Boston University

USC researchers identified a biomarker, DTI-ALPS, linking glymphatic system damage to cognitive decline in vascular dementia, validated across four diverse cohorts. This discovery offers a potential treatment pathway by targeting glymphatic function, also relevant for Alzheimer's disease.

2024 marked a year of significant scientific advancements, including HIV prevention drug Lenacapavir, fruit fly brain mapping, discovery of super-Earth TOI-715 b, insights into Neanderthal-human interbreeding, CRISPR technology evolution, oldest reptile skin fossil, new moons of Neptune and Uranus, ancient cave art in Patagonia, DermaSensor for skin cancer, AI predicting Alzheimer's progression, deep-sea rocks generating oxygen, and space cloud's impact on Earth's climate.

The article outlines several projects aimed at improving child care access and workforce dynamics through data and research capacity building. Projects include partnerships between universities, research organizations, and state agencies in Alabama, Montana, North Carolina, Massachusetts, and Oregon. Each project focuses on enhancing data systems, addressing policy questions, and improving access to child care and early education services.

Jeanne Calment's 122-year lifespan intrigued researchers, highlighting the complexity of longevity influenced by genetics and lifestyle. A study transformed centenarians' blood cells into iPSCs, creating a biobank for longevity research. These cells, showing resilience against aging and diseases, offer insights into healthy aging and potential interventions for age-related conditions.

Novo Nordisk and Evotec select three projects for LAB eN², focusing on cardiometabolic diseases. LAB eN² expands to include Boston Children's Hospital, Johns Hopkins University, and others. The initiative leverages Evotec's R&D platform and Novo Nordisk's disease expertise for drug discovery.

Evotec SE and Novo Nordisk select first three projects for LAB eN² drug discovery accelerator, focusing on cardiometabolic diseases from Boston University, Harvard University, and Joslin Diabetes Center. The program expands to include five new academic institutions, offering initial Discovery Award funding and potential additional funding up to IND application stage, with Novo Nordisk maintaining the option to further develop and license specific programs.

Harvard's eight newest Rhodes Scholars, representing diverse disciplines and countries, will pursue academic studies at Oxford University. Matthew Anzarouth focuses on Canadian federalism and multiculturalism; Lena Ashooh studies animal ethics; Shahmir Aziz aims to foster biotech startups in Pakistan; Tommy Barone investigates democratic beliefs; Sofia Corona works on sustainable transportation; Aneesh Muppidi explores AI ethics; Ayush Noori researches neuroscience and AI for neurological diseases; Laura Wegner co-founded a healthcare startup to improve patient data management.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a leading cause of death worldwide, with a global burden greater than HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis combined. A study in The Lancet projects 39 million deaths from superbugs by 2050 unless action is taken. By 2035, AMR is expected to reduce global life expectancy by 1.8 years and cost $855 billion annually. The antibiotic pipeline is on the verge of collapse due to financial challenges, with only 20 clinical programs testing new antibiotics globally. Researchers propose incentives to support antibiotic development and access, with the UK leading in pull incentives. Investments in push and pull incentives could save millions of lives and billions in health care costs. Ensuring antibiotics reach those in need globally is crucial, along with improving diagnostics and health system infrastructure to combat AMR.

Tianeptine, a non-FDA-approved antidepressant, shows potential as a faster and longer-lasting treatment for neuropathic pain compared to desipramine, with fewer side effects and without the addiction risks of opioids. Research by Venetia Zachariou and her team indicates tianeptine could be a new therapeutic option, highlighting new molecular pathways for pain management.

AI and machine learning are transforming medical coding by alleviating provider burden, improving claim quality, and producing comprehensive code sets, enhancing healthcare efficiency and patient care.