Wednesday, February 22, 2023
University of Maryland School of Medicine Professor Appointed Chief of New Branch at NIH
Ronna Hertzano, MD, PhD, Professor of Otorhinolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, at the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM) has been appointed as Chief of the newly established Neurotology Branch in The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD).
Friday, February 17, 2023
Neuroscience Tool’s Structure May Lead to Next Gen Versions
In order to more fully understand how diseases arise in the brain, scientists must unravel the intricate way neurons relay messages (either chemical or electrical) along a complex web of nerve cells. One way is by using a tool called DREADDs, which stands for Designer Receptors Activated by Designer Drugs. When introduced to a nerve cell or neuron, DREADDs acts like a specialized lock that only works when a key — in the form of a synthetic designer drug — fits into that lock. DREADDs can enable researchers to turn specific cell functions on or off to examine groups of neurons in circuits more precisely.
Wednesday, February 01, 2023
IN MEMORIAM: Mark J. Cowan, MD
The School of Medicine Community mourns the loss of one of our faculty members, Mark J. Cowan, MD, who passed away yesterday following a brief illness. Dr. Cowan was an outstanding pulmonologist and Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine. He is survived by his wife, Lauren Strong Cowan.
Tuesday, January 31, 2023
Artificial Blood Product One Step Closer to Reality With $46 Million in Federal Funding
A University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM) physician-scientist will head a new federally-funded research program to develop and test a whole blood product, storable at room temperature, that can be used to transfuse wounded soldiers in the field within 30 minutes of injury, potentially saving thousands of lives. UMSOM will manage the $46.4 million four-year research project administered by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) in collaboration the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy (UMSOP) and more than a dozen universities and biotech companies.
Thursday, January 26, 2023
Small Study Shows Promise for Antimalarial Monoclonal Antibody to Prevent Malaria
A monoclonal antibody treatment was found to be safe, well tolerated, and effective in protecting against malaria in a small group of healthy volunteers who were exposed to malaria in a challenge study, according to new research published in by researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM).
Tuesday, January 24, 2023
Special Vascular Cells Adjust Blood Flow in Brain Capillaries Based on Local Energy Needs
When we smell hot dogs, it may trigger memories of backyard barbeques or attending baseball games during childhood. During this process, the areas of the brain that control smell and long-term memory are rapidly firing off impulses. To fuel these signals from neurons, the active brain regions need oxygen and energy in the form of blood sugar glucose, which is quickly delivered through blood vessels.
Monday, January 23, 2023
In Memoriam: Bernard A. Carpenter, Jr.
Bernard A. Carpenter, Jr. (Bernie) passed away after a long illness on January 17th while at Ginger Cove in Annapolis.
Monday, January 23, 2023
New Recommendations Aim to Help Prevent Future Lung Injuries from Vaping
Nearly four years ago, federal health officials reported on a frightening new epidemic linked to e-cigarette use that caused a life-threatening and potentially irreversible lung condition. The condition – called e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury (EVALI) – was primarily linked to the inclusion of vitamin E acetate (VEA) in e-liquids used in vape cartridges. It was mainly found in marijuana vape products that were unregulated.
Wednesday, January 18, 2023
Aspirin as Effective as Blood Thinner Injections to Prevent Deadly Complications in Patients Hospitalized with Bone Fractures
Patients hospitalized with fractures typically receive an injectable blood thinner, low-molecular-weight heparin, to prevent life-threatening blood clots. A new clinical trial, however, found that inexpensive over-the-counter aspirin is just as effective. The findings, published today in the New England Journal of Medicine, may lead surgeons to change their practice and administer aspirin to these patients.
Tuesday, January 10, 2023
University of Maryland Medicine Philanthropy Appoints Heather S. Culp, JD, as new Senior Vice President and Chief Philanthropy Officer
The University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM) and University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) have jointly announced today that senior advancement leader Heather S. Culp, JD, has been named as the new Senior Vice President and Chief Philanthropy