Boston University News Releases

Researchers Identify Proteins In Lung Cancer Cells That May Provide Potential Drug Targets

Gina M. Digravio — 2009-11-25T10:14:26-05:00

(Boston) – Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) and the Boston University Biomedical Engineering Department have identified a number of proteins whose activation allows them to distinguish between cancer and normal cells with almost 97 percent accuracy. In addition, the BU researchers have developed a new computational strategy to analyze this data and specifically identify key biological pathways (molecular circuits) that are active in cancer and “dormant” in normal cells. The study which appears in the November 25th issue of PLoS ONE, will ultimately lead to the development of drugs specifically aimed to inhibit these proteins.

Boston University Academy Student Awarded $20,000 for First Place in Math Competition

Lauren Domingos — 2009-11-16T14:51:35-05:00

(Boston) – Boston University Academy (BUA) student and Lexington resident Elizabeth Synge won $20,000 for first place in the Advantage Testing Foundation's Math Prize for Girls competition held at New York University on November 14, 2009. With an additional $23,000 in prize money for nine other top performers, the Math Prize for Girls represents the world's largest math award exclusively for young women in high school. 237 girls from across the nation participated in the competition which featured an exam consisting of 20 complex problems covering algebra, geometry, trigonometry, combinatorics, and number theory.

The Boston University College of Fine Arts presents the second season of the Boston Center for American Performance (BCAP)

Jean Connaughton — 2009-11-13T15:03:11-05:00

(Boston) – The Boston University College of Fine Arts is pleased to announce the second season of the Boston Center for American Performance (BCAP), Boston University’s professional performing arts initiative. This season, BCAP will feature two productions running at the Stewart F. Lane and Bonnie Comley Studio 210 at the Boston University Theatre: David Rabe’s A Question of Mercy (December 2-19) and Paula Vogel’s How I Learned to Drive (February 10-27).

BUSM Researchers Find Fat Collections in Certain Body Areas Linked To Decreased Heart Function

Gina M. Digravio — 2009-11-13T09:05:36-05:00

(Boston) - Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) have shown that fat collection in different body locations, such as around the heart and the aorta and within the liver, are associated with certain decreased heart functions. The study, which appears on-line in Obesity, also found that measuring a person’s body mass index (BMI) does not reliably predict the amount of undesired fat in and around these vital organs.

New Chief And Chair Of Dermatology Named At Boston Medical Center And Boston University School Of Medicine

Allison Rubin — 2009-11-12T14:05:33-05:00

(Boston)- Rhoda M. Alani, MD, has been appointed chair of the Department of Dermatology, Herbert Mescon Chair and professor of dermatology at Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) and chief of the Department of Dermatology at Boston Medical Center (BMC). She will assume these positions in January 2010.