Henk Granzier’s research group uses an atomic force microscope sensitive enough to hold onto a single titin protein molecule and measure the tiny forces that occur during stretching and contracting under various conditions. (Photo: Katie Maass/Sarver Heart Center)
$6M Grant Boosts Molecular Heart Research Combining the resources and expertise of seven institutions in North America and Europe, a research program will offer new insights into the molecular workings of heart muscle cells and how genetic mutations affect their function. Henk Granzier, a UA professor of physiology, is one of two principal investigators leading the prestigious and highly competitive project.
UA Boosts HIV Early Intervention Services The UA's Petersen Clinics are working to promote early detection of HIV while connecting newly infected patients with care and services as soon as possible. More than 1.1 million people in the United States are living with HIV, and nearly one in five are unaware of their infection, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Early detection and intervention can go a long way in improving patient outcomes and preventing the spread of the virus.
Young Doctor Defies Odds, Plans to Practice in Tucson Michael Lokale overcame a rough childhood to excel in family medicine. He is finishing a residency at the UA and, in July, plans to join a practice in Tucson. To Lokale, being a family doctor means being "a complete doctor. You get to see people when they are born. You deliver them, and you follow them throughout their lives. You form relationships with them. You know their stories. I think that's very cool."
UA Research Determines Feasibility of Newborn Screening in Tucson Research by UA medical student Lucy Han finds that implementing recommended pulse oximetry screening guidelines is feasible at Tucson's elevation. A recent simple pulse oximetry test revealed a potentially life-threatening critical congenital heart defect in a newborn that was surgically repaired at The University of Arizona Medical Center-University Campus.
ALS affects the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord responsible for movement. The disease causes a loss of muscle function, including the muscles used for speech, swallowing and breathing, and paralysis that eventually leads to death. The mind and senses mostly remain unaffected. Some patients may have cognitive changes, including depression and problems with decision-making and memory.
Seed Funding Leads to Major UA Grants When Tucson judge Jim Himelic died in 2000, his family and friends established a foundation in his honor to raise funds to support ALS research at the UA and elsewhere. UA researchers studying ALS have greatly benefited from the seed money, in some cases subsequently gaining larger grants, and the foundation's major fundraiser this month intends to ensure that such opportunities continue.
Henk Granzier’s research group uses an atomic force microscope sensitive enough to hold onto a single titin protein molecule and measure the tiny forces that occur during stretching and contracting under various conditions. (Photo: Katie Maass/Sarver Heart Center)
ALS affects the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord responsible for movement. The disease causes a loss of muscle function, including the muscles used for speech, swallowing and breathing, and paralysis that eventually leads to death. The mind and senses mostly remain unaffected. Some patients may have cognitive changes, including depression and problems with decision-making and memory.

UA Researchers Seek Safer Vegetables

  • Western Farm Press
  • May 15, 2013
The microorganisms of greatest concern when it comes to leafy green vegetables are Salmonella, Listeria, enterococci, noroviruses and pathogenic forms of E. coli, says Channah Rock of the UA department of soil, water and environmental science. Units within the UA College of Agriculture and Life Sciences often coordinate efforts to assist with community and agriculture industry issues.

Dr. Weil: Natural Insect Repellent

  • Prevention
  • May 13, 2013
Dr. Andrew Weil of the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine gives advice about natural bug repellant. Geraniol, a compound derived from the geranium plant, repels a variety of insects, including mosquitoes, fleas and fire ants. Oil of lemon eucalyptus also can help keep bugs at bay.

Modified Formula Aims to Prevent Death in Premature Infants

  • UANews
  • May 9, 2013
UA plant scientists are studying a novel approach at halting the leading cause of death in premature infants, adding a particular protein to soybeans that can be used in formula as a preventative measure. About 10 percent of infants in the United States are born premature and among the greatest risks those babies face is Necrotizing Entercolitis, an infection and inflammation that causes destruction of the intestine.

UA College of Medicine-Phoenix Holds Third Graduation

  • UANews
  • May 9, 2013
Fifty UA College of Medicine-Phoenix students were conferred with their medical degrees at ceremonies on May 8 in the third graduation for the downtown Phoenix medical school. The college, which has graduated 114 physicians in three years toward addressing Arizona's doctor shortage, opened in 2007.

Food Marketers Use SpongeBob, Shrek to Bombard Latino Kids with Commercials

  • Forbes
  • May 9, 2013
A new UA study sampled 150 hours of English and Spanish kids shows and found that while both were packed with fast-food and junk-food ads, the products advertised on the Spanish shows were the less healthy. Less than 1 percent of the ads promoted fruits, vegetables, whole grains or other healthy foods, while 15 percent advertised moderately nutritious foods that should be eaten just a few times a week.

UA College of Nursing to Honor 64 Graduates at Convocation

  • UANews
  • May 8, 2013
The UA College of Nursing on May 9 will honor 64 graduates at its spring convocation. In all, the college has 588 students and ranks among the top 10 percent of graduate nursing programs in the United States. The college is recognized for excellence in nursing and health-care education, research and practice, as well as for leading-edge online access to learning.

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