University of Oklahoma researchers recently published a study showing that several measurements of the brain, including blood flow and the brain’s ability to compensate for the lack of it, are better predictors of mild cognitive impairment than risk factors like hypertension and high cholesterol.

The chemotherapy drug cisplatin is a lifesaver for many adults and children diagnosed with cancer, but it often causes hearing loss, a side effect that can diminish quality of life following treatment. To prevent hearing damage during cancer treatment, a University of Oklahoma researcher created a novel drug delivery system that transports medications to the inner ear; her studies about the promising innovation are published in the Journal of Controlled Release and the Journal of Nanobiotechnology.

After a nationwide search, Michel Torbey, M.D., MBA, MPH, has been named chair of the Department of Neurology at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine. He will also hold the Kathryn G. and Doss Owen Lynn, M.D. Chair in Neurology.

Today, about 25% of drugs approved to treat cancer are derived from nature – from the bark of a tree to marine life to bacteria in the soil. However, great potential remains in the discovery of natural products with properties that can prevent cancer or treat it early before it spreads. A University of Oklahoma researcher recently earned a National Institutes of Health grant to evaluate thousands of natural products with therapeutic potential.

The White Coat Ceremony holds a special place in the hearts of aspiring clinicians. It marks the next phase of their medical education as they begin their first-year orientation. For many, it marks a moment when the dream of becoming a healthcare professional becomes real.