The Stanford Center on Longevity received many applications, from departments and Schools across the University, in response to our RFA for seed grant proposals. Among the applications received, 11 were selected to receive a University Research Award of up to $50,000 for one year. The purpose of a University Research Award is to fund projects that fit well with SCL’s aim to support research that can help illuminate increased well-being in the population over 50 years old, with a special focus on solutions that improve life at all ages. It is hoped that the studies supported by these awards will lead to future support from external sponsors or have tangible impacts, either in the private sector or the public sector.

Congratulations to:

Thomas Andriacchi, Biomotion Laboratory
Project: Developing and testing a device to reduce falling

Steven Artandi, Medicine/Hematology
Project: Restoring fitness and extending lifespan in a mammalian model of aging

Jay Bhattacharya, PCOR
Dena Bravata, PCOR
Project: The longevity and health impact of gardening

Helen Blau, Microbiology and Immunology
Juan Santiago, Mechanical Engineering
Project: Drug delivery micropump for rejuvenatioin of muscle stem cell function on old mice

Kate Bundorf, Health Research and Policy
Jay Bhattacharya, PCOR
Rui Mata, Dept. of Psychology
Michael Schoenbaum, NIH/Institute of Mental Health
Project: The financial implications of health plan choices: The case of Medicare Part D prescription drug plans

Chang-Zheng Chen, Microbiology and Immunology
Project: The role of miRNA’s in T-cell aging and thymic involution

Michael Grecius, Neurology/Neurological Sciences
Brian Wandell, Dept. of Psychology
Robert Dougherty, Dept. of Psychology
Project: Cognitive effects of disrupted structural and functional connectivity in the aging brain

Daniel Kessler, GSB/Hoover Institute
David Brady, GSB
Project: Health reform in the U.S. from the 1990s to 2009-10

Ruth O’Hara, Psychiatry/Behavioral Science
Natalie Rasgon, Psychiatry/Behavioral Science
Heather Kenna, Psychiatry/Behavioral Science
Project: Sleep apnea and insulin resistance: A Role in cognitive decline

Alan Pao, Nephrology
Sun Kim, Endocrinology/Gerontology/Metabolism
Glenn Chertow, Nephrology
Gerald Reaven, Endocrinology/Gerontology/Metabolism
Project: Pathogenesis of accelerated vascular aging: Insulin resistance and chronic kidney disease as model systems

Jessica Rose, Orthopaedic Surgery
Scott Atlas, Radiology
Gary Glover, Radiology
Catherine Chang, Electrical Engineering
Dennis Grahn, Biology
Vinh Cao, Biology
Project: An investigation of physiological mechanisms underlying health benefits of Tai Chi