News on the money and policy behind biomedical research. Covers foundation and career-development awards, endocrine and neuroscience funding, and university royalties.
A team of researchers led by UIC's Mary Jo LaDu will examine the biology of apolipoprotein E and its receptors in the central nervous system. The $10M grant aims to understand the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
A new study by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons found that patients undergoing after-hour orthopedic surgeries experience slightly higher rates of necessary follow-up surgeries compared to daytime surgeries. The data also suggests that nighttime surgery patients have similar healing times, recovery periods, and major compli...
A study analyzing Thai data found that reduced birth rates and changes in population demographics are linked to the increase in average age of dengue cases. This shift has implications for clinical management and vaccine development, particularly as more adults become part of the case mix.
The National Science Foundation awards Rutgers $7.6 million for research in clean and sustainable energy resources using biotechnology and nanotechnology. Graduate students will also benefit from the grants, which support training in policy and economic issues related to clean energy development.
A VBI researcher has received $786,797 to develop high-performance computer models for studying infectious diseases. These simulations can provide important information before an outbreak happens, aiding policymakers in making informed decisions.
A research project led by Jan Vijg aims to unravel the mechanisms behind DNA damage and its role in aging, with potential treatments based on antioxidants and other interventions. The study involves four main areas of investigation and has the potential to lead to new strategies for delaying or curing age-related diseases.
A $3.5-million NIH grant will help advance a gene therapy for Tay-Sachs disease from animal tests to human clinical trials. The Boston-based consortium has successfully paired two genes in a single vector, which they believe will increase therapeutic efficiency and lower production costs.
The Ellison Medical Foundation has awarded over $1 million to two mid-career scientists, Dr. Charleen T. Chu and Dr. David M. Sabatini, to study the impact of autophagy and mTOR signaling on age-related diseases such as Parkinson's disease.
Valentin Dragoi, a neurobiology expert at UT Medical School at Houston, has been awarded a four-year, $1.2 million grant to study the signals of populations of neurons in different regions of the cerebral cortex. The project aims to understand how neuronal networks operate in both normal and dysfunctional states.
Rui Costa's team will study the neural mechanisms underlying goal-directed and habit-based decisions using cutting-edge techniques.
The grants are worth a total of $7.7 million, with 19 awards from the National Science Foundation and four from the National Institutes of Health. Researchers will use the funding to build their research programs, work with students, and advance their projects.
Rice University will lead a multi-university Center for Domain-Specific Computing with UCLA, Ohio State, and UC Santa Barbara to develop high-performance computing for medical imaging. The project aims to create energy-efficient, cost-effective solutions for preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic procedures.
A Barrow researcher has received a $275,000 grant from the NIH to develop an artificial system to produce a6 nicotinic receptors, which may be a new target for smoking cessation therapies. The project aims to study drug interactions with this key receptor and develop more effective treatments with fewer side effects.
Researchers at the University of Guam's WPTRC have secured funding from the EPA, USDA, and NOAA to address environmental concerns and improve agricultural practices on the island. The awards aim to develop ecologically sound pest management methods and protect endemic species.
NOAA has awarded over $1.2 million in grant funding to the Alliance for Coastal Technologies (ACT) to develop and adopt effective sensors and sensor platforms for environmental monitoring. The goal is to improve safety, enhance the economy, and protect the environment through enhanced coastal ocean resources stewardship.
Researchers at UCLA Engineering will create customized computing technology for health care and medical imaging, promising more energy-efficient and cost-effective solutions. The project aims to transform the role of medical imaging and hemodynamic simulation, improving health care quality, efficiency, and patient outcomes.
The Center for Restorative and Regenerative Medicine at Brown University has secured a new $7-million funding round from the VA to continue its work on restoring arm and leg function to amputees. Researchers will focus on developing biohybrid limbs, improving prosthetics, and rehabilitating veterans with limb trauma.
The Association of Specialty Professors (ASP) has announced the eighth class of T. Franklin Williams Scholars, funded by a grant from Atlantic Philanthropies and John A. Hartford Foundation. The program aims to increase internal medicine specialists' capacity in caring for elderly patients with research projects focused on geriatric as...
Emory Health Sciences has received $10 million in NIH ARRA grants to advance research in areas like organ transplantation, pulmonary diseases, and addiction. The funding also supports students and teachers through summer research positions.
Researchers will conduct laboratory experiments and theoretical research to minimize the Casimir force between objects, enabling the design of efficient micro- and nano-machines. The project aims to reduce the Casimir force using different material coatings and specialized coatings to bring about a repulsive Casimir force.
The Kadoorie Biobank Study in China has received a £2.5 million funding boost to monitor the health of over 500,000 participants aged 35-74 for decades to come. This study will provide valuable insights into environmental and genetic causes of common conditions in China.
The grant aims to support the development of a vaccine designed to protect pigs from novel H1N1 and other strains of influenza. Researchers at Iowa State University will test the technology against various strains.
A new study identifies criteria for detecting prolonged grief disorder (PGD), a condition characterized by enduring distress and dysfunction after a loss. The criteria, supported by experts, may help clinicians diagnose PGD and provide targeted treatments.
A $1.5 million federal grant from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke will help MSU educate more Hispanic students in neuroscience. The program pairs students with faculty mentors, teaches scientific writing, and provides research experience.
The University of Pittsburgh has received a $13.4 million NIH grant to establish a Center of Excellence in Modeling of Infectious Diseases. The center will develop and test computer simulations to predict the spread of infectious diseases and evaluate effective intervention strategies.
The US Forest Service has awarded a grant to study the threats to Guam's fadang tree, a culturally and biologically significant species. The ongoing research aims to understand the cascading responses of other plants and insects as the fadang population declines.
The article describes the functioning of MSF's independent ERB, which has reviewed over 23 proposals since its inception. The board provides crucial ethical oversight to ensure community empowerment and vulnerable individuals' protection in research settings. Additionally, PLOS Medicine editors discuss the role of journals in addressin...
Researchers at LSU Health Sciences Center are studying how similar cell receptor systems determine different functions influenced by hormones and drugs. They aim to understand specificity in the ERK signaling pathway, which could lead to targeted treatments for diseases like breast cancers.
Lars Jansen, a young researcher from the Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, has been awarded an EMBO Installation Grant to establish a new research group in Portugal. The grant provides funding and support to help him develop his research infrastructures and integrate into the European scientific community.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center will conduct basic science research projects to study the development and mechanisms of generating new cardiac muscle cells. The goal is to develop new therapeutics based on small molecules and microRNAs that will overcome barriers to heart regeneration.
Hebrew SeniorLife is expanding its evidence-based healthy aging programs with a new $105,000 grant from the Tufts Health Plan Foundation. The program will educate over 500 seniors on nutrition, exercise, and falls prevention, aiming to maintain their health and independence.
Researchers at UAB will explore next-generation technology to improve the service life of total joint replacements, potentially reducing recurrent surgical procedures. The partnership with Smith and Nephew Inc. will provide access to state-of-the-art testing equipment and expertise.
The UM Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science has received a $82,128 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act stimulus grant to enhance its Aplysia summer research program. The program will provide hands-on training to undergraduate students and middle/high school science teachers in sea hare research, improving egg ...
The Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC) has received a $14 million grant from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) to support student recruitment and training in biomedical science. The grants will be distributed over six years, attracting and training over 200 high-level students in various dis...
The University of Illinois Chicago's Center for Clinical and Translational Science has received a five-year, $20 million NIH grant to accelerate translational research. The center will facilitate collaborations among researchers, community partners, and national peers to move basic science findings into clinical trials.
The National Institutes of Health has expanded its national consortium for transforming clinical and translational research, awarding $171 million to seven institutions over five years. The consortium aims to accelerate laboratory discoveries into treatments for patients and engage communities in clinical research.
The University of Florida has been awarded nearly $26 million to speed up the transformation of scientific discoveries into medical advances. The grant will support multidisciplinary research in various fields, including biomedical informatics and gene therapy.
Dr. Haydee Bazan received a $710,000 grant from the National Institutes of Health to explore potential therapeutic approaches to heal corneal injuries. The research focuses on finding balance between signaling mechanisms that promote cellular damage or repair in the cornea.
The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) has announced $5 million in new grants to support cutting-edge research projects tackling muscle diseases such as muscular dystrophy, ALS, and spinal muscular atrophy. Researchers at top institutions will explore groundbreaking treatments and therapies for these devastating conditions.
Three NTU proposals win up to S$30 million in funding for innovative biomedicine, energy, and materials research. The grants aim to address global climate change concerns and develop new technologies for energy generation and storage.
A recent study found that xylitol syrup can effectively prevent tooth decay in primary teeth of toddlers. The study involved 94 children aged 9-15 months and showed a significant reduction in decayed teeth among those receiving xylitol syrup, with up to 70% prevention rate.
A 12-week study found that N-acetylcysteine significantly reduced hair-pulling symptoms in patients with trichotillomania, a condition characterized by compulsive hair-pulling and significant psychosocial problems. The treatment was well-tolerated and compared favorably to existing treatment options.
The Centre for Vulnerable Women and Children in Dharavi, Mumbai, addresses the needs of crisis victims by prioritizing family unity. Successful intervention relies on strong partnerships with healthcare providers, law enforcement, and community organizations.
The Mayo Clinic Cancer Center has received a $28 million National Cancer Institute (NCI) funding grant for five years. This award extends the center's designation as a comprehensive cancer center, enabling it to continue delivering outstanding care and research programs across its three US sites.
Researchers at the Peninsula Medical School have received a £9,600 grant to continue studying the genetic causes of eye movement disorders. The team aims to identify genes that contribute to loss of eye movement in conditions like Duane syndrome.
The Hypertension and Vascular Research Center at Wake Forest University School of Medicine has received a five-year, $6.643 million grant renewal from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute to continue studying hypertension and vascular disease.
A LSUHSC M.D./Ph.D. student has been awarded a $148,480 NIH grant to investigate the therapeutic potential of novel omega-3 fatty acid derivatives in experimental stroke. The project aims to define interactions between omega-3 fatty acids and pro-survival protein signaling pathways in the aging brain after stroke.
The University of Adelaide's new Centre of Clinical Research Excellence for Oral Health will investigate the interaction between systemic health and oral disease. The centre will focus on improving dental treatments to manage other diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
The Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation has awarded $2.7M to seven young clinical investigators, providing three-year funding and Continuation Grants to support their cancer research programs. The recipients include Andrew L. Feldman, William Y. Kim, C. Ryan Miller, Vu H. Nguyen, Renier J. Brentjens, Patrick A. Brown, and others.
The IU School of Optometry has been awarded a $2.2 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to support its vision research program. The grant will enable researchers to improve their infrastructure, including electronics, machine shop, and scientific computing resources.
Concordia University has received a $3,348,402 CFI investment to support advanced research infrastructure, benefiting faculty members Suong Hoa, Lynn Hughes, and Ann English. The funding will enhance the university's reputation as an emerging leader in research across various fields.
Case Western Reserve University has received funding to support multiple stem cell and regenerative medicine commercial, emerging, and pilot projects. The $5 million grant will help advance technologies to benefit patients in Ohio, building on previous investments that have brought in $170 million in new commercial development.
The University of Leeds has been awarded $18 million in funding to improve the quality of life for older adults. The new Centre of Excellence in Medical Engineering will focus on developing innovative therapies to address age-related degeneration, with the goal of creating '50 more years after 50'.
A T-STAR grant has funded genetic studies on Pacific white shrimp, papaya cultivars and endangered Cycas micronesica cycad. The research aims to improve disease tolerance and pollination processes, supporting aquaculture and conservation efforts.
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston has received a two-year, $412,500 federal stimulus grant to support research on developing a therapeutic vaccine for Parkinson's disease. Researchers aim to target alpha-synuclein, a protein associated with the disease, and potentially slow its progression.
Two NYU Langone researchers will conduct pilot demonstration projects on microbiome and psoriasis and microbiome and esophageal cancer. The studies aim to assess the relationship between the skin or esophageal microbiome and disease progression.
Leading European scientific institutions are linking up their polar research through a new framework agreement, aiming to improve international teams and collaborative efforts. This will facilitate the launch of joint funding calls, share scientific data, and host scientists in each other's research stations.
A Canada-wide technology platform will map the human interactome, providing Canadian researchers with state-of-the-art equipment and integrated infrastructure. The project, led by Dr. Benoit Coulombe, aims to elucidate dynamic organization of proteins and molecules, potentially leading to better disease treatments.
The Wellcome Trust validated the Faculty of 1000's assessment model through a study analyzing over 900 publications. The scores from both models showed high agreement, highlighting the value of post-publication peer review. However, the study also emphasized that merit cannot be judged solely by citation scores.
The study assesses the effectiveness of world fisheries management regimes using evaluations from nearly 1,200 fisheries experts. It reveals that most regimes are not meeting international standards and that transparency in converting scientific advice into policy is key to sustainability. Wealthier countries face challenges from exces...