Research News

Researchers Unveil Groundbreaking Genetic Manipulation System for Akkermansia muciniphila and its Potential Health Benefits

In groundbreaking work in the field of probiotic research, a team led by Dr. Raphael Valdivia in the Duke Department of Integrative Immunobiology has described a system for the genetic manipulation of Akkermansia muciniphila, an emerging probiotic microbe with remarkable immunomodulatory properties. The study, published in the journal Nature Microbiology and available online, uncovers the microbe’s role in regulating cholesterol biosynthesis through its consumption of intestinal mucus.

Grad Student Cole Beatty wins 28th annual Cora Verhagen Award

Cole Beatty, PhD candidate in Daniel Saban’s lab, is the 28th Cora Verhagen winner for his presentation entitled “Severity of meibomian gland dysfunction is distinguishable in patients by tear leukocyte changes: an observational study using 36-color flow cytometry”. Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) is when the oil glands of the eye become dysfunctional, which leads to manifestations of ocular surface disease, such as dry eye disease.

Emerging Pathogens Initiative HHMI award given to Raphael Valdivia

The Howard Hughes Medical Institute is committing $100 million to a new Emerging Pathogens Initiative to support basic research targeted at preparedness for emerging pathogens that could threaten human health in the future. Thirteen project teams involving 70 scientists from 29 institutions will collaborate on the research. 

Saban and COVID Recovery in Women vs. Men

Congratulations to Daniel Saban‘s lab including Chen Yu, Sejiro Littleton, Joan Kalnitsky, Rose Mathew and colleagues for the research published this week that shows women may be better equipped to fight COVID than men.

Read the press release.  The press release issued by Duke Health has generated quite a bit of news coverage and social media buzz on a very timely topic.