The American Pediatric Society (APS) and the Society for Pediatric Research (SPR) have named Francis Sessions Cole, III, MD, as the recipient of the 2027 Mary Ellen Avery Neonatal Research Award. Dr. Cole, Professor of Pediatrics Emeritus at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and a leader in the NIH-funded Undiagnosed Diseases Network, is being recognized for his pioneering contributions to neonatal medicine, including advancing understanding of surfactant dysfunction disorders, genomic medicine, and precision approaches to diagnosing complex pediatric diseases. The award honors a pediatric investigator whose research has significantly improved neonatal health and will be presented in recognition of Dr. Cole's distinguished career in scientific discovery, mentorship, leadership, and advocacy on behalf of children and families.

Ulrich Steidl, M.D., Ph.D., has finalized his Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center (MECCC) senior leadership team, just six months after stepping into the role of MECCC Director and Vice President of Cancer Medicine at Montefiore Einstein.

“Today marks a new chapter as we elevate elite colleagues who have significant research accomplishments and leadership experience to principal posts at MECCC,” said Dr. Steidl. “They are recognized “all-stars” in their fields, and together, working at one of the nation’s top cancer centers, we will move the needle in not just helping people survive advanced cancers but identifying the factors that drive certain cancers from occurring in the first place.”

Keck Medicine of USC has launched a clinical trial to evaluate whether a blood test can help detect breast cancer earlier than mammograms alone.

Researchers from Capital Medical University, Beijing, China, have identified a CaN/NFATC3/Id3/E2A/Bmp4 signaling pathway that helps explain how low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) promotes bone regeneration. Id3 was identified as a molecular “brake” that limits LIPUS-induced osteogenesis and was significantly downregulated following ultrasound stimulation. The researchers developed an Id3 inhibitory peptide, rID3, which, when combined with LIPUS, enhanced osteogenesis and bone-defect healing in mice, suggesting a potential strategy for improving ultrasound-based bone regeneration.