(Press-News.org) The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center (TLI) today announced that The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM), one of the world’s largest institutions dedicated to regenerative medicine, has
awarded $1.5 million to TLI Investigator Denise Al Alam, PhD, to support research that aims to understand lung disease in individuals with Trisomy 21 (also known as Down Syndrome). Although Trisomy 21 impacts multiple organ systems, respiratory complications are a significant cause of death in children and adults with this genetic condition.
With the highest occurrence of Down Syndrome births in California within the Latinx community, this research bears not just scientific significance but also a profoundly human one. Dr. Al Alam’s team is at the forefront of utilizing ethically sourced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from a tapestry of ethnic backgrounds, pioneering a path to understand and combat the alveolar defects in Trisomy 21.
“This research is not just about understanding a condition. It’s about changing lives,” explains Dr. Al Alam. “Our work strives to be the beacon of hope for those grappling with the complexities of Trisomy 21. By transcending the limitations of existing models and forging new ones, we are on the cusp of uncovering genetic insights that could lead to transformative therapies. The future we envision is one where every breath for individuals with Trisomy 21 isn’t just possible, but effortlessly joyful.” This award is a collaborative effort with Lundquist investigator Dr. Soula Danopoulos, Dr. Cristina Maria Alvira from Stanford University, and Dr. Jessie Huang from Keck School of Medicine of USC.
This pioneering study heralds a new dawn for therapeutic innovation, offering a glimmer of hope for nearly 667 Down Syndrome newborns in California each year. The project's success could result in a shift in treatment paradigms and significantly improve the quality of life for children and adults living with Down Syndrome globally.
“This investment in Dr. Al Alam’s research represents our commitment to groundbreaking work that can forge new paths for early intervention and vastly improve living conditions for the Down Syndrome community,” said Dr. Rosa Canet-Avilés, Vice President of Scientific Programs at CIRM.
The Lundquist Institute is not just conducting research; it’s sculpting a future where medical advancements translate into tangible differences in health outcomes for one of the most vulnerable populations among us.
END
TLI investigator Dr. Denise Al Alam receives $1.5 million grant from CIRM to explore genetic defects of lung disease in Down Syndrome
This study is poised to generate crucial new Down Syndrome cell lines to study genetic defects specific to Down Syndrome
2024-04-02
[Attachments] See images for this press release:
ELSE PRESS RELEASES FROM THIS DATE:
Increasing positive affect in adolescence could lead to improved health and well-being in adulthood
2024-04-02
Adolescents with high positive affect may have improved physical and mental health as adults, according to a study published April 2nd in the open-access journal PLOS Medicine by Eric Kim and Renae Wilkinson from Harvard University, US, and colleagues.
Positive affect is the experience of pleasurable emotions, such as happiness, joy, excitement, and calm. Research on adults has shown that positive affect is associated with healthier behaviors and decreased risk of chronic diseases, but data are limited in adolescents. Given that adolescence is a critical ...
Methods sections often lack critical details needed to reproduce an experiment, and the practice of citing previous papers instead of describing the methods in detail may contribute to this problem
2024-04-02
Methods sections often lack critical details needed to reproduce an experiment, and the practice of citing previous papers instead of describing the methods in detail may contribute to this problem
Analysis of >750 papers shows that >90% of papers use at least one shortcut citation, that these significantly impair reconstruction of the original method, and that <25% of journals have policies relating to previously described methods
#####
In your coverage, please use this URL to provide access to the freely available paper in PLOS ...
Study: AI writing, illustration emits hundreds of times less carbon than humans
2024-04-02
LAWRENCE — With the evolution of artificial intelligence comes discussion of the technology's environmental impact. A new study has found that for the tasks of writing and illustrating, AI emits hundreds of times less carbon than humans performing the same tasks. That does not mean, however, that AI can or should replace human writers and illustrators, the study’s authors argue.
Andrew Torrance, Paul E. Wilson Distinguished Professor of Law at KU, is co-author of a study that compared established systems such as ChatGPT, Bloom AI, DALL-E2 and others completing writing and illustrating to that of humans.
Like ...
Morris Animal Foundation-funded researchers develop early osteoarthritis detection tool
2024-04-02
Media Alert: DENVER/April 2, 2024 — Morris Animal Foundation-funded researchers introduced a straightforward questionnaire to help horse owners identify and monitor signs of osteoarthritis pain in their equine companions. This initiative aims to facilitate earlier and more effective treatment, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for horses.
Created by Dr. Janny de Grauw, Senior Lecturer at The Royal Veterinary College in the United Kingdom, Bryony Lancaster, Program Director, MSc Equine Science of the University of Edinburgh and Dr. Diane Howard, the questionnaire is modeled after the Brief Pain Inventory used to evaluate pain severity and its impact ...
Companies ignoring climate risks get punished by markets, new study reveals
2024-04-02
A pioneering study from the University of Florida has quantified corporations’ exposure to climate change risks like hurricanes, wildfires, and climate-related regulations and the extent to which climate risks are priced into their market valuations. The research also exposes a costly divide – companies that proactively manage climate risks fare much better than those that ignore the threats.
Using textual analysis of earnings call transcripts from almost 5,000 U.S. public companies, researchers developed novel measures of firms’ physical climate risk exposure ...
These plants evolved in Florida millions of years ago. They may be gone in decades.
2024-04-02
Scrub mints are among the most endangered plants you’ve probably never heard of. More than half of the 24 species currently known to exist are considered threatened or endangered at the state or federal level, and nearly all scrub mints grow in areas that are being rapidly developed or converted to agricultural pasture.
In a new study, researchers analyzed a distinct type of DNA marker, which shows there are likely more scrub mint species waiting to be scientifically described. And at least one species has been left without federal protection because of a technicality.
“The Titusville balm is currently considered ...
Researchers at CiQUS synthesize new compounds within living cells using light
2024-04-02
Plants harness chlorophyll to capture sunlight and kickstart photosynthesis, a crucial process on our planet that converts luminous energy into chemical fuel while producing oxygen. This pivotal chemical energy is subsequently utilized by plants, algae, and select bacteria to metabolize carbon dioxide and water into sugars.
Now, scientists at the Center for Research in Biological Chemistry and Molecular Materials (CiQUS) have achieved a breakthrough by integrating non-native photosensitizers into mammalian cells. This revelation showcases the capability of these substances to also absorb green ...
Dr. Arati Dasgupta honored by the Nuclear and Plasma Science Society
2024-04-02
WASHINGTON – U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) plasma physicist, Arati Dasgupta, Ph.D., head, Radiation Hydrodynamics Branch, Plasma Physics Division, receives the 2024 IEEE Plasma Science and Applications Committee (PSAC) Award for her fundamental contributions to, and leadership of, high energy density plasma, atomic, and radiation physics, fusion applications, and service to the plasma science community.
Presented by the IEEE Nuclear and Plasma Sciences Society, the PSAC Award recognizes outstanding contributions to the field of plasma science and engineering. Dasgupta is the 37th winner of the PSAC Award — one of three women ever to receive ...
All-cash home buyers pay 10% less than mortgage buyers
2024-04-02
Owning a home has long been considered a crucial way to build wealth, but making such a purchase has become increasingly difficult for many residents. In addition to steep housing prices and high interest rates, there have been a growing number of all-cash buyers who can close a deal quickly, beating out competing offers from buyers who need to finance their home with a mortgage.
The convenience and certainty of all-cash offers appeals to sellers so much so, that they pay on average 10 % less than mortgage buyers, according to a new study from the University of California San Diego Rady School of Management.
“When sellers accept a mortgage offer, it comes with risk,” said Michael ...
Must mRNA be cloaked in a lipid coat to serve as a vaccine?
2024-04-02
The Uchida Laboratory (Lab Head: Prof. Satoshi Uchida, Department of Advanced Nanomedical Engineering, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University; abbreviated as TMDU) of Innovation Center of NanoMedicine (Center Director: Prof. Kazunori Kataoka, Location: Kawasaki, Japan; abbreviated as iCONM) has demonstrated that intradermal administration of mRNA alone (naked mRNA) without protected by nanoparticles induced robust vaccination against SARS CoV-2, a virus causing COVID-19, in mice and primates, ...
LAST 30 PRESS RELEASES:
New strontium isotope map of Sub-Saharan Africa is a powerful tool for archaeology, forensics, and wildlife conservation
‘Sandwich carers’ experience decline in mental and physical health
A new way to determine whether a species will successfully invade an ecosystem
A change in the weather in the U.S. Corn Belt
How we classify flood risk may give developers, home buyers a false sense of security
GLP-1 drugs may reduce surgery complications in patients with diabetes
Physicists explain a stellar stream’s distinctive features
GLP-1 RA medications safe and very effective for treating obesity in adults without diabetes
Efforts to reduce kids' screen time weakened by unequal access to green space
Study reveals rising interest in permanent contraception after Roe v. Wade was overturned
U of M Medical School study finds point-of-care ultrasound enhances early pregnancy care, cuts emergency visits by 81%
Ice patches on Beartooth Plateau reveal how ancient landscape differed from today’s
MMRI scientist publishes breakthrough study detailing how ketones improves blood flow to the heart
2025 Seismological Society of America Annual Meeting
New AI tool uses routine blood tests to predict immunotherapy response for many cancers
1 in 4 U.S. veterans aged 60+ report having being diagnosed with cardiovascular disease at some point, with potential implications for their physical and mental health
These 11 genes may help us better understand forever chemicals’ effects on the brain
Microplastics widespread in seafood people eat
Lead pollution likely caused widespread IQ declines in ancient Rome, new study finds
Researchers reveal ancient dietary habits and early human use of plant foods
NRG Oncology adds new theranostics subcommittee to organization, new leadership members for CCDR and early phase trial oversight committees
New NEJM Perspective article highlights urgent need for widespread adoption of Fracture Liaison Services (FLS) to combat rising burden of osteoporosis-related fractures
Hornwort genomes provide clues on how plants conquered the land
New mechanism discovered that triggers immune response in cells with damaged DNA
Model proposed for treating loneliness in borderline personality disorder
Marco Demaria named editor-in-chief of Aging (Aging-US)
A healthy diet is key to a healthy gut microbiome
New study links millions of diabetes and heart disease cases globally to sugary drinks
Fluoride exposure and children’s IQ scores
Trends in treatment need and receipt for substance use disorders in the US
[Press-News.org] TLI investigator Dr. Denise Al Alam receives $1.5 million grant from CIRM to explore genetic defects of lung disease in Down SyndromeThis study is poised to generate crucial new Down Syndrome cell lines to study genetic defects specific to Down Syndrome