Alumni News and Events

Dr. Baid is first author on the publication of work that was partially funded by an Association Postdoctoral Fellowship. The article is in-press at the Journal of Thrombosis and Heamostasis (doi- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42710811/). Some Streptococcus bacteria produce a protein called streptokinase, that helps them spread through the body by taking advantage of the natural body system and breaking down blood clots. In this study, researchers used a technique that systematically tests many protein modifications, to identify the specific parts of streptokinase, that allow it to attach to its human partner protein called plasminogen. The authors' findings provide a foundation for understanding how these bacteria infect some hosts more effectively than others and could help scientists design better clot-busting medicines in the future.

With support from the American Heart Association, Dr. Monica Dinu of the University of Florence joined Dr. Jeannette Beasley at NYU for a visiting professorship on global DPP implementation. A Learning Exchange at NYU’s Institute of Human Development and Social Change convened researchers, students, and lifestyle coaches to discuss global evidence, virtual delivery, cultural adaptation, Mediterranean diet principles, and health equity, launching ongoing collaborations.

Dr. Gries, first author of an article highlighting science of how a single day of inactivity (<5,000 steps) can change the next day's exercise response published in the American Journal of Physiology, Endocrinology and Metabolism. This study has shown modest differences in the metabolic demands of an acute bout of exercise compared to normal activity (>8,500 steps). "This study highlights that we may not be able to exercise our way out of a sedentary lifestyle," Dr. Gries asserts. His work is supported by a Heart Association Institutional Research Enhancement Award.

 

With funding from the Association's Career Development Award, Dr. Nirmal Verma has been able to advance research to show that protective molecules called soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitors (sEHI) reduce amylin buildup and preserve brain vessel integrity, improving cognitive and motor function. In diabetes, the amylin hormone misfolds and deposits in brain blood vessels, damaging the blood-brain barriers that keep the brain healthy. This leads to microhemorrhages, white matter damage, and neurological deficits. Dr Verma shared, "Thanks to this Award, I’ve been able to advance this work and build connections that continue to shape my career."

 

Supported in part by a Heart Association Predoctoral Fellowship, a recent study published in Nature Communications (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-026-76099-x) identified HDL receptor SR-BI as a previously unrecognized scavenger of toxic free heme, a harmful substance released during hemolysis. The study also showed that the FDA-approved drug imatinib increases levels of SR-BI in the liver, helping to clear toxic heme more effectively and improving survival. These findings reveal a new way the body protects itself from damage and suggest that SR-BI could be a promising target for treating sickle cell disease and other conditions in which red blood cells break down too quickly. Mr. Xue was a first author on this paper, along with his colleague Dr Ito.