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R E S E A R C H › H I G H L I G H T S
 EXPANDING RESEARCH SPACE › In spring 2004, 34,000 square feet of new research space opened in the McGaw Pavilion of the Health Sciences Building. Construction of the Robert H. Lurie Medical Research Center of Northwestern University is progressing well, with occupancy of its 185,000 net square feet of research space expected in early 2005. Completion of these two research facilities enables the Feinberg School to increase its research space by 75 percent. › Scientific investigation at the Feinberg School continues to make progress in all areas that have been identified as critical: stem cell biology, signal transduction, genetics, functional imaging, and patient populations and health. › A milestone in genetic research at Northwestern was reached this year when a study on the possible genetic causes of abdominal aortic aneurysms was the first to use samples from NUgene, a gene banking project started in 2002. William H. Pearce, MD, Violet R. and Charles A. Baldwin Professor and chief of vascular surgery, hopes to further his ongoing research on the genetics of abdominal aortic aneurysms by comparing samples from three groups: those who have had aortic aneurysms, those who have had vascular diseases, and healthy subjects. › The University received a three-year, $2.1 million award from the Picower Foundation to study the molecular and cellular mechanisms of Parkinson’s disease. D. James Surmeier, MD, Nathan Smith Davis Professor and chair of physiology, is the principal investigator. › Samuel I. Stupp, PhD, Board of Trustees Professor of Materials Science, Chemistry, and Medicine, in collaboration with the lab of John A. Kessler, MD, Benjamin and Virginia T. Boshes Professor of Neurology and department chair, has designed synthetic molecules that promote neuron growth, a development that could lead to the reversal of paralysis due to spinal cord injury. The results were published in the online version of Science. › A clinical trial began on islet cell transplantation in patients with thyroid disease and diabetes. Led by Dixon B. Kaufman, MD, PhD, professor of surgery, the studies are designed to advance the field of cell replacement therapy for diabetes by devising new means to enhance islet grafts and improve function following the transplant. › Kevin B. Weiss, MD, professor of medicine and director of the Center for Healthcare Studies, and colleagues have shown that a “planned care method” of providing primary care for children with asthma can significantly reduce symptoms and the need for emergency medications. A paper outlining results of the study was accepted for publication in Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine.
A DIFFERENT APPROACH › To enhance recruitment, superdepartmental search committees have been developed and are quickly producing excellent results. Composed of prominent and accomplished research faculty members from inside and outside the medical school, each committee focuses on a particular area, such as cell biology, cancer, genetics, stem cell biology, or regenerative medicine. Outstanding candidates have been identified and recruited to several departments.
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FIG. 4
Scientists often custom design devices to answer specific research questions. |
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FIG. 5
Running successful experiments requires careful preparation. |
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FIG. 6
New laboratory space in the school’s McGaw
Pavilion helps the Department of Medicine enhance its research programs. |
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NOTE
The school’s achievements were recognized in the 2004 U.S. News & World Report rankings of research-oriented medical schools--the Feinberg School of Medicine moved up one place from last year, from 21st to 20th, tying with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. |
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