Institute funds pilot projects

The Institute on Aging encourages collaborative research across Grounds on topics relevant to issues involving later life. Four pilot research projects have been selected for funding this year:

Majd Alwan, assistant professor of pathology, and Courtney Lyder, professor of nursing. They are working to develop a low-cost device for detecting bedsores and other pressure sores affecting bedridden and immobilized dark-skinned people.

James Bennett, professor of neurology, is working toward development of mitochondrial gene replacement therapy for use in human diseases of aging, such as Alzheimer's, heart failure and muscle wasting.

Jack Knight-Scott, assistant professor of biomedical engineering, is testing a new method for quantifying the contributions of cerebral spinal fluid and brain tissue water in the human brain. This could advance the understanding of the pathology of disease processes in the brain and normal age-related processes.

Jeffrey S. Smith, associate professor of biochemistry and molecular genetics, is using lab methods to understand the reasons why calorie restriction seems to increase life span. Ultimately, the work could lead to antiaging therapeutics in mammals.