From the Labs
Houston, Texas
Volume 7, Issue 10
December 2008

Briefs

 

Neuroscientist receives international Eppendorf-Science award

Mauro Costa-Mattioli, Ph.D., assistant professor of neuroscience, is being honored with the prestigious Eppendorf and Science Prize for Neurobiology for his work identifying a single molecule that when modified can affect memory.

His findings are outlined in his winning essay titled "Switching memories ON and OFF" that can be found in the current publication of the journal Science.

The Eppendorf and Science Prize for Neurobiology acknowledges the role of neurobiology in advancing our understanding of the functioning of the brain and the nervous system. It is awarded annually for the most outstanding neurobiological research by a young scientist.

Jankovic recognized for Huntington's disease research

Joseph Jankovic, M.D., professor of neurology and director of the Parkinson Disease Center and Movement Disorder Clinic, has been awarded the Guthrie Family Humanitarian Award from the Huntington's Disease Society of America for his leadership in research and patient care related to the disease. He was recognized for his long commitment to research in Huntington's disease and his efforts to make tetrabenazine, the first FDA approved medication to effectively treat the genetic neurodegenerative disease, available to patients.

This award, presented at the 12th Annual Guthrie Awards Dinner on Oct. 16 at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City, is given annually by the Huntington's Disease Society of America to a leader in the Huntington's disease medical and scientific community who goes above and beyond the call of duty in an effort to bring the best in research, care and patient services.

The Annual Guthrie Awards Dinner pays tribute to the memories of legendary folk singer Woody Guthrie and his wife, Marjorie, principal founder of the national drive to cure Huntington's disease.

Mattox named to Health Care Delivery subcommittee

Ken Mattox, M.D., professor of surgery and chief of staff at Ben Taub General Hospital, has been named to the Health Care Delivery subcommittee of the Defense Health Board. The Defense Health Board is a federal advisory committee to the Secretary of Defense that provides independent scientific advice/recommendations on matters relating to operational programs, health policy development, health research programs and requirements for the treatment and prevention of disease and injury, promotion of health and the delivery of health care to Department of Defense beneficiaries. Its mission is to provide independent authoritative advice to maximize the health, safety and effectiveness of the United States Armed Forces.

Hamilton wins award for children's environmental health

Winifred Hamilton, Ph.D., assistant professor of medicine and neurosurgery, has been awarded the 2008 Children's Environmental Health Champion Award for her continued commitment to protecting children from environmental health risks. She also serves as director of the Environmental Health Section of the Chronic Disease Prevention and Control Research Center. Hamilton was one of 12 people recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Children"s Health Protection and Environmental Education at a special awards ceremony and reception in Washington, D.C.