Category Archives: Biochemistry

Biochemistry

The Protein Society announces its 2023 award – EurekAlert

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 22, 2023

THE PROTEIN SOCIETY ANNOUNCES ITS 2023 AWARD RECIPIENTS

LOS ANGELES, CA The Protein Society, the premier international society dedicated to supporting protein research, announces the winners of the 2023 Protein Society Awards, which will be conferred at the 37th Anniversary Symposium, July 13 16, 2023, in Boston, Massachusetts. Plenary talks from select award recipients will take place throughout the 3.5-day event. The scientific accomplishments of the awardees, highlighted here as described by their nominators, demonstrate their lasting impact on protein science.

The Carl Brndn Award, sponsored by Rigaku Corporation, honors an outstanding protein scientist who has also made exceptional contributions in the areas of education and/or service to the field. The 2023 recipient of this award is Professor Arthur Lesk (Penn State University). Dr. Lesk influenced generations of scientists with his analyses of protein structure and evolution, as well as with his textbooks on protein science, genomics, and bioinformatics.

The Christian B. Anfinsen Award, sponsored by The Protein Society, recognizes technological achievement or significant methodological advances in the field of protein science. The 2023 recipient of this award is Professor Mei Hong (MIT). Dr. Hong created innovative tools to interrogate protein structure and dynamics using solid-state NMR spectroscopy.

The Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin Award, sponsored by Genentech, is granted in recognition of exceptional contributions in protein science which profoundly influence our understanding of biology. The 2023 recipient is Professor Patricia Clark (University of Notre Dame). Dr. Clark has shed light on mechanisms of co-translational folding, codon usage, and other factors that influence protein structure in vivo.

The new Marie Maynard Daly Award honors its namesake, who was the first Black woman to receive a Ph.D. degree in the United States, conducting pioneering research on chromatin, the ribosome, and cholesterol-hypertension relationships. This award recognizes groundbreaking research at the interface between protein science and human health. The 2023 inaugural recipient is Professor Ren Robinson (Vanderbilt University). Dr. Robinson has pioneered the application and development of mass spectrometry-based proteomics to study aging and neurodegeneration, with a particular focus on health disparities in minority populations.

The Emil Thomas Kaiser Award, sponsored by generous individual contributions, recognizes a recent and highly-significant application of chemistry to the study of proteins. The 2023 recipient is Professor Jason Gestwicki (University of California San Francisco). Dr. Gestwicki has developed innovative tools and approaches to target diseases of protein misfolding.

The Hans Neurath Award, sponsored by the Hans Neurath Foundation, honors individuals who have made a recent contribution of exceptional merit to basic protein research. The 2023 recipient is Professor Elena Conti (Max Planck Institute for Biochemistry). Dr. Conti is recognized for her discovery of mechanisms of RNA export, processing, and quality control in the cell.

The Stein & Moore Award, sponsored by The Protein Society and with support from Wiley, recognizes eminent leaders in protein science who have made sustained high impact research contributions to the field. The 2023 recipient is Professor Kevin Gardner (CUNY Advanced Science Research Center). Dr. Gardner has studied the structure, dynamics, and function of ligand-regulated protein/protein interaction domains from bacteria, plants, and humans to develop innovative optogenetic tools and cancer therapeutics.

The Protein Science Young Investigator Award, sponsored by Wiley, recognizes scientists within their first 8 years of an independent career at the time of nomination who have made an important contribution to the study of proteins. The 2023 recipient is Professor Polly Fordyce (Stanford University). Dr. Fordyce has developed innovative microfluidic systems to study howprotein sequence encodes fuctionat a large scale.

Delegates, exhibitors, sponsors, and the press can learn more about the 37th Anniversary Symposium on The Protein Society website: http://www.proteinsociety.org.

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The Protein Society is the leading international Society devoted to furthering research and development in protein science. Founded in 1986, the purpose of the Society is to provide international forums to facilitate communication, cooperation, and collaboration regarding all aspects of the study of proteins. In support of these goals, the Society publishes Protein Science, the premier journal in the field, hosts an annual international symposium, and facilitates the education of early-career protein scientists across all lines of discipline. The membership of Protein Society represents a wide spectrum of academic, industry, governmental, and non-profit institutions from more than 40 countries around the world. Media inquiries can be directed to Raluca Cadar, Executive Director at 844.377.6834, rcadar@proteinsociety.org.

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The Protein Society announces its 2023 award - EurekAlert

Biochemistry

What is Biochemistry? – Definition, History, Examples, Importance …

Have you ever observed how chemical reactions or processes occur within the human body? How do metabolic activities take place? Yes, you will get to know all these life processes through Biochemistry.

The branch of science dealing with the study of all the life processes such as control and coordination within a living organism is called Biochemistry.

This term was introduced to us by Carl Neuberg, the father of biochemistry in the year 1930. This field combines biology as well as chemistry to study the chemical structure of a living organism. The biochemists get into the investigation of the chemical reactions and combinations which are involved in various processes like reproduction, heredity, metabolism, and growth, thus performing research in different kinds of laboratories.

Introduction to Biochemistry includes wide areas of molecular biology as well as cell biology. It is relevant to molecules that make up the structure of organs and cells which is the molecular anatomy. It describes carbon compounds and the reactions they undergo in living organisms. It also describes molecular physiology, which is the functions of molecules in carrying out the requirements of the cells and organs.

It mainly deals with the study of the structure and functions of the biomolecules such as carbohydrates, proteins, acids, and lipids. Hence, it is also called Molecular biology.

The primary branches of biochemistry are listed in this subsection.

It is also referred to as the roots of Biochemistry. It deals with the study of functions of the living systems. This field of biology explains all the interactions between DNA, proteins, and RNA and their synthesis.

Cell biology

Cell Biology deals with the structure and functions of cells in living organisms. It is also called Cytology. Cell biology primarily focuses on the study of cells of the eukaryotic organisms and their signalling pathways, rather than focussing on prokaryotes- the topics that will be covered under microbiology.

Metabolism

Metabolism is one of the most important processes taking place in all living things. It is nothing but the transformations or the series of activities that happens when food is converted into energy in a human body. One example of metabolism is the process of digestion.

Genetics

Genetics is a branch of biochemistry that deals with the study of genes, their variations and the heredity characteristics in living organisms.

The other branches include Animal and Plant Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Molecular Chemistry, Genetic engineering, Endocrinology, Pharmaceuticals, Neurochemistry, Nutrition, Environmental, Photosynthesis, Toxicology, etc.

Biochemistry is essential to understand the following concepts.

To learn more about biochemistry and other important branches of chemistry, such as physical chemistry, register with BYJUS now!

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Biochemistry

What is biochemistry? | New Scientist

Biochemistry is the study of the chemicals that make up life and how they behave. It seeks to explain how inanimate chemicals like carbohydrates and proteins can give rise to living organisms.

Biochemistry as a scientific discipline began in the 1700s and 1800s, with early studies of phenomena like fermentation and the discovery of the first enzyme. However, it blossomed in the 20th century, thanks in part to new techniques like X-ray crystallography that allowed biochemists to study the precise three-dimensional structures of molecules.

Perhaps the most famous biochemical molecule is deoxyribonucleic acid or DNA, the material that carries our genes. The structure of DNA was discovered in 1953 after a frantic (and at times disreputable) race. Famously, DNA is a double helix, made up of two strands that coil around each other. Each strand carries a sequence of letters, which are the basis of genes.

In the wake of this discovery, biochemists like Francis Crick realised that the information on DNA is used to make proteins, which are long chains of smaller molecules called amino acids. Proteins are the workhorses of living cells, doing everything from digesting food to pushing waste out of the cell. The long chains fold up into remarkably intricate structures, which are crucial to the proteins function.

However, before proteins can be made the information from DNA is first copied onto a third kind of molecule called RNA (ribonucleic acid), which is similar to DNA. RNA can also act as an enzyme, as proteins do. Its ability to perform so many tasks has led some biochemists to suggest that it played a key role in the origin of life on Earth, before DNA and protein arose.

Besides genetics, a second key area of biochemistry is metabolism: the processes by which organisms extract energy from their environment (for instance from food) and use it to move and build their bodies. Metabolism involves elaborate sequences of chemical reactions, some of which are cyclic so the original chemicals are recreated at the end. Complex chemicals are broken down into simpler ones to provide energy, and that energy is used to build new chemicals that the organism can use. Different organisms can have radically different metabolisms.

Biochemistry has also revealed that living cells have structural molecules. Some form the walls and membranes that surround cells and hold them together, while others link up into a kind of scaffolding called the cytoskeleton.

Other biochemical molecules are remarkable feats of evolutionary engineering. There are molecular motors and even rotating axles.

Biochemists are still discovering new things about natural organisms (although reports that some organisms can incorporate arsenic into their DNA appear to be false). They have also started designing new biochemistries, for example adding new letters to the DNA alphabet or swapping out some of the amino acids used to make proteins. This synthetic biology may lead to new medicines and other biotechnologies, as well as shedding light on the nature of life.

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What is biochemistry? | New Scientist

Biochemistry

Biochemistry: Definition And Explanation – University of the People

Biochemistry is exciting and fascinating science, and this article will tell you everything youve been wanting to know about the field. Well give you the full biochemistry definition: the basics, the history, as well as the promising degrees and careers you can expect in the biochemists laboratory and beyond.

Biochemistry, or biological chemistry, is the branch of science that studies chemical and physicochemical processes within living organisms.

As a combination of biology and chemistry, biochemistry studies the chemical substances and processes which occur within the biology of the body or any living organisms.

Biochemists study large molecules such as carbohydrates and proteins in relation to metabolism and other important processes within the body. Other molecules that biochemists may study include enzymes and DNA. These types of molecules are important for understanding the complex processes which occur in all living organisms.

The term biochemistry was created by Carl Neuberg, a German chemist, in 1902. But the study itself has been around for over 400 years, essentially since the invention of the microscope in 1665 by Robert Hooke. The microscope made it possible to study cells.

In 1674, Anton van Leeuwenhoek was the first to observe live plant cells under the microscope, which opened up many more possibilities than the dead cells which were being observed up until then. Live cells allowed scientists to observe chemical processes that occurred within and between them.

In the 18th century, a notable discovery in the field was made by the French scientist, Antoine Lavoisier, who proposed the concept of photosynthesis, a process in which plants convert water, sunlight, and carbon dioxide into their nutrients. Lavoisier was also the first person to study cell respiration, which is the process of making the energy molecule in the cells mitochondria.

In the 20th century, DNA was acknowledged as the genetic material which made up the cell. This was established by James Watson and Francis Crick based on the research work of Rosalind Franklin.

Most recently, new technology continues to advance scientific studies in areas such as recombinant DNA, gene splicing, radioisotopic labeling, and electron microscopy.

A career in biochemistry is recommended for those who enjoy research, as it is generally a career in laboratory science. Most careers in the field require at least a bachelors degree, such as a position as a laboratory technician. Other positions, such as laboratory managers or principal investigators of research, will require a masters degree or a Ph.D.

Laboratory technicians engage in bench work and help perform experiments in the lab under the instruction of the principal investigators. Technicians need a bachelors degree in order to be qualified, but more education and research will allow for more independence in the lab.

Lab managers carry more responsibility in the laboratory and may conduct independent research under the guidance of the principal investigator.

Though a masters degree in the field will require an emphasis on research, a Ph.D. prepares biochemists for a career in independent research, principal investigators of research in laboratories, and lecturers in university.

There are also many industry positions available to biochemists. Biochemists may also work in governmental labs or for companies in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, public health, or biotechnology. Some biochemists may also work in services such as toxicology and forensics.

As one may imagine, a contender for biochemistry needs to have a good understanding of both biology and chemistry. Some universities may offer a specific biochemistry track, or students can begin their education by taking a bachelors degree in either biology or chemistry, with a minor in the other.

Biochemists also need to have a good grasp of mathematics and statistics in order to conduct research. As students advance in their studies, they will begin to hone in on their particular interests.

Similar studies include health sciences, which offer courses in biology, anatomy, biostatistics, and disease prevention. Universities such as the University of the People (UoPeople) offer associates and bachelors degrees in health science completely online and tuition-free. The university also offers potential certificate programs in health science that can give ones career the right boost.

As weve seen, the biochemistry definition includes a rich history and an exciting future for further discoveries. Since the invention of the microscope, biochemists have been investigating the complex, hidden world of cells and molecules.

Biochemistry is an exciting and constantly evolving field of science with an emphasis on research and laboratory technology. Different levels of education open up many opportunities for working in the field. If you have a passion for this science, then biochemistry may be a meaningful career choice for you.

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Biochemistry: Definition And Explanation - University of the People

Biochemistry

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology – Master of Science – Postgraduate …

Financial aid (need-based funding)

Canadian and US applicants may qualify for governmental loans to finance their studies. Please review eligibility and types of loans.

All students may be able to access private sector or bank loans.

Many foreign governments provide support to their citizens in pursuing education abroad. International applicants should check the various governmental resources in their home country, such as the Department of Education, for available scholarships.

The possibility to pursue work to supplement income may depend on the demands the program has on students. It should be carefully weighed if work leads to prolonged program durations or whether work placements can be meaningfully embedded into a program.

International students enrolled as full-time students with a valid study permit can work on campus for unlimited hours and work off-campus for no more than 20 hours a week.

A good starting point to explore student jobs is the UBC Work Learn program or a Co-Op placement.

Students with taxable income in Canada may be able to claim federal or provincial tax credits.

Canadian residents with RRSP accounts may be able to use the Lifelong Learning Plan (LLP) which allows students to withdraw amounts from their registered retirement savings plan (RRSPs) to finance full-time training or education for themselves or their partner.

Please review Filing taxes in Canada on the student services website for more information.

Applicants have access to the cost calculator to develop a financial plan that takes into account various income sources and expenses.

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Biochemistry and Molecular Biology - Master of Science - Postgraduate ...

Biochemistry

Role of biochemistry to fight malnutrition highlighted – Newspaper – DAWN.COM – DAWN.com

TOBA TEK SINGH: University of Agriculture Faisalabad Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan says nutritional biochemistry is playing a pivotal role in controlling malnutrition which is hitting a large population especially women and children.

He expressed these views during his address as chief guest at the opening session of the one-day symposium on nutritional biochemistry jointly organised by the department of biochemistry and the faculty of food nutrition and home sciences of the university on Monday.

He said development of the agriculture sector was essential to control malnutrition by providing better food for the growing population.

Executive member of Pakistan Science Academy Islamabad Prof Dr Anwarul Hassan Gilani said in this era, nutritional balance could be maintained not only through plants but also through more ingredients in normal diet and adopting healthy lifestyle and dietary habits.

Arid Agricultural University Rawalpindi former VC Dr Khalid Mehmood Khan praised the efforts and achievements of biochemistry worldwide and called it the best solution to overcome malnutrition. Millions of people across the country are suffering from nutritional deficiency due to lack of availability of balanced food. Dean Faculty of Sciences Dr Asghar Bajwa said in the modern era, health problems are worsening due to sedentary lifestyle. We have to eat food keeping nutrition in view for a healthy life.

Chairman department of biochemistry Dr Amir Jamil said the symposium would be able to formulate important recommendations to prevent increase in malnutrition.

Dr Kamran Sharif said the faculty of food nutrition and home sciences is paying full attention to making coordinated efforts with various departments to control malnutrition, which will produce positive results.

Published in Dawn, October 18th, 2022

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Role of biochemistry to fight malnutrition highlighted - Newspaper - DAWN.COM - DAWN.com

Biochemistry

In a first, Amit Shah launches Hindi version of MBBS books in Bhopal. Read here | Mint – Mint

The Madhya Pradesh government has started an ambitious project wherein now medical students can opt for studying MBBS in Hindi, instead of English, as is the norm for the rest of the country. On Sunday, at an event in state capital Bhopal, Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched the Hindi version of three subjects.

The Hindi version of medical biochemistry, anatomy and medical physiology subject textbooks were released by Amit Shah. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and state medical education minister Vishwas Sarang were also present at the event.

"Today Amit Shah has brought a new dawn in the lives of children of the poor, who could get admission to medical colleges but were caught in the web of English and many times could not pass exams and left their studies," CM Chouhan said.

Madhya Pradesh has become the first state in the country to start the MBBS course in Hindi, state Medical Education Minister Vishvas Sarang said on the occasion.

A team of 97 experts have been working on the preparation of books for the last 232 days at Gandhi Medical College, Bhopal. They have been translating the book from English to Hindi.

Madhya Pradesh medical education minister Vishwas Sarang on Sunday said that the move will bring a big change in the advancement of education in Hindi medium.

Speaking to ANI, Sarang said, "It is a big day. For the first time in the country, medical education in Hindi will begin in Madhya Pradesh. Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will launch the Hindi versions of textbooks of all three subjects of the first year - Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry today."

"This is a matter of joy for me. It now becomes clear that if medical education is possible in Hindi, any course is possible in Hindi. This will bring a major change in the lives of youth, especially those from Hindi backgrounds," he added.

"It was not an easy task but we prepared it in very easy language. We have prepared it so that it will be helpful in the studies of the students," an expert involved in the translation told news agency ANI.

The expert further said the new edition of Medical Biochemistry contains the application of some new chapters which include Sodium, Potassium, Water Homeostasis, Biochemistry Techniques, Radiation, Radioisotopes and Environmental Pollutants and Toxins.

Besides, Several new line diagrams, tables and text boxes have been added to make information more memorable.

Similarly in the Anatomy edition, new chapters of surface anatomy have been added in both abdomen and lower limb sections. New line diagrams, CT's and MRI's diagram tables and flow charts are added to increase the retention of knowledge.

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In a first, Amit Shah launches Hindi version of MBBS books in Bhopal. Read here | Mint - Mint

Biochemistry

Recognition for three ILS scientists – The New Indian Express

By Express News Service

BHUBANESWAR: Three scientists of Institute of Life Sciences (ILS) are among the worlds most influential scientific minds in 2022, as per a report published by Stanford University. The report that classified scientists in 22 scientific fields and 176 sub-fields has enlisted in-charge Director of ILS Prof Pulok Kumar Mukherjee, scientists Sanjeeb Sahoo and Amaresh Panda for their outstanding research in the field of drug discovery, biochemistry and molecular biology.

Prof Mukherjee is working on traditional medicine-inspired drug discovery and development from Indian medicinal plants with major emphasis on their validation, formulation, and standardisation. Sahoo focuses on nano-technology-based targeted drug delivery to tumour tissues whereby using the techniques, one can kill cancer cells in a lower dose with less toxicity to the normal tissue.

Similarly, Pandas research group has been working on the role of poorly characterised circular RNAs in muscle regeneration and insulin bio-synthesis. The new molecular mechanisms identified during his work contribute valuable knowledge of the post-transcriptional processes that influence human health and disease.

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Recognition for three ILS scientists - The New Indian Express

Biochemistry

Vitamin B1 may decrease the chances of migraine headaches – Medical News Today

Migraine headaches can be painful and difficult to manage.

The specific symptoms and timing are different for each person affected.

Experts are still working to understand why migraine headaches happen and what preventative steps people can take.

A recent study published in Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain reports that dietary intake of the B vitamin thiamine may help prevent migraine in some people.

Experts say the information gained from this research indicates a protective factor that may help improve outcomes for people who experience migraine.

Migraine is a neurologic condition that causes severe headaches that are typically localized to one area of the head.

The pain can be intense and people sometimes can experience other symptoms such as nausea or vomiting. Migraine headaches can be related to specific triggers, such as stress or hormonal changes.

Diet is one area that can affect migraine headaches. However, the specifics are something that experts are still working to understand. Specific food triggers or preventative measures can be different for each person.

Dr. Clifford Segil, DO, a neurologist at Providence Saint Johns Health Center in California, noted a few examples of this to Medical News Today:

Dietary triggers are common for migraine. Wines, cheeses, and caffeine can trigger a migraine headache. I ask patients on their first visit with me to keep a headache journal to see if there are any medications that trigger headaches. Caffeine can both cause and help headaches, so it is hard to generalize if something like this causes or helps headaches.

People who experience migraine may work with their doctors and other specialists to identify headache triggers.

As more data emerges about the relationship between diet and migraine headaches, clinical recommendations for treatment may continue to change.

Researchers in the new particular study examined the association between two B vitamins, thiamine (vitamin B1) and riboflavin (vitamin B2), and the experience of severe headaches or migraine.

Researchers looked at data from participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 1999-2004 in their cross-sectional study.

Researchers included more than 13,000 participants in their analysis. Of these participants, 2,745 had experienced either a severe headache or migraine within the past three months. The researchers studied the 24-hour dietary intake of thiamine and riboflavin by looking at data collected from computer-assisted interviews of the participants.

They accounted for several factors, including participants ages, lifestyles, demographics, and comorbidities.

Researchers reported that higher amounts of thiamine in the diet were associated with lower chances of migraine. This was particularly true among female participants. However, the researchers did not find a significant decrease in risk related to riboflavin.

Dr. James Giordano, a professor of neurology and biochemistry at Georgetown University Medical Center in Washington, D.C., who was not involved in the study, noted the following to MNT:

This study provides important data to support that nutritional factors can be influential upon the induction of migraine headache. Of particular note is that this study demonstrated a statistically significant role of thiamine (vitamin B-1) in mitigating migraine. Thiamine has been shown to be particularly important in regulating brain levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin; abnormalities in serotonin function have been directly implicated in the pathophysiology of migraine.

The study did have some limitations.

First, the data relies on self-reporting from participants, which can be inaccurate. For example, when evaluating the incidence of migraine, there is some assumption that participants who reported a severe headache likely experienced a migraine. The 24-hour recall method also has the potential for errors in data collection.

In addition, the interviews did not include questions about all intestinal diseases and researchers did not look into dietary patterns.

Researchers also did not look at the intake of dietary supplements, which could have impacted the intake of thiamine and riboflavin.

Finally, there is the risk of errors based on the analysis techniques used and this type of study cannot prove that lack of thiamine causes migraine.

Overall, the study notes the impact thiamine may have on migraine headaches. It could open the door to further research in this area and later guide specific clinical recommendations.

Giordano noted the following:

Taken together, it may be that thiamine could provide a useful dietary supplement for migraine-suffering individuals who may be mild to moderately magnesium deficient or who have metabolic disturbances of calcium and magnesium metabolism.

He also noted the following areas for continued research:

While research is most certainly interesting and important, additional studies should be conducted to determine more specific roles for thiamine, as well as other vitamin co-factors that may be clinically useful in preventing or lessening migraine.

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Vitamin B1 may decrease the chances of migraine headaches - Medical News Today

Biochemistry

New Center Leads Collaborative Research to Improve Firefighter Health – University of Arizona

The new Center for Firefighter Health Collaborative Researchin the University of Arizona Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health at the University of Arizona Health Sciences will allow researchers to expand their work with firefighters and fire departments to study the occupational health risks firefighters face.

The center, recently approved by the UArizona Office of Research, Innovation and Impact, builds on years of firefighter health research conducted by Zuckerman College of Public Health faculty in close collaboration with fire departments. Some of that research has already had a positive impact on firefighter health, including helping inform the International Agency for Research on Cancers decision to classify occupational exposure as a firefighter as carcinogenic, changing the previous classification of possibly carcinogenic.

This new center focuses our efforts to find answers to the health questions that our firefighter partners are asking by bringing together the researchers who are working with firefighters on a range of issues, said Jefferey L. Burgess, MD, MS, MPH, professor in the Zuckerman College of Public Health. Our community-engaged research with firefighters is at the heart of the center.

Research conducted at the Center for Firefighter Health Collaborative Research will build on previous studies and provide a database to help inform decisions, practices and policies to improve firefighter safety and health.

The center researchers and their teams have brought in over $50 million in grant funding awards since 2015 and resulted in more than 45 research publications that have informed practice and policy for firefighters and other essential workers.

Our collaboration with researchers from the University of Arizona Health Sciences has already delivered real benefits for our firefighters. I am proud that we can be part of a larger effort that advances health promotion and policy for all firefighters, said Tucson Fire Department Capt. John Gulotta. This collaborative effort is unique because stakeholder perspectives, activities and opinions from all levels of the fire service from frontline firefighters to senior leadership are represented. This approach improves the chance for successful change in the fire service safety culture.

We have forged strong relationships with the Tucson Fire Department and other fire departments that enable this research, said Dr. Burgess, who is also a member of the BIO5 Institute. At the same time, were able to draw on a range of public health expertise and exposure science knowledge at the University of Arizona Health Sciences and other collaborating universities that make it possible to do this work and answer these important occupational health questions.

Other College of Public Health researchers working with the Center for Firefighter Health Collaborative Research include associate professor Kate Ellingson, PhD; assistant professor and BIO5 Institute member Leslie Farland, ScD, MSc; assistant professor Melissa Furlong, PhD; associate professor Patricia Haynes, PhD, CBSM; and assistant professor Yiwen Liu, PhD. They work closely with firefighter partners including Gulotta; Capt. Jamie Gabriel from the Los Angeles County Fire Department; retired Capt. Jeff Hughes from the Orange County Fire Authority; Derek Urwin, PhD, engineer with the Los Angeles County Fire Department and assistant adjunct professor of chemistry and biochemistry at UCLA; and Darin Wallentine, deputy fire chief of administrative services for the Sarasota County Fire Department in Florida.

Among many ongoing areas of research, Dr. Haynes works closely with the Tucson Fire Department to provide mental health services for firefighters, who often experience unusual levels of stress on the job. She worked with the Tucson Fire Department to develop a Peer Operational Support Team, or POST, where trained peers connect with their colleagues to provide resources after potentially traumatic calls.

I am fortunate to work with Tucson Fire, and the collaborative mental health programming we implemented has made a difference, Dr. Haynes said. Our POST program has bridged employees to mental health care and reduced the stigma sometimes associated with seeking care.

Moving forward, researchers at the center will build on existing partnerships and expand collaborations with other fire departments and wildland firefighting agencies, growing their reach and expertise to change policy and practice that will lead to better health outcomes for firefighters.

All of us in the college are very proud of what our faculty and their firefighter colleagues have accomplished, said Iman Hakim, MD, PhD,dean of the Zuckerman College of Public Health, They have been at the forefront of firefighter health research in many ways, with strong partners in the Tucson Fire Department, and they are really making a difference. Im very pleased that the new center will provide a focus for this expertise and continue our progress to keep firefighters healthy.

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New Center Leads Collaborative Research to Improve Firefighter Health - University of Arizona