The McKnight Brain Institute of the University of Florida e-newsletter

Issue 18, Late Fall 2020

Message from the Director, Dr. Todd Golde

Dear Colleagues:

For the last six-plus months, we've lived and worked in a world turned upside down by the COVID-19 pandemic. I’m pleased to report that we haven't seen any incidents of significant spreading or outbreak here at the MBI. Most importantly, we don’t know of any colleagues who have experienced serious complications from the virus.

While we are all experiencing some level of “COVID-19 fatigue,” we must remain vigilant. Please don't let your guard down, as there looks to be a long road ahead of us until we're out of the woods. I encourage you to stay up-to-date with the latest UF COVID-19 mitigation efforts and updates via resources including the UF Health Screen, Test & Protect and UF Research websites.

This is sure to be a holiday season unlike any we've ever experienced, but make sure to take time to decompress, unwind and connect with family and friends in a safe way.

Thank you for your cooperation, dedication and perseverance. We will get through this together.

COVID-19 NEWS

Returning to learning during COVID-19

Dr. Carla Schmidt provides tips for parents as students return to learning, including those whose children have neurodevelopmental disabilities or special needs.

‘Some of the biggest risk factors for suicide are now part of daily life’: Here’s how to get help

In a MarketWatch article, Dr. Andres Pumariega provides guidance for those facing mental health issues during the COVID-19 crisis.

Investigators earn funds to support brain and spinal cord injury research during COVID-19

Funds were provided by the UF Breathing Research and Therapeutics Center and the Trauma, Concussion, and Sports Neuromedicine program.

Keeping kids healthy during COVID-19

Dr. Richard D’Alli discusses ways to keep kids physically and mentally healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

back view of disabled child sitting in wheelchair and looking at father and brother sitting on sofa at home

UF researchers help lead international studies into two rare neuromuscular disorders

Studies aim to improve understanding and treatment of rare hereditary neuromuscular disorders.

Sedation drug shows promise for neurological benefits after subarachnoid hemorrhage

A sedation drug shows promise to serve as a protective therapy for patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage, new review concludes.

Caregiver – woman helping senior man with shopping

UF-led study identifies top research priorities for dementia with Lewy bodies

Study uncovers research areas considered most pressing by patients and caretakers.

UF neuroscientists find sex hormones may influence risk taking, impulsivity

Research suggests sex hormones may influence risk-taking inclinations and ability to delay gratification.

‘What if oncologists thought like ecologists?’

Dr. Brent Reynolds and UF colleagues examine similarities between wildlife and cancer cells.

MBI leaders discuss Alzheimer’s research and care

View a recording of a UF Health Webinar by Drs. Todd Golde and Steven DeKosky.

Doctors Brian Hoh, Daniel Hoh and Laura Ranum

UF neurosurgery chair elected president of Congress of Neurological Surgeons

Three faculty members from UF Department of Neurosurgery earn CNS leadership positions.

UF postdoc presents to international audience during cognitive aging workshop

Dr. Brittney Yegla was selected to speak at the Workshop on Research Definitions for Reserve and Resilience in Cognitive Aging and Dementia.

Cropped shot of a senior woman holding hands with a nurse

UF neurologist earns $3.2 million NIH grant

Dr. Melissa Armstrong's study seeks to improve end-of-life experiences for those with dementia with Lewy bodies.

New guidance on infant head shape abnormalities and treatment

Dr. Lance Governale is among authors of clinical report on craniosynostosis.

Study offers new insights into Parkinson’s pathophysiology

CTRND researchers publish new paper in Journal of Neuroscience.

asian adult child talking to senior father outdoors

New trial drug combination shows promise for slowing ALS progression

UF was the No. 2 enroller of patients for multisite ALS trial.

UF named member of prestigious Pediatric Brain Tumor Consortium

Dr. Sridharan Gururangan will serve as principal investigator for the UF consortium site.

Portrait of senior patient and his doctor at home

Study examines differences in people of diverse backgrounds with Lewy body disease

Study led by UF researchers published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease.

Study identifies a potential biomarker for decreased brain processing speed in aging

Research could provide a path for more targeted future interventions, such as non-invasive transcranial direct current stimulation.

UF neuroscientist earns NIH Maximizing Investigators' Research Award

Dr. Eric Vitriol earned $1.86 million NIH award to further his lab’s research into the actin cytoskeleton.

MBI researchers in the spotlight

Journalists regularly reach out to our MBI members for their expertise on many subjects. If a reporter contacts you, please alert assistant director of communications Todd Taylor, science writer Michelle Koidin Jaffee or UF Health media relations coordinator Ken Garcia so we can assist with, archive and promote your media endeavors. Here are recent examples of MBI researchers in the news:

Dr. Duane Mitchell (WINK News, Ft. Myers) — New test would use DNA to find brain tumors, cancer

Dr. Steven Munger (Washington Post) — Coronavirus steals a chef’s sense of taste

Dr. Dawn Bowers (Science Magazine) — Trials begin for a new weapon against Parkinson’s: light

SEE MORE EXAMPLES OF MBI RESEARCHERS IN THE SPOTLIGHT»

Put your work on the national stage

Check out these recent Conversation pieces written by MBI members:

Dr. Melissa Armstrong — Tom Seaver, like Robin Williams, had Lewy body dementia, but what is this strange illness? A neurologist explains

Drs. Steven DeKosky & Todd Golde — The importance of blood tests for Alzheimer’s: 2 neuroscientists explain the recent findings

More than 100 UF faculty members have contributed to this online magazine, and it's a great opportunity to highlight your work. The Conversation reaches 5 million-plus unique readers monthly and then the articles go farther, often picked up by major outlets such as The Washington Post, Scientific American, Smithsonian Magazine and the Chicago Tribune.

Contact science writer Michelle Koidin Jaffee or assistant director of communications Todd Taylor with your ideas for The Conversation.

Highlight your work with MBI’s Research Snapshots

Showcase your new discoveries by pairing an impactful image from work in your lab — and often associated with a newly published paper — with a brief description of what the image represents and how it has influenced your field of study.

Drs. Garrett Smith & Thomas C. Foster discuss their new study demonstrating an example of the brain’s ability to shift and use different neural circuits to perform a task in order to compensate for brain aging. Read the Snapshot »

Drs. Adam J. Woods & Joseph Gullett provide an overview of their new study suggesting that white matter “free water,” or fluid unconstrained by brain tissue, could play an important role in the cognitive aging process. Read the Snapshot »

New online version of The POST

Cover story for The POST, the newsletter for UF Health:

Incredibly sick and frightened, elderly hospitalized COVID-19 patients are in danger of slipping into a condition known as delirium. But through a new UF Health program, nurse “champions’’ are easing patients’ fears and helping their recovery. Read this story and learn about other exciting news from around UF Health in this month’s POST.

Reminders from the Communications Team

Please become an MBI member (if you haven’t already), make sure you have a professional headshot, update your UF Health Directory profile and let our communications team know early and often when you have big news or research coming out of your area. All of these efforts will help us shine an even brighter light on neuro research at UF.

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