The Brainstorm: Winter 2020

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

Issue 14, Winter 2020

Message from the Director, Dr. Todd Golde

Dear Colleagues:

I hope everyone was able to step away and recharge with friends and family over the holiday break.

Last year was an incredible one for the MBI and the UF neuro community, as our funding and facilities continue to grow to support us in our pursuit of tomorrow’s new therapies and cures.

I encourage you to take a moment to read a message I co-authored with Dr. Michael Okun, executive director of the new Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases at UF Health, about how the MBI and Fixel Institute are working together to propel neuroscience and neuromedicine research at UF. Click here to read the message.

A few quick reminders as we usher in the new year. 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.

Thank you for reading The Brainstorm, and here’s to a productive and exciting 2020!

Ellen Terry, Ph.D., is the next MBI Rising Star

MBI Rising Stars: Ellen Terry

Dr. Ellen Terry is the latest investigator to be featured in MBI Rising Stars, a video series highlighting up-and-coming neuroscience researchers at UF.

Neuro research showcased in new edition of Florida Physician

The new edition of Florida Physician magazine features a series of stories highlighting how private and public funding fuel our efforts to improve the lives of patients and families battling neurological disorders. “UF Health is making an all-out war on neurologic disease,” said Dr. David Nelson, UF Health president.

Imaging study shows key brain changes in aging

Brain network imaging study could help guide drug development to improve cognitive function.

Combination therapy slows deadly brain tumor in mice

Recently published research shows promise for a new treatment approach to combat glioblastoma.

emergency vehicle parked in ER hospital entrance

UF Health will participate in national traumatic brain injury trial

Neurologists and emergency medicine physicians help lead study to evaluate outcomes after intensive treatments for severe traumatic brain injury.

Study reveals that many psychiatric disorders arise from common genes

New research by the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium identified more than 100 genetic variants that affect the risk for more than one mental health condition.

Preclinical study shows antibody therapy could offer treatment path for genetic form of ALS

Novel type of immunotherapy used in mouse-model study shows promise for ALS treatment.

Dr. Flores pulling samples out of a fridge

UF-led study offers insights into adoptive cellular therapy

New research offers insights into the likelihood of success of adoptive cellular therapy in certain brain tumor patients.

UF neurologist presents new findings on Plavix/aspirin combo

Dr. Alexis Simpkins presented new findings American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions meeting regarding patients who have had a stroke in the past and are taking both aspirin and Plavix for stroke prevention.

Military risk factors for Alzheimer's and related dementias

In a video produced by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Peer Reviewed Alzheimer’s Research Program, Dr. Michael Jaffee discusses research efforts examining military risk factors for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.

Dr. Habibeh Khoshbouei and colleagues in her lab

Dopamine signaling examination method promises new insights

A new study examining markers of dopamine signaling in blood-borne immune cells promises to enhance research into disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and addiction.

Neuroimmunology expert featured at Neuroscience 2019 press conference

Dr. Malú Tansey shared research findings on gut-brain communication via the immune system.

UF researchers earn Heart, Lung and Blood Institute grant

Investigators in the lab of Dr. Gordon Mitchell earn four-year, $2.7 million grant to advance intermittent hypoxia research.

UF researchers earn grant to test new form of DBS

Under a new $3.9 million NIH grant, investigators will test responsive deep brain stimulation for patients with severe essential tremor.

Researcher's design concept makes journal cover

A design idea by Dr. Adam Grippin is showcased on the cover of ACS Nano.

UF neuroscientist featured on the cover of CrossLink magazine

Throughout the 2019 edition of CrossLink, Dr. Aysegul Gunduz is acknowledged for breaking barriers, defining leadership and fostering a culture of inclusion.

Dr. Kenneth Heilman earns prestigious award

UF distinguished professor emeritus earns the National Academy of Neuropsychology's Distinguished Lifetime Contribution to Neuropsychology Award.

Neuroscientists honored at Celebration of Distinction event

Drs. Matthew Farrer, Tirisham Gyang and Giridhar Kalamangalam were named to endowed professorships.

Neuroscience Ph.D. student Morgan Urdaneta

UF neuroscience Ph.D. student earns international student achievement award

Morgan Urdaneta was honored on Nov. 19 with an International Student Achievement Award from the UF International Center.

Jolie Barter, a Ph.D. student, and Brittney Yegla, Ph.D.,

UF neuroscientists earn awards at MBRF Poster Reception

Drs. Jolie Barter and Brittney Yegla were among top six poster presenters at annual MBRF event.

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 public 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:

• Fear Facers Summer Camp (The Daily, a podcast of The New York Times) — Our fear facer makes a new friend

• Dr. Scott Teitelbaum (Association of American Medical Colleges) — 21 million Americans suffer from addiction. Just 3,000 physicians are specifically trained to treat them.

• Arthur Zimmerman (Brains on! Science podcast for kids) — Flavor facts: Why food is so delicious

• Dr. Michael Okun (The New York Times) — Swimmers beware of deep brain stimulation

• Dr. Todd Golde (Citrus County Chronicle) — Learn about Alzheimer's disease; be prepared for Alzheimer's disease

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. Michael Okun — Ozzy Osbourne has a type of Parkinson’s disease called Parkin: A neurologist explains

• Dr. Sara Jo Nixon — Holiday drinking: How much is too much?

• Dr. Wissam Deeb — Alzheimer's DBS trial evokes vivid memories

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.

UF Health launches MedEd Cast

The official podcast of UF Health, the UF Health MedEd Cast provides engaging insight on today’s trending health care topics. Earn CME credits while learning about clinical issues and research advances from our experts. Dr. Brian Hoh is among the first guests in the series, discussing management of stroke in the E.R.

LEARN MORE »

MBI news to share?

Contact assistant director of communications Todd Taylor or science writer Michelle Koidin Jaffee.

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