Research

PVM Scholar Utilizes ‘Mini-brain’ to Trace Link between Concussion and Alzheimer’s Disease

September 1, 2023

How much time elapses between a blow to the head and the start of damage associated with Alzheimer’s disease?

A device that makes it possible to track the effects of concussive force on a functioning cluster of brain cells suggests the answer is in hours. The “traumatic brain injury (TBI) on a chip” being developed at Purdue University opens a window into a cause and effect that announces itself with the passage of decades but is exceedingly difficult to trace back to its origins.


Purdue Veterinary Alumnus Receives 2023 AVMA Lifetime Excellence in Research Award

July 21, 2023

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) honored a graduate of the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Jim Riviere, of Raleigh, North Carolina, as the recipient of the 2023 AVMA Lifetime Excellence in Research Award. Dr. Riviere is a distinguished professor emeritus at Kansas State University and North Carolina State University. He earned both his DVM and PhD degrees at Purdue in 1980.


Combination of Aging and Obesity May Prime Stem Cells in Fatty Tissue for Disease

June 21, 2023

Aging and obesity may cause stem cells in the body to change in ways that are linked with diseases like Alzheimer’s, diabetes and cancer, according to a study co-authored by scholars at the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine and Washington University at St. Louis. The research looked at epigenetic changes — which impact how the body uses its DNA code — in stem cells derived from fat tissue. Results from the study reinforce concerns about the dangers of obesity and raise a warning flag on the therapeutic use of stem cells taken from the fat of people who are obese.


Purdue Comparative Oncology Research Center Named for Evan and Sue Ann Werling

June 19, 2023

The Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine now is home to a named center for comparative oncology research that will advance cancer research benefiting pets and humans. The Purdue University Board of Trustees approved the naming of the Evan and Sue Ann Werling Comparative Oncology Research Center in recognition of the donors’ $10 million gift. As a part of the College of Veterinary Medicine, the center will partner with the Purdue Institute for Cancer Research.


PVM Faculty Member Candace Croney Receives Prestigious 2023 AVMA Humane Award

June 19, 2023

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) announced last month (May 11) that the recipient of the 2023 AVMA Humane Award is Dr. Candace Croney, Purdue professor of animal behavior and well-being and director of the Center for Animal Welfare Science (CAWS).  Dr. Croney holds a joint appointment in the colleges of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture. The award recognizes Dr. Croney for her exceptional dedication and contributions to the field of animal welfare.


New Grant Funds Purdue Study that Uses Brain Imaging to Measure Human-Dog Interaction

June 19, 2023

The Human-Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) and Pet Partners have partnered together for a grant to fund a Purdue University research project that will investigate the impact interacting with a dog has on human brain activity. Researchers, led by Dr. Niwako Ogata, associate professor of animal behavior at the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, will use Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) to measure the neural responses correlating with human-dog interaction, and potential factors that influence these responses.


Inaugural Purdue Antimicrobial Resistance Conference Draws International Attention to Serious Public Health Threat

June 19, 2023

In the face of a foreboding forecast of worsening multi-drug resistant infections (United Nations Foundation, 2021), the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine led a multi-disciplinary, campus-wide effort to address the vital topic of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) through a free conference held this spring. The inaugural event April 6-7 at the Stewart Center involved multiple Purdue colleges and attracted more than 100 attendees representing eleven states and seven countries.


Spotlight Shines on Purdue Veterinary Medicine Research During Two-Days of Special Presentations

June 19, 2023

Every April, the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine sets aside a special day for celebrating research accomplishments in the college. This year’s celebration involved a companion event focused on industry partners that have an interest in the college’s research initiatives.


New Genetic Testing Available Through ADDL Will Help Dog Breeders Eliminate Specific Diseases

June 19, 2023

Research findings by genetic scientists in the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine have the power to eradicate specific genetic diseases within certain dog breeds. Testing for the genetic mutations will be offered by the Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory at Purdue. As the first such tests offered to the general public for three new canine genetic diseases, these screenings will enable breeders to identify which dogs are carriers for a disease and could possibly pass it on to offspring. By ensuring two carriers are not bred together, the disease can be halted before it spreads throughout the breed.


Veterinary and Undergraduate Students Kick-off Summer of Research with Traditional Picnic

June 9, 2023

The Veterinary Research Scholars Summer Program at Purdue University kicked off last week with a traditional summer picnic. The program provides undergraduate and veterinary students the opportunity to gain research experience and explore non-practice veterinary careers. Participants work on independent research projects mentored by faculty members.