The inner ear is a biological mechanosensor specialized for detecting sound and balance. In vertebrates including humans, these mechanical stimuli are sensed by the inner ear sensory hair cells equipped with brush-like, actin-based protrusions called stereocilia. Development of functional stereocilia depends on specific motor proteins—namely, myosins—that actively transport their “cargo” along the actin track in stereocilia, including components of the mechanoelectrical transduction (MET) machinery. Our laboratory investigates how these myosin molecules localize themselves and their cargo

The inner ear is a biological mechanosensor specialized for detecting sound and balance. In vertebrates including humans, these mechanical stimuli are sensed by the inner ear sensory hair cells equipped with brush-like, actin-based protrusions called stereocilia. Development of functional stereocilia depends on specific motor proteins—namely, myosins—that actively transport their “cargo” along the actin track in stereocilia, including components of the mechanoelectrical transduction (MET) machinery. Our laboratory investigates how these myosin molecules localize themselves and their cargo

The Smith Alzheimer’s Center at SIU Medicine is offering two new lab internship opportunities for undergraduate college students in 2025. Selected students will explore cutting-edge research associated with Alzheimer’s disease. The nine-week internships run from June 2 through Aug. 1. “We’re excited to launch this new opportunity for young researchers interested in learning more about aging and Alzheimer’s disease,” said Erin Hascup, PhD, executive director of the Smith Alzheimer’s Center. “This provides a direct, hands-on experience for future scientists to advance their journey toward

Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) is a minimally invasive method for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH. This procedure employs a holmium laser to remove the interior tissue of the prostate and relieve bladder obstruction. The main advantage of HoLEP over other methods is the large volume of prostate tissue that can be safely removed, while providing reduced time with a Foley catheter, shorter hospital stays and faster healing times for many patients.

Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) is a minimally invasive method for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH. This procedure employs a holmium laser to remove the interior tissue of the prostate and relieve bladder obstruction. The main advantage of HoLEP over other methods is the large volume of prostate tissue that can be safely removed, while providing reduced time with a Foley catheter, shorter hospital stays and faster healing times for many patients.