News

Upstate Medical University one of four sites worldwide to enroll young children in Pfizer covid vaccine trial

Upstate Medical University will be one of the first sites in the world to enroll children under 5 years of age in the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine trial when the study begins April 5.

Upstate researcher lands five-year NIH grant for $2.2 million to study chaperone proteins linked to cancer

Mehdi Mollapour, PhD, received a prestigious Maximizing Investigators’ Research Award.

Upstate vision researcher lands $2.6 million NIH grant and prestigious national innovation award

Professor Peter Calvert, PhD, studies diseases that cause blindness.

Upstate opens new Vector Biocontainment Lab to propel research on coronavirus and other infectious diseases

New lab is a first for Upstate, will encourage research across SUNY.

Upstate professor lands $1.1 million NIH grant to study tumor cell growth related to metastatic cancer

The study has ties to kidney, prostate, breast and lung cancer.

Upstate researcher lands grant to study how to treat water on the brain with medication as alternative

Hydrocephalus commonly occurs after a brain injury.

MedTech salutes as Project of the Year the saliva swab test for coronavirus

The award presentation will be at a free virtual Honors Ceremony 4 to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, January 14.

Upstate to host virtual SUNY Lyme & Tick-borne Diseases Meeting Jan. 11, registration open to the public

The meeting will bring together researchers and scientists from across the SUNY system.

Stephen J. Thomas, MD, co-authors paper published in New England Journal of Medicine about Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine

Publication is an important step to ensure transparent and objective review of vaccine.

Upstate now seeks participants from 12 to 15 years of age for Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 clinical trial

The move to lower the participant age range from 12 to 15 helps to ensure an effective vaccine for children to prevent them from getting sick and spreading the virus to more vulnerable populations.

Upstate’s Stephen J. Thomas, MD, part of public hearing Thursday as FDA considers Emergency Use Authorization for COVID-19 vaccine

Thomas may be called upon to explain how the trial was executed in Syracuse.

Governor congratulates SUNY Upstate Medical on No. 1 FDA ranking among COVID-19 saliva test for detecting virus in earliest stages

Upstate Medical's and Quadrant Biosciences' Clarifi COVID-19 Test Kit among the most sensitive tests at #6 worldwide in detecting COVID

Upstate's Housecalls for the Homeless program receives support from Bank of America

$30,000 grant to the Upstate Foundation will fund point-of-care equipment, medicine, coronavirus supplies, medical equipment, eyeglasses, dentures, and personal care items vital for the care of these at-risk individuals.

Ruth Weinstock, MD, PhD, elected to one of four key national principal officer posts at American Diabetes Association

Effective immediately, Weinstock will serve as president of medicine and science for the ADA.

Upstate researchers involved in published work on finding schizophrenia and intellectual disability risk in 22q Deletion Syndrome patients

Wanda Fremont, MD, and Wendy Kates, PhD, among the authors of Nature Medicine study that focuses on the connections between 22q Deletion Syndrome and schizophrenia and intellectual disabilities

Upstate’s Dr. Stephen Thomas is tapped as lead principal investigator for Pfizer/BioNTech global phase 3 COVID-19 vaccine trial

The trial is showing a more than 90 percent efficacy in preventing COVID-19. Upstate serves as one of the global phase three vaccine trial locations.

Upstate division leading clinical trial work on vaccines and drugs expands to Community Hospital

The institute is involved in 20 projects, including eight COVID-related.

Baldwin Fund of CNY supports breast cancer research projects

Lisa Lai, MD, and Brittany Simone, DO, are the principal investigators of the funded studies.

Upstate’s Andras Perl, MD, PhD, earns one of the American College of Rheumatology’s highest honors

Honor recognizes contributions to ACR and the field of rheumatology.

NIH awards Upstate professor’s lupus clinical trial $7.2 million grant

Rheumatology Chief Andras Perl, MD, PhD, is leading the study, which is based at Upstate and involves 20 lupus centers from academic institutions around the United States. This is the first NIH-supported multi-center clinical trial led by an Upstate professor.

FDA approves emergency use authorization for diagnostic saliva COVID-19 test developed by SUNY Upstate Medical University and Quadrant Biosciences

The authorization means the test is now widely and available immediately for use by high-complexity clinical laboratories serving patients through physicians' offices, urgent care clinics and hospitals.

Upstate Foundation awards $50,000 for pediatric cancer research

The grants, made possible through an anonymous estate gift to the Upstate Foundation, honor September as Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month.

Chancellor Malatras announces five additional COVID-19 testing machines for Upstate Medical University to increase SUNY testing capacity to more than 120,000 tests weekly

Malatras's second visit in two weeks features visit to CNY Biotech Accelerator.

SUNY Chancellor Malatras and Upstate Medical Interim President Dewan announce state Health Department approval of Upstate’s saliva diagnostic test to quickly identify positive COVID cases

This cost-effective and rapid screening can analyze over 15,000 samples per day or 105,000 a week.

What Is cerebral venous thrombosis? Upstate study finds blood clot condition on the rise

Study author, Upstate's Dr. Fadar Oliver Otite, found that the number of cases of CVT in the United States is three times higher than previously reported.

Upstate begins COVID-19 antibody clinical trial

The phase-one study is seeking healthy adults 18 to 60 years old who have not participated in another clinical trial within 30 days of enrollment and have no history of COVID-19.

New York state approves program to detect COVID-19 spread through pooled surveillance testing developed by Upstate

Upstate is working with Quadrant Biosciences on saliva-based diagnostic solutions.

Upstate researcher awarded $2.7 million in grants to research eye scarring, glaucoma

One of the grants expands Dr. Audrey Bernstein’s ongoing NIH-funded work, which is focused on developing a therapeutic target for scarring in the eye in conjunction with biotech collaborators.

Public Health and Preventive Medicine team publishes study revealing social distancing helped slow the spread of coronavirus in CNY

The study used data from eight local counties.

New cardiac surgeon joins Upstate; will help expand Upstate’s atrial fibrillation program, clinical trials

Stephen Waterford, MD, MS, comes to Upstate from Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.

Upstate seeks participants for clinical trial of COVID-19 vaccine

'Individuals who volunteer for this study will help advance our understanding of whether this vaccine has the potential to protect people and work toward ending the pandemic.'

Upstate professor publishes paper on formula for safer dosing of meds after kidney transplants

New formula could lessen dangerous post-surgery complications.

Upstate researchers publish work on new technology to treat severe sepsis that could be used for COVID-19 patients

Sepsis contributes to more than 270,000 U.S. deaths per year.

Upstate professor’s research makes ground-breaking connections between abnormalities in the heart and brain

His work could help those with epilepsy.

Research sheds new light on HIV replication process

In a recent article in Cell Reports, Dr. Harry Taylor notes that only "activated CD4 T cells have the required resources to fuel the intracellular steps necessary to support HIV replication factory lines at full throttle."

Upstate launches study to monitor family members of those diagnosed with COVID-19 to learn about transmission and immunity

The COVID-19 Surveillance Research Study, funded through a $279,770 grant from SUNY, hopes to enroll 400 to 600 households.

Upstate professor awarded $1.6 million NIH grant to study metabolic syndrome disorders

Principal Investigator George Holz, PhD, and Co-Investigator Robert Cooney, MD, will work to identify strategies to treat inflammation, obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disorders. Co-existence of these disorders underlies a "metabolic syndrome,” which affects 1 billion people around the world.

Upstate psychiatry researchers publish study about brain function and its influence on PTSD, panic and anxiety disorders

The study addresses how the balance of brain cells responsible for storing memories have distinct functions and the balance between their functions may influence the occurrence of post-traumatic stress, panic and anxiety disorders.

Those with IDD more likely to die from COVID-19, says SUNY Upstate, SU study

Researchers also found that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities had a higher prevalence of comorbid circulatory, respiratory, and endocrine diseases across all age groups.

Startup at Upstate's CNY Biotech Accelerator produces treatment to spur bone growth

The invention emerged from research conducted at SUNY Upstate Medical University by Zetagen’s co-founders, Bryan Margulies, PhD, and Nikhil Thakur, MD, while both were assistant professors there.

Upstate to begin testing ticks from public on June 1

In 2019, the tick testing program, headed by Upstate Professor Saravanan Thangamani, PhD, received 1,921 tick samples from July through late October. About 25 percent of the ticks were found to carry Lyme disease.

Upstate’s Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine mobilizes response team for behind-the-scenes COVID-19 mapping, support and planning

Their work may increase interest in the Upstate Master in Public Health Program.

Upstate professor lands federal grant to continue kidney cancer research

Funding will continue a decade-long research project into kidney cancer biology.

Upstate clinical trial seeks to examine whether nicotine in patch form can improve long term memory and functioning

Study seeks healthy, non-smoking adults, age 55+ who have noticed changes in their memory or whose family members have noticed changes.

Upstate breaks ground on Nappi Longevity Institute

Project will provide critical care and medical advancements in brain health to combat Alzheimer's and related diseases.

Upstate’s Usha Satish’s highly sought after research is getting attention

Her work involves studying process and improving decision-making.

Upstate pediatricians to participate in Harvard research to study effects of toxic stress on children

The study seeks to enroll up to 300 Upstate patients through June 2021.

Upstate research leads to Quadrant Biosciences’ release of first epigenetic test for autism

Research by Frank Middleton and colleagues at Penn State helped create this groundbreaking biological test that is based on regulatory RNAs and microbes in the saliva.

Upstate grad student lands prestigious NIH fellowship to study dementia

Hannah Phillips, a PhD candidate in the departments of neuroscience and psychiatry at Upstate, will use the NIH grant to study frontotemporal dementia (FTD), which is the second most common form of dementia after Alzheimer’s disease.

New Leica Microsystems Center of Excellence at Upstate opens Nov. 14

The advanced technology will propel research across campus.

Upstate professor releases findings from Citizen Science Tick Testing Program

The project received nearly 2,000 ticks from across the state.

Leading cancer experts to deliver Carol M. Baldwin Breast Cancer lectures

A breast surgical oncologist with an NCI-designated cancer center and leading scientist who has pioneered the field of tumor microenvironment will deliver the Endowed Carol M. Baldwin Breast Cancer Lectures in October and November at Upstate Medical University.

Upstate startup lands recent NIH grant to develop technology to help patients better tolerate chemotherapy

William Kerr is the lead investigator on a National Institutes of Health grant to study how manipulating a gene could help people better tolerate and recover from chemotherapy.

Upstate is part of national trial evaluating drug to slow Alzheimer’s disease

Sharon Brangman, MD, is leading a clinical trial of a drug aimed at slowing the ravages of Alzheimer’s disease.

Upstate hosts International Conference on Pheo Para

Conference will host what is expected to be the largest single gathering of patients who have battled pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma, a rare condition marked by cancerous tumors.

Faraone elected to head major international ADHD organization

Stephen V. Faraone, PhD, Distinguished Professor at Upstate and a leading researcher on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), has been elected president of the World Federation of ADHD.

Stephen Faraone, PhD, reaps national, international honors

Quadrant Biosciences, StartUP NY company based at Upstate, awarded $2M NIH grant for game changing diagnostic test

Quadrant Biosciences Inc., a StartUp NY company headquartered on the Upstate Medical University campus, has been awarded a $2 million Phase II Small Business

Upstate to host national event aimed at getting Native-American students to pursue medical education

Later this month, Upstate Medical University will host 19 Native American students interested in pursuing medicine at the campus's first Association of American Indian Physicians Pre-Admission Workshop.

Upstate researcher is awarded $1.5 million NIH grant to develop novel approach to preventing, treating sepsis

Upstate Medical University associate professor Juntao Luo, PhD, has been awarded a four-year $1.5 million National Institutes of Health R01 research grant to continue studying a novel technique

Upstate student is one of 29 nationwide to win honor from the American Society of Hematology

Christina Marcelus, a third-year medical student at Upstate Medical University, has been selected as one of only of 29 students in the nation to participate in the American Society of Hematology's (ASH) 2018 Minority Medical Student Award Program.

NIH grant to prevent, treat sepsis

Upstate Medical University researcher awarded $1.5 million National Institutes of Health grant to study novel technique to prevent and treat sepsis.

Patty Kane wins NIH grant

Patty Kane wins NIH grant to review how body systems eradicate cancer

Researcher is awarded $1.1 million NIH grant to continue studies on enzymes to better understand neurodegenerative diseases

Dr. Patricia Kane is studying how V-ATPases, a type of enzyme, knows where and how to help cells regulate pH.

Mehdi Mollapour is named Vice Chair for Translational Research for Urology

Mollapour to help enhance research collaborations between basic scientists and surgeons with an aim to increasing translational research.

Upstate launches new degree program that will train behavior analysts to help people with autism and related disorders

This new course of study should help fill the gap for trained professionals in Upstate New York, Upstate officials say.

Upstate showcases services, expertise, offers health screenings at New York State Fair, beginning Aug. 22

On Aug. 31 Upstate will present a 15-foot tall brain that fairgoers can walk through to learn what happens to the brain during a traumatic injury, stroke or concussion.

Researchers discover key link in understanding sleep disorders

The findings hold promise for advancing the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders among children.

Upstate raises profile of Geriatrics as it becomes its own clinical department

Nationally prominent geriatrician Sharon Brangman, M.D., who has led Upstate's Division of Geriatrics for 20 years, will be the chair of the new department.

Kathleen Iles, Heather Nelson honored with Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence

Award recognizes top achievers in SUNY institutions.

Three will receive honorary degrees at Commencement May 20

Carolyn Jones, Jean William Pape, MD, and Tracy Shenandoah will speak to graduates and receive honorary degrees.

Upstate researchers inch closer to a prototype saliva test to diagnose autism

Researchers are looking at microRNA in saliva for clues on autism.

Winner of Nobel Prize in Medicine to speak at Upstate March 27; part of scientific lecture doubleheader

Neuroscientist Thomas C. Südhof, MD, won the 2013 Nobel Prize in Medicine for discovering the machinery regulating vesicle traffic, a major transport system in our cells.

Center for autoimmune and inflammation disorders named for emeritus professor Paul Phillips, MD

The Phillips Center focuses on the metabolic control of autoimmunity, inflammation, immune health and supports new collaborative initiatives in autoimmunity and inflammatory diseases.

Upstate University Hospital earns recognition as 'Gold Safe Sleep Champion'

National certification recognizes Upstate's best practices for ensuring the safest sleep for infants being cared for across the health system.

Upstate, ESF reseachers use synthetic protein to disrupt work of bacteria

Work of Megan Gribble Lloyd, Jennifer Moffat and others is highlighted in a recent issue of 'Scientific Reports.'

Paige's Butterfly Run presents $210,000 donation for pediatric cancer care, research

The run has become the centerpiece of a year-round fundraising effort coordinated by the Paige's board and supporters, raising more than $2 million to date for Upstate Golisano.

From national TV to community outreach, Poison Center experts are in the spotlight

Either giving expert testimony, spotting the new drug to hit the streets and answering questions from the public, Upstate New York Poison Center toxicologist are in demand.

Upstate researchers tracking infant development and 'tummy time'

Placing an infant on its stomach for the purpose of developing physical strength is considered an important tool for proper development.

Upstate is one of 39 institutions to share $2.2 million St. Baldrick's grant

Grant will provide Upstate patients with access to clinical trials.

NIH's Dr. Nora Volkow to speak via videocast at Addiction Symposium Nov. 28

Presentation by Volkow, one of the nation's foremost authorities on drug addiction, will be followed by Upstate experts and others discussing addiction issues, including cocaine cravings.

The Nappis provide Upstate Foundation and Upstate Medical University with largest gift in history

The $8-million dollar gift from Sam and Carol Nappi of Jamesville, N.Y., will support the creation of an eight-floor, 360,000 square foot health and wellness complex at Upstate Medical University.

Austin-Ketch named Dean of the College of Nursing

Tammy L. Austin-Ketch, PhD, FNP, BC, FAANP, clinical professor and assistant dean of the MS/DNP programs at the University of Buffalo's School of Nursing, has been named dean of the College of Nursing at SUNY Upstate Medical University.

Cans for Cancer

Volunteers fill another truck load of bottles and cans dropped off at DestinyUSA for the Cans for Cancer drive Oct. 23. Proceeds from event will benefit cancer care and research programs at American Cancer Society, Carol Baldwin Breast Cancer Fund of CNY and the Upstate Cancer Center.

Upstate Cancer Center joins key association

American Association of Cancer Institute members include nearly 100 leading cancer researcher centers in North America.

Katherine Beissner tapped to lead College of Health Professions

Beissner has served as interim dean of the college since December 2016, She was a former member of the Ithaca College faculty.

Kids' cancer experts from across NY gather for first time to talk collaboration

Thruway cancer conference takes its name from key cancer centers that dot NY's major highway from Albany to Buffalo.

Upstate discovery advances understanding of inflammatory bowel disease

Study shows evidence that patients with IBD lack appropriate amounts of key protein.

Cans for Cancer aims to collect more than 800,000 bottles, cans in a single day to fight cancer

Proceeds from bottle, can campaign will benefit the American Cancer Society, Carol M Baldwin Breast Cancer Fund of CNY and the Upstate Cancer.

Adaptive Sports Night for those with disabilities is Sept. 28

Upstate Medical University's Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation department and MoveAlong join forces to host Adaptive Sports Night Sept. 28 featuring athletic and recreational options for those with disabilities.

Upstate to be part of SUNY effort to build sustainable village, learning environment in Haiti

Upstate's Center for Global Health and Translational Research will coordinate university's participation in project.

Scientists further understanding of delivering drugs through nanocarriers

In one case, pairing drugs and vitamin B2 on teeny-tiny polymer truck may minimize drug side effects.

Medical alumni return for Reunion Weekend 2017

An noted neuro-oncologist, a specialist in urologic oncology and a family practitioner who cares for the underserved in Montana are winners of Upstate alumni awards.

Upstate calls on Ed Asner to help highlight Prostate Awareness Month

Asner will perform his one-man show, "A Man and His Prostate," Sept. 6 at 7 p.m. at del Lago Resort and Casino in Waterloo, N.Y.

Upstate increases number of certified lactation counselors to provide new moms with breastfeeding support

More than a dozen nurses at Upstate University Hospital have become certified lactation counselors through special training allowing nurses to provide new mothers with latching and feeding assistance and counseling.

G. Randall Green named chief of cardiac surgery

He will also co-direct the Upstate Heart Institute, a priority in the Upstate strategic plan, that calls for strengthening and expanding cardiovascular services.

Cancer Society, Boeheim Foundation join forces to increase cancer screening and save lives

Funding supports Upstate Cancer Center breast and colon cancer outreach programs with the Syracuse Housing Authority

President Laraque-Arena welcomes Julio Licinio, MD, PhD

President Danielle Laraque-Arena, MD, FAAP, welcomes Julio Licinio, MD, PhD, to Upstate Medical University as he begins work as senior vice president and dean of the College of Medicine. As a physician-scientist, Dr. Licinio brings to Upstate a broad international reputation, and a critical understanding of administrative leadership, clinical care, research, education and policy that will broaden our research and academic enterprise. Welcome to Upstate, Dr. Licinio!

Upstate Trauma Center gears up for its busiest months - July and August

The warm, lazy, hazy days of summer are the busiest when it comes to the Upstate Trauma Center. No months bring more patients to the trauma center than July and August.

Excellent, again: Upstate earns another three-year verification as Level 1 trauma center for adults and children

After rigorous review, American College of Surgeons panel verifies Upstate's Level 1 trauma center status and its ability to deliver optimal trauma care for adults and children.

Upstate earns top achievement awards for stroke and heart failure care

American Heart Association, in conjunction with the American Stroke Association, recognize Upstate efforts in this area after rigorous review.

Now in its 21st year, Paige's Butterfly Run steps off June 3

The 2017 run will be held Saturday, June 3, in downtown Syracuse's Clinton Square, adjacent to the Taste of Syracuse. Since its inception the event has raised more than $2 million in support of Upstate Golisano Children's Hospital.

Dr. Ruth Weinstock named outstanding physician clinician by American Diabetes Association

The award honors Weinstock's clinical, teaching and research excellence and her commitment to treating diabetes in underserved populations.

Three Upstate faculty earn Distinguished Faculty rank from SUNY

Drs. Ann Botash, Andras Perl and Leonard Weiner earn highest SUNY faculty honor in recognition of their teaching, research and service.

Upstate stroke, dementia researcher wins prestigious science prize

Upstate Professor Li-Ru Zhao, who also serves as a researcher scientist at Syracuse's VAMC, honored for her work on stroke recovery and Alzheimer's disease.

Patient and Family Healing Garden blooms at Community Campus

Against the backdrop of National Hospital Week and National Nurses Week, Upstate University Hospital's Community Campus will officially unveil its Patient and Family Healing Garden during a small ceremony Wednesday, May 10 at 2 p.m. at the garden.

Researchers say biomarker found in saliva can identify concussion, predict length of recovery

Quadrant Biosciences, a Start-Up NY company located at Upstate's Institute for Human Performance, sponsored the study.

Amy L. Tucker, MD, named medical director of Adult Ambulatory Services

Tucker's background includes a faculty post at the University of Virginia, where she headed a women's cardiovascular prevention clinic and as chief medical officer for a comprehensive care coordination company.

Physician and astronaut Michael Barratt to receive honorary degree at Upstate Commencement May 21

Michael R. Barratt, MD, MS, is one of the nation's few specialists dually trained in medicine and aerospace medicine.

Trailblazing surgeon Dr Patricia J. Numann honored for lifetime of achievement

Numann's latest honor comes from the American Medical Women's Association

Upstate shines spotlight on student research April 26

The event includes student presentations; a keynote talk by Amita Sehgal, PhD, a Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator; and a student poster session.

Women's health and safety on the job is focus Upstate's Occupational Health Center events in April

Author and researcher Karen Messing will present "Invisible suffering: The reality of women's health and safety on the job" April 18 and 19.

Autism Symposium to feature talk by best-selling author and ABC News correspondent John Donvan

Donvan will address what he cites as the decades-long civil rights battles of families affected by autism

Julio Licinio, MD, PhD, named senior vice president and dean of the College of Medicine

Two from Upstate awarded grants to further breast cancer research

One study looks at how a protein contributes to tumor program and metastis in breast cancer and the other examines creation of nanocarriers to transport chemotherapy drugs.

Upstate partners with ENSPICE Children's Foundation to address nutritional needs of young victims of natural disasters

Leading Upstate's effort is Mark Polhemus, MD, who will help assess effectiveness of dietary supplement offered to victims of natural disasters, or such conditions as poverty and civil unrest.

Upstate to hold annual Celebration of the Faculty March 20

Seven will be named Gold Standard award winners, honored for their dedication, passion, vision and commitment to Upstate

Upstate ALS Center certified as treatment center of excellence

Upstate center treats nearly 185 patients with ALS. It is the only center in 48-county region of New York.

Upstate opens Cord Blood Bank in a ribbon-cutting ceremony

The public bank is one of only two such public banks in New York and one of only 32 in the United States.

Upstate gears up for Heart Walk April 1

Upstate named top corporate fundraiser for 2016 Syracuse Heart Walk, raising more than $42,500.

First round of Upstate Cancer Center Pilot grants announced

Grants fund studies looking into pancreatic cancer, novel tumor markers and nanocarriers to treat melanoma and cancers of the brain.

Upstate study highlights key principles of a successful malaria elimination program

A region of land on the Ecuador-Peru border, home to more than 800,000 people, has been free of malaria since 2012. A new study highlights how that happened.

Paige's Butterfly Run gives $232,000 to support pediatric cancer research, patient services

Representatives from Paige's Butterfly Run arrived at Upstate Golisano Children's Hospital Dec. 28 with an oversized check in the amount of $232,000 to support pediatric cancer research, patient and family services.