FIU research makes international headlines in wake of Zika
Seeking deeper understandings, advancing science for humanity
Zika arrived in Florida in January 2016. The first cases were travel-related. By mid-year, the virus was being transmitted locally by South Florida mosquitoes. The outbreak thrust FIU’s work on insect genetics into the spotlight. Biomolecular Sciences Institute researcher Matthew DeGennaro was called on to inform the public and to help develop solutions to the Zika outbreak. He holds the distinction of being the first scientist to ever create a genetically modified mosquito, a process that helps him study the insect’s behavior. He hopes to uncover information that will someday lead to better repellents. In December, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention awarded a $10 million grant to a multi-university research team that includes DeGennaro to fight the spread of Zika and diseases like it. DeGennaro is part of a broader FIU effort, along with scientists Fernando Noriega and Jun Li, to solve the global crisis of diseasespreading insects.
Toxic algae put researchers at forefront Massive blooms of toxic algae struck Florida’s Atlantic coast in the summer of 2016 prompting a state of emergency in Lee, Martin, Palm Beach and St. Lucie counties that impacted businesses and caused lasting environmental damage. The blooms turned the eyes of the community and the media to FIU experts with the knowledge to explain the outbreak. Chemist Kathleen Rein addressed potential routes of exposure to algal toxins and their effects on human health. Focusing on solutions, chemist Kevin O’Shea is developing new, clean technology that will destroy water toxins caused by the harmful algal blooms. As part of greater efforts by the College of Arts, Sciences & Education to improve the understanding of water contamination and design remediation strategies, these researchers are helping to protect one of the planet’s most vulnerable resources.
Psychologist offers tips to help children cope with large-scale traumatic events Following the June 2016 mass shooting at Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, many in our community experienced feelings of anxiety, fear and depression as is common following events of such magnitude. Psychologist and Center for Children and Families researcher Jonathan Comer provided insight into how to cope with fear after the attack. Comer has conducted extensive research on the psychological impact of terrorism and other traumatic events on youth, including the Boston Marathon bombing and the 9/11 attacks. Comer points out children are especially vulnerable. They rely on the support of parents, teachers and caregivers to help them deal with their emotions during and after traumatic events. As director of the Mental Health Interventions and Technology Program, Comer conducts research on expanding the quality, scope and accessibility of mental health care for youth. Much of his work examines children’s media-based exposure to traumatic events and how caregivers can best discuss frightening world events with children.