BCM Family NewsLink, April 1, 2011

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Awards and Recognitions

Shine recognized for work in neurobiology

Dr. H. David ShineDr. H. David Shine, associate professor in the departments of neuroscience and cell and molecular biology and a member of the Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, received the Bernard Haber Memorial Award at the 43rd annual meeting of the Society for Neurochemistry in St. Louis. Dr. Shine was recognized for his leadership and contributions to the ASN and his efforts in supporting neurobiology internationally. The award is presented in honor of Dr. Haber who was instrumental in the early growth and forging an international reputation of the ASN.

Parsons' paper named one of cancer research's most important

In a recent issue, the journal Nature Medicine ranked the top cancer papers, and a paper first-authored by Dr. Donald Parsons, assistant professor of pediatrics - hematology and oncology, was named the second most important by other members of the cancer research community. Papers considered were published in 2008 to 2010.

The paper, "An integrated genomic analysis of human glioblastoma multiforme," was published in Science in 2008. One of Parsons' colleagues said of the paper, "High-throughput sequencing of tumor DNA promises to reveal critical new insights into cancer cell biology, as well as provide new opportunities for personalized medicine."

In addition, Parsons was co-first author of three other papers that were mentioned as among the most important in cancer research.

Events

Student team to present device for eye disease

Team ClimaTears, a group of Rice University bioengineering students working to develop a pair of climate controlled goggles to standardize dry eye testing and sponsored by BCM's Cullen Eye Institute, will present their work at the Brown School of Engineering Design Showcase. The event is Thursday, April 14, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at in the Grand Hall, Rice Memorial Center, on the Rice campus.

The goggles developed by the team will enable more efficient research on keratoconjunctivitis sicca, or dry eye disease, which affects 4.8 million Americans, causing chronic discomfort and decreased productivity in the workplace.

College News

Duncan Cancer Center researchers awarded $15.9 million in CPRIT grants

Dan L Duncan Cancer Center at BCMResearchers in the NCI-designated Dan L Duncan Cancer Center at BCM have received an additional $15.9 million in the new round of grants announced by the Cancer Prevention Research Institute of Texas March 24. More details on the new grants are available at BCM News.

Coburn named chair of urology

Dr. Michael CoburnDr. Michael Coburn was named chair of BCM's Scott Department of Urology by the BCM Board of Trustees March 23. Coburn has served as interim chair of urology since July 2008.

Center for Global Health launches

Texas Children's Center for Global HealthTexas Children's Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine announced the creation of the Texas Children's Center for Global Health and the appointment of renowned physician-scientist Dr. Russell E. Ware as director.

Focusing primarily on medically underserved populations, Texas Children's Center for Global Health will address major causes of child morbidity and mortality globally. It will also provide screening, treatment and education to positively impact critical global health issues affecting children such as sickle cell disease, malaria, tuberculosis, malnutrition and cancer.

Faculty in the News

BCM faculty members are regularly featured or cited in news and media outlets. Check out this week's faculty in the news.