Telemedicine, asthma at front of university health issues
From asthma studies to booming telemedicine programs, UA health exploration this semester has thrived on a number of fronts.
Researchers are working hard to make breathing easier for children by seeking out the "mistake" gene that may increase the chances of having asthma.
"I believe we can find a cure early in life to identify risks, so people won't develop asthma," said Fernando Martinez, respiratory sciences director at the Arizona Health Science Center.
The project, a continuation of a nearly 20-year-old children's respiratory study that followed infants enrolled at birth and their families, received a $1.3 million grant to last the next four years.
In another area, the UA's College of Medicine Telemedicine program received several awards this year, including a $2.3 million grant to help Arizona border towns promote health and prevent diseases.
Telemedicine - which involves using interactive video equipment, computers, modem connections to transfer data and meet with patients - reaches out primarily to residents of rural areas and prison facilities.
UA can boast the "Most Outstanding Individual in Telemedicine," "Manuscript Excellence Award: Paper of the Year" and the second best telemedicine program in the nation.
A UA pharmacy project also received a $3 million grant from the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation to allow the continuing search for medicinal plants and microbes in Latin America.
The team of about 45 undergraduates, graduates and professors are in Argentina, Chile and Mexico studying the fauna for health uses.
Irene Hsiao can be reached via e-mail at Irene.Hsiao@wildcat.arizona.edu.
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