UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN

Ursula Jakob's team identified polyphosphate as a potential 'mystery density' in fibrils linked to Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, suggesting it may protect against neurodegenerative diseases, though further research is needed.

Dr. Tim Jancelewicz, co-principal investigator, leads an $11.4 million, multi-institutional clinical trial to study the efficacy of nitric oxide in treating newborns with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). The NoNO Trial, funded by the NIH, involves 19 institutions and aims to determine if nitric oxide reduces the need for invasive care like ECMO. The trial also explores barriers to de-implementation of nitric oxide and its continued use despite lack of supporting evidence.

Marina Pasca di Magliano, co-director of the Rogel and Blondy Center for Pancreatic Cancer, leads a multidisciplinary team studying pancreatic cancer's genetic, metabolic, and immune aspects. Funded by a $50 million gift, the center aims to accelerate research and clinical trials, emphasizing collaboration among basic scientists, clinicians, and patient-centered care. The research focuses on personalized oncology, tumor microenvironment, and immune response optimization, with a strong commitment to training and diversity.

A U-M study found 48% of adults aged 50-80 purchased at-home medical tests, with 91% intending to buy more. The study highlights convenience, trust, and value perceptions but notes inconsistencies in sharing results with healthcare providers and confusion over government regulation. Women and college-educated individuals are more likely to purchase and repurchase these tests.

At the STRIPE Annual Meeting & Consensus Workshop, ASP announced the inaugural STRIPE Double Helix Awards, recognizing excellence in pharmacogenomics through collaboration and outstanding achievement. Recipients include Kristine Ashcraft, Cynthia Bens, Burns C. Blaxall, Philip Empey, Jose Estabil, Bernard Esquivel, Christine Formea, Blaine Groat, Daniel Hertz, Carrie Hoefer, Geoff Hollett, J. Shawn Jones, Raymond Lorenz, Ryan Nelson, Micheal Pacanowski, Jai N. Patel, Victoria Pratt, Bronwyn Ramey, Sharmeen Roy, Robert Schuck, April Schultz, Jeffrey A. Shaman, Sharon Shriver, Patrick Silva, D. Max Smith, Annette Taylor, Wrenda Teeple, McKenna Tennant, Kelly E. Caudle, Emily Cicali, Andrea Gaedigk, Houda Houchad, Pamala Jacobson, Teri E. Klein, Akinyemi Oni-Orisan, Natasha Petry, Bani Tamraz, Kristin Wiisanen, and Michelle Whirl-Carrillo. Organizations honored include the Golden Helix Foundation, Department of Veteran Affairs - National Pharmacogenomics Program, and Advocates for Universal DPD/DPYD Testing.

Sparsentan showed a more pronounced antiproteinuric response in patients with genetic focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (gFSGS) compared to irbesartan, according to a posthoc analysis of the DUPLEX trial. Only 1 patient with gFSGS achieved complete remission with sparsentan, while 3 reached end-stage kidney disease with irbesartan. The study highlights the potential of sparsentan as a treatment option for this subgroup.

Johannes Kepler's 1611 publication, *Dioptrice*, laid the foundation for optical instruments and introduced the diopter. The principles of femtosecond lasers, described by Gérard Mourou and Donna Strickland in 1986, led to the development of safer refractive corneal surgery. Key milestones include the creation of a corneal flap in 1993, the first laser-assisted cataract surgery in 2008, and the evolution of femtosecond lenticule extraction (FLEx) to small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE). Beyond refractive surgery, femtosecond lasers enhance therapeutic interventions and customized keratoplasty. Future advancements, like laser-induced refractive index change (LIRIC), promise further improvements in corneal refractive surgery.

Teens increasingly use protein bars, shakes, and powders to build muscle, with 40% of parents reporting their teen consumed such supplements in the past year. Boys more commonly use these for muscle growth and athletic training, while girls often use them for meal replacement or diet balance. Despite common belief, excessive protein intake does not accelerate muscle growth; the right amount varies by age, sex, weight, and activity level. Parents should ensure balanced diets with natural protein sources and be cautious of high sugar and caffeine content in supplements.

Raoul Kopelman, a pioneering researcher in nanoscience, focused on the space between atoms and molecules, leading to breakthroughs in precision medicine. Despite initial resistance to the term 'nano,' it later gained acceptance. Kopelman mentored numerous students, including Nobel laureates, and his work continues to influence interdisciplinary research.