Department News
The biology department’s research is regularly featured in journals, publications, and news outlets. In addition, our faculty consistently garner awards and recognitions for their work. See our news archive for past stories.
Visit the University of Rochester Newscenter for more biology department news.
Al Uy ventures to the Solomon Islands to discover how species originate
IN THE REMOTE JUNGLES of the Solomon Islands, where the songs of rare birds echo through the dense treetop canopy, professor of biology Al Uy has been on a quest to capture a fleeting moment—one that could help unlock the mysteries of evolution. Inspired by a concept coined by prominent evolutionary biologist Ernst Mayr, Uy is focused on what is known as the “moment of truth” in biology—the precise point where one species begins to split into two. As he observes and studies birds in their natural habitat, Uy offers a glimpse into the ongoing process of evolution, revealing how nature continuously shapes new species before our very eyes.
Elaine Sia named senior vice provost for academic excellence
Elaine Sia has been appointed the inaugural senior vice provost for academic excellence at the University of Rochester, effective January 1. In this new role, Sia will be responsible for advancing the University’s academic mission by working closely with faculty, deans, and other senior leadership to strengthen the quality and impact of the University’s academic programs, research, and student success initiatives.
Ben Peter studies how Neanderthal DNA influenced human survival
“Our study provides the most detailed insights yet into how Neanderthal gene flow impacted human genomes,” says Benjamin Peter, an assistant professor in the University’s Department of Biology. “It helps us understand when Neanderthals and humans interacted, which Neanderthal genes were beneficial for our ancestors, and the forces that influenced genetic diversity and shaped the course of human evolution.”
Meyer Lab draws inspiration from nature to create tiny, powerful microlenses for advanced image sensors
Scientists at the University of Rochester have replicated this remarkable material in the lab, using bacteria and enzymes from sea sponges to create tiny microlenses that mimic the sea sponge’s natural ability to combine strength and lightness. In a paper published in the journal PNAS, the team—including scientists from the University of Colorado–Boulder, Delft University of Technology, and Leiden University—reports that the bioinspired material could pave the way toward specialized image sensors for medical and commercial uses. By applying the remarkable properties of sea sponges, the researchers unlock new possibilities for creating sustainable and efficient materials that mimic the natural world.
Amanda Larracuente says centromeres could be ‘hotspots’ for evolutionary innovation
“We’re really excited about this work,” says Amanda Larracuente, the Nathaniel and Helen Wisch Professor of Biology, whose lab oversaw the research that led to the findings, which appear in PLOS Biology.
iGem students use bacteria to create clean energy
In October, the team—called Team CyanoVolt—submitted their research to the 2024 International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) competition, where student-led teams from around the globe compete to tackle real-world challenges using synthetic biology. Synthetic biology leverages engineering principles to create biological components inspired by nature.
Vera Gorbunova compares gene sequences across species to understand aging and dementia
Whether you give a mouse a cookie, as the book title goes, or kale leaves, or hot-stone massages, they will not live longer than two to three years. But other mammals, like naked mole rats and bowhead whales, can live much longer—and perhaps can teach us to follow suit.
Dragony Fu and Amanda Larracuente appointed to named professorships
Dragony Fu, an associate professor of biology, has been jointly appointed as the Mercer Brugler Distinguished Teaching Professor.
Welte and Portman elected as 2023 fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
Formed in 1848, AAAS is the world’s largest multidisciplinary scientific society and the publisher of leading research through its Science family of journals. Designation as an AAAS fellow is a distinguished lifetime honor within the scientific community. The latest class comprises 502 scientists, engineers, and innovators across 24 AAAS disciplinary sections.
Kejia Zhang awarded a University of Rochester Agnes M. Messersmith and George Messersmith Dissertation Fellowship for 2024-2025
Kejia Zhang (PhD student, Fu Lab) has been awarded a University of Rochester Agnes M. Messersmith and George Messersmith Dissertation Fellowship for 2024-2025! This fellowship was first endowed by the Messersmith family in 1958 to support graduate students across disciplines in the sciences.It is one of the University’s most competitive dissertation fellowships and is given to students who display exceptional ability and promise. The award will offer stipend support for Kejia’s dissertation work on “Elucidating the role of tRNA Methyltransferase 1 in tRNA Integrity, Translation and Neurodevelopment”.
Doug Portman finds that male roundworms are picky when choosing a mate
“We have been aware of many of the mating cues this species uses, but this is the first time we have been able to look at them together to learn more about what they tell a male about a potential mate,” Doug Portman, PhD, professor of Biomedical Genetics said. “Assessing a mate’s characteristics seems to be something that only the male does. Understanding sex differences in C. elegans gives us important insight into how genes influence the function of neurons and circuits to guide innate behaviors—like choosing a mate.”
Graduate student Sakura Hamazaki awarded the Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation Fellowship
Congratulations to graduate student Sakura Hamazaki for being awarded the Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation Fellowship for her grant application entitled “Impact of calcium entry through Cav1.1 in myotonic dystrophy myopathy” to the Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation (MDF) 2024 Research Fellowship Program.
Dragony Fu explains the future of mRNA
“If we are currently witnessing mRNA vaccine 1.0 for COVID-19, then 2.0 will address two further categories of disease,” says Dragony Fu, an associate professor of biology. “One is pathogens, like SARS, but you can apply this technology to other foreign invaders such as HIV. Already before COVID, companies were in development making mRNA vaccines against HIV. The other category is autoimmune diseases,” he says. “That is intriguing because it’s verging beyond the very strict definition of a vaccine.”
Biochemistry major, Margaret (“Maggie”) Hoare ’24, receives Beckman Scholarship for research
Two University of Rochester students have been named recipients of the Beckman Scholars Program, an institutional award that allows undergraduates in the fields of chemistry, biological sciences, and interdisciplinary combinations to work with faculty mentors for a 15-month research experience. This year’s Rochester recipients are:
Welte and Kilwein crack the code of nutrient segregation
It is well known in developmental biology that a mother’s egg provides abundant nutrients that are essential for an embryo to develop. But does it matter where in the developing embryo the nutrients are stored?
Gorbunova and Seluanov explain how longevity gene from naked mole rats extends lifespan of mice
In a groundbreaking endeavor, researchers at the University of Rochester have successfully transferred a longevity gene from naked mole rats to mice, resulting in improved health and an extension of the mouse’s lifespan.
Michael Welte explains the hidden role of lipid droplets in fertility and beyond
Within our cells are structures called lipid droplets that serve as storage units for energy in the form of lipids or fats. Because fat is an important energy source for cells and organisms, scientists had long assumed that lipid droplets had a straightforward role during egg production, as energy providers for the developing embryo.
Department of Biology members win awards at Genetics Day 2023
One of the most popular activities during Genetics Day is the poster session. Postdocs, graduate students, and undergraduates are invited to enter their poster, and each is evaluated by a panel of judges. This year, judges gave out six poster prizes, four in the grad student category, one in the postdoc category, and one in the undergraduate category.
Jeremy Summers awarded Edward Peck Curtis Award for graduate student teaching
Graduate student, Jeremy Summers, has been awarded a 2023 Edward Peck Curtis Award for graduate student teaching, given to a small number of full-time graduate students who have a role in undergraduate education. Recipients have assisted in undergraduate instruction, and have had significant face-to-face interactions with undergraduates in the classroom or laboratory. Meet the recipients.
Jenna Lentini and Ethan Walker win 2023 JBC Herbert Tabor Early Career Investigator Awards
Former graduate students Jenna Lentini and Ethan Walker have been given the 2023 JBC Herbert Tabor Early Career Investigator Awards. Named for the late editor-in-chief of the JBC, these awards recognize early-career scientists for their standout first-author papers published in the past year. Winners will be giving oral presentations at this year’s annual ASBMB meeting, Discover BMB 2023, in Seattle from March 25 to 28, 2023.