Rahul Desikan, Pioneering Researcher of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Dies at 41 from ALS
Rahul Desikan (CAS '99, MED '09) died on July 14th, 2019, after battling with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) for over two years. Desikan was a clinician; a professor at the University of California, San Francisco; and a tireless researcher of neurodegenerative diseases. Desikan often collaborated with colleagues around the world, belonging to a diverse group of fields, in their efforts to understand the causes behind neurodegenerative diseases. First diagnosed with ALS a month after beginning work on a collaborative study into the genetics of ALS, Desikan continued his research up until his death. He worked tirelessly, seeking to help both those suffering from ALS and those studying to find a cure, never giving up even in the face of tremendous adversity. For a more complete profile on Desikan and details of his incredible story, please follow this link for an article published in Bostonia in January 2019.
Professor Warkentin Speaks at Brazilian Congress of Herpetology
Professor Karen Warkentin will be giving a plenary talk at the IX Brazilian Congress of Herpetology, in Campinas, Brazil on Thursday, July 25, 2019. It will be live-streamed between 4 and 5 p.m. local (Boston) time here.
Professor Rotjan Research on Microplastics Receives Wide Attention
Research Assistant Professor Randi Rotjan’s research on microplastic ingestion by corals was recently published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B. It attracted interest from National Geographic, NPR, and Forbes.
Professor Otchy Awarded R21 Grant
Research Assistant Professor Tim Otchy received a new $394,000 National Institutes of Health R21 grant to develop "Soft, elastic electrodes with nanoclip anchoring for peripheral nerve interfacing." This project seeks to address a recurring challenge limiting the usability of implantable therapeutic devices: the mismatch between the biomechanics of implants and those of the implanted tissues—a challenge made even more acute in the periphery where tissue and organ movement is the norm. They aim to develop a soft, elastic interface for small peripheral nerves with biomechanical properties matching the statics and dynamics of body tissues.
Research Assistant Professor Otchy Featured in Bloomberg Businessweek
Research Assistant Professor Tim Otchy was recently featured in an article on neuroscience, technology development, and animal research in Bloomberg Businessweek.
Siggers Lab PhD Students Published in Nature Communications
Bioinformatics Ph.D. student Jessica Keenan and Biology Ph.D. student Ashley Penvose, both from Associate Professor Trevor Siggers’ group, recently published their work on the regulatory specificity of the Nuclear Receptor transcription factors in Nature Communications. Other contributing authors include Bioinformatics Ph.D. student David Bray and Biochemistry & Molecular Biology graduate Vijendra Ramlall (CAS'16).
PhD Student Brian Kennedy on Panel to Discuss Marine Resources
In May, Biology Ph.D. Student Brian Kennedy was a panelist at the European Commission’s workshop on "Marine genetic resources in areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ): bridging policy, law, science and research and development" held in Brussels, Belgium. The main focus of the workshop was to explore and develop possible pragmatic options with regard to the issues that have emerged as part of the BBNJ negotiations. Brian gave a presentation in collaboration with his BU faculty advisor Dr. Randi Rotjan, and Dr. Peter Girguis from Harvard University. His presentation focused on the logistical constraints of deep sea exploration and novel ways to use genetic resources for conservation and ecology research.
Professor Naya Receives WCVI Pilot Grant
Professor Francisco Naya in the Biology Department received a pilot grant from the Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute (WCVI) at Boston University School of Medicine for a project entitled “Understanding Cardiomyocyte Metabolism through Analysis of an Imprinted Noncoding RNA locus”. The WCVI’s mission is to advance the field of cardiovascular research and science. Investigators in the WCVI conduct and coordinate research and training related to the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease. The WCVI combines and integrates basic science, clinical investigation, and population science with the ultimate goal of advancing patient care.
2019 Loren E. Wold Research Award Recipients
Rose Zhao, Audrey Tran, Cairo De Souza, and Madison Pacaro are the Recipients of the Loren E. Wold Research Award for 2019
Four Biology and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology students were the recipients of the first ever Loren E. Wold Awards. The Loren E. Wold Research Awards have been established by Biology alumnus Dr. Loren E. Wold (CAS ’97), a distinguished research scientist and Professor at Ohio State University. Dr. Wold is a strong advocate of undergraduate research and mentoring and this award supports summer research projects in the amount of $4800 for salary and a $200 Conference Travel Award. Recipients are chosen based on outstanding UROP applications. This year's recipients are:
Rose Zhao, a Biochemistry and Molecular Biology junior, working with Professor Trevor Siggers in the Biology Department. Rose's project is titled: Using Protein-binding Microarrays to study Cofactor Recruitment in Transcriptional Complexes.
Audrey Tran, a Biology sophomore, working with Professor Hengye Man in the Biology Department. Audrey's project is titled: Investigating Changes to AMPA Receptor Expression and Modification in an Animal Model of Cocaine Addiction.
Cairo De Souza, a Biology sophomore, working with Professor Mikel Garcia-Marcos at BU School of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry. Cairo's project is titled: Elucidating GINIP's Competition with RGS Proteins and Role in Regulating G-alpha-i Protein Signaling in Cortical Neurons.
Madison Pacaro, a Biology junior, working with Professor Peter Buston in the Biology Department. Madison's project is titled: Nocturnal Parental Care in the Clown Anemonefish, Amphiprion percula.
Congratulations to this year's recipients for their hard work and dedication to undergraduate research. Thank you to Dr. Wold for his support of undergraduate students and their research.
Andressa Mota Receives BU Women’s Guild Scholarship Award
MCBB Ph.D. student Andressa Mota of the Ho Lab recently received a BU Women's Guild Scholarship Award. Andressa studies the role of a transcription factor, FOXR1, and how a mutation on this protein leads to disease pathogenesis.