The molecular mechanisms and functions in complex biological systems currently remain elusive. Recent high-throughput techniques, such as next-generation sequencing, have generated a wide variety of multiomics datasets that enable the identification of biological functions and mechanisms via multiple facets. However, integrating these large-scale multiomics data and discovering functional insights are, nevertheless, challenging tasks.
Year: 2020
Houri K. Vorperian, PhD – Slide of the Week
We present a unified heat kernel smoothing framework for modeling 3D anatomical surface data extracted from medical images. Due to image acquisition and preprocessing noises, it is expected the medical imaging data is noisy. The surface data of the anatomical structures is regressed using the weighted linear combination of Laplace-Beltrami (LB) eigenfunctions to smooth out noisy data and perform statistical analysis.
Running toward renewal: new study links physical activity with cognitive health
Research has shown voluntary running is an activity most commonly associated with the reversal of negative impacts of aging and neurodegeneration, but little is understood about why that is.
UW researchers devise approach to treat rare, incurable form of blindness
Waisman Center investigator David Gamm, MD, PhD, and Waisman affiliate Kris Saha, PhD, have published a proof-of-concept method to correct Best disease – an inherited form of macular degeneration that causes blindness, and that is …
Waisman Biomanufacturing partners with Heat Biologics to manufacture COVID-19 vaccine
Waisman Biomanufacturing at the University of Wisconsin–Madison is partnering with Heat Biologics to produce a COVID-19 vaccine for phase 1 and phase 2 clinical trials. Phase 1 trials could begin in early 2021 and UW–Madison may be a trial site.
Brittany Travers, PhD – Slide of the Week
Motor challenges are commonly reported in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Yet, there is substantial heterogeneity in motor ability within ASD, and it is unknown what behavioral characteristics best explain individual differences in motor ability in ASD and related conditions.
The ECHO effect
Project ECHO (the mantra for which is “All teach, all learn”) uses video-conferencing technology to provide education and case consultation on best practice clinical services, training, and resources for individuals with specific healthcare needs that are difficult to meet locally. The Waisman Center ECHO platform will serve as a diagnostic and treatment training hub to share the center’s expertise on intellectual and developmental disabilities, such as autism, Down syndrome, and cerebral palsy, throughout the state and beyond.
John Svaren, PhD – Slide of the Week
Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease is most commonly caused by duplication of a chromosomal segment surrounding Peripheral Myelin Protein 22, or PMP22 gene, which is classified as CMT1A. Several candidate therapies reduce Pmp22 mRNA levels in CMT1A rodent models, but development of biomarkers for clinical trials in CMT1A is a challenge given its slow progression and difficulty in obtaining nerve samples.
Research Core Revitalization Program funds upgrades to shared resources on campus
Projects from three research cores at the Waisman Center are among 17 UW core projects to receive grants from the Research Core Revitalization Program—an initiative with support from the Office of the Vice Chancellor for …
Masatoshi Suzuki, DVM, PhD – Slide of the Week
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a late-onset neuromuscular disease with no cure and limited treatment options. Patients experience a gradual paralysis leading to death from respiratory complications on average only 2-5 years after diagnosis.