ASTMH News
April 2012
1. ASTMH on Capitol Hill: World Malaria Day, April 25
On April 25, World Malaria Day, ASTMH and other R&D partners will be on Capitol Hill to showcase the contributions of malaria researchers and innovators from U.S. academic institutions and private companies. View the invitation.
The briefing, "Advancements in U.S. Science and Technology in Malaria: A Showcase of Domestic Research & Development to Save Lives and Keep Americans Safe," is featuring 25+ researchers from across the country, including many ASTMH members, two of whom are Brian Grimberg, PhD, Case Western Reserve University, and Mary Galinski, PhD, Emory Vaccine Center. The researchers will have the opportunity to talk with Senate members and their staff about their work and the value it brings to the U.S. A reception follows, emceed by former U.S. Rep. Jim Kolbe (R-Ariz.) and honorary hosts, the Senate Working Group on Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases.
2. Member Profile: Jessica E. Taaffe, PhD, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, NIAID
Why are you an ASTMH member?
ASTMH focuses on global health through basic and clinical research and is committed to the training of scientists in the field. ASTMH membership is unique among scientific societies and allows me to take part in global health and science advocacy.
How can the Society help members like you in the early stages of your career?
Helping us identify and connect with career mentors, especially those seeking nontraditional paths or scientific careers away from the bench. For those seeking to use their PhDs in a different way, we can really use some thoughtful and creative guidance from ASTMH leaders and members.
As someone early in her career and at a difficult time for research funding, what does the future hold for biomedical science?
Our discoveries lead to new vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostic tools, but these discoveries occur behind the scenes, making the scientist and the scientific process less visible and more vulnerable to funding cuts. To change this, WE need to change: Scientists can and should be public and global health advocates.
Read the entire Q&A at the ASTMH blog.
3. ASTMH President's Chicago Radio Interview on Malaria
A Chicago radio station interviewed ASTMH President James W. Kazura, MD, FASTMH, about the challenges facing malaria control and prevention today. Kazura explained how malaria is spread and why adequate and immediate health care is necessary. Kazura also warned that although malaria is more prevalent in other parts of the world, it is still a threat in the U.S. "The mosquitoes that transmit malaria still exist in many parts of the United States." Listen to the interview (in four parts) on the ASTMH website.
4. AJTMH Study in New York Times Cover Story on Haiti Cholera Epidemic
In its April 1 front-page story on global failures on a Haitian epidemic, The New York Times reports on the alleged first victim of the cholera epidemic that struck Haiti in the aftermath of the 2010 earthquakes, an epidemic that killed an estimated 7,000 people and sickened at least a half a million more. Citing an AJTMH study identifying the man thought to be the epidemic's "patient zero," the story explains how the disease spread throughout Haiti and examines the role the U.N. and other organizations played in detecting the outbreak and facilitating the response to it. Read the article.
5. NIH's Francis Collins Gives Senate Testimony on FY2013 Funding
On March 28, NIH Director Francis Collins, MD, PhD, appeared before the Senate Subcommittee on Labor Health Human Services Appropriation as it considers 2013 Fiscal Year funding for the NIH. Read his written submitted testimony.