News on the money and policy behind biomedical research. Covers foundation and career-development awards, endocrine and neuroscience funding, and university royalties.
The University of South Florida's global health initiative will expand its research training partnerships in India to fight AIDS among adolescents. The program, valued at $1.36 million, will partner with Vadodara Medical College to train Indian physicians and healthcare professionals.
The University of Oregon has received a $1.6 million grant from the Keck Foundation to study biological interactions with nanomaterials. The researchers will investigate potential biological interactions and develop design rules for nanoparticles with enhanced biological properties.
A University of Minnesota study found that N-acetyl cysteine, a health food supplement, reduced urges to gamble in 60% of participants. This pilot study suggests the potential for this glutamate-modulating agent in treating various addictions.
The John S. Dunn Gulf Coast Consortium for Chemical Genomics will establish a computational chemistry research program to predict molecular properties, design molecules, and discover small molecules affecting protein-protein interactions. The grant aims to improve computing methods and synthetic techniques for drug discovery.
Tulane University will receive $14 million to train public health workers and establish monitoring systems in Ethiopia, while also supporting programs in Haiti, Brazil, South Africa, and other high-risk countries. The grant aims to rebuild infrastructure and combat the spread of HIV/AIDS in these countries.
The university's Task Force for Obesity Research will tackle key molecular pathways, develop new approaches to prevent obesity and treat associated metabolic complications. Researchers will use data from the Dallas Heart Study and provide interdisciplinary training for postdoctoral fellows.
A Canadian study found that physicians who score poorly on the patient-physician communication portion of their national licensing examination are more likely to receive complaints from patients. The study, which included over 3,400 physicians, analyzed data and found a significant correlation between low communication scores and incre...
Research estimates that approximately 8.7 percent of U.S. children between the ages of 8 and 15 have attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Despite this prevalence, only a minority of affected children receive consistent treatment with ADHD medications.
Stevens Institute of Technology has received $164,000 to accelerate the commercialization of two technologies: an intelligent multi-network router/radio and a surveillance camera capable of detecting chemical and biological agents. The funding supports job creation and establishment of New Jersey as a model for homeland security.
Researchers mapped a specialized sensory organ that malaria mosquitoes use to locate human prey, revealing unique receptor cells for carbon dioxide and octenol detection. This discovery provides a biological context for developing chemical modifiers to disrupt mosquito behavior.
A new device aimed at reducing deaths and brain damage from hypoxia in newborns will be developed with a $750,000 NIH grant. The device will measure the precise temperature of the brain, allowing doctors to maximize the benefits of therapeutic hypothermia.
A research group led by Dr. Cato T. Laurencin has received a $2 million NSF grant to explore novel methods for musculoskeletal tissue regeneration. The project aims to engineer new material surfaces that will allow a range of tissues to grow, potentially leading to breakthroughs in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.
The Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center will feature advanced medical technology, including wireless access to reports and lab results, diagnostics, and robotics. The new center is designed to create a healing environment with thousands of new, state-of-the-art technologies.
Dr. Andrej Romanovsky has been awarded a $1.8 million grant to study the mechanisms of fever and hypothermia in systemic inflammation. His research aims to gain insight into the therapeutic use of anti-inflammatory drugs.
The Virginia Tech plant scientists will develop and disseminate four interactive web-based flash animation modules to teach plant biology and genetics. The project aims to reach a wider audience of high school students, teachers, and plant scientists, promoting STEM education and research collaborations.
Dr. Elliot Meyerowitz has been awarded a grant from the American Society of Plant Biologists (ASPB) Foundation to develop a teacher-training program focused on plant science education public outreach. The program will use plants as model systems to address state biology standards in the Pasadena Unified School District.
A University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine study reveals that African-Americans are disproportionately exposed to pro-tobacco advertising, with a concentration of tobacco ads 70% higher and 2.6 times more ads per person compared to Caucasians.
Researchers at Boston Medical Center are developing a computerized workstation called Louise to electronically prepare discharge plans for patients. Preliminary research shows that interventions using this technology can reduce inappropriate readmissions and increase patient satisfaction.
Lemaux's group will use the grant to update and expand materials for safe, robust, and environmentally friendly foods. The team plans to create a hands-on activity, the GENE-ie Juice Bar, to demonstrate DNA and genes in daily life.
The team will develop a comprehensive set of hands-on learning activities aligned with the 12 Principles of Plant Biology. The project aims to engage middle school students in plant science education through inquiry-based learning and disseminate the materials to various settings.
The Indiana University School of Medicine has been awarded a five-year, $6 million grant to continue developing advanced light microscopy systems for kidney research. The center will incorporate four core projects, including the development of quantitative analysis tools and techniques to image deeper tissues.
According to the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), Congress is expected to increase research budgets across major non-defense agencies, with significant funding increases proposed for environmental, energy and biomedical initiatives. The proposed new spending would add billions to the FY 2008 budget.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago College of Pharmacy will conduct four projects to discover new medicines for bioterrorism and other infectious diseases. The Institute for Advanced Pharmaceutical Sciences will also explore natural products for therapeutic potential against anthrax and other pathogens.
Researchers investigate causes and treatment options for pediatric heart failure, including gene regulation, cell regeneration, and surgical interventions. The grant aims to improve treatments and reduce the need for heart transplants in children.
The innovative university-industry team will develop a microsystem-on-a-chip, a neural interface that records or stimulates neural activity wirelessly. The new system will be fully implantable and communicate through digital data streaming, allowing people with paralysis to control assistive devices.
The National Human Genome Research Institute has awarded over $15 million in grants to support the development of innovative technologies for DNA sequencing. The goal is to reduce the cost of sequencing a mammalian-sized genome to $100,000, enabling the widespread use of personalized medicine.
The W.M. Keck Foundation has selected six promising young scientists for its Distinguished Young Scholars program, awarding each a $1 million grant to pursue groundbreaking research in biomedicine. The recipients aim to advance our understanding of human disease and develop new treatments.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati will use functional MRI and MRS to study brain chemistry in response to different treatments. The goal is to better understand the disease, identify early warning signs, and personalize treatment plans.
The University of Alaska Fairbanks has been awarded a $9 million EPSCoR grant to enhance its research capacity in studying the changing Arctic. The project will bring together diverse disciplines to provide a holistic understanding of northern ecological and social systems.
A growing number of researchers in the U.S. and abroad are critical of a government-funded report that found no correlation between meditation and improved health. The report's analytical strategy was deemed haphazard and ad hoc, and relevant studies were excluded from the findings.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine are developing a novel approach to treat both congestive heart failure and major depression. The study aims to compare the impact of blended care management programs with traditional programs on various outcomes.
The W.M. Keck Foundation has pledged $1.5 million to support the final phase of research and development for the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope's (LSST) three-billion pixel digital camera. The LSST will survey the entire visible sky deeply in multiple colors every few nights, probing dark matter and dark energy.
The disease varies by race, sex, and geographic area, with higher incidence among blacks and men. The nationwide rates of the disease were last documented in 1992.
A new study identifies adiponectin as a long-term regulator of energy homeostasis, boosting appetite and slowing energy expenditure in the brain during periods of starvation. Adiponctein helps preserve adequate fat reserves by acting as a starvation signal.
The Parkinson's Institute has received a $1 million grant from the Valley Foundation to support its STOP PD program, which aims to identify compounds to halt Parkinson's disease progression. The new facility will enable expanded research and patient services, offering improved care for those diagnosed with Parkinson's.
A study of primary care physician interactions found that self-disclosures were made about one-third of the time, but most were not useful to patients. Only three instances were coded as useful, providing education or support. In contrast, eight disclosures were considered disruptive, interrupting the patient-physician relationship.
Two studies found that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are linked to increased rates of hip bone loss, particularly among women over 78 years old. The research suggests that SSRIs may interfere with the function of osteoclasts and osteoblasts, leading to reduced bone density.
The International Association of National Public Health Institutes (IANPHI) has awarded short- and mid-term technical assistance grants to public health institutes in five nations. The grants aim to support the development of national public health institutes and improve service delivery and decision-making globally.
The University of Missouri-Columbia has been awarded a $750,000 grant to develop innovative mapping tools and concepts for teaching fundamental concepts of human health, biology, and medical sciences. The program, Maps in Medicine, aims to strengthen interest in science among at-risk high school students and enrich teacher training.
A Barrow researcher has received a $120,000 grant to study flicker fusion and its impact on people with epilepsy. The goal is to develop safe brain products that can make artificial lighting appear stable to the brain.
The NIH has awarded nearly $21 million to fund high-end instrumentation grants, enabling advanced biomedical research and treatments. The grants support the purchase of sophisticated instruments costing over $750,000 at institutions nationwide.
A study of first-time physician applicants reveals that those with only an M.D. degree are less likely to secure NIH research grants compared to researchers with Ph.D. degrees or both M.D. and Ph.D. degrees. The average annual funding rate for M.D.-only applicants was 28%, while it was higher for those with a Ph.D.
USC and Childrens Hospital Los Angeles will receive $6.4 million in Shared Research Laboratory Grants from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) to build shared laboratory space for researchers. The grants will fund dedicated lab space, equipment, and training programs for stem cell research.
The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine awarded $3.79 million to the Burnham Institute for the development of a shared laboratory and expansion of its training courses in human embryonic stem cell research. This funding will support the Institute's partner institutes and researchers, including those at the San Diego Consorti...
UCI will receive $3.9 million to enhance its core embryonic stem cell research laboratory and expand a training program for young scientists on research techniques involving human embryonic stem cells. The grant is part of $50 million in funding awarded to 17 institutions by the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine.
Researchers will identify Alternaria fungus antigens responsible for chronic sinusitis and its link to asthma. The goal is to develop new treatments and understand disease mechanisms.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute are developing a physics-based virtual model to simulate real-time organ motions for radiation therapy. The 4-D VIP-Man will allow doctors and medical physicists to accurately predict and monitor anatomical changes, providing the most effective treatment possible.
A new research center at the University of Cincinnati is uniting biomedical competitors to fund medical technology development. The Minimally Invasive Medical Technologies Center (MIMTeC) will focus on translational research that enables U.S. companies to bring next-generation minimally invasive technologies to market.
The Dyson Foundation has awarded $5 million to support the development of a state-of-the-art eye care facility at Weill Cornell Medical College. The new floor is expected to open in spring 2008 and will provide advanced treatment options for patients, honoring Dr. Jackson Coleman's legacy.
The University of Illinois at Chicago has received a $7 million grant from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development to study endometriosis and its effects on fertility. The research aims to develop new therapies and better understand embryo implantation and pregnancy.
FSU researchers Joseph Schlenoff and Thomas Keller receive a $1.07 million NIH grant to study ways to prevent restenosis by coating biomedical devices with thin films that discourage vascular smooth muscle cell adhesion. Their goal is to develop biocompatible coatings using neutrally charged polymers to 'camouflage' medical implants.
The William J. von Liebig Center for Entrepreneurism and Technology Advancement has awarded $430,000 to nine research projects with potential for commercialization. These projects include thermoelectric devices, reconfigurable dynamic robots, protease detection systems, and online photo enhancement technology.
A University of Arizona scientist is conducting a 5-year study to map the brain's role in language, attention, and memory. The researcher uses MRI scans to reveal complex interactions between brain regions involved in these processes.
The University of Manchester is establishing a £3 million research centre to develop fundamental knowledge and techniques for complex systems with discrete and continuous interactions. Researchers aim to create new prediction methods that can be applied in areas like aircraft control and car safety systems.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab are part of a $57 million NIH grant project to identify functional elements in the genomes of fruit flies and roundworms. The project aims to shed light on human genome function, with findings potentially aiding cancer research and gene expression control.
The Burroughs Wellcome Fund has awarded $14 million to support the first class of physician-scientists through the Career Awards for Medical Scientists program. The recipients will receive career development funding to advance their research and transition into independent academic careers.
Researchers at VCU's Massey Cancer Center are developing a new form of radiation therapy that can safely administer more aggressive cancer treatments. The project aims to enhance the safety and effectiveness of current treatments by incorporating quantitative and predictive image analysis.
David F. Weeks receives the ARVO Kupfer Award for his contributions to eye research and leadership at Research to Prevent Blindness. The award recognizes his efforts to increase funding for the National Eye Institute, which has provided significant support for vision research over nearly 50 years.
Researchers found that one spouse's excess drinking can help protect the other from developing alcohol dependence. The study analyzed twins and their spouses to determine if non-random mating (choosing a mate similar in personality and behaviors) contributes to higher rates of alcoholism among partners.
A new study reveals that Western scrub-jays can anticipate their future needs independently of their current motivation. The birds store food in places where they will be hungry and recover it at a later date. This innovative behavior demonstrates the birds' ability to plan ahead, a feature previously thought to be uniquely human.