Helping the U.S. fight addiction, cancer, other afflictions

Examples of how Harvard scholars are tackling real-world problems — through critical research supported by federal funding — appear daily in the Gazette. The following is a snapshot of recent coverage.

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Preventing opioid deaths

The fentanyl crisis hits close to home for Harvard-trained researcher Travis Donahoe, whose research probes the forces driving opioid deaths and the best ways to intervene. “Ending this epidemic is one of the most important changes we can make to improve the health — and dignity — of all Americans.”

Repairing eye damage once thought untreatable

A stem cell therapy developed at Mass Eye and Ear safely restored the cornea’s surface for 14 patients in a clinical trial. When a person suffers a cornea injury, it can deplete the limbal epithelial cells, which can never regenerate. People with these injuries often experience persistent pain and visual difficulties.

Creating at-home test to catch Alzheimer’s early

Researchers from Harvard-affiliated Mass General Brigham developed olfactory tests — in which participants sniff odor labels that have been placed on a card — to assess people’s ability to discriminate, identify, and remember odors.

Identifying 296 genetic disorders that can be treated before birth

“We saw a critical gap in prenatal care and an opportunity to define the genetic disorders that are treatable during this time,” said the study’s senior author. “These conditions are actionable — meaning that, empowered with diagnostic information, we can intervene early and improve outcomes.”

Exploring a cheaper way to make RX drugs

Chemist and Ph.D. candidate Brandon Campbell sees in silver an opportunity to lower the cost of medicine in the U.S., where consumers pay nearly three times more than 33 other nations in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.

Anticipating surge in demand for AC

A Harvard startup has developed a “third way” of pulling moisture from the air that works like a coffee filter. It uses much less energy than traditional air conditioners and dehumidifiers and is more stable than desiccant systems.

Tracking dark energy, future of universe

The fate of the universe hinges on the balance between matter and dark energy, which is the force thought to be driving the universe’s accelerating expansion. New research suggesting that dark energy, widely thought to be a “cosmological constant,” might be weakening suggests the standard model of how the universe works may need an update.

Uncovering potential new therapies for autism, anxiety

New insights on how inflammation sparked by the body’s immune response alters mood and behavior could lead to alternatives to traditional psychiatric drugs that act directly on the brain. These treatments would work indirectly by altering immune chemicals outside the brain.

Examining links between diet and healthy aging

“Studies have previously investigated dietary patterns in the context of specific diseases or how long people live,” said one of the researchers. “Ours takes a multifaceted view, asking, how does diet impact people’s ability to live independently and enjoy a good quality of life as they age?”

Building a lens now found in millions of electronic devices

Over the course of his Harvard doctoral studies, Rob Devlin must have made 100 of a new kind of mini-lens, experimenting with materials and prototyping new designs to bend light like a traditional camera only using a series of tiny pillars on a millimeter-thin wafer.

Advancing progress toward treating rare, fatal condition

“Milestone” in nine-year quest to find a treatment for prion disease is personal for patient-scientist and her husband.

Calculating longevity benefits of simple dietary swap

A study finds that replacing butter with plant-based oils cuts the risk of premature death by up to 17 percent.

Solving confounding medical mysteries

With key contributions from Harvard researchers, the Undiagnosed Diseases Network identifies the rarest of illnesses and discovers new ones.

Opening new fronts against A-fib

Researchers double the number of genetic factors associated with a condition that affects more than 5 million Americans.

Making leap in quantum computing

For the first time, scientists succeeded in trapping molecules to perform quantum operations. The technology promises speeds exponentially faster than classical computers, which could enable game-changing advances in fields including medicine, science, and finance.

Finding powerful tool for colon cancer survival

Patients who exercise regularly after treatment live longer, according to research from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute research.

Taking big step toward targeted molecular therapies for cancer

Researchers developed innovative approaches to understand, target, and disrupt uncontrollable growth of disease.

Discovering citrus might be a mood protector

A physician-researcher outlined gut-brain clues behind an “orange a day” depression finding.

Unlocking possible key to diseases linked to X chromosome

A Jell-O-like substance could be key to treating Fragile X and Rett syndromes, researchers found.