Autism Spectrum Disorder

BALTIMORE, Oct. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Margaret M. McCarthy, PhD, an internationally-recognized neuroscientist, who is the James and Carolyn Frenkil Dean's Endowed Professor in the University of Maryland School of Medicine's Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Drug Development, and Director of the University of Maryland - Medicine Institute of Neuroscience Discovery (UM-MIND), has been elected as a new member of the National Academy of Medicine. Election to the NAM is considered one of the highest honors in health and medicine and recognizes individuals who have demonstrated outstanding professional achievement and commitment to service. The Academy recognized Dr. McCarthy for her influential research on the cellular mechanisms that establish sex differences in developing brains, and for being the first to discover a critical role of the immune system in determining sex differences and the impact of infection and inflammation on neuroanatomical and behavioral outcomes. Her research illuminates novel mechanisms by which male and female brains become differentially vulnerable to the impact of injury and inflammation, which can have lifelong consequences for risk of neuropsychiatric and neurological disorders. NAM elected 90 regular members and 10 international members during its annual meeting. The newly elected members bring NAM's total membership to more than 2,400, which includes nearly 200 international members. Current NAM members elect new members through a process that recognizes individuals who have made major contributions to the advancement of the medical sciences, health care, and public health. A diversity of talent among NAM's membership is assured by its Articles of Organization, which stipulate that at least one-quarter of the membership is selected from fields outside the health professions -- for example, from such fields as law, engineering, social sciences, and the humanities. "Dr. McCarthy has been instrumental in shaping the study of neuroscience and our understanding of how the brain develops differently in males and females," said Mark T. Gladwin, MD, who is the John Z. and Akiko K. Bowers Distinguished Professor and Dean of UMSOM, and Vice President for Medical Affairs at University of Maryland, Baltimore. " Her seminal research on the influence of steroid hormones on the developing brain, and studies of inflammatory and immune-mediated sex differences have played a major role in the treatment of developmental neuropsychiatric disorders with a gender bias." Major Discoveries on Sex Differences and the Brain As a leading neuroscientist, Dr. McCarthy has made significant discoveries related to sex differences and the brain. Her more than 270 scientific publications have been cited more than 18,000 times in more than 11,000 articles, with the NIH providing her with $28 million in continuous funding over the past 30 years. Dr. McCarthy was the first to discover a critical role of the immune system in determining sex differences and the impact of infection and inflammation on neuroanatomical and behavioral outcomes, which provided mechanistic insights into the higher prevalence of autism spectrum disorders and schizophrenia in boys and men. She also conducted some of the first studies illuminating the molecular and genetic mechanisms that feminize or masculinize the developing brain. Dr. McCarthy's research has revealed both naturally occurring variations and points of vulnerability and nodes for intervention in the treatment of developmental neuropsychiatric disorders with a gender bias. Her work is leading to new innovations in policies by the NIH and the FDA mandating that preclinical research and drug dosing take into account the potential influence of sex and gender on outcomes. The impact of these policy shifts will include new guidelines for the treatment of both men and women that incorporate the importance of sex as a biological variable. Longtime Academic Leader Dr. McCarthy joined the UMSOM faculty in 1993 as a Assistant Professor in the Department of Physiology. In 2002 she was appointed Assistant Dean of Graduate Studies at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, serving as the inaugural Director of the graduate Program in Life Sciences, as well as being named Associate Director of the Program in Neuroscience at the graduate school. Dr. McCarthy was named Chair of the Department of Pharmacology at the medical school in 2011, and became the Director of the Program in Neuroscience in 2019. In 2023, as the School of Medicine merged the departments of Physiology and Pharmacology to create the new Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Drug Development, Dr. McCarthy transitioned from her role as Chair to become the inaugural Director of the new University of Maryland - Medicine Institute of Neuroscience Discovery (UM-MIND). Formed in 2023, the Institute conducts translational research of the brain and fosters collaboration between basic and clinical neuroscientists. "It is a tremendous honor to receive this recognition from the National Academy of Medicine," said Dr. McCarthy. "I have spent most of my career at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and owe this success to the many trainees, colleagues, friends, and leaders who have supported and challenged me along the way." In addition to her research and academic positions, Dr. McCarthy is past President of the Organization for the Study of Sex Differences, a member of the Dana Alliance on Brain Research, and a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. She has served as Associate Editor of the Journal Hormones and Behavior since 2004, and as an Advisory Board Member of eNeuro since 2015. Dr. McCarthy also served as Associate Editor of the Journal of Neuroscience from 2007 to 2011, and was Editor of Endocrinology from 2008 to 2013. The University of Maryland, Baltimore recognized Dr. McCarthy as Researcher of the Year in 2016, and she has received numerous other awards over the course of her career, including the Patricia Sokolove Outstanding Mentor Award from the Graduate Student Association, and being named one of Maryland's Top 100 women by the Maryland Daily Record. Other UMSOM faculty members who have been elected to the National Academy of Medicine include: William Carpenter, Howard Goldman, E. Albert Reece, Paul Stolley, Donald Wilson, Theodore Woodward, Claire Fraser, Robert Gallo and Kirsten Lyke. About the National Academy of Medicine Established originally as the Institute of Medicine in 1970 by the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Medicine addresses critical issues in health, science, medicine, and related policy and inspires positive actions across sectors. NAM works alongside the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Engineering to provide independent, objective analysis and advice to the nation and conduct other activities to solve complex problems and inform public policy decisions. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine also encourage education and research, recognize outstanding contributions to knowledge, and increase public understanding of STEMM. With their election, NAM members make a commitment to volunteer their service in National Academies activities. About the University of Maryland School of Medicine Now in its third century, the University of Maryland School of Medicine was chartered in 1807 as the first public medical school in the United States. It continues today as one of the fastest growing, top-tier biomedical research enterprises in the world -- with 46 academic departments, centers, institutes, and programs, and a faculty of more than 3,000 physicians, scientists, and allied health professionals, including members of the National Academy of Medicine and the National Academy of Sciences, and a distinguished two-time winner of the Albert E. Lasker Award in Medical Research. With an operating budget of more than $1.2 billion, the School of Medicine works closely in partnership with the University of Maryland Medical Center and Medical System to provide research-intensive, academic, and clinically based care for nearly 2 million patients each year. The School of Medicine has more than $500 million in extramural funding, with most of its academic departments highly ranked among all medical schools in the nation in research funding. As one of the seven professional schools that make up the University of Maryland, Baltimore campus, the School of Medicine has a total population of nearly 9,000 faculty and staff, including 2,500 students, trainees, residents, and fellows. The School of Medicine, which ranks as the 8th highest among public medical schools in research productivity (according to the Association of American Medical Colleges profile) is an innovator in translational medicine, with 606 active patents and 52 start-up companies. In the latest U.S. News & World Report ranking of the Best Medical Schools, published in 2023, the UM School of Medicine is ranked #10 among the 92 public medical schools in the U.S., and in the top 16 percent (#32) of all 192 public and private U.S. medical schools. The School of Medicine works locally, nationally, and globally, with research and treatment facilities in 36 countries around the world. Visit medschool.umaryland.edu Provided by Newswise, online resource for knowledge-based news at SOURCE University of Maryland School of Medicine WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM? 440k+ Newsrooms & Influencers 9k+ Digital Media Outlets 270k+ Journalists Opted In GET STARTED

Fundraising campaign will fuel research to change the course of tuberous sclerosis complex SILVER SPRING, Md., Oct. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Last night during the organization's 50th Anniversary Gala in New York City, the TSC Alliance® announced the public phase of a major fundraising campaign called the 50 Forward Fund. The effort aims to raise $40 million for research into tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), a rare disease affecting 50,000 in the United States and 1 million worldwide. To date, the campaign has raised more than $18.5 million. "The 50 Forward Fund bolsters the momentum we've built since our founding while ambitiously looking forward to a future where everyone affected by TSC can live their fullest lives," said Kari Luther Rosbeck, TSC Alliance President & CEO. "The TSC Alliance is committed to further catalyzing research to create meaningful outcomes for people living with TSC and their families, and major investments in TSC research through this campaign will help us achieve this vision." Since 1984, the organization has cumulatively funded more than $37 million in TSC research and leveraged $505 million in additional Federal funding. Research accomplishments to date include: Backing the first-ever preventative clinical trial for epilepsy in the United States. Creating a Biosample Repository with more than 2,650 samples linked to clinical data in the Natural History Database. Building a Preclinical Consortium to help move new treatment ideas toward clinical trials. Funding basic research that ultimately contributed to FDA approval of three drugs specifically for TSC. The 50 Forward Fund is the TSC Alliance's largest research initiative in its 50-year history. It was designed as part of the organization's Research Business Plan to guide research efforts for TSC individuals with the following goals: Focusing research to better understand TSC and identify new treatments; Altering the course of the disease and improving quality of life through prenatal diagnoses and preventative treatments; and Educating medical professionals to achieve more rapid diagnosis and better treatment aligned with evidence-based standards of care. "Funding from the 50 Forward campaign will help the TSC Alliance expand our research investment in four key areas," explained Steven L. Roberds, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer. "These include our Natural History Database and Biosample Repository, Clinical Research efforts, Preclinical Consortium and Innovative Research grants program." Natural History Database and Biosample Repository: TSC affects everyone differently. To understand which drugs will be most effective for each individual, researchers need biosamples, clinical data and patient-reported outcomes. These require efficient collection processes, standardized analysis protocols and robust data management. Clinical Research: Clinical studies require extensive planning and collaboration. The TSC Alliance aims to alleviate the obstacles that stand in the way of efficient, effective and safe clinical trials. Preclinical Consortium: This project fills a critical research gap for standardized, rigorous testing of potential new TSC therapies prior to clinical trials. The innovative platform provides industry and academic members access to reproducible preclinical models and outcome measures, providing an unbiased platform for this critical stage in drug development. The Preclinical Consortium removes risks associated with developing new drugs and will encourage more companies to focus on treatments for the TSC community. Innovative Research: This effort's goal is to award more research grants annually, forge stronger connections between the top researchers around the world and bring stakeholders together at Innovation Workshops. "To achieve these ambitious research goals, we're counting on continued investment, collaboration and unwavering commitment of our community," Rosbeck continued. "The 50 Forward Fund will lead to research outcomes that will truly make a meaningful, positive impact on the lives of all those touched by TSC." To learn more about the 50 Forward Fund, view the campaign video and donate online, visit tscalliance.org/50-forward-fund today. About tuberous sclerosis complex Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a rare genetic disease that TSC causes tumors to grow in different organs and can impair their function, primarily the brain, heart, kidneys, skin and lungs. The disease is the leading genetic cause of epilepsy, including infantile spasms, and can also cause cognitive, behavioral and psychiatric disabilities; aggressive behaviors; and more. A strong correlation also exists between TSC and autism—an estimated 40-50% of individuals with TSC have autism spectrum disorder. TSC is a linchpin disease, meaning its genetic pathway also plays a role in other diseases and disorders. Advancements in TSC research may lead to a better understanding of autism, epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, diabetes and cancer—diseases that affect more than 65 million people in the United States alone. About the TSC Alliance The TSC Alliance improves quality of life for everyone affected by tuberous sclerosis complex by catalyzing new treatments, driving research toward a cure and expanding access to lifelong support. For more information, visit tscalliance.org. Contact Jaye Isham Chief Outreach Officer TSC Alliance (301) 562-9890 [email protected] SOURCE TSC Alliance WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM? 440k+ Newsrooms & Influencers 9k+ Digital Media Outlets 270k+ Journalists Opted In GET STARTED

Event Details: Date: Friday, November 8, 2024Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM EDTLocation: The Tower Club, Vienna, VA MCLEAN, Va., Oct. 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Thought Leadership & Innovation Foundation (TLI), a not-for-profit organization that works at the nexus of science, technology and public health, is set to unveil the groundbreaking Autism Knowledge Gateway (AKG) at its upcoming "An Evening to Advance Autism Care" event. This exclusive gathering, taking place at The Tower Club in Vienna, VA, will bring together leading experts, clinicians, researchers and families impacted by autism spectrum disorder (ASD) for an evening of inspiration, learning and community building. “The Autism Knowledge Gateway is dedicated to improving basic medical care for autistic patients by enabling over 40,000 peer-reviewed articles in an AI-powered research hub,” says Shawn Murphy, vice president, TLI. “This resource will pave the way for a new era of autism care by delivering evidence-based research directly into the hands of those who need it most—clinicians, caregivers and patients.” This evening is about more than just raising awareness; it’s about uniting the autism community around what is already known about medical care for autistic patients, even while we wait for major research studies that are still underway. The AKG will give healthcare providers the critical resources they need to deliver better medical care to ASD adults and children, while offering hope and support to families seeking answers for their loved ones. The event will also feature a first look at the AKG platform, highlighting its key features, including: A curated collection of over 40,000 peer-reviewed medical articles related to autism and comorbid conditions.Extensive, categorized research database for easy searchability.AI-powered insights to summarize research findings and connect them to common symptoms experienced by patients.Secure discussions for clinicians to collaborate on best practices. Designed to improve treatment effectiveness and optimize clinician time, the AKG is positioned to transform ASD care by removing knowledge barriers that stand in the way of treating basic medical conditions that can impede quality of life for autistic patients. Keri Schoenbrun, development director, TLI, expresses her excitement for the event and the Gateway’s potential stating, "The Autism Knowledge Gateway is going to revolutionize how we approach autism care. It provides a critical link between research and real-world application, helping healthcare providers access the most up-to-date, peer-reviewed interventions. This event is a crucial step toward changing care conversations for autistic patients and their families." The launch of the AKG comes at a time when healthcare spending for children with ASD is significantly higher than for their non-autistic peers, and many providers feel ill-equipped to meet the complex needs of this patient population. The AKG aims to close this gap by providing comprehensive, up-to-date resources and peer-reviewed medical interventions to improve patient outcomes. Attendees will enjoy a plated dinner, cocktail hour and an engaging discussion, moderated by Bill Oldham, chairman and CEO, TLI. Alongside personal stories from patients and families, the discussion will include a range of perspectives across the community, including: Neena Haider, PhD, Associate Professor, Harvard Medical SchoolChris D'Adamo, PhD, Director of Research, Center for Integrative Medicine, University of Maryland School of MedicineLisa Ackerman, Executive Director and founder, TACADawn Loughborough, Parent and ASD Advocate Together, they will provide valuable insights into the challenges faced and the promising innovations shaping the future of autism care. For more information on how to participate in the event or to support the AKG, please visit Autism Knowledge Gateway. About TLIThe Thought Leadership & Innovation Foundation (TLI) is a not-for-profit organization that works at the nexus of science, technology and public health, innovating for superior prevention, treatment and outcomes for those facing life-altering medical diagnoses.TLI helps patients across the country and around the world find better healthcare outcomes. Visit www.thoughtfoundation.org and follow us on LinkedIn.