The genetic mutation that causes Huntington’s disease, a devastating brain disease that disrupts mobility and diminishes cognitive ability, may also enhance early brain development and play a role in promoting human intelligence. “The finding suggests that early in life, the gene mutation is actually beneficial to brain development, but that early benefit later becomes a liability,” says Peg Nopoulos, MD, professor and head of psychiatry at the UI Carver College of Medicine.

James Byrne, MD, PhD, assistant professor of radiation oncology at University of Iowa Health Care, has been awarded the prestigious 2024 NIH Director’s New Innovator Award, recognizing his groundbreaking work aimed at improving outcomes and quality of life for cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy. Byrne is one of 40 early career scientists across the nation to receive this award, which is part of the NIH Common Fund's High-Risk, High-Reward Research Program that supports exceptionally innovative research projects led by early career investigators.

GI physician El Abiad has pioneered several innovative techniques to treat rare radiation-induced trachea and esophageal problems.