News on the money and policy behind biomedical research. Covers foundation and career-development awards, endocrine and neuroscience funding, and university royalties.
The USF-Moffitt Cancer Center has been awarded a $6 million grant to create a National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities Center of Excellence. The center will focus on reducing health disparities among minority and underserved communities in Florida through research, education, and community outreach.
A Brown University professor has won a federal research grant to investigate the effectiveness of topiramate in reducing marijuana addiction among high-school students. The two-year study aims to enroll 60 adolescent males and females and assess the drug's tolerability and efficacy.
Dr. Aileen Go has won a prestigious Amgen Foundation Fellowship grant to study treatment options for older leukemia and lymphoma patients. The research aims to develop a reduced-intensity chemotherapy regimen and methods to boost stem cells for patients aged 55-75.
Researchers Narayanan Parameswaran and Gregory Fink at MSU have received nearly $400,000 to study the molecular aspects of chronic diseases like atherosclerosis and high blood pressure.
Weill Cornell Medical College has received a $100,000 Grand Challenges Explorations grant to study the dormant state of Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria. The project aims to understand how it protects itself from the body's natural defenses and develop a drug target to break through its protective shield.
Researchers at Natura Therapeutics and the University of South Florida are studying the green tea compound TeaMem, which may block a key process in Alzheimer's development. The NIH grant will investigate TeaMem's role in preventing AD pathology and cognitive impairment.
Group Health has received a $1 million grant to study the effectiveness of treatments for depression. The project will use electronic medical records to track health outcomes and identify best matches for patients.
The Woods Institute has awarded grants to four Stanford faculty teams tackling environmental challenges globally. The recipients will focus on desert grasslands in Australia and mountain meadows in California, among other areas.
A recent study in PLoS Biology has identified the crucial role of cohesin proteins in human gene expression, shedding light on Cornelia de Lange syndrome. The research found that dysregulation of cohesin affects hundreds of genes, leading to unique gene expression profiles.
The National Institute of Mental Health is using Recovery Act funds to evaluate the effectiveness of a new training program for telephone crisis counselors. The training, which began in 2008, aims to assess the benefits of the training and shape telephone-based suicide prevention services across the country.
The University of Rhode Island has been awarded a five-year, $18 million grant by the National Institutes of Health to strengthen biomedical research capacity in Rhode Island. The grant will support at least 22 faculty research projects in molecular toxicology, cell biology, and behavioral science.
Researchers at the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute have identified a set of brain proteins responsible for various neurological disorders. These proteins are found to be defective in molecular machines that control communication between nerve cells and learning processes.
The Society of Interventional Radiology Foundation has awarded over $2 million in grant funding since its inception, including $191,000 to 13 researchers. The grants support research training, seed grants, and academic development funding.
A Medical College of Georgia nurse researcher has received a two-year, $147,000 grant from the National Institute on Drug Abuse to investigate cocaine-related renal disease in African-Americans. The study aims to identify early signs of renal disease and develop targeted treatments for patients with cocaine addiction.
A University of Haifa research team has been awarded a European Union grant to investigate the role of synaptic proteins in neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders. The project aims to create disease models using deliberate damage to protein function, with potential implications for understanding autism and schizophrenia.
The study found a decrease in facial fracture incidence over the years, likely due to advancements in vehicle safety features. Individuals restrained with seat belts alone or with airbags were less likely to sustain facial fractures, highlighting the importance of restraint use in injury prevention.
The American Society of Nephrology (ASN) has developed an online curriculum to educate physicians about managing elderly patients with kidney disease. The curriculum addresses gaps in training and provides a comprehensive resource for geriatric nephrology care.
The University of Texas at San Antonio has awarded funding to nine new faculty research projects, valued at approximately $242,000. These initiatives focus on diverse areas such as health, energy, and sustainability.
Dr. Andrew Tsin, a UTSA biologist, has been inducted into the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology's inaugural class of fellows. He is recognized for his significant contributions to eye research, including studies on pigment regeneration and vascular endothelial growth factor secretion.
A UC Davis team plans to extend the capabilities of a powerful new imaging tool called DTEM, enabling scientists to observe and record biological processes at the molecular level. The instrument could achieve resolutions 100 times greater than currently attainable for live processes.
A UC Davis bioengineer is working on a new treatment for infant skull fusion disorders, aiming to reduce the need for secondary surgeries. He aims to create a biodegradable synthetic bone matrix that promotes healthy tissue growth, addressing this condition's complex cause.
Lyncean Technologies will develop the Clinical High Resolution Imaging System (CHRIS) using the Compact Light Source's unique x-ray beam. The system aims to detect fine structures in soft tissue for cancer detection and other clinical applications.
The Center for Proteomics and Bioinformatics at Case Western Reserve will expand its activities in HIV/AIDS research with a $989,108 grant from NIDA. The grant aims to develop reliable biomarkers for chronic immune activation during HIV disease and explore the effects of current or prior drug use on disease progression.
Researchers at UC Riverside will explore the development of novel olfactory repellents to prevent mosquito-human contact and reduce malaria transmission. The project aims to identify odors that inhibit mosquitoes' ability to detect human hosts, potentially leading to effective and environmentally safe insect repellents.
A $6 million initiative supports 68 community health centers in Colorado, Idaho, Massachusetts, Oregon, and Pennsylvania to become patient-centered medical homes. The goal is to improve coordinated care, access, and quality improvements for over 500,000 patients.
The National Institutes of Health has awarded $122 million to fund Institutional Development Award (IDeA) Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) in seven states. These grants aim to expand research opportunities, increase the number of competitive investigators, and enhance biomedical research capacity.
Vanderbilt University has received a $100,000 Grand Challenges Explorations grant to target the thermal receptors in Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes, disrupting their ability to find prey and potentially eradicating malaria. The project aims to identify small molecules that can block or over-stimulate these thermal detectors.
The Monell Center has received a $100,000 Grand Challenges Explorations grant to investigate the role of mosquito taste in malaria transmission. The project aims to identify new strategies to deter mosquitoes from biting humans by understanding how human skin tastes to them.
Gary Conrad's research on cornea development has led to knowledge that could improve LASIK surgery by strengthening the stromal flap and allowing it to permanently bind back to the cornea. The lab group is testing a possible solution using riboflavin and UVA light.
Research grants totaling $24 million have been awarded to study the common dust mite allergen, tuberculosis, malaria, and various immune system disorders. The grants aim to develop novel vaccines and treatments for diseases such as asthma, cancer, and Alzheimer's.
Researchers have developed an alternative treatment method for chronic Achilles tendon tendinosis, with sonographically-guided debridement showing significant improvements in 60% of patients who had failed conservative treatments. The procedure encourages the body's natural repair process to heal damaged tendons.
A group of Michigan State University scientists warn that US farm animal research is facing a critical funding crisis, with only $32 million allocated from a $88 billion budget in 2007. This lack of funding threatens not only the research itself but also human health studies that rely on large-animal models.
The University of Melbourne's bionic eye project received a $50 million funding boost from the Federal Government, with plans to conduct its first clinical test within two years. The project aims to develop a high-resolution bionic eye that can differentiate between objects beyond current capabilities.
Representative Hinchey recognized for his strong support of a national research portfolio that invests in all sciences. He has been a long-time champion for the agricultural and biological sciences, recognizing their key role in addressing society's challenges.
Researchers at Scripps Florida's Department of Cancer Biology have won multiple grants to study Notch3, ornithine decarboxylase, and vinculin, focusing on immune system regeneration and cancer prevention. This funding supports studies on gene expression, enzyme regulation, and cell-cell adhesion complexes.
The University of Pittsburgh has received a five-year, $2.8 million grant to develop training sites in Mozambique, Brazil, and India for HIV/AIDS researchers. The program aims to equip local researchers with skills to monitor patients and combat drug resistance.
Dr. Piera Pasinelli has received a $300,000 grant from the Margaret Q. Landenberger Research Foundation to investigate critical aspects of drug delivery in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). The research aims to overcome the limitations of current treatments by finding ways to inactivate multi-drug resistance transporters.
The university is exploring the impact of molecular pathways on inner ear dysfunction in Usher Syndrome, a clinically and genetically heterogeneous disorder causing congenital deafness and retinitis pigmentosa. The grant aims to prevent hair cell death and promote otoprotection therapy.
A study by Brown University researchers found that nursing homes serving primarily Hispanic residents provided poorer quality care, including higher rates of bed sores. The study looked at data from California, New Mexico, Texas, Arizona, and Colorado and found disparities in care related to racial segregation.
The University of Cincinnati has been awarded nearly $23 million by the National Institutes of Health to support clinical and translational science research. The funding will be used to enhance research capabilities, increase community engagement, and facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration.
The NIH Clinical and Translational Science Consortium has grown to 39 members, including the University of Cincinnati, which will receive $22.7 million over five years. The new Center for Clinical and Translational Science and Training will focus on pediatric research and increase outreach into local communities.
A Stanford study found that the US AIDS Relief program reduced HIV/AIDS death tolls by over 10% in targeted African countries, saving an estimated 1 million lives. However, there was no significant impact on disease prevalence rates.
A new study found that Naltrexone significantly reduced stealing behavior in individuals with kleptomania. The research suggests the drug may offer hope for those struggling with the condition, particularly when used in combination with individual therapy.
A new report by Michael Rodemeyer examines the benefits and drawbacks of regulating synthetic biology using the current U.S. biotechnology framework. While early applications may be adequately covered, advances in the field are expected to create significant challenges for regulatory agencies, including the EPA and FDA.
Graduates of the Program in Clinical Effectiveness have successfully obtained grant funding, published research, and gained promotions. Factors associated with success include being a generalist, publishing coursework projects, and attending the program at age 40 or less.
The International Association for Dental Research presented several awards, including the IADR Honorary Membership to Anthony Fauci, the IADR Distinguished Service Award to Fujio Miura, and the IADR/AADR William J. Gies Awards in various categories. The organization also recognized outstanding research achievements through the IADR E.W...
The NIH will commit $60 million in ARRA funds to support autism research, focusing on diagnostic screening tools, early interventions, and adapting pediatric treatments for older children. The grants will promote economic recovery by creating biomedical jobs and supporting innovative projects.
Researchers at Rensselaer will investigate the role of specific genes and biological molecules in human stem cell function. They aim to understand how to control stem cell development using a range of new technologies.
Einstein College of Medicine has established a Specialized Cooperative Center Program in Reproduction and Infertility Research, focusing on menstrual disorders, endometriosis, and infertility. The center aims to translate breakthroughs in reproductive biology into clinical practice and address health disparities in the local community.
The University of Pittsburgh will focus on developing new strategies to prevent and control antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections, such as C. difficile, A. baumannii, and MRSA. The four-year grant aims to improve infection surveillance and reduce healthcare costs associated with these resistant infections.
The Department of Energy has awarded the University of Georgia Complex Carbohydrate Research Center a four-year, $3.1 million grant to continue supporting research on complex carbohydrates in plants and microbes. The grant renewal marks the sixth time the center has received funding since its inception in 1986.
A Florida State University researcher is conducting a five-year study to change the approach companies take when purchasing mental health care benefits. The study aims to educate employers on how to choose effective mental health care products and promote long-term value over short-term cost savings.
The five-year grant will enable the researcher to further explore how inhibitory components influence sound localization circuitry in vertebrate systems. The study aims to develop a mechanistic understanding of sound localization circuitry that can contribute to clinical applications, such as improving cochlear implants.
A new type of botulinum toxin, Reloxin, has been found to be well-tolerated and effective in reducing moderate to severe forehead lines over a period of 13 months. The study involved 1,200 patients who received low doses of the toxin, with minimal side effects reported.
A new four-year grant will support research on brain and pituitary hormones in sea lampreys to better understand their reproductive systems. The project aims to identify common functional features between these ancient vertebrates and later-evolved species.
The Empire State Stem Cell Board has awarded Albert Einstein College of Medicine $12.7 million to support promising medical advancements, including treatments for sickle cell anemia and obesity. The new grants will help create technologies for cancer, heart and liver disease, as well as age-related diseases.
Researchers at Charles Drew University found that neighborhoods with street gangs have significantly higher homicide rates and greater instability than those without. The presence of gangs, not poverty or unemployment, was the greatest predictor of homicides in Los Angeles County.
The school has received a record-breaking $1 million grant, including three individual awards totaling up to $925,000. The grants will support research into age-related macular degeneration, rhodopsin structure and function, and the pathogenesis of cataract and diabetic retinopathy.
The Sea Grant programs have awarded nearly $820,000 in grants to study the ecological health of Long Island Sound, focusing on hypoxia, red tide blooms, and climate change. The research will provide valuable information to resource managers to solve these environmental challenges.
A statistical modeling study found that alcohol abuse may lead to an increased risk of depression, rather than the reverse. The study used data from a 25-year study of health and development in New Zealand, finding that individuals with alcohol problems were 1.9 times more likely to also have major depression.