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Welcome to the Department of Microbiology & Immunology
The Department of Microbiology and Immunology is focused on research and educational programs which relate to microbial pathogens (viruses and prokaryotic and eukaryotic microbes) and the host immune defenses which protect against these organisms.Current research emphasizes cutting-edge molecular techniques and includes, but is not limited to, studies on:
| Curriculum Tracks | Research Interests | |
Recent Press Releases:
January 8, 2010
Sleeping Beauty Hooks Up with Herpes to Fight Brain Disease
Neuroscientists have forged an unlikely molecular union as part of their fight against diseases of the brain and nervous system.
The team has brought together the herpes virus and a molecule known as Sleeping Beauty to improve a technology known as gene therapy, which aims to manipulate genes to correct for molecular flaws that cause disease.
November 14, 2009
Local Researchers Continue to Develop "Pandemic Vaccine"
Behind the scenes of the H1N1 flu pandemic, researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center continue their work to make seasonal influenza and future pandemics less deadly. The head of U of R's Microbiology and Immunology Department says work is underway to develop a "pandemic vaccine". Dr. Stephen Dewhurst says it would protect against strains of the virus researchers know will arise, but aren't exactly sure what they'll look like.
November 11, 2009
Expert to Discuss Threat Posed by Flu, Efforts Toward New Vaccines
When microbiologist David Topham, Ph.D., began his studies on influenza 15 years ago, friends scoffed at his career choice, labeling influenza as “old news,” an unchallenging microbe that hardly posed a threat because a vaccine was available.
November 9, 2009
Common Pain Relievers May Dilute Power of Flu Shots
Richard P. Phipps, Ph.D., professor of Environmental Medicine, Microbiology and Immunology, and of Pediatrics, has been studying this issue for years and recently presented his latest findings to an international conference on inflammatory diseases. (http://bioactivelipidsconf.wayne.edu/)
September 24, 2009
Viagra Relatives Shrink Abnormally Large Hearts
Compounds related to Viagra, which is already in clinical trials to prevent heart failure, may also counter the disease in a different way, according to a study published online today in the journal Circulation Research. The results hold promise for the design of a new drug class and for its potential use in combination with Viagra or beta blockers.
Stephen Dewhurst , PhD
Chair,
Department of Microbiology & Immunology
Please take some time to view a recorded message from Dr. Dewhurst.
Department Seminars
This is the current schedule of seminars that will be hosted by the Department of Microbiology & Immunology.
Our Alumni
A list of recent graduates from the Microbiology & Immunology program can be found here.
Rochester Living
Do you want a taste of what living in Rochester is like? Take a moment to view this brief flash presentation.
