University Of California, Santa Barbara

Spectradyne, a startup, developed advanced nanoparticle analysis tools with SBIR funding, enabling accurate characterization crucial for nanomedicine and therapeutic development.

Nina Miolane and Amy Kuceyeski discuss the challenges in women's neurology, emphasizing the need for more research on sex-specific neurological conditions and hormonal impacts on brain health. They highlight the importance of including women in biomedical research and the role of the Ann S. Bowers Women's Brain Health Initiative in advancing this field.

Brent Andersen, founder of Loveland Living Planet Aquarium, partners with Utah State University to offer Utah's first marine biology degree, inspired by his childhood fascination with a deep sea book. The program will allow students to study and research marine life locally, with access to the aquarium's 4,000 animals, bridging Utah's landlocked geography with oceanic study.

The 2024 Tau Consortium Investigators Meeting in Denver featured updates on ReD-Lat's expansion and neurodegenerative research in Latin America, presentations on population genetics and dementia experiences, and discussions on 4R-tau PET ligand development, tauopathy mechanisms, biomarkers, and clinical trials, highlighting collaborative progress since the Tau Consortium's inception in 2009.

Pregnancy brings significant brain changes, with gray matter decreasing and white matter increasing, then reverting post-delivery, according to a UCSB study published in Nature Neuroscience. These findings could aid research on postpartum depression and enhance overall brain understanding.

A $22 million NSF grant to UC Santa Barbara, Cal Poly Pomona, and UC Riverside will fund a biofoundry studying extremophiles, fungi, archaea, and bacteria. Focus areas include bioremediation, biosynthesis, and 'rules of life,' aiming to advance biotechnology and bioremediation through DNA sequencing at CPP.

Mosquitos use body heat to locate humans for biting, according to a study in 'Nature'. Heat, combined with CO2 and human odor, doubles their attraction. This discovery could lead to improved mosquito traps and disease control.

Nitin Joshi, CEO of CAGE Bio Inc., discussed the company's progress in dermatological drug development, focusing on CGB-500, an ionic liquid formulation of 1% tofacitinib for atopic dermatitis. Phase 2 trials showed significant efficacy, with 95% of patients achieving clear or almost clear skin. Joshi highlighted the formulation's efficiency in delivering drugs through the skin barrier, aiming for biologic-level efficacy with topical safety. Plans include extending CGB-500's use to alopecia areata and vitiligo, emphasizing localized treatment's importance in dermatology.

Recent studies suggest married men have lower heart disease mortality and women in satisfying relationships live longer, indicating long-term relationships may benefit health. However, the health benefits of partnership vary by gender and over time, with factors like pre-marriage health and relationship quality influencing outcomes. Social relationships, beyond just marriage, play a crucial role in health.