Tag: Academic research

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Seaport’s IPO adventure, obesity pill battles, and Makary’s troubles

On this week’s episode of “The Readout LOUD,” we chat with Seaport Therapeutics CEO Daphne Zohar, fresh off the biotech’s successful IPO. Plus, Elaine, Allison, and Adam chat about this week’s notable news, including the obesity pill battle between Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk, a Phase 3 study win for Cytokinetics, and FDA Commissioner Marty Makary’s White House troubles. 

Oh, by the way, this is the 400th episode of your favorite biotech podcast. 

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Science is becoming less disruptive. Is an aging workforce to blame?

Physicist Albert Einstein, widely regarded as one of the most prolific scientists of the past century, conducted much of his transformative work at the beginning of his career, before spending years defending his theories against the burgeoning field of quantum mechanics. 

A new study shows that Einstein is not alone, and that most researchers begin their careers conducting their more disruptive work — overturning conventional wisdom and forging paths of their own — but as they age, they tend to abandon that groundbreaking energy. Instead, many become adept at connecting previously unlinked ideas. The paper, published Thursday in Science, helps offer an explanation of a trend that has increasingly worried scholars of science policy and innovation: that the pace of discovery has slowed in recent years. 

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Serum hypocretin, neurofilament heavy chain, and interleukin-1β as combined predictors of sleep disorders following acute ischemic stroke

BackgroundSleep disorders represent a common and impactful complication following acute ischemic stroke (AIS). This study aimed to identify clinical risk factors and evaluate the predictive value of serum hypocretin (Hcrt), neurofilament heavy chain (NfH), and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) for post-stroke sleep disorders.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective observational study of 256 patients with AIS. Patients were classified into sleep disorder (n = 161) and non-sleep disorder (n = 95) groups based on their Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores 7 days after stroke onset. Fasting serum levels of Hcrt, NfH, and IL-1β were measured upon admission. We utilized multivariate logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves to evaluate predictive performance. The combined model was internally validated using 1,000 bootstrap resamples to assess optimism-corrected discriminative performance.ResultsSleep disorders were present in 62.9% of patients. Nine independent risk factors were identified: age ≥ 65 years (OR = 2.059), snoring history (OR = 1.980), prior stroke (OR = 2.036), lower ADL scores (OR = 1.839), higher HAMD (OR = 1.726) and NIHSS scores (OR = 1.677), decreased serum Hcrt (OR = 1.863), elevated NfH (OR = 2.020), and elevated IL-1β (OR = 1.793; all p < 0.05). Individual biomarker AUCs ranged from 0.742 to 0.781, whereas the combined three-biomarker model achieved a significantly superior AUC of 0.874 (sensitivity 88.82%, specificity 71.58%). Bootstrap internal validation yielded a mean optimism-corrected AUC of 0.861 (95% CI: 0.812–0.903), indicating robust model performance with minimal overfitting.ConclusionClinical variables alongside altered levels of Hcrt, NfH, and IL-1β serve as independent predictors of post-stroke sleep disorders. The combined three-biomarker panel, reflecting neuroendocrine dysregulation, axonal injury, and systemic inflammation, demonstrates substantially superior predictive accuracy over individual biomarkers and offers a clinically practical tool for early identification of high-risk patients.
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Identifying clinical features associated with electroconvulsive therapy response in adolescents with major depressive disorder using machine learning

BackgroundElectroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an effective treatment for adolescent major depressive disorder (MDD), but its efficacy varies. This study utilized machine learning (ML) to identify baseline clinical factors associated with poor ECT response.MethodsWe retrospectively enrolled 503 adolescent MDD patients. A poor response was defined as a <50% reduction on the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD-24). The optimal ML algorithm (Random Forest, RF) was selected from nine candidates and then simplified using recursive feature elimination (RFE) and interpreted via Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP).ResultsA simplified model using two baseline features—the neutrophil-to-platelet ratio (NPR) and pre-treatment HAMD score—achieved an AUC of 0.731 on the testing set, comparable to the full-feature model (AUC: 0.751). SHAP analysis revealed that a lower baseline NPR and a lower pre-treatment HAMD score were associated with a poor response. Furthermore, retrospective statistical comparisons revealed that patients in the poor response group completed significantly fewer ECT sessions than those in the good response group.ConclusionsWe developed a concise explanatory model demonstrating that routine clinical data available at admission (blood NPR and HAMD score) can effectively stratify the risk of poor ECT efficacy. Crucially, identifying these high-risk patients early empowers clinicians to implement targeted management, ensuring they complete a full and adequate course of ECT to maximize therapeutic benefits and prevent premature termination.
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A two-decade bibliometric analysis (2004–2024) of parental factors in the context of internet gaming disorder research

ObjectiveThis is the first targeted bibliometric analysis which explores the development of scientific production on the relationship between parenting and Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) over twenty years, emphasizing the central role of the family context in the etiology and maintenance of IGD.MethodsPapers indexed in Scopus and Web of Science databases from 2004 to December 31, 2024, were analyzed using the PRISMA guidelines, the R package Bibliometrix, and VOSviewer. A comprehensive search strategy was developed using Boolean operators to capture variations of parental and gaming-related terminology. Records were exported in BibTeX format and were merged and cleaned to remove duplicates before the analysis. A descriptive bibliometric analysis, bibliometric mapping, and content analysis were conducted to identify trends and thematic clusters. The analysis included 389 publications.ResultsThe most cited papers confirm the association of low parental warmth, family dysfunction, and comorbid psychiatric symptoms with a higher risk of IGD. Thematic mapping reveals six dominant clusters covering the conceptualization and diagnosis of IGD, parental mediation and virtual environment, psychological vulnerability and mental health, parenting and attachment, parenting styles and self-control, and problematic screen-related behaviors, and a strong concentration of publications in China, Germany, and the USA. The analysis also revealed an increase in publication output after 2013, with a notable acceleration following the inclusion of gaming disorder in the International Classification of Diseases 11th Revision (ICD-11).ConclusionThe bibliometric analysis reveals the rapid growth of research on parenting and IGD, highlighting the multifactorial nature of the disorder where dysfunctional family relationships increase risk, while supportive ones reduce it. Despite progress, longitudinal studies are needed for better understanding of causality and interventions.
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Beyond distress relief: the Anhedonic Subtype of nonsuicidal self-injury and the imperative for Positive Affect Treatment

This perspective article argues that the theoretical landscape of nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) has long been stabilized by the “hydraulic” model of Automatic Negative Reinforcement, which conceptualizes self-harm primarily as a mechanism to down-regulate aversive hyper-arousal. While this framework successfully elucidates the etiology of self-injury driven by high-intensity negative affect, it fails to account for a substantial, treatment-resistant phenotype: adolescents driven by profound anhedonia and ventral striatal hypofunction. This perspective article argues for the formal recognition of an “Anhedonic Subtype” of NSSI. Synthesizing recent epidemiological data identifying “emptiness” as a central symptom network bridge, alongside neurobiological evidence of reward blunting, we posit that for this subtype, NSSI functions not as a sedative, but as a mechanism of “forced activation.” We propose a preliminary differential diagnostic framework distinguishing defensive dissociation from anhedonic deficit and outline the theoretical rationale for exploring a shift in clinical intervention from distress tolerance toward positive affect up-regulation. The clinical utility of this framework remains to be evaluated in future empirical research.
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Resonance across cultures and faiths: examining the violin music’s role in emotional, psychological, and spiritual well-being for sustainable societies

Music is a decisive factor of the everyday life and the core focus of human being of any culture. People of all ages, races and ethnicities prefer to listen to it and play it. But music is not only entertainment because scientific research has shown that it can also create an impact on the physiological processes that can be used to enhance physical and mental illnesses. The current study analyzes the ways in which the violin may be employed in enhancing emotional, psychological and spiritual well-being of different cultures and religions. It relies on secondary data to examine the emotional appeal of the instrument, the psychological resilience benefits, and the spiritual meaning of the instrument particularly in the intercultural and interfaith context. The sound of the violin that is very flexible and familiar in various cultural and religious practices is also a channel of emotional expression, psychological healing, and spiritual intercourse. Therapeutic interventions and educational environments have been linked to it, as a means of improving emotional control, decreasing stress and increasing resilience. Also, the violin can be used as a significant instrument of spiritual reflection in other religious practices, in the Christian church service as well as in Hindu devotional music. Findings indicate that the violin facilitates interfaith communication and social integration by way of sharing of emotions and spirituality. It is a cultural preservation and common good, that promotes inclusivity and comprehension of the multicultural societies and results in sustainable communities. The paper shows that the field of special role of the violin in promoting resilience, empathy and sustainable development of society needs more empirical studies to advance the knowledge on the topic.
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Trends of incident stimulant use disorder diagnoses before and after the COVID-19 pandemic in British Columbia (2013-2024): a population-based study

BackgroundThere is rising detection of unregulated stimulants (e.g. cocaine and methamphetamine) in toxicology results among people who died of unregulated drug poisoning. Nevertheless, little research describes the population-level trends of incident (new) stimulant use disorder (StUD) diagnoses. This study reports on trends of incident StUD diagnoses pre- and post-Covid-19 public health emergency in British Columbia (BC), Canada.MethodsInterrupted time series analyses were conducted with BC’s COVID-19 public health emergency declaration on March 16, 2020 as the interruption point. Descriptive statistics on demographic and health service contact were conducted for the population diagnosed before (January 1, 2013 – March 16, 2020) and after (March 17, 2020 – December 31, 2024) the COVID-19 pandemic emergency declaration. Seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average (sARIMA) models were used to .estimate changes to incident StuD diagnoses rates before and after the COVID-19 pandemic declaration.Results38, 217 people were identified with incident StUD diagnoses between January 1, 2013 and March 31, 2024. The average diagnosis rate of incident StUD was 5.18 per 100, 000 in the pre-pandemic period and increased by 19.9% to 6.21 per 100, 000 in the post-pandemic period. The estimated increase in slope (ramp) of incident StUD was 0.0315 cases per 100, 000 population per month (95% CI: -0.00182, 0.06482).ConclusionsWe identified a rate of increase in incident StUD diagnoses since the COVID-19 pandemic declaration in BC that was not statistically significant. Our study highlights the need for more comprehensive linked data -including, administrative health data, surveys, and other services/program data (e.g., community services, private sector) to better disentangle StUD incidence and prevalence to inform services to meet the needs of people with StUD. Stimulant use, Stimulant use disorder, pandemic, Covid-19, methamphetamines, cocaine, interrupted time series.
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STAT+: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about Sanofi and an FDA voucher, FDA rethinking a rejection, and more

Top of the morning to you, and a fine one it is. Sunny skies and mild breezes are enveloping the Pharmalot campus once again. And to celebrate, we are brewing still more cups of stimulation and inviting you to join us. Our choice today is Jack Daniel’s. Yes, this is a real thing. And remember, a prescription is not required. So no need to mess with rebates, coupons, or TrumpRx. Meanwhile, here are a few items of interest. Hope you have a smashing day and conquer the world. And of course, do stay in touch. We appreciate feedback, criticism and tips. …

Sanofi asked the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to pull its type 1 diabetes drug, teplizumab, out of FDA Commissioner Marty Makary’s new speedy review program, STAT reports. The move comes after acting Center for Drug Evaluation and Research Director Tracy Beth Høeg disagreed with a staff decision to approve the drug. The agency missed its April 21 goal date to deliver a decision to Sanofi. Such decisions are typically made by career scientists. It is rare for a center director to become involved in scientific review of a single drug, and particularly a political appointee like Høeg. Makary recently said that he stands behind review teams, and that “disaster” occurs whenever political leaders overrule scientific staff. 

An experimental drug from Revolution Medicines that nearly ​doubled survival time for patients with advanced pancreas cancer in clinical trials comes with a high rate ‌of mostly low-grade side effects, Reuters tells us. A report by researchers from a first-in-human trial of daraxonrasib is the first peer-reviewed paper to show safety data for what analysts say could become the next standard of care for previously treated metastatic pancreatic cancer. Among the 168 patients with previously treated pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who received daraxonrasib in the early trial, treatment-related adverse side effects ​of any grade occurred in 96%, while severe or life-threatening events were reported in 30%.

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Next Gen Leadership Awards Presented at the AGBT Agricultural Meeting

Last month, the AGBT Agricultural Meeting was held in Phoenix, Arizona. The conference is focused on agricultural genomics—plant and animal genetics. During the meeting, the recipients of the 2026 Next Gen Leadership Awards were announced.

These awards recognize outstanding early-career scientists and graduate students whose work and potential are shaping the future of agricultural genomics, including advances in plant and animal genomics. Award recipients receive financial support to attend and present their research at the AGBT Agricultural Meeting, with opportunities to engage with leaders in the field and build connections across the genomics community.

“These awardees reflect the strength and diversity of emerging talent in agricultural genomics,” said Sarah Hearne, PhD, chief science and innovation officer at CIMMYT and co-chair of the AGBT Agriculture Scientific Organizing Committee. “AGBT Agriculture plays an important role in bringing these scientists into conversation with leaders across the field, helping accelerate the translation of genomics into practice.”

The awardees represent rising leaders in agricultural genomics, advancing research across genomic variability, genetic analysis, molecular diagnostics, pathogen surveillance, and quantitative trait genomics to improve crop performance, strengthen food safety, and advance sustainable agriculture.

“This award represents a transformative opportunity to grow as a scientist and contribute more effectively to innovation in animal breeding,” said Larissa Bordin Temp, a 2026 Next Gen Leadership Award recipient.

The 2026 AGBT Agricultural Meeting Next Gen Leadership awardees were:

  • Boris ME Alladassi, PhD: postdoctoral research associate at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
    • Research focus: Connecting the evolutionary and statistical views of epistasis in quantitative trait genomics
  • Mythri Bikkasani: graduate student at Punjab Agricultural University, India
    • Research focus: Connecting the dots: from high-throughput feed phenotyping to genomic dissection of heterosis in maize
  • Larissa Bordin Temp: graduate student at São Paulo State University, Faculty of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences
    • Research focus: Genomic evaluation of rump fat–adjusted residual feed intake in zebu cattle: implications for selection strategies
  • Lauren Johnson: graduate student at Gluck Equine Research Center, University of Kentucky
    • Research focus: Functional introgression within the horse mhc genes
  • Mehak Kapoor: graduate assistant at Iowa State University
    • Research focus: Cell-type resolved gene expression signatures to identify and predict persistent PRRSV infection
  • Pedro Nuñez Romano, PhD: postdoctoral researcher at Universitat Politècnica de València
    • Research focus: Integrating technology to refine the estimation of social genetic effects in pigs
  • Viona Osei: graduate student at Tuskegee University
    • Research focus: Exploiting genomic variability in Listeria for the development of molecular diagnostic markers
  • Kyungyong Seong, PhD: postdoctoral fellow at the University of California, Davis
    • Research focus: Resurrection of the plant immune receptor Sr50 to overcome pathogen immune evasion
  • Jade van Wijk: graduate student at Earlham Institute
    • Research focus: Using airborne DNA sequencing to monitor sporulation, infection and relative abundance of cereal rust fungi

The post Next Gen Leadership Awards Presented at the AGBT Agricultural Meeting appeared first on GEN – Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology News.