BIDMC Takes Science By Storm

If you were talking about hockey, it would be a hat trick; in the world of thoroughbred horse racing, the Triple Crown. For researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess, the triple play was studies published in three back-to-back issues of Science, a prestigious journal recognized internationally for its influential, peer-reviewed content. Science is published weekly by the American Academy for the Advancement of Science. The three articles were written by BIDMC senior scientists Christopher Walsh, M.D., Ph.D., neurology; Joel Elmquist, D.V.M., Ph.D., endocrinology; and Bradford Lowell, M.D., Ph.D., endocrinology, and appeared in Science on July 19, July 26 and Aug. 2, respectively. The studies sparked stories in media outlets in the U.S. and abroad.

The study out of Walsh’s laboratory, led by research fellow Anjen Chenn, M.D., Ph.D., identified a new function of a gene known as beta catenin. This discovery helps to explain why the human brain is so much larger than the brains of other species, a finding that could help researchers and clinicians in understanding brain development as well as brain disorders.

The other two studies featured in Science described new discoveries in endocrinology that illuminate the role the brain plays in obesity and weight gain. The first, out of Elmquist’s lab and led by Lora Heisler, Ph.D., helps explain how the diet drug fen-phen — banned several years ago following the development of cardiac side effects in some patients — works to promote weight loss. This discovery could eventually lead to the development of a new anti-obesity drug as effective as fen-phen that does not cause cardiac problems.

The study led by Eric Bachman, M.D., Ph.D., in Lowell’s lab, helps explain a process known as diet-induced thermogenesis, an inherent form of “heat production” that helps the body burn excess calories and thereby keep weight stabilized. This discovery, too, could eventually help researchers in developing anti-obesity therapies.

Chief Academic Officer Jeffrey S. Flier, M.D., points out the distinct honor of BIDMC having three studies published consecutively in Science. “Biomedical research is an extremely important part of the medical center’s mission, and accomplishments such as this speak to our growing strength as a leader among the world’s biomedical research institutions,” he says.
“These three studies represent just some of the terrific work being done by hundreds of basic scientists at BIDMC.”

- Bonnie Prescott

What Is A Peer-Reviewed Journal?
In the world of science and medicine, publishing a paper in a "peer reviewed" journal is considered the "gold standard" of credibility. "Peer review" means that the paper has been read and evaluated by a group of other scientists, who then critique and comment on the logic, methods and reproducibility of the scientific experiment.

New Journal Publication Web Site Available
To see a listing of current journal publications by BIDMC faculty, go to the bottom of the Carl J. Shapiro Institute’s Web page (http://research.caregroup.org/Institute) and click on “BIDMC Research Publications” (or access the site directly by going to http://research.caregroup.org/Data/Pubs.asp). The Research Publications Web site draws from Current Contens and PubMED and is updated monthly. It includes abstracts (where available), plus information about authorship and how to access the specific publication. Research scientists and other faculty at BIDMC can use the site to gain a broader appreciation of the vast and varied research conducted at BIDMC, and individuals outside the institution – ranging from potential house staff candidates, to individuals being recruited to BIDMC – who may be interested in research or clinical opportunities at BIDMC can understand more fully the extent and sophistication of our research programs. The site was created by the Carl J. Shapiro in collaboration with Margo Coletti, director of medical libraries, Jay Daly, medical librarian, and Stephen Berry, director of academic computing.


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