Events and News

A bench scientist with a passion for the environment

On a Friday afternoon in May, Peter Wagner was about to give his dissertation defense. Quan Lu, associate professor of environmental genetics and pathophysiology—introducing Peter before a group of about 50 of his fellow students, faculty, friends, and family—flashed an on-screen photo of Peter as a young boy with a snake draped around his neck. … Continue reading “A bench scientist with a passion for the environment”

Tobias Walther chosen as HHMI Investigator

Congratulations to Tobias Walter, who was chosen from a group of 894 eligible applicants to be one of 26 newly-minted Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Investigators!  HHMI investigators will receive the flexible support necessary to move their research in creative new directions. The initiative represents an investment in basic biomedical research of $153 million over … Continue reading “Tobias Walther chosen as HHMI Investigator”

Malaria parasite’s essential doorway into red blood cells illuminated

Boston, MA – Researchers at Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health and the Broad Institute have identified a protein on the surface of human red blood cells that serves as an essential entry point for invasion by the malaria parasite. The presence of this protein, called CD55, was found to be critical to the … Continue reading “Malaria parasite’s essential doorway into red blood cells illuminated”

World Malaria Day forum explores public-private partnerships

The global community has made gains in fighting malaria, but those advances are tenuous and multi-sector partnerships are needed to eradicate the disease. That was the consensus among experts in the field who gathered at a forum co-hosted by Harvard’s Defeating Malaria initiative  on April 24 to mark World Malaria Day. The event, Partnerships for … Continue reading “World Malaria Day forum explores public-private partnerships”

Curtis Huttenhower wins top junior faculty award in bioinformatics

Curtis Huttenhower, associate professor of computational biology and bioinformatics, has been named winner of the 2015 Overton Prize from the International Society for Computational Biology. The prize recognizes early or mid-career scientists who are emerging leaders in computational biology and bioinformatics for their accomplishments in research, education, and service. Huttenhower was chosen for his groundbreaking … Continue reading “Curtis Huttenhower wins top junior faculty award in bioinformatics”

Sick with measles, again: Infectious disease expert discusses recent spread, vaccination issues, mor

 Last year was the worst for measles in the United States since the country was declared free of the disease in 2000. This year is not off to a promising start. The measles outbreak that began in Disneyland in December has continued to spread, infecting 102 people in 14 states during January, according to the … Continue reading “Sick with measles, again: Infectious disease expert discusses recent spread, vaccination issues, mor”

A bold pathway in life—and biology

Anthony Covarrubias, PhD ’15, grew up in a working-class neighborhood in South Los Angeles. While celebrities in sports cars whizzed to the beach just a few miles away, Covarrubias’s neighbors waited in long lines at the local health clinic for low-quality care they couldn’t afford. Although his parents worked hard to make ends meet, access … Continue reading “A bold pathway in life—and biology”

A Cross-disciplinary Approach to Eradicating Malaria

There is an arsenal of cost-effective tools available to combat malaria but getting people to adhere to treatment regimens can be challenging, said Jessica Cohen, assistant professor of global health, at a symposium focused on “The Last Mile to Malaria Eradication,” held December 4, 2014 in Kresge G3. It was sponsored by the Department of … Continue reading “A Cross-disciplinary Approach to Eradicating Malaria”

Symposium Gathers Experts on Homeostatic Regulation

November 3, 2014 — Cutting-edge work on homeostatic regulation—the process through which the human body maintains stability in response to changes in external conditions—was the focus at the 17th annual John B. Little Symposium, held October 24-25, 2014 at Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH). About 180 attendees heard from numerous experts in the field, … Continue reading “Symposium Gathers Experts on Homeostatic Regulation”