“Junk DNA” Found to Sense Its Environment, May Hold the Key to Disease Treatment
A study in Nature Cell Biology has uncovered a surprising role for what was once considered “junk DNA,” showing that it helps stem cells sense their surroundings and decide what kind of cells to become during early development.
Suzanne Barbour Honored for Sustained Leadership by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Suzanne Barbour, PhD, professor of cell biology, dean of the graduate school, and vice provost for graduate education at Duke University, has received the Sustained Leadership Award from the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB). The ASBMB awards recognize members for making significant contributions to biochemistry and molecular biology as well as to the training and support of emerging scientists.
Akankshi Munjal Selected as a 2025 Vallee Scholar for Research into How Organs Take Shape
Akankshi Munjal, PhD, assistant professor of cell biology, has been selected as a 2025 Vallee Scholar to support her research to understand embryonic development.
Chantell Evans Named a McKnight Scholar for Research in Neuronal Mitophagy
Chantell Evans, PhD, assistant professor of cell biology, has been named a 2025 McKnight Scholar Award recipient in recognition of her pioneering research into the molecular mechanisms of neuronal mitophagy — a process critical to maintaining neuronal health.
How Molecular Motors Keep the Cells of Plants Humming Along
In research published in the journal Science Advances, Lucia Strader, PhD, and researchers at Washington University showed how interaction of specific proteins with molecular “motors” contribute to functions that help plants respond to stress.
Blanche Capel Awarded Edwin G. Conklin Medal
Blanche Capel, PhD, James B. Duke Distinguished Professor of Cell Biology, has been named the 2025 recipient of the Edwin G. Conklin Medal in Developmental Biology.
Neuro-Immune Link Could Shape Brain Development, Study Finds
Research from the lab of Staci Bilbo, PhD, adds to a growing body of work showing the brain doesn’t develop on its own.
Breaking New Ground in Pain Relief: A Novel Approach to Non-Opioid Therapeutics
A multidisciplinary team from biochemistry, anesthesiology, and chemistry is developing a promising new approach to pain management using adenosine, a naturally occurring compound in the human body that can help regulate pain, inflammation and seizure activity.
As the Planet Warms, Fungi Find a Way In
Scientists at the recent "Fungi in a Warming World: Adaptations, Challenges and Resilience" Symposium held at Duke University School of Medicine warned that rising temperatures may be helping environmental fungi to survive inside the human body, putting more people at risk of serious infections.
Landstrom and Wray Receive 2025 Faculty Awards
Awards were presented at the School of Medicine Awards Ceremony on May 19th.