Stroke and SIDS in Alaska topics of neuroscience conference

Submitted by Marie Gilbert
Phone: 907-474-7412
08/19/08

University of Alaska Fairbanks neuroscientists studying stroke and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome will present their research findings at the 7th Conference of the Specialized Neuroscience Research Programs in New York Aug. 19-22, 2008.

The scientists are part of the Alaska Basic Neuroscience Program at the UAF Institute of Arctic Biology, which is a National Institutes of Health supported SNRP whose goal is to expand and stimulate basic neuroscience research at UAF with a focus on neuroprotection and adaptation. The ABNP is an integral part of UAF’s initiative addressing health disparities of Native Alaskans and arctic populations.

"SIDS is the leading cause of post-neonatal infant mortality in North America, occurs at twice the national average rate in Alaska and three times that rate in Alaska Natives," said Michael Harris, an ABNP neuroscientist. "The work that I do tests a leading theory which suggests that infants are made vulnerable to SIDS, in part, through brainstem abnormalities."

Neuroscientist and IAB associate director Kelly Drew will also present her research on how arctic ground squirrels protect their brains during cardiac arrest using biochemical signaling pathways.

"Understanding these pathways will be a first step toward developing new drugs to mimic the squirrels’ ability to avoid brain damage in humans," Drew said. "Cardiac arrest and stroke are the leading causes of adult disability and Alaska’s arctic ground squirrel may lead to improved therapies for patients."

Lawrence Duffy, director of the ABNP and interim dean of the UAF Graduate School, said, "This conference creates a platform for young investigators--both faculty and students - from small research universities to network and collaborate with other scientists and to show their skills to National Institutes of Health officials."

IAB neuroscientist Barbara Taylor, and neuroscience Ph.D. candidates Andrea Corcoran and Cord Brundage will also be participating in the conference. The ABNP is supported by a SNRP grant through the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institute of Mental Health and the National Center for Research Resources.

CONTACT: Kelly Drew, associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry, at 907-474-790 or ffkld@uaf.edu. Michael Harris, assistant professor of integrative physiology and neuroscience, at 907-474-7801 or ffmbh@uaf.edu. Lawrence Duffy, SNRP director, at 907-474-7525 or fflkd@uaf.edu. Marie Gilbert, IAB information officer, 907-474-7412 or marie.gilbert@uaf.edu

ON THE WEB:
Kelly Drew’s faculty page
Michael Harris’ faculty page
Institute of Arctic Biology