"Moonshot" Leads to $2.6 Million Funding for University of Rochester

In 1962, John F. Kennedy declared that the United States would go to the moon and in 1969, we did. Now President Obama is calling for the same level of national focus and dedication to win the war against cancer. He announced a new “moonshot” during his last State of the Union Address - a moonshot to cure cancer. 

In a recent press release, Congresswoman Louise Slaughter expanded this new mission to include other diseases associated with old age.  In her press release, she announced that the University of Rochester would receive $2,682,232 in funding from the federal Department of Health and Human Services to be used for cutting-edge research. Slaughter, who represents New York’s 25^th District, said, “…these awards show why I’m confident that Rochester has a role to play in this critical mission…There’s no doubt in my mind that Rochester will remain a leader in scientific discovery and innovation for years to come.”

This funding will support research at the University of Rochester in the following areas:

• $255,194 to study anti-tumor immunity and the effects of radiation (Cancer Treatment Research)
• $563,295 to study cognitive training to protect immune systems of older caregivers (Aging Research)
• $314,675 to study the TRAF3 gene in age-related low-level chronic inflammation and osteoporosis (Aging Research)
• $345,375 to study the elucidation of the role of Setd8 and H4K20me1 in Erythropoiesis (Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolic Research)
• $383,750 to study how lactic acid promotes scarring after irradiation (Heart and Vascular Diseases Research)
• $238,218 to study new approaches toward cultivating the Molluscumm contagiosum virus (Allergy, Immunology, and Transplantation Research)
• $206,248 to study Ribonuclease E, a novel new gram-negative antimicrobial target (Allergy, Immunology, and Transplantation Research)
• $350,477 to study the mechanism for regulation of Phospholipase C by G proteins (Pharmacology, Physiology, and Biological Chemistry Research)

The University of Rochester is home to The Wilmot Cancer Institute, which was named one of the Best Regional Hospitals by U.S. News and World Report 2014-15. Wilmot is staffed by a multidisciplinary team that includes oncologists, surgeons, and research scientists. Their mission is to raise the bar for cancer care in Rochester and Upstate New York, but their research could have a global impact. 

The university is also home to the Rochester Aging Research Center (RoAR), which conducts research into the mechanisms that promote longevity. People over eighty-five make up the fastest growing demographic of the U.S. population, and age is a leading risk factor for cancer as well as many other serious conditions such as heart attacks and strokes. RoAR seeks to prevent and treat age-related illnesses in order to enhance the quality of life for seniors, optimize their independence, and reduce the cost of elder care. 

On Thursday, April 7^th 2016, Biotechnology Calendar Inc. will host the 1^st annual BioResearch Product Faire™ at the University of Rochester. This will afford researchers the opportunity to meet face to face with laboratory equipment suppliers to discuss their equipment needs and see demonstrations of the latest advancement in the tools of their trade. Science professionals are invited to attend for free. Suppliers interested in taking advantage of this unique networking opportunity should contact Biotechnology Calendar Inc. at (530) 272-6675.