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CHANNING LABORATORY NEWS
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| December 18, 2006. It is with deep regret and sadness the Channing Laboratory marks the passing of Dr. Malcolm Taylor, administrator for the Division of Preventive Medicine and staunch supporter of the research community here at the Channing. His enormous talent and wonderful sense of humor is a great loss and he will be remembered for his years of dedication and generosity to the many researchers who had the pleasure of working with him over the years.
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
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Dr. Graham Colditz tenders Resignation!!
Dr. Graham Colditz has tendered his resignation and has accepted the position of Niess-Gain Professor in Medicine, Department of Surgery at Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. He will be the Associate Director, Prevention and Control, at the Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center. There are not enough words to express our sense of loss at this announcement. Dr. Colditz has dedicated years to building the Nurses' Health Study into the premier data research source for researchers world wide and will be sorely missed. We know he will apply the same dedication to his new duties at the Siteman Cancer Center and we all wish him much success and fulfillment in his new position. Thank you, Graham, for all that you have brought to the Channing!!
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ONCE AGAIN CHANNING LABORATORY SCIENTISTS ARE NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED!!
BWH Bulletin, August 25, 2006
 Frank E. Speizer, MD of the Channing Laboratory, this month received the first annual Health Breakthrough Award presented by Ladies Home Journal. The women's magazine, which has been published since 1883, honored Speizer in recognition of the 30th anniversary of the Nurses' Health Study, the largest ongoing health study to focus on women.
"I don't think I realized how successful it would become," said Speizer, who established the study in 1976 to assess risk factors for major chronic diseases in women. "But there are more and more health events occurring among these women as they get older. We have 30-plus years of data; the information becomes more valuable as time goes on."
 The Nurses' Health Study observed whether oral contraceptive use affected a woman's health. The study found that the pill moderately increases breast cancer risk; however, this effect goes away when a woman stops taking it. Speizer is the study's founding principal investigator, while Graham Colditz, MD (Editor's note: See article below.) is its current principal investigator. In 1989, Walter Willett, MD, a professor of Epidemiology and Nutrition at Harvard School of Public Health and a professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and BWH, started Nurses' Health Study II for further study of oral contraceptive use among younger women and to look at how their diet and lifestyle affected their disease risk. Willett also received the Health Breakthrough Award from Ladies' Home Journal.
Speizer and Willett were honored along with five other doctors and researchers at the Health Breakthrough Awards Luncheon in New York City Aug. 2. They will be featured in the magazine's September issue.
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THREE CHANNING LABORATORY SCIENTISTS ARE AMONG THE TEN MOST FREQUENTLY CITED RESEARCHERS IN THE COUNTRY!!
The Boston Globe, October 10, 2005
| Dr. Meir Stampfer
| Dr. Walter Willett
| Dr. Graham Colditz
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It is with great pride we here at Channing Laboratory make the following announcement:
In today's Globe it was reported that Dr. Meir Stampfer, renowned Channing scientist and professor at the Harvard School of Public Health is the most frequently cited researcher in the country, according to ISI Essential Science Indicators, a research tracking company. Dr. Walter Willett, chairman of the Department of Nutrition at HSPH and another well-known Channing researcher was the No. 2 most quoted Channing researcher. Dr. Graham Colditz, head of the prestigious Nurses' Health Study headquartered here at the Channing and professor of epidemiology at Brigham and Women's Hospital was listed as No. 7.
These scientists reflect the high level of dedication the research community has come to expect from Channing Laboratory and we extend our heartiest congratulations to each of them on a superb record of accomplishments.
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Important Changes at the Channing!!
Norm Stein has stepped down as Executive Director, effective March 15, 2006 but will be staying on as Special Projects Coordinator. Norm's dedication to the Lab and its many employees over the years has helped make Channing Laboratory one of the most prestigious research laboratories in the United States. He has met every challenge and turned it into an opportunity for us. Ms. Sandra L. Hatten, a Channing veteran of many years service, has been named as the new Executive Director. THANK YOU, NORM!!
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NEWS
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Surprising results in latest obesity study published by Channing researcher, Dr. Karin Michels and colleagues.
Harvard University Gazette, December 14, 2006 - January 31, 2007
Results of the latest study by Dr. Michels, utilizing data from the Brigham and Women's Hospital's Nurses' Health Study, found women with a BMI of 27.5 or higher have 43 percent less chance of getting breast cancer than those who fall between 20 and 22. Click HERE to go to the Harvard Gazette's news page and read more about this fascinating study.
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Channing researcher, Dr. Frederick Wang promoted to Professor.
Harvard Focus, December 15, 2006
Dr. Elliott Kieff hosted a second gala soiree here at the Channing Laboratory honoring Dr. Frederick Wang on the occasion of his promotion to full Professor. Researchers from all over the Quad as well as family, staff, and friends came to help Fred celebrate and to wish this hard working, dedicated scientist their best wishes for a prestigious future. CONGRATULATIONS, DR. WANG!!
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December 7, 2006
Dr. Elliott Kieff hosts celebration for two of his dedicated scientists.
Dr. Eric Johannsen and Dr. Ellen Cahir-McFarland were thronged with well wishes from friends and family at a party here at the Channing this month hosted by their long-time mentor, Dr. Elliott Kieff, on the occasion of their elevation to Assistant Professor. As their family proudly watched, kudos came thick and fast from the guests and co-workers attending the party. We know they will do us proud and look forward to watching their careers grow along with the Channing and the Kieff Labs. BEST WISHES FOR A WONDERFUL FUTURE!!!
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Dr. Elliott Kieff recognized as AAAS fellow.
Harvard University Gazette, November 30-December 6, 2006
BWH Medical Staff News, January 2007
 Elliott Dan Kieff, Harriet Ryan Albee Professor of Medicine has been awarded the distinction of fellow by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) for outstanding contributions to the understanding of molecular events involved in the control of Epstein-Barr virus replication, latency, and cellular transformation. We here at the Channing would like to express how proud and happy we are for Dr. Kieff. His years of patient dedication and unswerving research have helped make Channing Laboratory the premier research institution it is today. WELL DONE, DR. KIEFF!!
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Channing researcher, Dr. Eunyoung Cho, is lead author of the latest study of the possible link of red meat consumption to breast cancer.
Harvard University Gazette, November 16-29, 2006
Dr. Cho and colleagues at BWH have published a new study in the November 13th issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine linking more red meat consumption with a higher risk for hormone receptor-positive breast cancers in premenopausal women. Click HERE to read more about this important new study.
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November 10, 2006. All our Channing researchers and scientists wish to extend our deepest thanks to Dr. Joseph Martin, dean of Harvard Medical School, on his announcement he will be stepping down in July. Dr. Martin will be leaving an enormous set of footprints to fill. His years of unwavering support of the research community here in the Longwood area has been a hallmark of stability for our scientists. He has been responsible for myriad new initiatives and forward-thinking expansions over his tenure as dean and all of the research community will be reaping benefits from his foresight for many years to come. Again, Dr. Martin, thank you for showing us how it's done!!
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Cancer Research Center Retreat Poster Award won by Channing scientist.
Brigham Biomedical Research Institute, Cancer Research Center, October 20, 2006
The BWH-Biomedical Research Institute (BRI) Cancer Research Institute has awarded the $500 Second Prize at their recent inaugural retreat to Rulla Tamimi, ScD. The prize winning poster was titled, "Endogenous Hormone Levels, Mammographic Density, and Subsequent Risk of Breast Cancer in Postmenopausal Women". Each of the over 60 posters was evaluated based on nevelty, significance/impact, post organization, and presentation at the poster session. Well done, Rulla!!
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Dr. Graham Colditz elected to IOM.
Harvard Focus, October 27, 2006
The Institute of Medicine, part of the National Academy of Sciences, has elected respected Channing scientist Dr. Graham Colditz to its ranks for 2006. Dr. Colditz, director of chronic disease epidemiology at the Channing and head of the Nurses' Health Study has devoted his research to investigating lifestyle and prevention of chronic diseases and has added priceless knowledge to many interrelated disciplines with his wide-ranging studies. Congratulations, Dr. Colditz!!
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Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian releases important new study regarding risks of coronary death and fish consumption.
by Greg O'Brien
Metro-West Boston, October 24, 2006
In spite of the bad press fish has been receiving of late, Dr. Mozaffarian's study strengthens the previous Institute of Medicine study on the role of fish in reducing the risk of coronary death. Click HERE to read the latest article appearing in the widely-read Metro newspaper.
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Dr. JoAnn Manson publishes important new book.
BWH Bulletin, October 13, 2006
JoAnn E. Manson, MD, DrPH, chief of BWH's Preventative Medicine Division, has published a new book titled, "Hot Flashes, Hormones & Your Health", providing new help to women in determining whether hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a viable option in managing their menopause. Click HERE to read more about this terrific new publication.
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Boston Globe spotlights Bloomberg News article about important study results by Channing Lab researcher.
Boston Globe, July 19, 2006
In an article by Michelle Fay Cortez, Bloomberg News reporter, dated July 17, 2006, Dr. A. Heather Eliassen released the results of her latest study on weight loss and breast cancer risk. The study emphasizes the importance of weight loss in reducing the risk of breast cancer in women. Click HERE to read this important article on the second bigger killer of women in the US.
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June 23, 2006. The folks here at the Channing wish to extend a hardy welcome to Gus Cervini, the new BWH Administrative Director of Research for the Department of Medicine. We all look forward to working with Mr. Cervini and hope to benefit from his extensive administrative experience.
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CONGRATULATIONS!!!
The Channing Laboratory offers sincere congratulations to the following Channing employees for their years of service to BWH:
BWH Bulletin, June 9, 2006
5 YEAR SERVICE AWARDS
- Catrina Crociani
- Katherine Croom
- William M. Fennell, Jr.
- Charlene Foster
- Paul Guttry
- Edwina Mitchell
- Bessie Osgood
- Nancy Voynow
15 YEAR SERVICE AWARDS
- Gerardo Arevalo
- Andrea M. DuBois
- Cynthia B. Nebolsine
20 YEAR SERVICE AWARDS
25 YEAR SERVICE AWARDS
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Highly respected Channing researcher Dr. Meir Stampfer and Dr. Joann Manson participate in special colloquium on news coverage on health research.
Harvard Focus, June 9, 2006 by Carol Cruzan Morton
We depend on the media to give us the facts and tell us when things are not right with the world. In the field of Public Health, it is of great concern to researchers that this type of news may not be reported in a way which would prevent misinterpretation and misunderstandings by the general public. Click HERE to read about this important conference.
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Long-time Channing researcher, Dr. Alberto Ascherio, heads important new study on EBV and MS.
Harvard Focus, May 5, 2006 by Elizabeth Dougherty
Using serum from a serum repository at Kaiser Permanente Northern California and medical records, Dr. Ascherio, HSPH associate professor of nutrition and epidemiology and HMS professor of medicine, and colleagues researched a possible link between Epstein-Barr Virus and MS. When does MS actually begin? Click HERE to read more on the results of the study.
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Respected Channing researcher, Dr. Charles Fuchs, and colleagues publish important results of NSAIDs study.
Harvard Focus, April 21, 2006, by Carol Cruzan Morton
Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs or NSAIDs are some of the most highly used over-the-counter remedies in the country. In the March 28 issue of Circulation, Dr. Andrew Chan, HMS instructor in medicine at MGH, and colleagues, using data from the Nurses' Health Study, found an increased risk of heart attack and stroke in women who took NSAIDs almost daily or at higher doses. Dr. Charles Fuchs, senior author of the paper, found evidence that frequent and high dosage NSAIDs use reduced the risk of colon cancer significantly. Click HERE to visit the FOCUS webpage to read more about this controversial study.
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BWH wins quality award.
Harvard Focus, April 21, 2006
All of us here at the Channing wish to extend our heartiest congratulations to Brigham and Women's Hospital on their receipt of the 2006 National Quality Health Care Award. The prize, given by the National Committee for Quality Health Care, honors BWH as the first hospital in New England to ever win this accolade. We are proud to be associated with this hard working group of caring workers and staff. CONGRATULATIONS, BWH!! WELL DONE!!
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Dr. Francine Laden announces results of her long term air pollution study.
Harvard Focus, April 21, 2006, by Elizabeth Dougherty
Dr. Francine Laden, HSPH assistant professor of enrivonmental epidemiology and HMS professor of medicine at BWH, has announced results from her long term air pollution study in the March 15 American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. From 1990 to 1998, Dr. Laden and colleagues made observations of the fine particulate matter, particles less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter, formed from the emissions of power plants and automobiles and determined that as the concentrations of these particles increased, lung cancer and cardiopulmonary disease mortality also increased. Click HERE to visit the FOCUS webpage to read more about this important study.
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New Channing researcher Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian is lead author of important new article on fatty foods and heart attacks.
Harvard Gazette, April 20, 2006, by William J. Cromie, Harvard News Office
In the April 13 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, Dr. Mozaffarian's article speaks out on the dangers of trans-fats and and increased risk of coronary heart disease. Another well known Channing Lab researcher and outspoken critic of the dangers of trans-fats, Dr. Walter Willett asserts that 10 to 19 percent of CHD could be averted by not intaking or reducing these fats. The study is an important tool in the fight to haven a ban imposed on the use of trans-fats in for commercial consumption in the United States. Click HERE to read the entire news release.
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Dr. Frank Hu, Channing Scientist, Will Co-direct Pritzker Obesity Research
Harvard Focus, February 10, 2006
Harvard College alumna Penny Pritzker and her husband Bryan Traubert will donate $5 million to fund an initiative in obesity research at HSPH. The Donald and Sue Pritzker Nutrition and Fitness Initiative, named after Ms. Pritzker's parents, will comprise three efforts: a nationwide application of a childhood exercise and nutrition program being piloted by HSPH and the YMCA, a scholarship fund for HSPH students researching obesity, and an endowment for a permanent junior fellowship at HSPH in obesity-related research. The initiative will be directed by Steven Gortmaker, HSPH professor of the practice of health sociology, and Frank Hu, HSPH associate professor in the Department of Nutrition and Epidemiology and HMS assistant professor of medicine.
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Dr. Juan Celedon, Director of BWH's CCI Human Genetics Research Service, to Receive Harvard Award
Harvard Medical School Notification, February 8, 2006
Juan Celedon, MD, MPH has been chosen to receive the 2005 Young Mentor Award from Harvard Medical School. Dr. Celedon will be among several talented researchers to be honored at a ceremony scheduled for late May, 2006. We here at the Channing extend our heartiest congratulations to Dr. Celedon and look forward to continued accomplishments from this dedicated researcher.
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Dr. Dennis Kasper Receives MacArthur Award
BWH Bulletin, February 10, 2006 and BWH MEDICAL STAFF NEWS, February 2006
 At BWH's Biomedical Research Institute gala celebration recently, BRI's Director Thomas Kupper, MD honored Dennis L. Kasper, MD, Director of the Channing Laboratory and William Ellery Channing Professor of Medicine at HMS, with this year's MacArthur Research Service Award. Dr. Kasper has volunteered much time and effort to the BWH research community and has contributed much to the Institute's research endeavors. Dr. Kasper is a member of the Institute of Medicine and the scientific director of the New England Regional Center of Excellence for Biodefense and Infectious Diseases. In addition to having served as interim chair of the Department of Medicine, Kasper was associate director of Research and co-chair of the Research Council from 1996 to 2004. "His scientific accomplishments in the field of infectious diseases are truly exceptional and paradigm-shifting," Kupper said.
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OMNI Diet Boosts Heart Health for All
The BWH Bulletin, February 3, 2006
In an effort to improve overall heart health for both at-risk and healthy populations, Frank Sacks, MD, and BWH researchers collaborated with their counterparts at Johns Hopkins University to develop the Optimal Macro Nutrient Intake (OMNI) Diet.
OMNI is a modified, healthier version of the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) Diet, created in the mid-1990s by BWH, Johns Hopkins, and researchers at three other institutions. DASH is currently considered the gold standard of diets for reducing high blood pressure and LDL cholesterol. However, DASH also lowered "good" HDL cholesterol and had no effect on tryglycerides, both of which are associated with an increased cardiovascular disease risk.
The OMNI study revealed that replacing 10 percent of the carbohydrates central to DASH with proteins--beans, skinless poultry, nuts, egg substitutes --or with unsaturated fats--olive and other vegetable oils, nuts-further reduced the risk of heart disease by up to 13 percent.
"What this study demonstrates is that minor changes in the diet can dramatically reduce risk of coronary heart disease and associated risks and could potentially add years to an at-risk individual's life,", said Sacks. "Adherence to OMNI could potentially replace the use of blood pressure and cholesterol-reducing medications."
Janis Swain, RD, MS, worked with Sacks to develop appropriate food choices for participants in the OMNI study. She directed the dietary component for the multi-center study. "It's not really a diet; it's a food pattern that's part of a lifestyle," she said.
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Channing Scientist receives 2005 Young Investigator Award
BWH MEDICAL STAFF NEWS, February, 2006
 Sarkis Mazmanian, Ph. D., respected Channing researcher, has been awarded $45,000.00 through the BWH Department of Medicine's 2005 Young Investigators in Medicine Program. Dr. Mazmanian, an associate microbiologist at BWH and an instructor at HMS, will conduct research to examine the processes that govern the development of the immune system. Because the immune system must function properly to protect the body from autoimmune disorders, infections and control of cancers, Mazmanian's goal is to understand how symbiotic bacteria contribute to and are required for health. He seeks to identify the undescribed molecular signaling pathways that mediate protective responses by immunomodulatory factors produced by symbiotic bacteria. In addition, he will focus on how this natural mechanism can be exploited as a therapeutic target for protection from various immunologic disorders.
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Dr. Juan Celedon teaches Human Genetics course
HPCGG Helix, January, 2006
Juan Celedon, M.D., Dr. P.H. will be directing the a 4-day course on Human Genetics offered by the HMS Department of Continuing Education beginning March 16, 2006. The course will use an intensive didactic format and is designed to meet the needs of clinicians interested in human genetics. Click HERE for more information.
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CHANNING LABORATORY NEWS ARCHIVES
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