University of Illinois at Chicago - College of Medicine

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS COLLEGE OF MEDICINE
 CHICAGO CAMPUS RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS

An experimental drug to treat social withdrawal in children and young adults with autism is being studied in a clinical trial at the University of Illinois at Chicago's Institute for Juvenile Research. Children with autism -- or autism spectrum disorders -- often have difficulty communicating and interacting with others. Although behavioral and psychological interventions are often beneficial, currently there is no medication to address social communication difficulties, a core symptom of ASD.  A drug treatment is needed that would address symptoms that are "often disabling for patients and families," says Dr. Edwin Cook, professor of psychiatry and director of autism and genetics at UIC.
 »Full story: UIC to Study Medication for Autism Spectrum Disorders   

 Arrhythmia (irregular heart beats) results when there is a short circuit in the electrical activity of the heart. The rapid beating prevents the heart from pumping effectively. According to the American Heart Association, more than half of all cardiac deaths are sudden deaths — the abrupt loss of heart function — and more than 80 percent of sudden deaths are caused by an arrhythmia.

Samuel C. Dudley, professor of medicine and chief of cardiology, along with his team of researchers, are underway on clinical trials to identify and treat patients at risk for sudden death and heart failure.
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Joe G.N. “Skip” Garcia, vice chancellor for research, was named interim vice president for health affairs, one of two new positions created by a university-level administrative restructuring.  Lawrence Schook, professor of animal sciences and director of the Division of Biomedical Sciences on the Urbana campus, was named the university’s interim vice president for research. The appointments are subject to approval by the university Board of Trustees, which meets March 23 on the Springfield campus. » Full Story

Winner: UIC Researcher of the Year Award, Clinical Sciences Category

Ghanshyam Pandey is professor of pharmacology and psychiatry at the University of Illinois College of Medicine. The UIC Researcher of the Year Award is given in four categories: social sciences and humanities, natural sciences and engineering, clinical sciences, and basic life sciences. Selected by the Campus Research Board and the vice chancellor for research, each winner receives a $3,500 cash prize.
»More about Ghanshyam Pandey and his work.