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Dr. Rebecca Clark is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biosciences at Durham University. Her research focuses on understanding intestinal function in health and disease using the Drosophila model. She investigates how the intestinal epithelium balances barrier function, nutrient absorption, microbial symbiosis, and cell turnover, particularly during aging and disease states. Key research questions include mechanisms of intestinal barrier failure and the interplay between nutrition and intestinal homeostasis. Her work integrates genetic, microbiological, and physiological approaches to explore aging-related pathologies. Current projects aim to identify molecular pathways linking intestinal health to longevity. Supervised postgraduate students include Ale Acevedo Marcelin, Beñat Yanez, and Fanila Shahzad. Dr. Clark’s lab uses Drosophila as a model system due to its powerful genetic tools and evolutionary relevance. Research has implications for understanding human conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease and age-related metabolic disorders. Recent findings highlight microbiota-independent aging mechanisms and the role of tricellular junctions in stem cell regulation. No scientific awards are explicitly listed in the provided materials. Her research has been published in journals like Cell , Nature Cell Biology , and Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences .

• Intestinal Homeostasis
• Aging Biology
• Microbial Ecology
• +3 more

Xia Gao is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics-Nutrition and the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology at Baylor College of Medicine. She leads the Gao Lab, based at the USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center in Houston, Texas, where she investigates the role of nutrition and metabolism in diseases such as cancer and obesity. Her research focuses on amino acid metabolism, particularly the impact of dietary methionine and serine restriction on cancer progression and therapy efficacy. She employs in vivo mouse models and in vitro systems combined with metabolomics, molecular biology, and immunology techniques. The most recent publications from her lab reveal a strong trend in cancer metabolism, especially in prostate and liver cancers, with a focus on dietary interventions, metabolic reprogramming, and immune cell metabolism. Her work bridges nutritional science and precision oncology, aiming to develop effective dietary therapies. Dietary methionine influences therapy in mouse cancer models and alters human metabolism (Nature, 2019) HNF4α regulates sulfur amino acid metabolism and confers sensitivity to methionine restriction in liver cancer (Nature Communications, 2020) Targeting glutamine metabolism in therapy-resistant prostate cancer (Oncogene, 2022) Dr. Gao is supported by competitive grants, including a CPRIT award (RP210056) on dietary methionine restriction to enhance chemotherapy, and an NIH/NCI R00 grant on methionine metabolism in cancer. These grants underscore her role as an independent investigator with significant research funding. The Gao Lab is part of the USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, a premier research facility equipped with advanced laboratories, a metabolic kitchen, and interdisciplinary teams focused on child and adult nutrition and disease prevention.

• Nutrition
• Metabolism
• Cancer Metabolism
• +7 more

David Walker is a Professor and Vice Chair of Academic Personnel in the Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology at the University of California, Los Angeles. He leads a research lab focused on understanding the molecular and cellular basis of aging, utilizing Drosophila melanogaster to investigate mechanisms such as mitochondrial dysfunction, autophagy, and intestinal barrier integrity. His work aims to identify therapeutic targets for age-related diseases. Education: B.S., Genetics, Queen's University Belfast (1995) MRes, Molecular Biology, University of Manchester (1996) Ph.D., Genetics, University of Manchester (2000) Walker's research interests center on the biological processes driving aging, with emphasis on mitochondrial dynamics, neurodegeneration, and gut-microbiota interactions. His lab employs genetic, molecular, and physiological approaches in Drosophila to dissect how cellular deterioration impacts lifespan and healthspan, bridging insights to human aging pathologies. Key themes include the role of autophagy adaptors (e.g., p62/SQSTM1), mitochondrial fission, and intestinal homeostasis in longevity. His recent publications (2014–2024) reveal a consistent focus on brain aging, mitophagy, and gut-brain axis disruptions, with trends toward identifying midlife interventions for healthspan extension. Articles frequently integrate cellular stress responses, metabolic regulation, and neurodegeneration, highlighting Drosophila as a versatile model for translational aging research. No scientific awards, prizes, or fellowships are mentioned in the provided text. While specific grants or student advisees are not detailed, Walker's lab actively mentors researchers and contributes to collaborative projects on aging mechanisms. Future directions may involve exploring mitochondrial-immune interactions and novel longevity pathways. Walker directs a Drosophila-focused laboratory at UCLA, emphasizing genetic screens and mechanistic studies to uncover evolutionarily conserved aging pathways. The team investigates tissue-specific aging cascades, including neuronal and intestinal systems, to develop strategies for mitigating age-related decline.

• Aging
• Mitochondrial Biology
• Neurodegeneration
• +3 more

Dr. Sung Sik Lee serves as a Lecturer in the Department of Materials at ETH Zurich, Switzerland. Affiliated with ScopeM (Scientific Center for Optical and Electron Microscopy), he develops microfluidic platforms for real-time cellular analysis at the HPM C 52.2 facility (Otto-Stern-Weg 3, Zürich). His research bridges engineering and biology to investigate cellular responses to mechanical and chemical stimuli. His primary research domains include: Microfluidics : Design of microfabricated devices for cell stretching, particle separation, and dynamic stimulation Cellular Aging : Mechanisms of chromosome loss and nuclear pore complex reorganization in yeast models Nanotoxicology : Impact of nanoplastics on macrophage inflammation and intestinal barrier integrity Advanced Imaging : Application of holotomography and Raman spectroscopy for label-free cellular analysis His work consistently targets translational applications in disease modeling and diagnostics. Analysis of his 50+ publications reveals strong interdisciplinary integration, particularly the convergence of machine learning with microscopy (e.g., automated vacuole quantification in yeast) and the development of open-access resources like MicrobioRaman. Recent trends emphasize nanoparticle-cell interactions and microfluidic solutions for inflammatory conditions including IBD and acute kidney injury. Dr. Lee actively contributes to ScopeM's mission of advancing microscopy techniques, maintaining collaborations across ETH Zurich's research ecosystem. His laboratory focuses on microfluidic device fabrication, cellular mechanotransduction studies, and biophysical characterization of particles and cells, with ongoing projects extending through 2025.

• Microfluidics
• Cell Biology
• Biophysics
• +4 more

Catarina M Henriques is a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Sheffield's School of Medicine and Population Health. She leads a research group focused on Telomere Biology, Ageing, and Regenerative Medicine, with affiliations to the Bateson Centre , Healthy Lifespan Institute (HELSI) , and CIMA (Centre for Integrated research into Musculoskeletal Ageing). BSc (Hons) in Molecular & Cellular Biology, University of Glasgow PhD in Immunology and Cancer, University of Lisbon (FCT Fellowship) Her research explores the interplay between telomere dysfunction, cellular senescence, and immune/stem cell regulation in tissue homeostasis decline during ageing. Using zebrafish models , she investigates how telomerase-dependent mechanisms influence multi-tissue degeneration and therapeutic rejuvenation strategies. Recent work highlights telomere dynamics in immunity, intestinal permeability, and neurodegeneration. Key publications include: 2024: Telomere length as an epigenetic trait in disease modeling 2023: p21-GFP senescence zebrafish for senolytic testing 2022: Gut leukocyte telomere dependence and retinal regeneration Her work bridges the Versus Arthritis CIMA and Bateson Centre collaborations. Scientific awards include: Sir Henry Dale Fellowship (Wellcome Trust/Royal Society) CIMA Research Fellowship Vice-Chancellor’s Fellowship She supervises postgraduate researchers and contributes to undergraduate/postgraduate education via modules on multimorbidity, reproduction, and human disease modeling. The lab employs histology, immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, and cell culture to study zebrafish tissue repair mechanisms.

• Ageing Research
• Telomere Biology
• Zebrafish Models
• +5 more

Katherine A. Fitzgerald, PhD , is Professor and Vice Chair of Medicine at the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School , where she also serves as Chief of the Division of Innate Immunity and holds the Worcester Foundation for Biomedical Research Chair III . She is cross-appointed in multiple graduate programs at the Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences , including Immunology and Microbiology, Translational Science, MD/PhD, and Post-baccalaureate Research Education. Education B.Sc. in Biochemistry, University College Cork, Ireland (1995) Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland (1999) Research Focus Dr. Fitzgerald’s work is centered on the molecular basis of innate immunity , dissecting how nucleic-acid sensors, inflammasomes, and long non-coding RNAs orchestrate inflammatory responses during infection and in chronic inflammatory diseases. Her laboratory aims to translate these insights into therapeutic strategies for infectious, autoimmune, and autoinflammatory disorders. Scientific Honors Member, National Academy of Sciences (USA) Member, National Academy of Medicine (USA) Member, Royal Irish Academy Fellow, American Academy of Microbiology Thermo-Fisher Meritorious Career Award (2022) Saint Patrick’s Day Medal (2015) Milstein Award for Excellence in Interferon and Cytokine Research (2014) Leadership & Service Past President of the International Cytokine and Interferon Society, she serves on national advisory boards including NIAID’s Board of Scientific Councillors and the Massachusetts Center for Pathogen Readiness. Laboratory & Training Her Fitzgerald Lab (Program in Innate Immunity) welcomes graduate rotation students; interested applicants should contact Kate.Fitzgerald@umassmed.edu .

• Innate Immunity
• Inflammasome Biology
• Nucleic-Acid Sensing
• +6 more

Jussi Taipale is a Professor of Medical Systems Biology at Karolinska Institutet and holds professorships at University of Helsinki. His research focuses on transcription factor binding mechanisms , cancer genomics , and gene regulatory networks . The interdisciplinary Taipale Lab operates across three international locations: Wellcome Sanger Institute (UK), Karolinska Institutet (Sweden), and University of Helsinki (Finland), with over 20 members including senior scientists, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate students. Ph.D., University of Helsinki (1996) Postdoctoral training: University of Helsinki, Johns Hopkins University Research spans transcription factor cooperativity , epigenetic regulation , chromatin accessibility , and noncoding mutation analysis . Key methodologies include HT-SELEX , CUT&RUN , ATI assays , and CRISPR-based functional genomics . The lab has significantly advanced understanding of Myc-driven oncogenesis , TF-nucleosome interactions , and dinucleotide specificity mechanisms . Notable discoveries include chromatin context-dependent enhancers , water-mediated DNA recognition , and novel composite transcription factor motifs . The group maintains active collaborations across Europe and has trained numerous alumni now leading academic and industry positions worldwide.

• Gene regulation
• Transcription factors
• Systems biology
• +4 more

Professor Stuart Rushworth is a faculty member at Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, where he serves as the scientific group leader for molecular haematology research. His work focuses on the tumour microenvironment in haematological malignancies, particularly Acute Myeloid Leukaemia and Multiple Myeloma, and the impact of infection and ageing on haematopoietic stem cells. Education: Bachelor's Degree – University of Sunderland PhD in Immunology – University of Cambridge Post-doctoral Training – University of Cambridge and University of East Anglia His research explores metabolic reprogramming, mitochondrial transfer, and stromal interactions in cancer. He has made significant contributions to understanding how leukaemia cells exploit the bone marrow microenvironment for survival and proliferation. His studies have identified key mechanisms such as fatty acid release from adipocytes and intercellular mitochondrial transfer via tunnelling nanotubes. His work bridges basic science and clinical translation, with implications for drug resistance and novel therapeutic strategies. The most recent articles highlight trends in immunometabolism, infection-induced haematopoietic stress responses, and metabolic crosstalk in cancer. Key themes include mitochondrial dynamics, metabolic adaptation, and innate immune signaling pathways like STING. His publications appear in high-impact journals such as Cell Reports , Nature Communications , and Blood . He is actively funded by major research bodies including the British Heart Foundation, The Big C Appeal, Academy of Medical Sciences, and BBSRC. While no formal scientific awards are listed in the provided text, his research has led to clinical trials involving BTK inhibitors in myeloma patients. Professor Rushworth mentors several PhD researchers, including Dominic Fowler-Shorten, E. E. Wojtowicz, A. Jibril, J. A. Moore, and J. Mistry. He leads the Rushworth Group, which is part of the Metabolic Health Research Centre at UEA, focusing on metabolic processes in the tumour microenvironment.

• Molecular Haematology
• Cancer Metabolism
• Tumour Microenvironment
• +12 more

Lihua Julie Zhu is a Professor and the head of Bioinformatics Core in the Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology at UMass Chan Medical School (UMMS). She also holds positions in the T.H. Chan School of Medicine, Program in Molecular Medicine, Interdisciplinary Graduate Program, and Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology program. With an interdisciplinary background spanning nutritional sciences and computer science, Dr. Zhu leads a research program focused on computational biology and bioinformatics methodologies for genomic data analysis. Dr. Zhu's educational background includes: BS in Animal Nutrition from China Agricultural University, Beijing MS in Animal Nutrition from China Agricultural University, Beijing MS in Computer Science from DePaul University, Chicago PhD in Nutritional Sciences from University of Wisconsin-Madison Dr. Zhu's research focuses on understanding gene regulation and cancer etiology through the development and application of computational tools for analyzing high-throughput genomic datasets. Her lab specializes in mining and integrating various genomic technologies including WGS, ChIP-seq, bulk and single cell RNA-seq, and ATAC-seq. A key strength of her research program is algorithm development, with her team having created over 20 computational tools, including numerous Bioconductor packages that serve the broader research community. Analysis of Dr. Zhu's recent publications (2024-2025) reveals a strong emphasis on both methodological innovation and biological discovery. Her work spans cancer biology, genome editing technologies, and computational tool development across multiple biological systems. A significant portion of her recent publications involve the creation of specialized bioinformatics tools for analyzing complex genomic datasets, demonstrating her dual commitment to advancing computational methodology while making biological discoveries. Dr. Zhu leads the Bioinformatics Core facility at UMass Chan Medical School, providing essential computational expertise and support to researchers across the institution. The core facility plays a critical role in enabling sophisticated genomic analyses for numerous research projects requiring advanced computational approaches to analyze complex biological data.

• Computational Biology
• Bioinformatics
• Gene Regulation
• +4 more

Kurt I. Anderson is a Professor of Cell Migration at the University of Glasgow and Head of the Light Microscopy Facility at the Francis Crick Institute (London). He previously held roles at the Beatson Institute for Cancer Research and Max Planck Institute for Cell Biology and Genetics. His research focuses on advanced imaging methods (FRAP, FRET, FLIM-FRET) to study tumor cell migration, molecular dynamics, and cancer progression. His work spans Cell migration mechanisms Tumor biology and metastasis Imaging technology development Molecular signaling in cancer Recent trends in his publications emphasize 3D tissue modeling Intravital and multiphoton imaging Quantitative confocal microscopy Targeting Rho GTPases in cancer Microscopy facility infrastructure Scientific awards include Royal Microscopical Society Medal for Life Sciences (2012) He has contributed to collaborative imaging grants, advised graduate students, and developed open data ecosystems for cell migration research, while leading interdisciplinary teams in pancreatic cancer and melanoma studies.

• Cell Migration
• Cancer Biology
• Imaging Techniques
• +4 more

Marcos Fernandez Fondevila is a researcher specializing in Physiology at the Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS) within the University of Santiago de Compostela . He is affiliated with the GIBIOMED Biomedical Research Group, focusing on liver diseases and metabolic disorders. Education : PhD in Medicine from the University of Santiago de Compostela (2021), with a thesis on the role of the L-α-lysophosphatidylinositol/GPR55 system in non-alcoholic steatosis and steatohepatitis. Research Interests center on: Molecular mechanisms of steatotic liver disease (NASH/MASLD) Gut microbiota-liver axis interactions Role of protein modifications (e.g., NEDDylation, O-GlcNAcylation) in metabolic regulation Intestinal barrier function in alcohol-related liver disease Signaling pathways in hepatic fibrosis (p63, TLR4, HER2) Neutrophil-mediated inflammation in hepatitis Research Trends from recent publications reveal a focus on alcohol-associated liver disease , metabolic dysregulation , and gut-liver axis dynamics . His work explores NEDDylation in aging, intestinal retroviruses in liver pathology, and microbial metabolites as disease drivers.

• Physiology
• Molecular Medicine
• Chronic Diseases
• +3 more

Phillip Karpowicz is a Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Windsor, affiliated with the Faculty of Science and the Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research. His research focuses on circadian rhythms and their roles in health, disease, and environmental adaptation. Key areas include circadian regulation of intestinal stem cells, cancer initiation, inflammatory bowel disease, and the impacts of circadian misalignment on fish biology. Research Interests: Dr. Karpowicz investigates how circadian clocks influence cellular processes, with emphases on cancer prevention, regeneration, and environmental stress responses. His work bridges chronobiology, molecular biology, and ecology, using models like Drosophila, mice, and salmon to explore disease mechanisms. Articles highlight his exploration of BMAL1 gene functions, time-restricted feeding therapies, and circadian-driven environmental resilience in aquatic species. He has secured grants including the Early Researcher Award (2018) and NSERC funding (2020). His lab advises students like Rachna Patel and Kathyani Parasram, and collaborates with institutions like the Great Lakes Institute. Notable contributions include identifying circadian clock roles in colitis recovery and tumor suppression, and developing molecular tools for stress profiling in salmonids. Ongoing work explores circadian medicine and environmental adaptation strategies for aquatic organisms.

• Chronobiology
• Cancer Biology
• Gastroenterology
• +3 more

Diane Cress is an Associate Professor in the Department of Nutrition and Food Science at Wayne State University, affiliated with the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. She holds a PhD in Nutrition from Wayne State University (2002) and has been on faculty since 2008. Her career spans clinical dietetics, laboratory research (20 years), and community engagement. Her research focuses on public-facing scholarship, including addressing food access disparities and promoting scientific literacy. She also investigates aging-related DNA repair mechanisms and folate's role in health. Cress teaches courses on metabolism and clinical dietetics, and develops community internships like the Sports Nutrition Internship with Wayne State's athletic department. She leads the Cress Lab, emphasizing accessible nutrition education and combating misinformation. Her work includes a book project on cobalt's dual role in nutrition and toxicity. She actively communicates science on Twitter, focusing on diet, climate, and evidence-based practices. Education: Ph.D. in Nutrition, Wayne State University, 2002 M.A. in Nutrition, Immaculate College, 1990 B.A. in Political Science, Allegheny College, 1987 Research Interests: Cress’s work bridges academic research and public engagement, addressing food insecurity, obesity, diabetes, and aging through community interventions. Her lab’s current focus includes folate metabolism’s impact on colon carcinogenesis and DNA repair mechanisms. She also explores cobalt’s role in essential nutrients and toxicity through creative nonfiction. Earlier research centered on base excision repair pathways and their role in aging-related mutagenesis. Teaching and Mentorship: Cress teaches advanced courses in micronutrient metabolism and master’s-level clinical dietetics. She mentors students through community internships, emphasizing practical skills and service. She advises on projects linking nutrition science to real-world challenges, such as the Sports Nutrition Internship supporting athletes and student professional development. Labs and Teams: Cress Lab: Focuses on community nutrition programs and public science communication. Cabelof Lab (past research): Investigated DNA repair mechanisms and aging.

• Nutrition and Public Health
• Food Science
• Aging and DNA Repair
• +3 more

Valérie Marcil is an Associate Professor in the Department of Nutrition at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal , and a researcher at the CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center . Her work bridges clinical research and nutrigenomics, focusing on metabolic and inflammatory processes in pediatric cancers, inflammatory bowel diseases, and adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Academic rank: Associate Professor Email: valerie.marcil@umontreal.ca Research Interests : Dr. Marcil investigates cardiometabolic complications in childhood cancer survivors, exploring how epigenetics , intestinal microbiota , and oxidative stress contribute to late effects. She also examines the gut-brain-bone axis in scoliosis and develops personalized nutritional therapies for disease prevention. Recent Article Trends : Her 2023-2024 publications emphasize lipid metabolism , pediatric oncology , and metabolic syndrome in cancer survivors. Key subfields include HDL dysfunction , early nutritional interventions , and omega-3 fatty acid applications . Scientific Awards : Prix d'excellence en enseignement aux cycles supérieurs (2022, 2019) International ACG Presidential Poster Awards (2010, 2009) FRQS and CIHR research fellowships Strauss Foundation postdoctoral grant Laboratory & Teams : Director of the Department of Nutrition at the University of Montreal, she leads the VIE Project (Valorisation, Involvement, Education) for integrated cancer care and the PROBI-O-TISM study on probiotic interventions in autism-related behaviors. Her lab employs animal models and multi-omics approaches to dissect metabolic-disease mechanisms.

• Nutrigenomics
• Lipid Metabolism
• Inflammatory and Oxidative Processes
• +6 more

Robert Sills is a Professor and Chief of the Comparative and Molecular Pathogenesis Branch at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) . With a background in veterinary medicine and molecular biology, his research focuses on elucidating the molecular and cellular mechanisms of chemical-induced carcinogenesis in the liver, lung, and other organ systems. He also investigates the application of molecular pathology techniques to evaluate non-neoplastic tissue changes caused by environmental exposures. Research Interests Molecular pathology of chemical-induced diseases Development of animal models for toxicological studies Computational approaches to gene expression analysis Epigenetic and immune responses to environmental agents Key Trends in Recent Publications His recent work spans toxicology, molecular biology, and computational pathology , with specific emphasis on: Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling in hepatocarcinogenesis Transcriptomic profiling of chemically exposed tissues Epigenetic alterations in response to arsenic and endocrine disruptors Advances in laser microdissection and immunohistochemistry Mechanistic insights into oxidative stress and fibrosis Multi-omics integration for predictive toxicology Scientific Awards Fellow, International Academy of Toxicologic Pathology (IATP) Technological Contributions Sills has pioneered the use of laser capture microdissection and multi-omics data harmonization to improve precision in toxicological pathology. His team has developed standardized protocols for gene expression analysis in rodent models and epigenetic profiling of chemically induced lesions.

• Molecular Pathology
• Toxicology
• Carcinogenesis
• +4 more