Month: January 2023

Scientists at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital used the auxin-inducible degron 2 system on CTCF, bringing the novel approach to bear on a fundamental protein.

People with additional X or Y chromosome at increased risk for dangerous blood clots

People with an additional X or Y chromosome—a genetic condition known as supernumerary sex chromosome aneuploidy—have an increased risk of developing blood clots known as venous thromboembolism (VTE), a Geisinger study found.

Shark and ray populations rebounding in Northwestern Atlantic

Better fisheries management and conservation is effective at turning the tide on the shark and ray declines, according to a study from Simon Fraser University researchers.

Probe can measure both cell stiffness and traction, researchers report

Scientists have developed a tiny mechanical probe that can measure the inherent stiffness of cells and tissues as well as the internal forces the cells generate and exert on one another.

NREF Funding Spurs Tremendous Impact, Study Finds

In-training and early career neurosurgeons who were awarded Neurosurgery Research & Education Foundation (NREF) funding have significant success in acquiring subsequent grant support, research productivity and achievements of academic rank, according to a study done by the NREF, which examined the impact of NREF grants from 2000-2015.

Corona vaccine based on new technology tested in clinical study

A new COVID-19 vaccine based on a different platform than current vaccines on the market has been tested in humans for the first time by researchers at Radboud university medical center.

COVID toll realized: CVD deaths take big jump, especially among certain populations

The number of people dying from cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the U.S. escalated during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, from 874,613 CVD-related deaths recorded in 2019 to 928,741 in 2020.

Chatterboxes: FSU researcher develops new model that shows how bacteria communicate

In new research published by Biophysical Reports, researchers from Florida State University and Cleveland State University lay out a mathematical model that explains how bacteria communicate within a larger ecosystem. By understanding how this process works, researchers can predict what actions might elicit certain environmental responses from a bacterial community.

Mechanical forces in the nervous system play a corrective role

Nerve cells communicate with one another via long processes known as axons and dendrites, or, more generally, neurites.

‘Exotic hadrons’ research to advance knowledge of nuclear physics

IU physicist Adam Szczepaniak is leading a project exploring the physics of exotic hadrons — a largely unexplored group of subatomic particles — under a $1.8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy.

Mount Sinai Researchers Awarded $12 Million NIH Grant to Create a Center to Unravel Novel Causes of Food Allergy and Atopic Dermatitis

Mount Sinai researchers have been awarded $12 million over five years by the National Institutes of Health to create a center to elucidate novel causes of, and contributing factors to, food allergies and atopic dermatitis. The Systems Biology of Early Atopy (SunBEAm) Analysis and Bioinformatics Center intends to develop a better understanding of allergy development. The center will apply systems biology to identify early-life markers of risk for food allergies and atopic dermatitis (also known as eczema), as well as biological pathways underlying these common conditions, through the profiling and analysis of longitudinal multi-omics data from a multi-center pre-birth cohort of 2,500 children.

$2.9M NIH Grant to Study Genetics of IBD in Hispanic Population

Researchers at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine were awarded a $2.9 million grant by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to spend the next five years collecting and analyzing the genetic data of more than 3,000 Hispanic individuals, to better understand IBD in that community.

Early Cardiovascular Disease Linked to Worse Brain Health in Middle Age

People with early cardiovascular disease may be more likely to have memory and thinking problems and worse brain health in middle age, according to new research published in the January 25, 2023, online issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

The Medical Minute: Could that breast pain be cancer? When to get a mammogram

Pain in your breast means you better get a mammogram, right? Not always, says a Penn State Health radiologist, who sounds off on when it’s best to get your screening in this week’s Medical Minute.

Karen Meech Awarded 2023 Dannie Heineman Prize for Astrophysics

The Heineman Foundation, AIP, and AAS are pleased to announce Karen Meech, astronomer at the Institute for Astronomy, University of Hawai’i, as the winner of the 2023 Dannie Heineman Prize for Astrophysics. Meech was selected “for her pioneering work in expanding and pushing boundaries in the field of small body solar system observational science, and for making transformative contributions to shape the broader field of planetary science in general.” She will be awarded $10,000 and a certificate and invited to give a talk at a future AAS meeting.

Educating California’s Workforce

The CSU works with industry partners to help employees advance their careers and foster a more educated workforce for California’s economy.

Lifespan increasing drug with potential for healthier ageing

Long-term treatment of healthy middle-aged mice with a cancer drug increases lifespan by 10% on average, equivalent to 3 years.

Prenatal pollution exposure linked to lower cognitive scores in early life

Toddlers whose moms were exposed to higher levels of air pollution during mid- to late-pregnancy tend to score lower on measures of cognition, motor coordination and language skills, according to new University of Colorado Boulder research.

Sunlight creates biodegradable plastic via artificial photosynthesis

Global warming causes more environment issues, due to greenhouse gases like CO2. In natural photosynthesis, CO2 turns into organic compounds like glucose or starch.

Expert Available for Comment on Black Women, Breast Cancer and Clinical Trials

While there has been an overall decline in breast cancer deaths over the last 30 years, there is a persistent and significant mortality gap between Black women and white women. Black women are also disproportionately affected by more aggressive subtypes of…

Computer Model of Influenza Virus Shows Universal Vaccine Promise

For the first time, researchers at UC San Diego have created an atomic-level computer model of the H1N1 virus that reveals new vulnerabilities, suggesting possible strategies for the design of future vaccines and antivirals against influenza.

Oscars 2023: Meaningful diversity is not ‘finally here’

On Tuesday, as the Academy released its picks for Oscars contenders, “Everything Everywhere All at Once” clearly lead the pack with 11 awards nominations.

World Cancer Day is February 4th. Ochsner Health oncologist available to stress the importance of cancer screenings and early detection.

It is well known that early detection is key to navigating a cancer diagnosis. As we all continue to work our way toward post-pandemic times, there is still significant concern that many have pushed off these vital screenings. February 4th…

Global Experts to Gather at the Danforth Plant Science Center to Explore Advances in Phenotyping and Precision Agriculture

The North American Plant Phenotyping Network (NAPPN), a partner of the International Plant Phenotyping Network (IPPN), will host its annual conference at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center February 13–17.

Biden’s housing announcement ‘unlikely to change much’ for tenants

As housing prices soar, the Biden administration says it is taking significant steps to protect tenants and make rental prices more affordable. Laura Tach, professor of housing policy at Cornell University, says that while the announcement is significant, the actions are…

Department of Energy Announces $105 Million for Research to Support the Biopreparedness Research Virtual Environment (BRaVE) Initiative

Today, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced $105 million for research in biopreparedness. This funding, provided by the Office of Science, will support fundamental research to accelerate breakthroughs in support of the Biopreparedness Research Virtual Environment (BRaVE) initiative.

Using running to escape everyday stresses may lead to exercise dependence instead of mental wellbeing

Recreational running offers a lot of physical and mental health benefits – but some people can develop exercise dependence, a form of addiction to physical activity which can cause health issues.

Boosting Omega-3 Production Could Help Cut Chronic Inflammation and Fatty Liver Disease

January 25, 2023 sarah JonasResearch Alert

Rockville, Md. (January 25, 2022)—A new study from researchers at Laval University in Quebec, Canada, shows that genetically increasing omega-3 fatty acid production, without direct gut microbiota contact, improves the balance of insulin and glucagon (glucose balance) in obese mice.…

Special Vascular Cells Adjust Blood Flow in Brain Capillaries Based on Local Energy Needs

University of Maryland School of Medicine’s researchers have discovered that a certain type of cell that sits on top of the brain’s smallest blood vessels senses when their brain region needs energy. When glucose levels are low, these cells signal blood vessels to dilate, increasing the blood flow regionally and allowing more energy to fuel that part of the brain.

National CRNA Week: The House of Representatives Recognizes the Contributions of Nurse Anesthetists

In honor of National CRNA Week (Jan. 22-28, 2023), members of the U.S. House of Representatives Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Dave Joyce (R-OH), Lauren Underwood (D-IL), Don Bacon (R-NE), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA), Paul Tonko (D-NY), Ilhan Omar (D-MN) and Jill Tokuda (D-HI) introduced a bipartisan House Resolution 55 on the House floor, “Recognizing the roles and the contributions of America’s Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) and their critical role in providing quality health care for the public and our nation’s armed forces, for more than 150 years as the first anesthesia providers.”

NIH launches intramural bioengineering center to foster technology collaboration across the agency

NIBIB has established the Center for Biomedical Engineering Technology Acceleration—BETA Center, a new intramural research program to solve a range of medicine’s most pressing problems. The BETA Center will serve the wider NIH intramural research program as a biotechnology resource and catalyst for NIH research discoveries.

Orthopaedic Trauma Surgeon Joins Texas Tech Physicians of El Paso

Dr. Yong’s focus includes orthopaedic trauma, polytraumatized patients, pelvic and hip socket surgery, and musculoskeletal infection. While training at Universitätsspital Basel in Switzerland, he was awarded the prestigious AO Trauma North America Jack McDaniel Memorial Fellowship, granted annually to a single outstanding surgeon committed to teaching and the clinical practice of fracture surgery.

Wearable Sensor Uses Ultrasound to Provide Cardiac Imaging On the Go

Engineers and physicians have developed a wearable ultrasound device that can assess both the structure and function of the human heart. The portable device, which is roughly the size of a postage stamp, can be worn for up to 24 hours and works even during strenuous exercise.

Learning Labs reopen for students at Argonne

Argonne’s Educational Programs and Outreach is excited to start up Learning Labs again, after having closed on-site programming for a couple of years.

Argonne researchers share in Chicago Innovation Award for COVID wastewater testing

Argonne’s expertise in biosafety, genetic sequencing and epidemiology help public health officials track which COVID variants are present in Illinois and monitor variants of concern.

Driving inclusive and green urban transitions

A new Horizon Europe project led by IIASA, called Urban ReLeaf, leverages citizen science for public sector innovation.

New Study on the Role of Community in the Abandonment of Not-for-Profit Status

Why did some savings and loans eagerly embraced the market while in others remained community-based? Researchers add communities and local associations to economic sociology’s toolkit for understanding the social foundations of firms and markets.

Nanofiber-Hydrogel Loaded with Stem Cells Shows Success Treating Severe Complication of Crohn’s Disease

In a new study using a rat model of Crohn’s disease, a biodegradable hydrogel composite loaded with stem cells, developed by Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers, in a collaborative effort with the Whiting School of Engineering, has shown significant success in treating perianal fistulas (PAF) — one of the many complications of Crohn’s disease.

NIH Grant Funds Efforts to Improve Glioblastoma Detection