News on the money and policy behind biomedical research. Covers foundation and career-development awards, endocrine and neuroscience funding, and university royalties.
A University of Illinois study has found that a hormone present in fat tissue plays a key role in regulating the immune system and aiding recovery from hypoxia. Leptin triggers an increase in anti-inflammatory molecules, leading to faster recovery times in obese mice.
The Supports Intensity Scale is a planning tool that assesses individual needs of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in 85 life areas. A new study found SIS to be effective in predicting funding needs, providing a unique opportunity for services and funding decisions to be based on person-centered goals.
The Einstein consortium will investigate two types of autophagy in liver and brain function under normal and stressful conditions. They aim to understand how impaired autophagy contributes to aging-related declines in organ function, immunity, and cognitive function.
Clinical practice guidelines for cardiovascular disease are often based on lower levels of evidence or expert opinion. A recent study found that the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association guidelines have increased recommendations with more class II and fewer class III recommendations.
A recent study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that nearly 98% of soldiers who experienced a concussion or head injury while deployed in Iraq had headaches during their last deployment. The headaches often started within one week of the traumatic brain injury, with 60% experiencing migraine-like headaches.
The Parkinson's Disease Foundation has awarded $300,000 in emergency bridge funding to four leading scientists working on novel research projects. The grants will support studies focused on improving gastrointestinal motility and targeting alpha-synuclein protein misfolding, among others.
Primary care physicians working in clinics with a high proportion of minority patients report less access to resources and higher levels of burnout. These challenges contribute to the complexities of providing quality care to complex, underserved patient populations.
The University of Oklahoma has received a $398,020 grant from the National Science Foundation to improve instruction in introductory biology courses. The AIBS will provide programmatic staffing and expertise in building an online communication network for the project.
The Ragon Institute aims to unlock the mysteries of the immune system to find new ways of preventing and curing human disease. Its initial focus will be on identifying effective immune responses in HIV-infected individuals and designing strategies to induce those responses.
A comprehensive survey of global spending on neglected disease R&D found that just over $2.5 billion was invested in 2007, with HIV/AIDS, TB, and malaria receiving nearly 80% of the total funding. Many neglected diseases are underfunded, with some receiving less than 4% of global funding.
Dr. Vivian S. Lee, inaugural vice dean for science at NYU Langone Medical Center, has been recognized for her transformational leadership and commitment to mentoring aspiring scientists. She has overseen significant research growth and established multiple centers of excellence.
A University of Montreal study found that Zen meditators have lower pain sensitivity both in and out of a meditative state compared to non-meditators. Meditators experienced an 18 percent reduction in pain intensity, suggesting that meditation can change the way someone feels pain.
A large number of U.S. children and teens take vitamin and mineral supplements, often due to lack of health care access or unhealthy lifestyle habits. These supplements contribute significantly to total dietary intakes of vitamins and minerals, highlighting the need for targeted screening and counseling by healthcare providers.
The University of California, Irvine has received a $3.3 million grant to expand its stem cell training program, which will attract top talent and develop more physician-scientists engaged in stem cell research. The program will train researchers to cross disciplines and develop new disease treatments.
The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) has received tentative approval for a comprehensive stem cell training program, designed to cultivate the next generation of stem cell scientists. The three-year grant, totaling $3.9 million, will support six graduate students, six postdoctoral fellows, and four clinician-scientists.
The Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center at NJIT has developed a prototype of the Hands-Up video game software, which will improve neuro-plasticity through intensive training. Over 50 partners are expected to receive the free software, instruction, and evaluation materials.
A new study published in Medical Care Research and Review found that even short gaps in health coverage can significantly decrease the likelihood of a child receiving medical care. The study suggests improving enrollment retention in SCHIP, Medicaid, and private coverage to ensure children maintain access to necessary healthcare.
The National Lung Cancer Partnership and LUNGevity Foundation have awarded $100,000 research grants to Prasad Adusumilli and Lee Goodglick. Dr. Adusumilli's study will investigate visceral pleural invasion, while Dr. Goodglick's research focuses on estrogen's role in lung cancer.
A new study led by Michigan Medicine suggests that older Americans are supportive of family surrogate-based research, which can aid in the development of treatments for dementia. The survey found that most respondents believed society should allow family surrogate consent and would participate in such research if needed.
The Cenozoic uplift of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau occurred in two phases, with intense tectonic activity mainly in South Tibet and West Kunlun. This study reveals a significant geomorphologic reversal since early Miocene, resulting in the plateau's current E-W tilting pattern.
A study by the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry found that basic science research requires significant institutional support. The study calculated the total expenses for 25 new faculty members and found a shortfall of $39.9 million, requiring additional funding from other sources.
The University of California, San Francisco has partnered with Muhimbili University of Health Allied Sciences in Tanzania to develop strategies for training healthcare workers. The two-year grant aims to strengthen the academic environment and revise curricula to increase health professional output in Tanzania.
The Chronic Care Model has been shown to improve health outcomes and reduce costs for patients with chronic diseases. The model guides quality improvement efforts in medical practices, promoting team-based care, self-management support, and integrated decision support.
A study investigates the impact of femtosecond laser-induced damages on olfactory ensheathing cells, revealing that cellular activity can be controlled easily. The research suggests four reasons for the formation of femtosecond laser-induced calcium waves and proposes cell damage and recovery mechanisms.
The University of Exeter and Bath have secured a £5 million Science and Innovation Award to create the Centre of Graphene Science. Researchers will focus on graphene's mechanical, electrical, and optical properties for computing and medicine applications.
The University of Adelaide is set to become a global leader in photonics and advanced sensing technologies thanks to a $28.8 million government investment. Researchers will utilize state-of-the-art facilities to develop breakthroughs in various fields, including physics, chemistry, biology, and environmental science.
A new study reveals a sharp decline in NIH pain research funding, now accounting for only 0.6% of all grants awarded, despite the high prevalence of chronic pain in the US population. The American Pain Society calls for increased funding to address this pressing public health issue.
The EMBO Installation Grants provide three years of funding and support to seven talented researchers from Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Poland, Portugal, and Turkey. The grants aim to strengthen science in selected member states and foster their scientific and professional development.
The RHIC will continue to drive standardization in immunology, allowing for better comparison of data worldwide. The center's expertise will help advance three cutting-edge technologies to maturity, including arrayed image reflectometry and quantum dot nanostructures.
REGiMMUNE receives significant funding from Japan's JST and NIBIO to advance its immunosuppressant ToleroVax for GvHD and allergy treatment reVax. The grants will support preclinical and clinical programs for these promising therapies.
The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and the US National Institute on Aging (NIA) have joined forces to fund collaborative UK-US research projects into normal ageing. The programme aims to develop research links between UK and US research groups to further our understanding of healthy biology of ageing.
Dr. Scott Mintzer has received a $843,000 NIH grant to investigate the cardiovascular side effects of anti-seizure medications in patients with epilepsy and subarachnoid hemorrhage. The study aims to improve treatment outcomes while minimizing potential risks.
A Canadian and American research group has been awarded a five-year grant to develop gene therapies for human degenerative retinal diseases, including Leber Congenital Amaurosis, Stargardt macular dystrophy, and retinitis pigmentosa. The team will use innovative approaches to partially restore vision in patients.
Scientists are investigating methods to selectively suppress the immune response in transplanted organs, inspired by fetal development. Researchers will explore increasing IDO levels to improve transplant survival and look for biomarkers to detect rejection episodes.
The Oklahoma Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research has received $20 million from the NSF and State Regents for a five-year project focused on cellulosic biomass. Researchers will explore molecular mechanisms, microbial conversion, and new catalytic/thermochemical processes to develop alternative energy solutions.
The five-year, $4 million grant will support biodiversity field surveys, screen microbes and plants for applications to human health and energy needs. The research aims to conserve endangered species and develop local conservation efforts in Indonesia's tropical forests.
Researchers at UT Health Science Center Houston are tackling healthcare information technology issues using a $1.3 million AHRQ grant, focusing on projects to increase patient safety. The trainees aim to design systems that help physicians prioritize notifications and make informed decisions in the emergency room.
The UAB Center will examine the risks and benefits of eight biologics used for autoimmune disorders, including women, children, minorities, and the disabled. The study aims to boost understanding of these drugs and guide medical professionals, manufacturers, and regulatory agencies.
A survey of researchers found that many engaged in self-censorship after public debate about NIH grant funding, removing politically sensitive language and stopping certain topics. The study also showed that some researchers strengthened their commitment to complete their research despite controversy.
Researchers will screen different types of algae to learn which species produce the most oil and grow them in large numbers to produce biodiesel. Algae have benefits that make farming them easier on growers, such as being able to use non-prime agricultural land and water not suitable for food crops.
A new research study at Cardiff University aims to understand and regulate a patient's immune response to infections, which is crucial for treating end-stage kidney disease. The three-year grant will enable the multidisciplinary team to investigate the consequences of bacterial infection on patients with peritoneal dialysis.
The grant will support the development of leaders in geriatric medicine and teaching programs, as well as new training opportunities for medical students and residents. The Wake Forest University School of Medicine will also establish a curriculum for specialty physicians to integrate geriatrics principles into their teaching programs.
The Medical College of Georgia has received a $100,000 grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to develop an antibody-based vaccine against HIV-1. Dr. Pandelakis Koni aims to target conserved areas of the virus's sugar coating, which he believes could be vulnerable to attack.
The Iowa State University Research Foundation will receive a grant from the Grow Iowa Values Fund to support the development of a cheaper and better way to make a titanium alloy powder for artificial joints. The project aims to reduce corrosion and save patients from additional surgeries.
The Precourt Institute has awarded seven Stanford faculty members $824,000 in seed grants to develop energy-efficient technologies and behaviors. The research projects will focus on promoting energy efficiency within buildings, transportation, and other areas.
Patients with PTSD symptoms experience a 2.4-fold increased mortality risk compared to those without, according to a study of 211 patients with implantable cardiac defibrillators. Those with PTSD also reported more cardiac symptoms despite similar clinical characteristics.
The ARVO Foundation and Merck are offering prestigious global ophthalmic research awards to young scientists aged 45 and under. The awards aim to encourage innovative research in critical areas of ophthalmology. A total of $70,000 in grants will be awarded annually for two categories: glaucoma and back-of-the-eye diseases.
The Halpin Foundation has awarded a research grant to Dr. Elena Torban, focusing on podocytes and their role in preventing proteinuria in nephrotic syndrome. This funding will support her investigation into the cell and molecular basis of this kidney disease.
The college has received two $100,000 grants to support research on new antiviral approaches and tuberculosis emerging from latency. The projects aim to tackle diseases such as respiratory viral infections and tuberculosis that affect millions worldwide.
Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt aim to improve heart healing after a heart attack by promoting cellular regeneration. Micro-RNAs may hold the key to discovering new inhibitors to regulate protein synthesis and activate stem cells.
The St. Baldrick's Foundation has awarded $330,000 to Dr. Alex Huang at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine to support his research on enhancing immune surveillance in pediatric sarcomas.
The Global Viral Forecasting Initiative has received $11 million from Google.org and The Skoll Foundation to implement a pandemic early warning system. GVFI's strategy aims to track emergent pandemics to their source, providing potentially vital months or years of advanced warning before the next HIV or SARS emerges.
A team of researchers from Dartmouth College's National Center for Disaster Mental Health Research will study the mental health impact of Hurricane Ike in Galveston, Texas. The three concurrent studies focus on stress management, Internet-based self-help tools, and cognitive behavioral therapy to aid survivors' recovery.
Researchers at five universities will examine the economic and social impact of diagnostic and therapeutic medical devices, including insulin pumps, hearing aids, and genomic diagnostics. The studies aim to provide objective evidence on the value of medical technology to inform health policy.
The new five-year grant from NASA's Astrobiology Institute will focus on developing indicators of life, including analyzing cells, metals, and DNA. The team will search for microbial life in extreme locations on Earth and study ancient rocks for signs of past life.
MedImmune has awarded five fellowships worth $175,000 to support research in follow-up care of premature infants. The grants will provide each recipient's institution with a $35,000 grant, aiming to improve the specialized health needs of premature infants.
Boston Medical Center has received a $5.8 million grant to develop drugs targeting muscle proteins for older adults, improving mobility and preventing age-related ailments. The grant will support interdisciplinary research collaborations to address osteoporosis, hip fractures, and type one diabetes.
Dr Stephen Todd will investigate the role of beta-secretase in Alzheimer's disease using a novel blood-based assay. The study aims to determine if enzyme activity predicts disease progression and response to dementia treatment.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) has awarded $25 million in grants to develop new diagnostics and treatments for radiation exposure. Researchers will focus on improving the diagnosis and treatment of individuals exposed to radiation, as well as investigating the effects of radiation combined injuries.
A survey of pediatricians found wide variation in disclosing medical errors, with those involving obvious errors being more likely to be shared. Pediatricians may be less willing to discuss errors that are not immediately apparent to parents.