HSPH Video Series: Why Public Health?

In this edition of HSPH’s video series “Why Public Health?” BPH student Jemila Kester talks about what drew her to the field of public health.  Jemila, a third year doctoral student studying tuberculosis in Sarah Fortune’s lab, wanted to combine her passion for science, desire for creativity, and need to help people. Click here to … Continue reading “HSPH Video Series: Why Public Health?”

Khanichi Charles – A role model for minority science students

Khanichi Charles knows the value of mentoring. Without it, she wouldn’t have discovered her passion for scientific research, let alone apply to Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH). So despite long hours in the lab working towards her PhD in biological sciences, which she expects to earn in August, Charles makes time to be a … Continue reading “Khanichi Charles – A role model for minority science students”

Discovery of new hormone opens doors to new type 2 diabetes treatments

Boston, MA — Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) researchers have discovered that a particular type of protein (hormone) found in fat cells helps regulate how glucose (blood sugar) is controlled and metabolized (used for energy) in the liver. Using experimental models and state-of-the-art technology, the scientists found that switching off this protein leads to … Continue reading “Discovery of new hormone opens doors to new type 2 diabetes treatments”

Forum Event: Tackling the deadly illnesses of malaria, West Nile virus

Dyann Wirth serves as expert panelist at this Forum event on May 1, 2013 While many mosquitoes are little more than nuisance insects, some species are capable of transmitting deadly illnesses to humans. According to the CDC, 2012 was the worst year for West Nile virus. Malaria — long-battled — continues to defy eradication, despite … Continue reading “Forum Event: Tackling the deadly illnesses of malaria, West Nile virus”

Human Microbiome Project: Analyzing microbes that play a role in health and disease

Curtis Huttenhower, assistant professor of computational biology and bioinformatics, talks about the Human Microbiome Project and the role that microbes—organisms like bacteria, viruses, and fungi that live in the stomach, in the mouth, on the skin, or elsewhere—play in normal bodily functions, like development or immunity, as well as in disease. Click here to watch … Continue reading “Human Microbiome Project: Analyzing microbes that play a role in health and disease”

Malaria Parasite Transforms Itself to Hide from Human Immune System

Movement of Gene Inside Parasite’s Nucleus Alters Key Protein on Surface In order to spread disease inside the human body, the malaria parasite must evade the human immune system—which it does remarkably well. Now, researchers at Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) have uncovered details about the mechanism by which the parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, avoids … Continue reading “Malaria Parasite Transforms Itself to Hide from Human Immune System”

President Obama Appoints David Christiani to National Cancer Advisory Board

President Obama Announces More Key Administration Posts WASHINGTON, DC – Today, President Barack Obama announced his intent to nominate the following individual to key Administration posts: Timothy Hyungrock Haahs – Member, Board of Directors of the National Institute of Building Sciences Morton H. Halperin – Member, Board of Directors of the Millennium Challenge Corporation The … Continue reading “President Obama Appoints David Christiani to National Cancer Advisory Board”