Dear Friends and Colleagues,
May is both Brain Tumor Awareness Month and National Cancer Research Month, a time to pause and recognize the importance of research into the many types of cancer and to reflect upon their often devastating consequences. But at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, we are dedicated year-round to advancing our understanding of cancer and developing new ways to help diagnose, treat, and prevent it.
Our teams of investigators are working tirelessly to uncover the genetic, epigenetic and environmental factors that contribute to cancers; develop new devices to help diagnose and treat cancers in humans and in our pets; and mitigate factors -- including diet, exercise and health behavior decisions -- that contribute to cancer incidence and relapse. We are tackling a range of cancers, from childhood brain cancers to breast, liver, lung and colon cancers.
We're not just looking for new treatments, we're also working to make existing treatments more effective by making cancer cells more vulnerable. And we're developing entirely new treatments that may be able to halt cancer in its tracks and prevent its return.
But we don't work alone. Through the Virginia Tech Cancer Research Alliance, we are collaborating with cancer scientists from across Virginia Tech’s colleges and with multiple universities and health centers to introduce innovative preventions, diagnostics, and therapeutics for a variety of cancers. On May 25, the second annual Virginia Tech Cancer Research Alliance Retreat was held at the Children's National Research and Innovation Campus in Washington, D.C. Alliance members shared their research, forged new collaborations, and learned from speakers spanning veterinary and human oncology and biomedical cancer research.
Organizers Dr. Carla Finkielstein and Dr. Samy Lamouille produced an exceptional event, which included a presentation by Dr. Jay Berzofsky, chief of the vaccine branch, senior investigator, and head of the Molecular Immunogenetics and Vaccine Research Section in the Center for Cancer Research at the National Cancer Institute, about the steady development of cancer vaccines and their potential as both preventive measures and treatments. Look for more reports shortly on the Cancer Research Alliance Retreat.
We welcome the challenge of being at the forefront of cancer research, and we're committed to reducing the hardship of cancer in humans and pets.
Yours truly in the spirit of Ut Prosim,
Michael J. Friedlander, Ph.D.
Executive Director, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC
Vice President for Health Sciences and Technology, Virginia Tech
Senior Dean for Research, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine
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Cancer researchers team up against deadliest brain tumors in children
Experts from Children's National, Virginia Tech, and Columbia University join forces to explore new tactics to fight lethal childhood brain cancer. Read Story
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Scientists discover brain circuit underlying spontaneous synchronized movement of individuals in groups
Alexei Morozov and his lab identified the brain activity underlying the coordination of individuals in groups, which may help us gain a deeper understanding of social behavior. Read Story
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'Stimulants are coming back': Addiction scientists seek to better understand cocaine use disorder
Warren Bickel and Stephen LaConte hope the study will inform demand and cravings for substance involved in nearly one in five overdose deaths. Read Story
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International trainees selected for inaugural Postdoctoral Scholar program
Karthi Sreedevi and Xuansong Mao joined a new program to help young researchers launch their careers. Read Story
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4th grader recognized for outstanding participation in science
Marie LaConte of Highland Park Elementary has been a regular fixture during the Maury Strauss Distinguished Public Lectures series. Read More
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Celebrating Earth Day, one flush at a time
Rainwater collection and rooftop meadow garden help Fralin Biomedical Research Institute achieve a 60 percent reduction in water use. Read More
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How our brains influence food preference
Alexandra DiFeliceantonio shares her research at Port City Brewing Co., 3950 Wheeler Ave., Alexandria, VA, Thursday, June 22, 6 to 8 p.m. Register to attend
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Fralin Biomedical Research Institute investigators attracted media attention for research into maternal stress and autism and schizophrenia. And start-up companies created by our scientists were recognized.
- Sharon Ramey was interviewed live on Fox 5 DC regarding her research into early life stress and inflammation, and how it's impacting pregnancies.
- Anthony LaMantia appeared on WDBJ TV's Here @ Home show to talk about the potential for a treatment for DiGeorge syndrome, which is linked to autism and schizophrenia.
- Coverage of a new biotech accelerator lab facility in The Roanoke Times highlighted the selection of Samy Lamouille's Acomhal Research and The Tiny Cargo Co., founded by Robert Gourdie, for residencies in Johnson & Johnson's JLABS program.
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Here's how you can support the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute in advancing human health through science:
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