The Microbiota Therapeutics Program led by Dr. Alexander Khoruts has been the world leader in development and manufacturing of microbiota-based therapeutics over the past decade. Microbiota transplant therapy is effective in treating the serious infection c. difficile. Now, it has been shown to be safe for patients with acute myeloid leukemia—a type of blood cancer—and recipients of hematopoietic cell transplantation. Both groups suffer the combined effects of chemotherapy wiping out gut bacteria and a suppressed immune system, making them vulnerable to infection.

Developed in collaboration with researchers globally, this portable device offers access to Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in remote and rural areas where MRI scanners are typically unavailable. MRI technology provides crucial insights into the human brain, aiding in medical diagnoses and advancing neuroscience. However, conventional MRI machines are costly, demand specialized facilities and require trained operators. The compact, lightweight portable MRI scanner overcomes these barriers, significantly expanding accessibility.

The vagus is the longest nerve in the human body, controlling vital functions. Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) has been shown to benefit those with epilepsy and depression. Yet, little is known about how VNS may affect other systems. The Research Evaluating Vagal Excitation and Anatomical Links (REVEAL) project, a large clinical study led by the U of M, will set the stage for novel applications of VNS to autonomic, immune, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Researchers aim to generate one of the largest publicly available datasets on VNS to inform future treatments.

World health experts believe it's not a question of "if," but "when" we will need to respond to the next pandemic. Our researchers are part of that preparation with a $66 million grant from the NIH to establish the Midwest Antiviral Drug Discovery (AViDD) Center to develop antiviral drugs for pandemic-level viruses, including COVID-19. AViDD is part of a network of nine national centers developing new ways to target viruses and help mitigate―maybe prevent―the next pandemic.

Pain is a constant companion for far too many people. University of Minnesota research recently published in Nature gives a new understanding of ways to interrupt pain at the cellular level by controlling which signals go through. This discovery could result in more selective medications for pain and neuropsychiatric conditions, offering hope to patients living in pain. View full story

"The students have always been an inspiration. I learn so much from them," says Dr. Cuong Pham. He trains residents and medical students at the Community-University Health Care Center (CUHCC). CUHCC provides medical, dental and mental health care, legal services, and more for a culturally and ethnically diverse patient population of nearly 10,000. After his dad died, 3rd-year medical student Koushik Paul almost didn't continue his education. It was his mentor Dr. Pham who encouraged him to keep going: "When someone plays that role in your life...it's big," says Mr. Paul.