Scientists at the UMass Medical School have identified a novel gene that calibrates circadian rhythms in the experimental model organism Drosophila, and that may have potential implications for neurodegenerative disorders in humans including spinocerebellar ataxia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Parkinson’s disease.

Marc R. Freeman, PhD, associate professor of neurobiology and a leader in the study of glial cells, has been named a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator. He joins five other HHMI Investigators at UMass Medical School.

Meredith Walsh earns state award for commitment to Burmese refugees in Worcester

UMass Medical School student Meredith Walsh, MPH, RN, was named by the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education as one of its “29 Who Shine” honorees for 2013.

According to new research led by Sherry Pagoto, PhD, and published in the International Journal of Obesity, women struggling with clinical depression and obesity can significantly boost their mood with a comprehensive weight loss program.

Pediatric immunologist Katherine Luzuriaga has been named to TIME magazine’s 2013 list of the 100 most influential people in the world.

Eduardo M. Torres, PhD, assistant professor of molecular medicine, joins 14 other researchers across the country in the chemical and biological sciences who have been named 2013 Searle Scholars.

The Searle Scholars Program makes grants to selected academic institutions to support the independent research of outstanding young scientists who have recently been appointed as assistant professors on a tenure-track appointment. Each recipient will be awarded $300,000 to support his or her work during the next three years.

New research by scientists at UMMS shows at the single cell level how an external stimulus sets off a molecular chain reaction in the transparent roundworm C. elegans, a process in which a single neurotransmitter coordinates and times two separate actions.

UMMS is a finalist for the 2013 Second Nature Climate Leadership Award and will be recognized this month as one of 20 colleges and universities that exemplify the mission of the American College & University Presidents’ Climate Commitment.