Scientists have created one of the most detailed 3D images of the synapse, the important juncture where neurons communicate with each other through an exchange of chemical signals.

These nanometer scale models will help scientists better understand and study neurodegenerative diseases such as Huntington’s disease and schizophrenia.

A team led by Steve Goldman, codirector of the Center for Translational Neuromedicine at Rochester and the University of Copenhagen, report their work in the journal PNAS. The findings represent a significant technical achievement that allows researchers to study the different cells that converge at individual synapses at a level of detail not previously achievable. 

“It is one thing to understand the structure of the synapse from the literature, but it is another to see the precise geometry of interactions between individual cells with your own eyes,” says Abdellatif Benraiss, a research associate professor in the Center for Translational Neuromedicine and a coauthor of the study.

This “young field” holds big potential.

Within our cells, structures called lipid droplets serve as storage units for energy in the form of lipids or fats. Because fat is an important energy source for cells and organisms, scientists had long assumed that lipid droplets had a straightforward role during egg production, as energy providers for the developing embryo.

In the past few years, however, scientists have found that lipid droplets play additional roles. Researchers at Rochester and the University of Iowa recently discovered that lipid droplets play a vital role during the development of eggs in fruit flies.

In a paper published in the journal Development, the researchers report that lipid droplets provide a signal that triggers cellular changes necessary for the growth of the egg—and could affect fertility in myriad organisms.

“We suspect this function is widespread and may also contribute to fertility in humans,” says Michael Welte, a professor in the Department of Biology, who led the Rochester group.

The findings link to prostaglandin production.

Stephen Dewhurst has been named vice president for research at the University.

An accomplished virologist and HIV researcher, and respected scientific and academic leader who has been serving in the interim role since 2021, Dewhurst has been appointed to the key leadership role by University President Sarah Mangelsdorf, and following Board of Trustees approval. Dewhurst’s appointment is effective immediately and follows a national search. He will also continue to serve as vice dean for research at the School of Medicine and Dentistry, a position he has held since 2013.

“We are so very fortunate to have Steve leading our unified research enterprise,” says Mangelsdorf. “A highly distinguished scientist, scholar, and proven academic leader, he is the right person to help us embark upon our strategic plan and work to enhance our reputation as a consequential global research university. He understands well our unique areas of distinction and sees the real opportunities for growth and innovation.”

The vice president for research leads the University’s vast research program, which spans disciplines including clinical applications and basic sciences, optics, humanities, social sciences, and more. Dewhurst will continue to facilitate and support partnerships among the University’s many research offices to make thoughtful and strategic investments in centers, labs, institutes, and initiatives. He will also lead efforts to secure increasing levels of sponsored research funding.

Read more about Dewhurst’s research background.

After serving 17 years in the role, Robert Holloway is stepping down as the director of the Clinical & Translational Science Institute’s KL2 Career Development Program.

Under his direction, the program has provided financial and career development support for 50 early-stage researchers, helping them establish independent research careers and become research leaders across the Medical Center and beyond.

Effective July 1, he will be succeeded by Thu Le, who joined the Medical Center as chief of nephrology in October 2018.

Learn more about the transition.

Apply by Monday, July 24 at 5 p.m.

Research teams with at least one Rochester faculty member can get up to $10,000 to support early-phase research projects that improve health equity and incorporate effective translation, distribution, and/or use of evidence-based interventions and policies in real-world settings. Learn more about the Health Equity-Focused Dissemination and Implementation (EQ-DI) Pipeline-to-Pilot Award from the University of Rochester Clinical and Translational Science Institute.