Fresh discoveries

Photo by Robert BostonResearchers presented posters of their basic, clinical and translational research at the Research Training Symposium and Poster Session Oct. 25.

Blocking effects of viral infections may prevent asthma in young children

Normal lung air passage (left) and asthmatic lung air passage after viral infectionBabies who get severe respiratory viral infections are much more likely to suffer from asthma as they get older. Now researchers at the School of Medicine have pinpointed a key step in the development of asthma in mice after a severe respiratory infection. They suggest that medications designed to interfere with this mechanism could potentially prevent many cases of childhood asthma.

Fat cells send message that aids insulin secretion

ImaiThe body’s fat cells help the pancreas do its job of secreting insulin, according to research at the School of Medicine led by senior author Shin-Ichiro Imai. This previously unrecognized process ultimately could lead to new methods to improve glucose metabolism in type 2 diabetic or insulin-resistant people.

Six School of Medicine faculty named AAAS fellows

Six School of Medicine faculty have been named fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the world’s largest general scientific society. The highest honor awarded by AAAS, the rank of fellow is bestowed upon members by their peers in recognition of scientifically or socially distinguished efforts to advance science or its applications.
View More Stories