Lights—red, blue, green, orange—flash in Gregory Heyworth’s lab in the Rush Rhees Library, strategically tucked beside Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation.

Under the lights and the lens of a multispectral imaging system is a Torah scroll, probably dating to around 1900. Torah scrolls are long rolls of parchment, each suspended between two wooden rollers and containing the handwritten Hebrew text of the Torah. Now entrusted to the congregation of the Temple Society of Concord in Syracuse, New York, the scroll once belonged to a European congregation—until the Holocaust.

After Nazi forces invaded Bohemia and Moravia in 1939, German authorities ordered the region’s Jewish congregations to surrender their religious books, liturgical objects, and records. More than 200,000 items were held in Prague’s Jewish Museum, including almost 1,800 Torah scrolls.

In the 1960s, the organization Memorial Scrolls Trust was established in London; it began to purchase the scrolls, documenting them and repairing them, and then placing them with Jewish congregations around the world, creating a sacred, tangible link between them and congregations lost to the Holocaust.

In 1965, Carol Holstein Killian ’70 and her father traveled to London; at the request of their rabbi, they visited the trust and ultimately arranged for the placement of a Torah scroll with their congregation, Temple Concord. The scroll is on permanent loan from the trust and is used by Temple Concord for selected services. Known as MST#149, it came from a synagogue in Pardubice, a town east of Prague, in what was then Czechoslovakia.

Last fall, Killian and her husband, Ronald Killian ’70, visited Temple Concord to view the scrolls. They inspected the inscriptions written on thin strips of paper around the edges of the rollers—but time and handling had blurred and obscured some of the text. Killian contacted Gregory Heyworth, an associate professor of English, to see if the Lazarus Project could help.

Heyworth calls his research specialty “textual science,” and the multi-spectral imaging group he established—the Lazarus Project, a not-for-profit organization—uses different wavelengths of light to photograph and analyze cultural artifacts, using digital imagery to salvage objects whose legibility would otherwise be lost to time.

This March, Killian brought two scrolls—MST#149 and a similar one also held by Temple Concord, its first congregation unknown—to Heyworth’s imaging lab in Rush Rhees Library, to see what could be discovered about the scrolls’ origins.

Click here to learn more and see additional photos of the process.

Wei Hsu, a scientist with the Eastman Institute for Oral Health, has received a five-year grant renewal for $2.58 million to allow him and co-investigator Takamitsu Maruyama, research assistant professor of dentistry, to continue efforts to decipher the skeletogenic signaling network underlying craniofacial development and disease.

The primary objective is to investigate the fundamental mechanisms underlying skeletogenesis with a specific emphasis on how skeletal stem cells are maintained at undifferentiated state, how the decision is made for them to become bone (osteoblast) or cartilage (chondro-cyte) cells, and how aberrant regulation of these processes lead to skeletal deformities.

“We currently focus on the interplay of Wnt, FGF and BMP pathways,” explains Hsu, a dean’s professor of biomedical genetics in the Center for Oral Biology. “By elucidating the mechanism underlying skeletal development mediated by these regulatory networks, we hope to advance the knowledge base of human diseases.”

Since the National Institute for Dental and Craniofacial Research grant started in 2006, Hsu and his team have published 22 peer-reviewed articles in high impact journals, including Nature Communications, Science Signaling and PNAS.

“We’re delighted that NIH/NIDCR favorably views our ongoing productivity and progress and continues to support our investigation through 2024,” Hsu says.

New Medical Center research in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B sheds light on how the damage in the brain caused by a stroke can lead to permanent vision impairment. The findings could provide researchers with a blueprint to better identify which areas of vision are recoverable, facilitating more effective interventions to encourage vision recovery.

“The integration of a number of cortical regions of the brain is necessary in order for visual information to be translated into a coherent visual representation of the world,” says Bogachan Sahin, an assistant professor of neurology and co-author of the study. “And while the stroke may have disrupted the transmission of information from the visual center of the brain to higher order areas, these findings suggest that when the primary visual processing center of the brain remains intact and active, clinical approaches that harness the brain’s plasticity could lead to vision recovery.”

The research has formed the basis of a new clinical trial for stroke patients with vision loss that is now under way at URMC and lead by Sahin. The study involves a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, the most common of which is the antidepressant Prozac. The inhibitors are known to enhance neuroplasticity – the brain’s ability to rewire itself and form new connections to restore function after damage. The hypothesis is that the drug will help restore vision by fostering the development of new connections between areas of the brain necessary for interpreting signals from the healthy eye cells.

A stroke in the primary visual cortex can result in blind areas in the field of vision. While some patients spontaneously recover vision over time, for most the loss is permanent. A long-known consequence of damage to neurons in this area of the brain is the progressive atrophy of cells in the eyes, called retinal ganglion cells. When this occurs, it becomes more likely that the person will not recover vision at that location.

The new research involved 15 patients treated at Strong Memorial and Rochester General Hospitals for a stroke that affected the primary visual processing area of the brain. The participants took vision tests, underwent scans in an MRI to identify areas of brain activity, and were administered a test that evaluated the integrity of cells in their retina.

The team found that the survival of the retinal ganglion cells depended upon whether or not the primary visual area of the brain to which they are connected remained active. Eye cells that were connected to areas of visual cortex that were no longer active would atrophy and degenerate, leading to permanent visual impairment.

However, the researchers observed that some cells in the eye remained healthy, even though the patient could not see in the corresponding field of vision. This finding suggests that these eye cells remain connected to unscathed neurons in the visual cortex and that visual information was making its way from the eyes to the visual cortex, even though this information was not being interpreted by the brain in a manner that allowed sight.

Read more here.

Three biomedical engineering faculty members — Danielle Benoit, Catherine Kuo, and Amy Lerner — who have been inducted as fellows in the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE).

Benoit was elected for her “outstanding contributions to the design of ‘smart’ materials to treat diseases, control cell behavior, and answer fundamental biological questions.”

Kuo was selected for her “innovative contributions to understanding mechanical regulation of embryonic development to inform tissue engineering and regenerative medicine strategies.”

Lerner was elected for “outstanding contributions to orthopaedic biomechanics, engineering design education, and diversity in engineering and academia.”

AIMBE, which advocates for the value of medical and biological engineering to society, selects the top two percent of medical and biological engineers to its College of Fellows.

Investigators who conduct human subject research take on a considerable amount of responsibility, both at the time of study initiation and throughout the conduct of the research. Understanding exactly what your responsibilities are as an investigator and how to document adherence to those responsibilities adequately is key.

To set you and your study team on the road to achieve compliance at the start of a study, consider taking advantage of the FREE Study Start-Up Consultation service available through the Office for Human Subject Protections’ Division of Quality Improvement (OHSP-QI).

After IRB aproval, but prior to initiating IRB-approved research, OHSP-QI staff are available to provide guidance on best practices for meeting regulatory responsibilities, as they relate to the conduct of a specific study.  This includes:

• Evaluating study documentation prepared by the study team for implementation of the study (e.g. regulatory file and data collection forms)
• Identifying processes for ensuring protocol adherence
• Providing tools and resources to support training, mentoring, and research staff development

A recent evaluation of study review findings demonstrates that study teams using this service had less findings upon QI review compared to those who did not.  Findings decreased in areas such as consenting, data and safety monitoring, adverse event assessment, protocol compliance, and regulatory adherence.

This service is available upon request.  If you are interested in taking advantage of this service or have questions, contact OHSP-QI at ohspqi@urmc.rochester.edu.

Jeff Wyatt, professor and chair of comparative medicine and an environmental justice advocate at the Seneca Park Zoo, will discuss an interdisciplinary, collaborative and successful approach to promoting ecosystem (human, environmental and animal) health at an informal luncheon April 5 to celebrate Rochester’s Fulbright Alumni and to discuss the various offerings of the Fulbright Program.

The luncheon, hosted by the Office for Global Engagement and Fulbright Association of Western New York and Pennsylvania, will be held from noon to 3 p.m. in the Eisenberg Rotunda of Schlegel Hall on the River Campus.

The luncheon will also feature a panel of Rochester Fulbright awardees who will share information on their experiences and effective practices for successful awards.

Lunch and parking vouchers will be provided.

View agenda
Register for the event.

David Amaral, professor of neuroscience at University of California/Davis, will be keynote speaker at the 2019 Neuroscience Retreat, to be held 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. April 12 at the Memorial Art Gallery, 500 University Ave.

The retreat, which is free and open to all members of the University community, will also include a faculty talk by Kuan Hong Wang of neuroscience, a post-doc talk by Jacob Yates of brain and cognitive sciences, and a student talk by Humberto Mestre of neuroscience.

To attend, register here.

The spring 2019 round of the Technology Development Fund has started with awards of up to $100,000.

Eligible projects propose the development of a technology to a commercial endpoint.

A submitted invention disclosure to UR Ventures is required for an application.

Submit preproposals to omar.bakht@rochester.edu by Friday, April 26. View more information online.

The awards are open to all faculty, staff, and students

The NIH-funded Center for Research on Flavored Tobacco (CRoFT), a joint center of Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center and the University of Rochester Medical Center, has released a Rapid Response Project request for applications.

The aim of this funding opportunity is to support research relevant to the regulation of tobacco products by the Food and Drug Administration.

Two to four one-year projects will be funded up to $100,000 in direct costs (each) in specific areas identified in the request for applications.

Two-page preproposals are due April 8, 2019.  Full proposals solicited from selected preproposals will be due April 24, 2019. 

Dimensions is a linked research information system that can help deepen your understanding of the research landscape.

The platform contains over 99 million publications, 4.3 million awarded grants, 38 million patent records, 450,000 clinical trials, and 380,000 policy documents. Through Dimensions you can explore publications, grants, patents, clinical trials, policy documents, and all of the linkages between.

On April 23-24 the River Campus Libraries is hosting a series of workshops to help researchers take advantage of this tool. Learn how explore a research area, use the API, find collaborators, access metrics and other data, and explore new grant opportunities.

Session details:

• Understanding the Research Landscape Through Dimensions – April 23, 10-11 a.m.
• Identifying Scholarly Networks via Bibliometric Mapping – April 23, 1-2 p.m.
• Introduction to the Dimensions API – April 24, 10-11 a.m.
• Finding Collaborations and Funding –April 24 1-2 p.m.

More information and registration links are available here.

Allison Li, pathology, “Assessing the Role of Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS)-Induced Bone Marrow Microenvironment Remodeling in MDS Progression.” 1 p.m., April 3, 2019. 1-7619 Lower Adolph (Medical Center). Advisor: Laura Calvi.

Andrew Smith, microbiology and immunology, “Rational Alterations to the Influenza A Polymerase Have Ramifications for Both Therapeutic Intervention and Pandemic Preparedness.” Noon, April 5, 2019. K207 (2-6408) Medical Center. Advisor: Stephen Dewhurst.

Sushant Konduli, electrical and computer engineering, “Architectures for More Effective and Efficient Decoupled Look-Ahead.” 9 a.m., April 9, 2019. Computer Studies Building 426. Advisor: Michael Huang. 

Brian C. Palmer, toxicology, “The dermal toxicity and immunomodulatory effects of topically applied engineered nanomaterials in a model of allergic contact dermatitis.” 9 a.m., April 10, 2019. Upper Auditorium 3-7619 (Medical Center). Advisor: Lisa DeLouise.

Adam Johnson, biology, “Axial Elongation in a Gastropod: the Shell Growth Zones and the Mesoteloblast Lineage in Tritia.” Noon, April 10, 2019. Computer Studies Building 209. Advisor: David Lambert.

Anas Abidin, biomedical engineering, “Imaging Biomarkers for Neurologic Disease: A Computational Framework for Functional MRI Analysis.” 12:30 p.m. April 12, 2019. 3-7619 Upper Auditorium (Medical Center). Advisor: Axel Wismueller.

Ka Ming Woo, physics, “The Influence of Three Dimensional Effects on the Core Dynamics and Nuclear Measurements of Inertial Fusion Implosions.” 2:40 p.m., April 12, 2019. Bausch and Lomb 375. Advisor: Riccardo Betti.

Samuel Knarr, physics, “Compressive Characterization of High-Dimensional Classical and Quantum Light Sources.” 3:15 p.m., April 15, 2019. Bausch and Lomb 109. Advisor: John Howell.

Today: PONS Luncheon Roundtable Series: Publish or Perish. How to produce outstanding articles with expert panelists John Foxe, Department of Neuroscience & European Journal of Neuroscience co-editor-in-chief; Rick Libby, Department of Ophthalmology & GEPA senior associate dean, and Elaine Smolock, Department of Microbiology and Immunology & CPD director of writing services. Noon. URMC Louise Slaughter Conference Room 1-9555.  Refreshments will be provided.  For more information on upcoming Neuro-related events, go to http://blogs.rochester.edu/pons/

April 1: Strengthening Latino Health: the 2019 Latino Health and Health Disparities Conference (Fortaleciendo La Salud Latina: Conferencia de Salud Latina 2019.) Researchers, practitioners, and advocates share emerging research, best practices, and community perspectives that shape the agenda for Latino health and eliminating disparities. 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., School of Medicine and Dentistry. View course information and register online.

April 3: Jesse L. Rosenberger Works-in-Progress seminar. Jennifer Kyker, associate professor of music, presents “Sekuru’s Stories: Musical Sound and the Digital Humanities” as part of the theme of expertise and evidence. Noon to 2 p.m. Humanities Center Conference Room D at Rush Rhees LIbrary. Lunch provided. RSVP by clicking here.

April 4: University Technology Showcase, sponsored by Center for Emerging and Innovative Sciences and the Center of Excellence in Data Science. 1 to 5 p.m., Doubletree, 1111 Jefferson Road. Speakers are Julie Gerstenberger, CEO and co-founder of Moondog Labs; Sharon Samjitsingh, co-founder of Health Care Originals; and Michael Molaire, CEO and founder of Molecular Glasses. Poster session. Register at https://ceis.wufoo.com/forms/moa11nv1mhui4d/

April 5: Fulbright Scholar Alumni Luncheon to celebrate Rochester’s Fulbright Alumni and to discuss the various offerings of the Fulbright Program. Research presentation by Jeff Wyatt, professor and chair of comparative medicine. Panel of Rochester Fulbright awardees who will share information on their experiences and effective practices for successful awards. Noon to 3 p.m. Eisenberg Rotunda, Schlegel Hall. Lunch and parking vouchers will be provided. Register for the event.

April 5: 8th Annual Medical Scientist Research Symposium. Keynote address: “Catch Me if You Can: Resistance to Chimeric Antigen Receptor T cell Therapy” by Marco Ruella, assistant professor of hematology/oncology and scientific director of the Lymphoma Program at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Noon, Class of ’62 Auditorium. Student poster session 1:30 – 3 p.m. Flaum Atrium. Student oral presentations 3-4:30 p.m., Class of ’62 Auditorium.  For questions or requests, email Cathy Senecal-Rice or call 5-8721. Additional Information

April 8: Deadline for two-page preposals for funding from the Center for Research on Flavored Tobacco (to support research relevant to the regulation of tobacco products by the Food and Drug Administration. Learn more from the request for applications.

April 12: 2019 Neurosience Retreat. David Amaral, professor of neuroscience at University of California/Davis, will be keynote speaker. 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Memorial Art Gallery, 500 University Ave. Free and open to all members of the University community. To attend, register here.

April 17: Jesse L. Rosenberger Works-in-Progress seminar. Anaar Desai-Stephens, assistant professor of ethnomusicology, presents “‘You have to feel to sing!’: Affective Pedagogy, and the Commodification of  ‘Feel’ in (Neo)liberalizing India” as part of the theme of expertise and evidence. Noon to 2 p.m. Humanities Center Conference Room D at Rush Rhees LIbrary. Lunch provided. RSVP by clicking here.

April 22: Deadline to apply for UR-CTSI Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) Pipeline-to-Pilot grant of up to $15,000. Read the full request for applications. For questions, contact John Cullen.

April 23-24: Workshops on using Dimensions, a linked research information system, to explore a research area, use the API, find collaborators, access metrics and other data, and explore new grant opportunities. Sponsored by River Campus Libraries and AS&E. More information and registration links are available here.

April 25: 31st Annual Genetics Day. 9 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Class of ’62 Auditorium and Flaum Atrium. Lecture by Phillip D. Zamore, Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator and professor of biomedical sciences at the University of Massachusetts on piRNAs and the Struggle to Reproduce.  Register for a poster presentation by Monday, April 15, 5:00 p.m.

April 26: Preproposals due for Technology Development Fund awards of up to $100,000 to develop a technology to a commercial endpoint. Submit preproposals to omar.bakht@rochester.edu. View more information online.

May 2: Jesse L. Rosenberger Works-in-Progress seminar. Tracy Stuber and Anastasia Nikolis, Public Humanities graduate fellows, present a public humanities fellowship update. Noon to 2 p.m. Humanities Center Conference Room D at Rush Rhees LIbrary. Lunch provided. RSVP by clicking here.

May 23: Deadline to apply for funding from the Center for Emerging and Innovative Sciences (CEIS) to support projects with NY companies that promote technology transfer to those companies. All proposals must be submitted by email as attachments using the forms on the CEIS web site at http://www.ceis.rochester.edu/funding/CIRP.html. Documentation of company commitment must accompany the proposal. Proposals must be received by Cathy Adams (cathy.adams@rochester.edu, 585-275-3999). Questions may be addressed to her as well.