CCBAR
Newsletter
– December,
2013
Editors:
Natalia
Gavrilova
and
Stacy
Tessler
Lindau
CCBAR News:
The 8th
Chicago Workshop on Biomeasures in Population-Based Health
and Aging Research
Slides
for selected presentations at the 2013 Workshop, "Biosocial Study of
Health and Aging in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and HIV-Affected
Populations" are available at the CCBAR website:
News
from
the
NEJM, Nature Journals, Science, BMJ, PNAS, Lancet and JAMA
Timeline
of events: A brief history of what made news this year
Biomedical research in 2013 saw some dramatic developments, with
unprecedented government action in the US ranging from the budget
sequester in the spring to a dramatic government shutdown in autumn.
But throughout the year, bright spots in science around the globe
continued to dazzle, including mul...
Physician-scientists
MD-PhD holders focus on research less than they used to, according to
analysis.
Parental
olfactory experience influences behavior and neural structure in sub...
by Brian G Dias, Kerry J Ressler
This study demonstrates an epigenetic inheritance of a learned behavior
that is transmitted across generations via the gametes whereby learning
about a specific olfactory stimulus changes brain structure and the
behavior of future generations. Specifically, Dias and Ressler show
that behavioral resp...
[Articles]
Effects of long-term exposure to air pollution on natural-cause mo...
Long-term exposure to fine particulate air pollution was associated
with natural-cause mortality, even within concentration ranges well
below the present European annual mean limit value.
[Editorial]
Conquering cancer
The latest cancer statistics, released last week, are concerning.
GLOBOCAN 2012, the International Agency for Research on Cancer's online
database, shows that the global burden of cancer increased in 2012 to
14·1 million new cases and 8·2 million deaths, compared with 12·7
million and 7·6 million in 2008. Furthermore, GLOBOCAN 2012 predicts
that there will be 19·3 million new cancer cases per year by 2025 due
to growth and ageing of the global population. It confirms - as the
last update GLOBOCAN 2008 did - that cancer is a global health priority.
Survivors
of childhood and adolescent cancer: life-long risks and responsibil...
by Leslie L. Robison, Melissa M. Hudson
Survival rates for most paediatric cancers have improved at a
remarkable pace over the past four decades. In developed countries,
cure is now the probable outcome for most children and adolescents who
are diagnosed with cancer: their 5-year survival rate approaches 80%.
However, the vast
T
cell memory: The effect of ageing on CD8+ T cells
by Elisabeth Kugelberg
Ageing, in both mice and humans, results in the replacement of naive T
cells by memory T cells. Chiu et al. now show that virtual memory CD8+
T cells, which are unprimed memory-like CD8+ T cells, develop in the
absence
Long-term
effect of September 11 [Social Sciences]
by Hersh, E. D.
This article investigates the long-term effect of September 11, 2001 on
the political behaviors of victims' families and neighbors. Relative to
comparable individuals, family members and residential neighbors of
victims have become - and have stayed - significantly more active in
politics in the last 12...
[Commentary]
Stewardship Practices of U.S. Biobanks
by Henderson, G. E., Edwards, T. P., Cadigan, R. J., Davis, A.
M., Zimmer, C., Conlon, I., Weiner, B. J.
Biobanks require new governance models that address their ethical
and regulatory challenges. One model relies on stewardship of specimens
throughout their life course. Here, we discuss findings from our survey
of 456 U.S. biobank managers that addressed whether and how biobanks
steward their specime...
Limitations
From Arthritis Pain Exceed Previous Estimate
Arthritis pain is keeping
more US adults
from pursuing everyday activities, sports, or hobbies than earlier
projections had estimated, according to recent data from the National
Health Interview Survey (NHIS).
Recommendations
for Treating Hypertension What Are the Right Goals and Purposes?
by Peterson ED, Gaziano J, Greenland P.
Hypertension is the most
common
cardiovascular risk factor in the United States, affecting
approximately two-thirds of adults aged 60 years or older.
Observational studies have demonstrated a linear relationship between
blood pressure (BP) and risk of cardiovascular events. Randomized
controlled tri...
Poker
face no more: cancer recurrence reveals its hand
by Christopher J Chan, Lisa M Coussens
Recurrent disease after apparent 'cure' of primary tumors is a common
factor that contributes to cancer-associated mortality. A new study
suggests that an inflammatory cytokine signature may provide a clinical
indication of emergent recurrent disease and, accordingly, may suggest
how to select and d...
Limitations
of inclusive fitness [Evolution]
by Allen, B., Nowak, M. A., Wilson, E. O.
Until recently, inclusive fitness has been widely accepted as a general
method to explain the evolution of social behavior. Affirming and
expanding earlier criticism, we demonstrate that inclusive fitness is
instead a limited concept, which exists only for a small subset of
evolutionary processes. I...
Serum
hormone levels, cognition, and mood [Neuroscience]
by Henderson, V. W., St. John, J. A., Hodis, H. N., McCleary,
C. A.,
Stanczyk, F. Z., Karim, R., Shoupe, D., Kono, N., Dustin, L., Allayee,
H., Mack, W. J.
Variations in the hormonal milieu after menopause may influence neural
processes concerned with cognition, cognitive aging, and mood, but
findings are inconsistent. In particular, cognitive effects of
estradiol may vary with time since menopause, but this prediction has
not been assessed directly us...
Oxytocin
and long-term pair bonds [Neuroscience]
by Scheele, D., Wille, A., Kendrick, K. M., Stoffel–Wagner,
B., Becker, B., Gunturkun, O., Maier, W., Hurlemann, R.
The biological mechanisms underlying long-term partner bonds in humans
are unclear. The evolutionarily conserved neuropeptide oxytocin (OXT)
is associated with the formation of partner bonds in some species via
interactions with brain dopamine reward systems. However, whether it
plays a similar role...
Accumulating
Evidence for Statins in Primary Prevention
by Robinson JG.
Many voices in the public
and the
medical community argue strongly against the widespread use of statins
for the primary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
Critics give several reasons to avoid statin therapy, including
concerns about adverse effects, lack of a total mortality ben...
Stagnant
Numbers of Uninsured
The overall number of US
residents
without health insurance remained steady from 2012 into the first 3
months of this year at 46 million - about 15% of the national
population -
according to the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS).
Extending
Simulation Learning Experiences to Patients With Chronic Health Con...
by Coleman EA.
As articulated by the
Institute of
Medicine and reinforced by the recent health reform law, the United
States is fostering a deliberate shift toward a more population-based
approach to promoting health. Juxtaposed with this shift is the
increasing number of persons in the United States with multiple...
Biomarkers
and
Aging
in
the
News
Media
•
Diabetes
risk 'from Neanderthals'
A gene variant that seems to increase the risk of diabetes in Latin
Americans appears to have been picked up from Neanderthals, a study
suggests.
• U.S.
Panel Backs Routine Lung CT Scans for Older, Heavy Smokers
Yearly testing will prevent some lung cancer deaths, experts conclude
• Unhealthy
Cholesterol Levels Might Raise Alzheimer's Risk
Keeping cholesterol under control may help brain as well as heart,
study suggests
• Concussions
Linked to Alzheimer's Risk in Study
Brain scans found seniors with both poor memory and prior head injury
have more plaque buildup
• Only
High-Risk Women Need Breast Cancer Gene Test: Experts
Even those with family history of BRCA mutations should talk with
professionals first, panel says
• Walk
More to Cut Heart Attack and Stroke Risk, Study Suggests
People with pre-diabetes appear to benefit from adding extra steps to
their daily stroll
• Fiber-Rich
Foods May Cut Your Risk of Heart Disease
International study looked at fiber from wide range of sources
• Anxiety
Tied to Stroke Risk in Study
But direct link not proven
• Americans
Still Eat Too Much Salt: CDC
New strategies needed to reduce risk of high blood pressure, experts say
• Testosterone
in male songbirds may enhance desire to sing, but not song quality
Introducing testosterone in select areas of a male canary's brain can
affect its ability to successfully attract and mate with a female
through birdsong. These findings could shed light on how testosterone
acts in the human brain to regulate speech or help explain how anabolic
steroids affect human behaviors.
• Walking
the walk: What sharks, honeybees and humans have in common
In the first study of human hunter-gatherer movement patterns,
researchers have found that the tribe's movements while foraging can be
described by a mathematical pattern called a Levy walk -- a pattern
that also is found in the movements of many other animals, from sharks
to honey bees.
• FDA:
Anti-bacterial soaps may not curb bacteria
After more than 40 years of study, the U.S.
government says it has found no evidence that common anti-bacterial
soaps prevent the spread of germs, and regulators want the makers of
Dawn, Dial and other household staples to prove that their products do
not pose health risks to consumers....
• Do
vitamins block disease? Some disappointing news
There's more disappointing news about multivitamins:
Two major studies found popping the pills didn't protect aging men's
brains or help heart attack survivors....
• Study:
Hormone-blocker slashes breast cancer risk
Women at high risk of developing breast cancer
because of family history or bad genes have a new option to help
prevent the disease....
• U.S.
Cancer Death Rates Continue to Decline: Report
But researchers added that people with other health problems have lower
odds of survival
• Light
Exercise Might Reduce Risk of Kidney Stones
Intensity of activity doesn't seem to matter, study finds
• Treating
Sleep Apnea May Lower Hard-to-Control Blood Pressure
Sleep apnea device allows normal breathing, reduces stress on body,
study suggests
• How
household dogs protect against asthma and infection
Children's risk for developing allergies and asthma is reduced when
they are exposed in early infancy to a dog in the household, and now
researchers have discovered a reason why.
• Mothers
see their youngest as shorter than they are
Many parents say when their second child is born that their first child
suddenly appears to have grown overnight. Now, researchers have an
explanation: until the birth of the new child, those parents were
subject to a "baby illusion," routinely misperceiving their youngest
child as smaller (and younger) than he or she really was.
NIH
Press
Releases
NIH
to fund research workforce diversity program
Awards will support creative and transformative approaches to prepare
students for successful biomedical research careers.
Enzyme
that produces melatonin originated 500 million years ago, NIH study
shows
Origins of "timezyme" have implications for understanding sleep, retina
disorders
Revised
autism screening tool offers more precise assessment
Testing during routine checkups indicates earlier diagnosis possible.
Sixty
percent of 12th graders do not view regular marijuana use as harmful
NIH's 2013 Monitoring the Future Survey shows high rates of marijuana
use; decreases in abuse of pain relievers and synthetic drugs.
NIH
announces six funding opportunities for the BRAIN Initiative in fiscal
2014
Opportunities focus on developing tools and technologies for advancing
our understanding of brain circuitry.
NIH
names leadership, research units for restructured HIV/AIDS clinical
trial...
Networks will lead HIV/AIDS clinical trials research through 2021.
Study
breaks blood-brain barriers to understanding Alzheimer's
NIH-funded study suggests brain blood vessel cells may be therapeutic
targets for Alzheimer's disease.
NIH
study links family structure to high blood pressure in African-American
men
Children of two-parent homes grow up to have lower rates of adult
hypertension.
With
new study, aquatic comb jelly floats into new evolutionary position
Study calls for a shift in understanding of how complex cell types
evolved.
NIH
network revolutionizes stroke clinical research
Stroke remains number one cause of disability and fourth leading cause
of death in the United States.
Tobacco,
drug use in pregnancy can double risk of stillbirth
NIH network study documents elevated risk associated with marijuana,
other substances.
Gene-silencing
data now publicly available to help scientists better understa...
NIH data-sharing collaboration with Life Technologies will advance
genetic and translational research, therapeutic target discovery.
Stimulant-addicted
patients can quit smoking without hindering treatment
New NIH study dispels concerns about addressing tobacco addiction among
substance abuse patients.
NIH-funded
study shows increased survival in men with metastatic prostate can...
Clinical trial halted early due to positive results.
NeuroBioBank
gives researchers one-stop access to post-mortem brains
NIH networks five brain banks to overcome bottlenecks.
Funding
Announcements
Juvenile Protective Factors and Their Effects on Aging (R03)
Expiration Date: July 17, 2016
Analysis
of Genome-Wide Gene-Environment (G x E) Interactions (R21)
Funding Opportunity PAR-13-382 from the NIH Guide for Grants and
Contracts. The purpose of this FOA is to provide support for research
projects that involve secondary data analyses of existing genome-wide
data from genome-wide association studies or other large genomic
datasets for the purpose of identifying gene-environment interactions.
The ultimate objective of this funding opportunity is the discovery of
complex interplays of genes and environmental factors in human
populations which may disclose novel genetic susceptibilities to
environmental exposures or a greater understanding of the role of
environmental exposures in the development, progression, and severity
of complex human diseases.
NIH
Support for Conferences and Scientific Meetings (Parent
R13/U13)
Funding Number: PA-13-347
Expiration Date: September 8, 2016
Academic
Research Enhancement Award (Parent R15)
Funding Number: PA-13-313
Expiration Date: September 8, 2016
Behavioral
and Social Science Research on Understanding and Reducing Health
Disparities (R21)
Funding Number: PA-13-288
Expiration Date: September 8, 2016
Mid-life
Reversibility of Early-established Biobehavioral Risk Factors (R01)
Funding Opportunity RFA-AG-14-006 from the NIH Guide for Grants and
Contracts. The purpose of this funding opportunity announcement (FOA)
issued by the National Institute on Aging (NIA) is to solicit two-year
Research Project Grant (R01) applications that propose to explore the
potential for midlife plasticity of biobehavioral or psychological
systems affected by early life disadvantage. In order to speed the
development of novel intervention strategies, applicants are encouraged
either to use existing human cohort data to identify circumstances that
mitigate or exacerbate the effects of early adversity or to use human
and/or animal models to test the feasibility of developing
interventions aimed specifically at increasing malleability in
adulthood of risk persistence mechanisms.
High
Priority Behavioral and Social Research Networks (R24)
Funding Opportunity RFA-AG-14-007 from the NIH Guide for Grants and
Contracts. The purpose of this funding opportunity announcement (FOA)
issued by the National Institute on Aging (NIA), working in part with
funds contributed by the NIH Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences
Research (http://obssr.od.nih.gov/index.aspx ), is to provide
infrastructure support for advancing development of specific emerging
and high priority interdisciplinary areas of behavioral and social
research of relevance to aging. The infrastructure support will
facilitate research networks through meetings, conferences, small scale
pilots, training, and dissemination to encourage growth and development
of specified priority areas and of resources for the field at large.
Projects are solicited that will develop, strengthen, and evaluate
transdisciplinary approaches and methods for basic behavioral and/or
social research.
Regional
and
International Differences in Health and Longevity at Older Ages
(R01)
PA-13-125
Expiration Date September 8, 2016
Obesity
Policy
Evaluation Research (R01) PA-13-110
Expiration Date: May 8, 2016
Biodemography
of
Aging
(R01),
Funding
Number:
PAR-12-078
Expiration Date: March 4, 2014
Events:
Conferences:
2014
Annual Meeting of the Population Association of America
Marriott Copley Place, Boston, MA, May 1-3, 2014
Abstract deadline was September 27, 2013
2014
Annual
Scientific Meeting of the American Geriatrics Society
(AGS), May 15 - 17,
2014
Orlando, Florida
Abstract deadline: December 2, 2013 at 11:59 pm EST
The
26th REVES
meeting on health expectancy
Edinburgh, UK, May 28-30,
2014
Abstract submission deadline: February 1, 2014
The
67th Annual Meeting of the Gerontological Society of America,
November 5-9, 2014
Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington, DC
Abstract
submission deadline: March 5, 2014
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
This
Newsletter is supported by a grant from the National
Institute on
Aging, National Institutes of Health (Grant No. 5 P30 AG012857)
If you would like to unsubscribe please notify us at ngavrilova@babies.bsd.uchicago.edu
