Science Spotlight: Dr. Nunes Santos & Miss Della Posta

Scientists pose in front of a microscope

Luana Nunes Santos, Ph.D., postdoctoral fellow and Ariana Della Posta, research assistant, under Maria Kontaridis, Ph.D., executive director, are working on autism research. Most recently the duo is focused on understanding the molecular connection underlying congenital heart defect (CHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD).The studies being conducted aim to determine the consequences and the cellular…

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$300,000 Goes to Autism and Cardiac Research in Utica

Scientists working

Dr. Adife Gulhan Ercan-Sencicek is an instructor at the Masonic Medical Research Institute, and Dr. Maria Kontaridis is its executive director. The COVID-19 pandemic hasn’t stopped the institute’s studies. “It’s very exciting to work in this collaborative environment, not only Dr. Kontaridis, but also other principal investigators,” said Dr. Gulhan Ercan-Sencicek. Ercan-Sencicek is studying if…

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MMRI Studying Link Between Heart Defects and Autism

Dr. Kontaridis giving an interview

Scientists in Utica are studying if there a connection between autism and congenital heart defects. The research is being done thanks to more than $400,000 in grants from the American Heart Association. The Masonic Medical Research Institute’s executive director says that there could be a link. She says almost all of the patients they study…

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The Battle Within Foundation Donates $25,000 for PTSD Research

Lab worker using a dropper.

To better understand the cause and effect of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), The Battle Within Foundation (BWF) announced a first round $25,000 donation to the Masonic Medical Research Institute (MMRI). It is a chilling fact that approximately 20 heroes a day commit PTSD-associated suicide, making it the number one cause of death among American military…

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Human Technologies Funds Autism Research at MMRI

Scientist at bench

In support of its mission to create employment for people with disabilities, Human Technologies, 2260 Dwyer Ave., recently donated $5,000 to the Masonic Medical Research Institute, 2150 Bleecker St., to support objectives to determine the genetic, environmental, and social impacts of autism spectrum disorder in the Mohawk Valley. The company works together with the Kelberman…

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