New gene therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy a ‘monumental advance’

Last week, the US Food and Drug Administration granted accelerated approval of a new drug to treat ambulatory pediatric patients aged 4-5 years with Duchenne muscular dystrophy—the first gene therapy approved to treat the debilitating and fatal disease found almost exclusively in boys. Emma Ciafaloni, the Robert C. and Rosalyne H. Griggs Professor in Experimental Therapeutics of Neurological Disease, led the Rochester study site at the Medical Center. She offers insight into the drug, why the FDA chose to limit its use, and what this means for patients and their families.

Flags will be lowered for Paul Connelly

University flags on the Eastman Quadrangle and near the entrance of Strong Memorial Hospital’s Emergency Department will be lowered on Tuesday, July 11, for Paul Connelly, a senior information analyst at the Eastman Institute for Oral Health, who died on June 9. Connelly joined the University staff in 2017.

Short hiatus planned for @Rochester next week

@Rochester will take a brief break from July 3 to 7, with no issues planned during that time. We’ll return to our regular weekday schedule on Monday, July 10.

Dolphin moms use ‘baby talk’ with their calves

Science, June 26

Elise Piazza, an assistant professor of brain and cognitive sciences and of neuroscience, says, “It makes sense that dolphins would use their version of motherese almost solely for bonding,” given their large, mobile societies, and the necessity of staying in touch over sometimes long distances.

Career Path Modernization community update presentation now available

The Career Path Modernization project team recently gave an update on the project, with more than 1,000 members of the University community in attendance at one of three sessions. A recording of a session and the presentation slides are now available online.

Summer pet care from Care.com

Who’s watching your dog while you’re on summer vacation? Eligible employees can find help with pet sitting, dog walking, grooming, and training using their free Premium Care.com membership. Visit the family care web page for eligibility criteria and to enroll.

Language Center operating virtually on Fridays in July

The Language Center will operate remotely on Fridays throughout the month of July. Connect with the staff for a virtual visit here.

How to prepare a stellar application for graduate school

The Warner School of Education and Human Development offers seven tips for putting together a robust graduate school application that will help you stand out and secure admission.