehabilitative care and advance research into treating spinal cord injuries. The program will serve the states of Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, and Tennessee.
The Boston University School of Medicine has been awarded a five-year, $316,875 training grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to investigate inflammatory disorders. The program will provide students with a solid academic background in immunology and multi-disciplinary approaches.