UNMC has received three grants totaling $237,000 from the University of Nebraska Foundation to acquire and upgrade biomedical research equipment. The foundation awards grants each year to worthy campus projects.
Paula Turpen, Ph.D., UNMC director of research resources, said the funding is especially important because external funding is often not available for acquiring smaller technology equipment costing between $50,000 and $100,000.
“Because technology is continually evolving, new and improved research equipment and techniques are developed every day,” Dr. Turpen said. “Without resources from the NU Foundation, our scientists would be limited in their ability to acquire state-of-the-art equipment needed to conduct biomedical research.”
She said access to modern tools helps UNMC researchers better compete for federal grants and enables the university to attract quality students and faculty.
These are the items funded:
- Ultrasonic Spectrophotometer — $86,550 – The device uses ultrasound to determine the shape of proteins, sugars, fats and nucleic acids and is needed to study the interaction of these molecules with other cells in the body. Understanding how to maintain the shape of molecules in their native environment, and their functions, aids in development of more effective drug therapies to combat health problems. Fifteen researchers plan to use it to study cell signaling, malaria, arthritis, osteoporosis, drug delivery and for several forms of cancer.
- Cobalt 60 Radiation Source — $60,000 – The radiation device is used in cancer therapy and in experimental research to prepare recipients for tissue and cell transplantations. Because the half-life of Cobalt 60 is only five years, it now has only one-eighth of its original strength and requires prolonged exposure time to deliver the needed radiation. Last year, the old device was used 120 times by 13 investigators.
- Mouse Genome Engineering Core Facility — $91,173 – One way to study the biological function of genes is to create mice that are missing or have extra copies of specific genes. This is the purpose of the Mouse Genome Engineering Core Facility, a shared resource used by institutions across Nebraska for the study of genes involved in cancer, hearing loss, cardiovascular disease and other issues. A well-equipped and up-to-date facility for this research helps maintain UNMC’s competitiveness and attracts researchers to Nebraska.
Ten grants awarded
The University of Nebraska Foundation’s grants committee awarded 10 grants, including the UNMC grants, across the university totaling $1.05 million for 2006-2007. Much of the annual grant resources are made available from unrestricted donations to the foundation.
“We are very gratified with the enthusiastic responses from each campus to our request for proposals,” said Grants Committee Chair Veronica Haggart, a UNL graduate and St. Paul, Neb., native. “It is always rewarding to see how the boost to the programs selected for funding enables the university to further enhance the lives of so many people.”
Each campus chancellor submitted grant applications to University of Nebraska President James B. Milliken in March. Grant proposals had to be tied to campus priorities and the university-wide strategic framework. The foundation grants committee – a group of 13 – made final recommendations to the foundation’s board of directors in June.