Grant supports use of data science to optimize HIV care

December 23, 2014
A Brown University biostatistician and an infectious disease specialist have received a $3.5-million grant to develop new ways to use data from patient health records to optimize effectiveness of HIV treatment where resources are limited, such as in the developing world. They will work with an HIV care program in Kenya that provides healthcare to more than 130,000 patients a year.
Aroma of basil, scent of pine

Bacteria could be rich source for making terpenes

December 22, 2014
New research at Brown University and in Japan suggests bacteria could be a rich source of terpenes, the natural compounds common in plants and fungi that are used to make drugs, food additives, perfumes, and other products.

New technology makes tissues, someday maybe organs

December 22, 2014
A new device for building large tissues from living components of three-dimensional microtissues borrows on ideas from electronics manufacturing. The Bio-Pick, Place, and Perfuse (BioP3) is a step toward someday making whole organs. A new grant from the National Science Foundation will allow for major improvements including automation.

Suppressing a protein reduces cancer spread in mice

December 22, 2014
In a new study, researchers found that a specific protein called “chitinase 3-like-1” appears key in enabling malignant melanoma or breast cancer to spread to the lungs of mice. Decreasing its levels or blocking the protein dramatically reduced that spread.

Cliatt named VP for communications

December 19, 2014
Cass Cliatt, currently vice president for communications at Franklin & Marshall College, has been appointed vice president for communications at Brown University. Cliatt will begin her work at Brown April 1, 2015, succeeding Marisa Quinn.

New technique reveals immune cell motion through variety of tissues

December 18, 2014
Neutrophils, cells recruited by the immune system to fight infection, need to move through a great variety of tissues. New research shows how neutrophils move through confined spaces in the body. A new system can mimic tissues of different densities and stiffness, enabling improved development and testing of drugs.
Viewpoint

Essay argues for Obamacare employer mandate

December 18, 2014
In a new “Viewpoint” article in <em>JAMA</em>, Dr. Eli Adashi and a Harvard colleague argue that the Affordable Care Act requires employers to provide health insurance for good reasons. The authors caution against the likely alternatives if the mandate, which takes effect Jan. 1, 2015, were to be repealed.

Wellenius gives ozone testimony in Washington

December 17, 2014
If the United States follows through on a proposal to tighten standards for ozone levels in the air, there will be imporatnt health benefits including fewer deaths, Brown environmental epidemiologist Gregory Wellenius told a U.S. Senate hearing Dec.&nbsp;17.

Anderson to direct Cogut Center for the Humanities

December 17, 2014
Amanda Anderson, the Andrew W. Mellon Professor of Humanities and professor of English at Brown University, has been named director of the Cogut Center for the Humanities. Anderson will begin her work at the Cogut Center in July 2015, succeeding Michael Steinberg.

Three faculty named fellows of the National Academy of Inventors

December 16, 2014
John Donoghue, Maurice Herlihy, and Jeffrey Morgan have been named as fellows of the National Academy of Inventors for their “highly prolific spirit of innovation.” They will be inducted March 20, 2015, at the NAI’s annual conference at Cal Tech in Pasadena.

New research unlocks a mystery of albinism

December 16, 2014
A team led by Brown University biologists has discovered the way in which a specific genetic mutation appears to lead to the lack of melanin production underlying a form of albinism.

Ground broken for South Street Landing Project

December 15, 2014
Brown President Christina Paxson joined presidents from URI and Rhode Island College, elected officials, and other representatives for a ceremonial groundbreaking at the South Street Landing Project. The project will house administrative offices for Brown University and a shared nursing education center for URI and RIC.

Social innovation fellows find support for ideas, projects

December 15, 2014
At the Swearer Center, social entrepreneurs with ideas for improving communities can find the mentoring, training, and support that will help turn ideas into effective working organizations. Sixteen social Innovators recently celebrated their successful Social Innovation Fellowships.
Ferguson evidence

Med students’ site translates Ferguson medical jargon

December 15, 2014
A group of nine Brown University medical students has posted lay translations of the medical evidence considered by the grand jury in the Michael Brown/Ferguson, Mo., case. The effort to provide a straightforward simplification of the jargon is meant to make the information more publicly accessible.

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