January 31, 2020 - 10:30am
Machine-learned Molecular Models for a Bottom-up Systems Biology
Mohammed AlQuraishi, PhD
(Harvard)News
Profile
Yufeng Shen, PhD: Seeking Discovery of Novel Genetic Variants that Cause Disease
Utilizing new methods, Yufeng Shen answers longstanding questions that impact health. Specifically, Dr. Shen's research has focused on discovering novel genetic variants that cause human diseases. He is developing new computational methods to interpret genome data, identifying genetic causes of human diseases by integrating multiple types of genomic data, and modeling of immune cell populations. Learn more about Dr. Shen and his lab's research in this recent faculty profile.
Announcement
Highly Cited Researchers
Congratulations to Drs. Raul Rabadan and Xuebing Wu who were recently named a Highly Cited Researcher, according to the 2019 list from the Web of Science Group. Overall, Columbia University ranked 15th on the list of global institutions, with a total of 47 Highly Cited Researchers.
Research News
Why Do We Freeze When Startled? New Study in Flies Points to Serotonin
A study in fruit flies, led by Richard Mann, PhD, has identified serotonin as a chemical that triggers the body’s startle response, the automatic deer-in-the-headlights reflex that freezes the body momentarily in response to a potential threat. The new study reveals that when a fly experiences an unexpected change to its surroundings, such as a sudden vibration, release of serotonin helps to literally stop the fly in its tracks momentarily. These findings offer broad insight into the biology of the startle response, a ubiquitous, yet mysterious, phenomenon that has been observed in virtually every animal studied to date.
Research News
Examining Genetic Risk Factors in Severe Birth Defect
A study, led by Dr. Yufeng Shen and Dr. Wendy Chung at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, investigated the genetic risk factors linked to congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) and analyzed data from whole genome sequencing and exome sequencing to determine novel mutations. The study uncovered the link between CDH and additional developmental disorders. Researchers have been aiming to identify new risk genes in CDH—and other developmental disorders—with the hope that with improved genetic diagnosis more tailored or long-term care for patients born with this defect could be provided, as well as potential targets for intervention.
Profile
Nicholas Tatonetti, PhD: Always Thinking Outside the Box
Nicholas Tatonetti solves problems. He has always enjoyed it, and as the informatics community has discovered, he is both creative and proficient in his methods. Awarded tenure this year and promoted to associate professor, Dr. Tatonetti focuses on the use of advanced data science methods, including AI and machine learning, to investigate medicine safety. Learn more about Dr. Tatonetti and his innovative research in this recent faculty profile.