Medical & Health Sciences

Carrying a pregnancy is associated with numerous health problems, but little is known about the impact of pregnancy loss on heart health. Dr Maka Tsulukidze from the Florida Gulf Coast University, Dr David Reardon, based at the Elliot Institute, and Dr Christopher Craver at the Charlotte Lozier Institute in Arlington, conducted research into the adverse effects of pregnancy loss on heart function and health. In particular, their research focused on the impact of pregnancy loss on the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Cancer research is an ever-evolving field of science fuelled by the pressure of the ongoing need to find new approaches to tackle this killer. Dr Zhi-yong Huang is based at the Tongji Medical College at Huazhong University of Science and Technology in China. He works tirelessly to develop novel treatments for diseases of the liver and biliary system, with a particular focus on liver cancer surgery. He has pioneered methods to optimise the treatment of this type of cancer.

Diabetes is a widespread health concern affecting millions worldwide. Recent research suggests an unexpected ally in the fight against this disorder: the Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine. Originally developed to prevent tuberculosis, BCG is now showing promise in managing and potentially preventing type 1 diabetes. Dr Denise Faustman from Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and Harvard Medical School is leading groundbreaking studies that are reshaping our understanding of diabetes treatment and prevention.

Recognising the precise steps involved in the differentiation process of stem cells into various cell types is crucial to regenerative medicine. Researchers face the specific challenge of how to fine-tune and optimise protocols for directing stem cells to differentiate into specific cell lineages. As such, the directed differentiation to skeletal muscles has not yet advanced to the clinical trials stage. Dr. Michael Hicks from the School of Medicine at the University of California, Irvine, is working to change this with his extensive studies into the transition of stem cells into skeletal muscles.

Unravelling the complex communication pathways between cells is vital to identifying new therapeutic targets for certain bone diseases. Dr Tomonori Kaifu is based at the Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University in Japan. Over the years, his research has focused on cell signalling via the dendritic cell immunoreceptor. He works to understand the various roles of this receptor in regulating the immune system and metabolism of the bones, with the aim of developing novel therapies for metabolic bone diseases and autoimmune conditions.

Hip and knee replacements are key for the health and well-being of many people. Unfortunately, the materials used in these procedures are known to wear and corrode once placed within the human body. Dr Stefano Mischler and his team from École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, together with Professor Dr Brigitte Jolles-Haeberli and her team from Lausanne University Hospital in Switzerland, have conducted exciting new research that advances our understanding of the factors influencing corrosion in the human body. Their work has exciting implications for the future monitoring of implant conditions, particularly valuable in the face of our increasingly ageing population.

Understanding complex concepts in chemistry can be challenging for students, especially in large classes where individualised attention is limited. Traditional multiple-choice questions often focus on rote memorisation rather than deep understanding. Dr Sonia Underwood and colleagues at Michigan State University, Grand Valley State University, and Kansas State University, as part of the 3DL4US project, have developed a novel approach to create multiple-choice questions aligning with three-dimensional learning principles. This collaboration brings together a wealth of expertise and perspectives of chemistry, biology, and physics faculty who encourage students to engage with material deeper, promoting better comprehension and retention of core concepts.

There is a recognised need for healthcare professionals to provide culturally sensitive care. Dr Anna Robinson-Barella from the School of Pharmacy at Newcastle University is leading research working to integrate cultural competency training into pharmacy education and the pharmacy profession. Her studies reveal insights from both pharmacy staff and students on how best to equip the next generation of pharmacists with these vital skills. This work aims to transform pharmacy practice and reduce health inequalities for patients from diverse, minoritised backgrounds.

Sacroiliac joint fusion is a popular surgical procedure to address lower back pain. Despite this, a careful review of the literature shows that we have little solid evidence to confirm that the procedure is particularly effective at reducing pain. Dr Engelke Marie Randers and Dr Thomas Johan Kibsgård at the University of Oslo conducted a thorough trial to determine the real-world therapeutic benefit of this surgery – with important results.

Metastatic abdominal cancers pose a unique set of challenges for clinicians. Dr Patrick Wagner from the Allegheny Health Network Cancer Institute is exploring important new ways to tackle these malignancies. With the help of his team, he carries out groundbreaking research into utilising the patient’s own immune system as well as exploring methods of drug delivery to fight these extremely challenging forms of cancer effectively.

For most of human history, our ancestors lived in small, close-knit groups. But how did these early social structures evolve into the complex societies we see today? Esteemed researcher Dr Patrick Manning of the University of Pittsburgh has spent years investigating the development of human households and communities over time. His research reveals how biological, cultural and social evolution shaped our species’ journey from small prehistoric groups to today’s large-scale societies.

Innate immunity, our standing defence against viruses, bacteria, and other infections, is comprised of a vast network of biomolecules working in orchestrated balance to defend against pathogens. Researchers have theorised that ADP-ribosylation – where ADP-ribose groups are added to modify host and viral biomolecules – may constitute an active part of the innate immune system. Dr Bernhard Lüscher and Dr Patricia Korn from RWTH Aachen University lead a team that studies the role of ADP-ribosylation and viral function.

Understanding the individual immune response is key to diagnosing and treating a range of diseases. One way of characterising immune cells is through flow cytometry, where cells are tagged with fluorescent markers known as fluorochromes. Detectors use these markers to understand the different physical and chemical features of the individual cells and the overall immune cell population. Dr Linda Hammerich and a team from Charité-Universitätsmedizin in Germany have optimised this technique to investigate up to 31 different cells or markers from one blood test using currently available technology.

Buildings play a significant role in our global energy consumption, accounting for one-third of the total energy used worldwide. Unfortunately, they are also responsible for nearly 40% of carbon dioxide emissions generated annually. To combat climate change, address energy scarcity, and achieve net-zero carbon goals, focusing on sustainable renewable energy and energy-efficient building technologies is key. Dr Praveen Cheekatamarla of Oak Ridge National Laboratory is working with his colleagues to advance energy-efficient and decarbonisation technologies. Their work is critical in tackling these challenges and analysing innovative solutions.

A frozen shoulder can significantly impact a person’s well-being. The constant pain and ongoing stiffness can sometimes only be relieved with surgery. Expert orthopaedic surgeon Dr Kenneth Cutbush from St Andrew’s War Memorial Hospital in Brisbane, Australia, works tirelessly to help ease the suffering of patients with various shoulder problems. Alongside colleagues, he pioneers a minimally invasive surgical technique, the frozen shoulder 360° release.

The SARS-CoV2 surface spike protein is a rational target for COVID-19 vaccination. However, spike protein glycosylation helps the virus evade the immune system, undermining vaccination efforts against newer variants. Dr Chi-Huey Wong’s group at Academia Sinica, Taiwan, is hoping to combat this by glycoengineering protein- and mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines.

Sexual minorities face unique challenges that can negatively impact their mental and physical health. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these issues, leading to increased rates of anxiety, depression, and substance use among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) individuals. Dr Carolyn Fallahi and her colleagues at Central Connecticut State University have been studying the effects of minority stress on sexual minorities, particularly in the context of the pandemic. Their research sheds light on the complex relationships between minority stress, mental health symptoms, and substance use in this vulnerable population.

Dr Nadine Abi-Jaoudeh and Dr David Imagawa of the University of California Irvine are working with a team of researchers dedicated to improving treatment options and outcomes in hepatocellular carcinoma – a serious form of cancer associated with long-term liver diseases. Their early-stage research offers important hope that in the future, effective drugs such as sorafenib and regorafenib may be utilised in trans-arterial chemoembolisation thanks to their development of a novel platform for drug delivery.

Understanding how brain tumours grow is vital to the development of novel approaches to beat this type of cancer. In ground-breaking research, Dr Sergey Malchenko from the University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria, USA, has identified a cell communication phenomenon called mitochondrial transfer between particular types of brain cells. Alongside colleagues, he works to understand this process, allowing him to decipher its impact on the development of brain cancer.

A supply of nucleotides is necessary to sustain the body’s genetic and metabolic processes. CNT1, a nucleoside transporter, is instrumental in preventing nucleoside excretion. Professor Rajgopal (Raj) Govindarajan at Ohio State University is delving into CNT1’s in vivo activity, utilising mouse models, mass spectrometry, and metabolomics tools. His research has important implications for cancer therapy.

Skin cancer affects millions around the world and is among the most commonly occurring cancers. This global impact leads to an ever-growing demand for dermatology capacity, which is simply not available. Given that skin cancer can be treatable with high rates of survival when detected early, technology interventions are required to address the gap between demand and capacity. Dr Helen Marsden conducts vital research at Skin Analytics Ltd to demonstrate how AI can allow dermatology teams to discharge benign lesions earlier in the pathway and help prioritise patients who need to be seen or receive treatment.

Immunotherapy has changed the face of cancer treatment, particularly for those suffering from advanced skin cancers. With plenty yet to be learnt in this field of medicine, Dr. David Minor and his colleagues based at the California Pacific Medical Center Research Institute and the California Pacific Center for Melanoma Research and Treatment explore the long-term impact of immunotherapy on advanced skin cancer survivors.

Delving into the intriguing realm of brain blood vessel development and the role of specialised cells is a challenging but critical step in better understanding neuro-vascular diseases in both children and adults. Professor Ramani Ramchandran, from the Medical College of Wisconsin in the USA, investigates cilia in the brain vasculature. It turns out that these microscopic hair-like projections found on the surface of certain types of cells have a far more interesting role to play in brain health than was initially thought.

In a ground-breaking stride toward accessible cancer treatments, a revolutionary method for preparing immune cells has emerged. Dr Nicholas Gascoigne from the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine at the National University of Singapore has helped develop an innovative approach involving T-cells, which holds the promise of transforming the landscape of cancer therapy, potentially making it more widely available and more effective.

Alternative healthcare is growing in popularity, but like all healthcare, the use of such therapies is not risk-free. Dr Bernie Garrett of the University of British Colombia, Canada, works with colleague Professor Timothy Caulfield from the University of Alberta, to provide a voice of reason in the world of alternative medicine. While trying to understand what makes people choose these options, they are also shedding light on the risks associated with using such unconventional treatments.

Scientists are developing next-generation vaccines that improve protective immunity and address many of the challenges associated with administering traditional injected vaccines. Dr Sean Tucker and a team from Vaxart have developed an oral temperature-stable tablet vaccine platform that can be modified for a variety of pathogens. This vaccine tablet has a range of benefits: it can be self-administered, distributed easily without requiring ultra-low temperatures, and generates a strong immune response at barrier surfaces such as the gut, nose, and throat – the common entry points for pathogens.

Tubulin has biological significance beyond just microtubules. Professor Richard Ludueña of the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, has investigated the localisation of βII-tubulin in the nuclei of cancer cells. Based on his collaborators’ insights, he speculates that βII-tubulin-based CRISPR-Cas9 treatments could become a cutting-edge treatment paradigm for a variety of different cancers.

Tooth decay (known as ‘dental caries’) is a global health problem. The key pathogen is Streptococcus mutans, a hardy tooth-colonising bacterium. An overlooked factor in caries is manganese (Mn2+). India Drummond and Professor Grace Spatafora of Middlebury College are investigating the effect of Mn2+ on Streptococcus mutans traits controlled by the SloR metalloregulator and small RNAs. Their research has important implications for dental health.