Cox lab studying nov el gene to learn why hearing cells die Hearing loss is primarily caused by death of sound-sensing cells called hair cells, which are found in the inner ear, in the snail-shaped structure called the cochlea. These cells can naturally regenerate in birds, frogs and fish, allowing recovery of hearing. However, hair cells were not thought to regenerate in humans or other mammals until very recently. In 2014, Brandon Cox, PhD, discovered their ability to spontaneously regenerate in newborn mice. Cox is an assistant professor of pharmacology and a research scientist at Southern
Ran lab to study tumor formation, spread Tumor cells use thin-walled lymphatic vessels to travel and spread in the human body. Once cancer spreads, a patient’s prognosis dims. SIU research scientist Sophia Ran, PhD, is working to stop the spread of breast cancer. She has been awarded a five-year grant from the National Cancer Institute, a division of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), to study ways to prevent or reduce the metastasis in breast cancer. Ran is a professor of medical microbiology, immunology and cell biology at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine and member of
Two scientists at SIU School of Medicine’s Department of Physiology have received federal funding to develop more effective therapies to treat two major health problems: depression and endometriosis. Depression is a lingering feeling of sadness that interferes with daily life and can last for weeks or months at a time. The National Institutes of Mental Health estimates that 16 million adults – nearly 7 percent of the US population – has at least one major depressive episode annually. Most people, even those with the most severe forms of depression, can get better with treatment. Assistant
Nikhi Vatti, MD was awarded the Excellence in Graduate Medical Education in 2022 by the American Academy of Family Physicians. Dr. Vatti is one of the 12 resident physicians to win this award in 2022. The AAFP promotes and maintains high-quality standards for family doctors who are providing continuing comprehensive health care to the public. The winners of this award were selected for their exemplary patient care, their interpersonal relationships with patients, physicians, and faculty, and their demonstrated leadership and community involvement. Dr. Vatti is a resident physician of SIU
Have you witnessed an SIU School of Medicine employee who goes above and beyond his or her job duties? Use this form to acknowledge an exemplary act performed by an SIU School of Medicine employee who you believe promotes, displays, and lives the SIU School of Medicine Behavior Standards. Instructions: Instructions: Complete the form providing as much information as you can. If you have questions regarding the completion of this form, contact SIU Human Resources at 217-545-2076. Name: Enter the name of the nominee. Department: (Organization) From the drop down list, select the name of the
