NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH

A study in *Nature Communications* reveals insights into how damaged cells interact in disease-promoting microenvironments following acute kidney injury (AKI), potentially aiding in preventing chronic kidney disease (CKD). Researchers used seqFISH technology to analyze gene expression in AKI-affected mouse kidneys, identifying microenvironments like ME-5 and ME-16, which involve cellular interactions linked to CKD progression. A comprehensive map of AKI-induced changes is available at [https://woldlab.caltech.edu/ci2-celltiles/Mouse-Kidney-Fibrosis/](https://woldlab.caltech.edu/ci2-celltiles/Mouse-Kidney-Fibrosis/).

Scientists at Huntsman Cancer Institute developed a new mechanism using PDX models to predict TNBC aggressiveness, potentially revolutionizing treatment by identifying higher-risk patients and tailoring precise treatments. This method is more accurate than existing ones in forecasting TNBC recurrence, offering hope for more personalized and effective treatment strategies.

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) invites applications for support of investigator-initiated studies addressing mechanisms by which bariatric surgery impacts cancer risk. The funding opportunity, titled 'Mechanisms that Impact Cancer Risk after Bariatric Surgery (R01 Clinical Trial Optional)', is open to various organizations and aims to draw in talented scientists to investigate the effects of bariatric surgery on cancer, rather than shorter-term outcomes. The application process includes submitting a letter of intent 30 days prior to the application due date and following the instructions in the Research (R) Instructions in the How to Apply - Application Guide. The funding opportunity number is PAR-25-043, with a budget limited to $500,000 direct costs per year and a maximum project period of 5 years.

U.S. reps ask FDA about biopharmaceutical companies' clinical trials with PLA entities; NSF OIG finds ISU inappropriately charged $9,709 on six awards; UMB's Eckert agrees to 8-year debarment for research misconduct; NIH bans AI use in peer reviews; OHRP finds Emory IRB members may lack clear understanding of approval conditions; NSF updates guidance on reporting multiyear foreign gifts or contracts.

Upcoming webinars and presentations cover topics like the impact of Dobbs on reproductive health, clinical research glossary, health literacy, and data sharing. Publications include articles on clinical research workforce challenges, pediatric drug development during public health emergencies, and the role of institutional review boards in clinical research.

Zachary Freyberg modified bromocriptine to separate dopamine effects in brain vs. periphery, finding it entered brain more slowly and stayed longer in body. This could lead to better antipsychotic drug side effect management.

Researchers at HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology received a $2.9 million NIH grant to use long-read genome sequencing on 500+ genomes previously undiagnosed. This technology aims to uncover genetic variants missed by traditional sequencing, potentially improving diagnostic rates for pediatric diseases.

Crestone announces positive Phase 2 results for CRS3123 in treating C. difficile infections (CDI), showing high clinical cure rates and lower recurrence compared to vancomycin. CRS3123, a novel drug, maintains gut microbiota, addressing urgent need for effective CDI therapy.

A $3 million NIH-funded study led by Marzieh Salehi, MD, MS, at UT Health San Antonio investigates the antidiabetic and anti-obesity effects of semaglutide in people with spinal cord injury, aiming to impact treatment guidelines and understand underlying diabetes mechanisms in this population.