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 Delaware has been awarded a $1.9 million grant to establish a Center for Spintronics and Biodetection, which aims to harness the magnetic properties of electrons to encode and process data. The center will focus on developing highly sensitive sensors that can detect tiny magnetic fields generated by nanoparticles.
A new study examines the impact of spousal similarity on alcohol dependence (AD) risk. Assortative mating increases AD frequency, while reciprocal spousal interaction appears to protect against AD after accounting for assortative mating. This finding suggests that having an AD spouse may reduce the likelihood of developing AD.
The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) has awarded $1.275 million in grants to 18 promising cancer scientists. The career development awards and research fellowships support early-career scientists at various stages of their careers.
Lawrence Lavery and David Armstrong have received a major NIH grant to study methods for treating diabetic foot ulcers and evaluating compliance and health economic outcomes. The two-year study will utilize advanced techniques such as activity monitoring and healing prediction.
Researchers developed a tool to analyze brain folds using computer graphics techniques, providing insights into cortical development. The model may serve as a biomarker for early diagnosis of autism and other neurological diseases.
Four UAF researchers have been awarded significant funding from the National Science Foundation for projects studying the Arctic circumpolar region. The research, including studies on climate change, boreal forests and winter precipitation, aims to better understand the structure of the stratospheric vortex and its impact on ecosystems.
Dr. John H. Morrison has received a $5 million MERIT Award to support his research on brain cell adaptability and its impact on age-related cognitive decline. This recognition highlights the strength of Mount Sinai faculty during a challenging time for researchers.
Researchers at Rush University Medical Center are part of a worldwide effort to create an easy-to-use, affordable test to measure immune systems in HIV-positive patients. The CD4 Initiative aims to provide rapid, robust, and affordable diagnostic tools to healthcare workers in developing countries.
The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) has awarded scholarships to 61 underrepresented scientists to participate in the AACR Annual Meeting. The awardees include early-career researchers from historically black colleges and universities, Hispanic-serving institutions, and tribal colleges and universities.
The San Diego Consortium for Regenerative Medicine has received six grants totaling $16.479588 to conduct life-saving human embryonic stem cell research, including work on brain repair and spinal injuries. The consortium aims to develop cures and therapies for devastating diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.
The International Association for Dental Research (IADR) presented numerous prestigious awards and fellowships, recognizing outstanding service, scientific contributions, and research in oral health prevention. The IADR Distinguished Service Award was given to Robert Collins, while the E.W. Borrow Memorial Award recognized research in ...
Three UCI projects focus on mitochondria, spinal cord injuries and genetic manipulation of human embryonic stem cells. Researchers aim to develop therapies and treatments for degenerative diseases and cancers.
The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine has awarded $6 million in comprehensive grants to the Burnham Institute for Medical Research to support long-range stem cell studies aimed at developing new treatments for heart disease and brain repair. The funds will enable researchers to develop a supply of nerve cells for brain rep...
The Burroughs Wellcome Fund has awarded a total of $8.25 million to support established physician-scientists conducting translational research. This funding will enable these researchers to explore scientific questions, apply their knowledge at the bedside, and bring insights back to the laboratory.
A new funding agreement will help conserve and manage the world's thousands of unique rice varieties. The IRRI's genebank provides the last line of defense against famine, especially in times of war, natural disasters, and pests/diseases.
A study found that specialty cardiac hospitals are associated with higher rates of coronary revascularization services, particularly when compared to general hospitals. The researchers also raised concerns about the potential for increased utilization beyond necessary cases and the need for policy reforms to address these issues.
A national study will enroll 1,124 participants to investigate implanting a pacemaker in low-heart rate, heart-attack patients to improve survival rates and determine the frequency of low heart rates in these patients. The five-year study aims to explore the effectiveness of beta-blocker therapy for this specific patient group.
The program provides competitive two-year grants to women junior researchers balancing family responsibilities with research demands. Recipients have remained at MGH, received academic promotions, and secured over $51 million in outside research funding.
Researchers observed chimpanzees using spear-like tools to hunt lesser bushbabies from cavities in hollow branches. The hunting behavior was systematic and consistent, suggesting it was habitual, but only successful in one of 22 recorded instances.
UCLA scientists have been awarded $4 million in seed grants to fund innovative research projects on human embryonic stem cells. The Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Medicine at UCLA will utilize these funds to explore various aspects of human embryonic development, immune response, and cell differentiation.
The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) has awarded $5.9 million to the Burnham Institute for Medical Research to launch innovative stem cell research projects. The funding will support studies in heart disease, Parkinson's, cancer, and neural development, among other areas.
Cornell researchers are developing a new genetic-based test to detect the deadly viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV) in fish. The new technique, which can identify the virus in 24 hours, is set to be validated by the end of 2007 and could become the standard test for detecting this disease.
Researchers at USC's Keck School of Medicine and Childrens Hospital Los Angeles will explore the therapeutic potential of stem cells in retinal degeneration and Ewing's sarcoma. The $3.4 million grant aims to accelerate discoveries in stem cell research.
Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center have received a $3 million grant to explore the genetic causes of Alzheimer's disease. The study will investigate two primary areas: identifying genetic variants in unique populations and understanding how the amyloid protein becomes toxic, leading to neurodegeneration.
The Helios Scholars Program at the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) provides stipend funding and mentorship to 50 qualified students from diverse backgrounds. The eight-week program aims to develop foundational skills in science and prepare students for careers in the field.
Saliva-based diagnostic tools are being developed at the University of Texas at Austin to provide non-invasive testing for health issues. Researchers aim to create lab-on-a-chip sensor systems for measuring biomarkers in saliva samples, making clinical tests more accessible and affordable.
A study found 5 genetic variations associated with the risk of nonfatal venous thrombosis in postmenopausal women, highlighting potential new targets for prevention and treatment. The findings suggest that genetic factors may play a significant role in the development of this condition.
A University of Houston research team has been awarded a $1.6 million grant to build the most powerful magnetic field sensor to date. The sensor, which could be hundreds or thousands of times more sensitive than current models, will have applications in both military and medical fields.
Researchers at Barrow will investigate gene defects in NF1 affecting nerve cell function and molecule movement. The grant aims to identify new targets for treating Neurofibromatosis 1, a genetic disorder causing tumors and developmental problems.
Associate professor Ray Truant's lab has discovered molecular 'zip codes' in the huntingtin protein that dictate its location within brain cells. The research aims to redirect the mutant protein's accumulation and develop new drugs to treat Huntington's Disease.
Researchers at Tufts University are developing soft-bodied robots inspired by biology, which could revolutionize medical diagnosis and treatment, as well as space exploration. The project aims to create devices that can adapt to different environments and perform tasks such as climbing and burrowing.
A study found that older men and women have a similar and substantial risk of subsequent fracture after an initial low-trauma fracture. This highlights the importance of preventive treatment, as virtually all low-trauma fractures indicate increased risk of subsequent osteoporotic fracture, particularly in the next 5-10 years.
Scientists at the University of York are investigating the potential uses of carbon monoxide in treating disease, particularly high blood pressure, heart disease, and cancer. The three-year study aims to develop molecules that release carbon monoxide slowly and tuneably for bioapplications.
The University of Texas at San Antonio has received a five-year grant to promote undergraduate interdisciplinary education in mathematics and biology. The Undergraduate Mathematics and Biology Scholar program aims to educate well-rounded students familiar with both disciplines for careers in the biomedical and health-related industries.
Researchers at VCU Massey Cancer Center created a new method to improve leukemia treatment by triggering programmed cell death in cancer cells. The study found that combining agents like ABT-737 with those that reduce Mcl-1 levels can activate pro-apoptotic proteins and induce apoptosis.
The International Association of National Public Health Institutes (IANPHI) will strengthen public health infrastructure globally, focusing on low-resource countries. The grant enables IANPHI to establish a peer-assistance model for developing national public health institutes.
Anthony Rosenzweig and European coordinator Timothy Aitman will lead a five-year, $6 million Leducq Foundation grant to investigate the intersection of heart failure and metabolic disease. The team will focus on understanding common molecular mechanisms contributing to both conditions.
A study found that industry funding can lead to biased research outcomes, with favorable results more likely for funded products. This bias may undermine the integrity of nutrition research, affecting public health decisions.
Recent analysis found that nutrition studies funded solely by industry were four to eight times more likely to have favorable conclusions than those with no industry funding. The study's findings suggest a pervasive bias in the field, which may have significant implications for public health and dietary guidelines.
The UCLA Department of Family Medicine will evaluate its interventions aimed at reducing racial and ethnic disparities in depression using the grant. The findings will help identify effective solutions to improve care for minority patients.
Researchers at Barrow and Arizona State University will develop new hydrogels to stimulate spinal cord growth and treat brain tumors. The studies aim to improve treatment options for patients with malignant brain tumors and spinal cord injuries, building on the center's reputation as a top neuroscience hub.
Dr. Jingyue Ju's innovative DNA-sequencing technology, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, overcomes accuracy limitations of other systems. The license agreement with Intelligent Bio-Systems enables the development of a high-throughput DNA sequencing platform.
The EMBO Installation Grants scheme aims to strengthen science in selected member states by supporting talented life scientists in setting up their research groups. The grantees will receive 50,000 euro annually for three to five years, with networking opportunities through the EMBO Young Investigator network.
A new research effort harnesses in-depth understanding of genes and molecular pathways to develop highly specific drugs designed to kill leukemia cells while causing few or no toxic effects on normal cells. The goal is to streamline advances in molecular medicine to find new treatment options for infant leukemia.
The £4 million grant will enable CIMR to stay at the leading edge of disease research and train tomorrow's academic doctors and medical scientists. The Institute aims to understand human illnesses at a molecular and cellular level, facilitating collaboration between clinicians and basic scientists.
Two young Australian researchers, Dr Denise Doolan and Dr Stephen Turner, have been awarded $1 million each to pursue biomedical research. Their funding will support the development of vaccines against diseases such as HIV/AIDS, pandemic influenza, and malaria.
The University of Minnesota's Maryam Valapour has received a grant to analyze the ethical and policy issues surrounding living-donor lung transplants. She aims to identify factors that encourage and discourage wider use of this procedure, which is currently less common than deceased donor transplants.
Male chimpanzees show a preference for mating with older females, a stark contrast to human behavior where younger females are often preferred. This finding suggests that long-term pair bonding and menopause may have evolved in the human lineage after diverging from chimpanzees.
A team of researchers from CNSE and Einstein College of Medicine are developing a next-generation microchip to detect metastatic cells in tumors, enabling more aggressive cancer therapy. The device will be assembled from nanoscale components and implanted in human tumors to gather information on cancer cell behavior.
The Parkinson Study Group has received a $200,000 grant from the Parkinson's Disease Foundation to fund innovative programs supporting clinical research. The grant will support retrospective data-mining projects and mentorship for young researchers, aiming to accelerate treatment development.
Researchers have made a breakthrough with non-hormonal compound Adjudin, which has shown safety and effectiveness in rats when administered as an attachment to a modified hormone targeting the testes. However, its delivery system needs improvement, and it remains to be seen whether it will work as well in humans as in rodents.
Researchers found that aged mice experiencing weekly light-cycle shifts had significantly higher death rates than those on a normal daylight schedule. The study suggests that disruption of circadian rhythms can impact well-being and physiology in older animals.
The Mount Sinai Medical Center will receive a $400,000 grant to develop and disseminate a curriculum educating health professionals about rational prescribing. The grant aims to promote critical thinking and healthy skepticism among healthcare providers, enabling them to make evidence-based prescribing decisions.
The University of Minnesota Center for Drug Design has been awarded a 5-year grant to study cyanide antidotes. Researchers aim to develop faster-acting treatments that can be taken before a cyanide attack, with the goal of improving outcomes for long-term survivors of acute poisoning.
The University of Arizona has received a $3.5 million grant from the National Science Foundation to improve advanced math education and train more professionals. The VIGRE program will vertically integrate mathematics training, increasing collaborations between students and faculty across different levels of training.
A Lehigh University scientist is working to achieve a resolution of a single DNA base using force spectroscopy and chemistry. The goal is to develop a low-cost tabletop setup for use in general biology or hospital laboratories.
Seventeen Australian researchers have been awarded funding from Pfizer Australia to conduct studies on various aspects of cardiovascular medical research. The grants, worth over $900,000, are seen as a stepping stone for researchers and will be recognized at the Sydney Hilton Hotel on October 21.
A team of researchers, led by Dr Clair Sullivan, aims to understand the link between obesity and cardiovascular disease. They believe that hormones produced from fat may be contributing to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
The Lupus Research Institute has awarded $4.5 million in grants to 15 scientists to pursue novel lupus research, with a focus on genes, bacteria, and neuropsychiatric lupus. The funding will support both basic and applied studies that aim to advance new treatments for the disease.
The new center will apply advanced engineering techniques and life science knowledge to control molecular interactions in cells, aiming to enhance disease treatment methods. Researchers will investigate optimal drug cocktails and mapping of molecular events that trigger stem cell differentiation.