Calcium channel blockers key to reversing myotonic dystrophy muscle weakness

New research led by John Lueck, an assistant professor of pharmacology and physiology and of neurology, has identified the specific biological mechanism behind the muscle dysfunction found in myotonic dystrophy type 1 and further shows that calcium channel blockers can reverse these symptoms in animal models of the disease.

Flags will be lowered for Raman Qazi

University flags on the Eastman Quadrangle and near the entrance of Strong Memorial Hospital’s Emergency Department will be lowered on Tuesday, January 9, for Raman Qazi, a professor of hematology and oncology, who died on December 9. Qazi joined the University faculty in 1976.

Workshops on building core competencies in genomic data analysis

A sequence of three extra-curricular, hands-on workshops aimed at building core competencies in genomic data analysis will be offered by the Genomics Research Center (GRC) in conjunction with the Goergen Institute for Data Science GIDS-REM fellowship program and the Center for Integrated Research Computing (CIRC). These workshops, which cover nine core competencies, will be required for GIDS-REM fellows, and open to any researchers in the University and Medical Center communities. An introductory session on Tuesday, January 9, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Vista Collaboratory in Carlson Library is required if you require Blue Hive access or need basic knowledge of Linux clusters, running Jobs and Slurm, Modules, Software, and Jupyter.

The workshops take place from 10 a.m. to noon in Gavett Hall, Room 244. Learn more below and register here.

• Wednesday, January 10—“Experimental Design and GRC Deliverables”: Introduces experimental design considerations in generating high throughput sequencing data including RNAseq, ChIP-seq (and related -seq technologies).
• Thursday, January 11—“Bulk RNAseq”: Introduces quality control in bulk RNA sequencing experiments and best practices in RNA seq analysis.
• Friday, January 12—“Single-Cell Sequencing”: Introduces single-cell RNAseq and ATACseq data generation and analysis.

UNYTE pipeline-to-pilot awards

The UNYTE Translational Research Network, hosted by the Clinical and Translational Science Institute, is comprised of 21 research institutions across upstate New York and Pennsylvania. University faculty can apply by February 12 for up to $20,000 to support translational science projects that involve at least one faculty member from one of the other 20 UNYTE member institutions.

Earn an incentive through better health

Through Well-U’s high cholesterol program, eligible employees can earn $100 upon completion and discover ways to take control of their cholesterol numbers and health. Enroll now.

Apply by January 7 to begin a Professional MBA

If business school is among your plans for the New Year, submit your application to Simon Business School’s Professional MBA program by January 7 and have your application fee waived (a $90 savings). Classes begin later this month. If you’re interested in “test driving” your Professional MBA by taking two classes before submitting your application, attend “PMBA Pathways: Opportunity Through Non-Matriculated Entry” on Tuesday, January 9, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in Gleason Hall, Room 245.

Lecture: ‘Stealing Rembrandts’ at MAG

Join the Memorial Art Gallery to learn about the crimes that shook the art world and forever changed museums. Anthony Amore, director of security at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, serves as investigator into the 1990 heist of 13 stolen masterpieces—the largest theft in history. In this lecture on Thursday, January 25, at 7 p.m., he dives into some of the most famous art heists to date. Learn more.

Eastman Faculty Artist Series spring performances

The Eastman Faculty Artist Series announces its lineup of performances for the spring 2024 semester. Concert dates and details are subject to change. Find the most up-to-date event listings here.