Research Stories
Big Advances in Small Packages: Microchips Simulate Human Organs
A new piece of biotechnology can give us insight into medical conditions, improve laboratory testing, streamline drug screening, and help commercialize personalized medicine. It simply models the basic function of healthy and diseased human organs using artificial materials. The best part? It's the size of your pinky. Welcome to the world of Homo chippiens.
More than “Bird-Brains”: Parrots Show How to Teach Autistic Children
Dr. Irene Pepperberg, a chemist and "bird-scientist" at Harvard University, spends her time teaching African Grey parrots how to talk and is applying the same concepts in teaching autistic patients. Could these "bird-brained" parrots crack the code to understanding and re-wiring autism?
Could Broccoli Be The Key to Unlocking Aging?
Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome, or HGPS, affects 1 in every 20 million people worldwide and causes premature aging as well as early death. On a mission to defeat this devastating disease, Dr. Karima Djabli may have just found a solution to treating HGPS and understanding the aging process- something sitting right on our own dinner tables.
Breakthroughs in Respiratory Research: A Breath of Fresh Air
Breathing is the melody of life. If a pulsing heart is the drum beat that regulates life, then breathing is the symphony that plays in time with it, establishing a person’s individualized rhythm. Symbolism aside, the allure of respiration lies in its biology, which is the key focus of Dr. Neubauer’s interest. She studies how hypoxia, or low levels of oxygen in the body, can affect respiration.
Galactica: The Battle for Improved Vision
Living with convergence insufficiency is no easy feat and any treatment that can ease symptoms of CI is a step in the right direction. Interactive and fun video game therapy is promising because of its appeal for kids. Thanks to Dr. Alvarez’s research, many children may soon be playing their way to better sight.
Every SIDS Death a Tragedy: New Research Offers Hope
SIDS is the unexplained death, usually during sleep, of a seemingly healthy baby less than a year old. Diagnosed by a process of elimination, often after an autopsy, SIDS shows no apparent pattern between victims. Dr. Neubauer has dedicated the better part of her professional life to researching the neurobiology of respiratory control, particularly as it relates to SIDS. Her team has focused on the ability of the rat nervous system to regulate hypoxia, or the lack of oxygen in body tissues, which is one possible cause of SIDS.
From “Fireworks” to Polymers: An Interview With Dr. Kathryn Uhrich
Dr. Uhrich’s passion for science is contagious. She inspires her students, colleagues and especially young women considering becoming scientists. Her research with PolyAspirin is a “wacky” idea come to life that promises to improve delivery systems for pain-relieving drugs as well as the lives of a countless number of patients.
Could New Vaccine Block Cocaine from the Brain?
Cocaine is a small molecule used commonly as a recreational drug. It prevents the brain from removing “feel-good” chemicals so that the user experiences a drug high. A new vaccine could stop cocaine before it reaches the brain. The vaccine could offer an alternative approach to block the “euphoria” associated with drug intake.
Can You Focus on the Future of Vision Therapy?
Convergence insufficiency is an eye condition that causes headaches and/or double vision when the patient focuses on a nearby object. Dr. Tara Alvarez and her students designed a video game based on the game “Galactica” that functions as vision therapy while still creating an engaging environment. Dr. Alvarez believes that this is truly the future of vision therapy for convergence insufficiency and possibly other ocular disorders.
RNA: Catching Cancer Red-Handed
RNA is an intermediate molecule found between double-stranded DNA and the production of protein. It is essential in the genetic instructions for life and development in living organisms. Taking its flexibility and reactivity into account, Dr. Jonathan Ouellet is focusing on RNA in his preliminary research to develop a potential cure for cancer.