guest post by Hermann Haller, M.D., president of MDI Biological Laboratory
Chronic complications of diabetes are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality not only in the western world but worldwide. The metabolic changes caused by diabetes, especially hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels), can lead over time to damage in the circulation system of the diabetic patient. Subsequent ischemia (inadequate blood supply reaching organs) occurs, as…
Read MoreBy Jeri Bowers — Spring in Maine is synonymous with rhubarb (scientific name Rheum rhabarbarum). It thrives in areas with a cooler climate, making it ubiquitous in Maine gardens. So much so that it’s almost impossible to have a conversation with friends or neighbors in May and June without hearing the phrase, “Need any rhubaahb?” Rhubarb is…
Read More“My INBRE-funded project at the University of Maine at Farmington requires detailed microscopy images of gonadal structures in fish, but we do not have the equipment or expertise at our institution to meet these needs. In addition, relevant facilities in Maine are not close to us, which make obtaining such images difficult. The microscopy remote…
Read MoreWe all know our kidneys are charged with filtering our blood – an astonishing 52 gallons of it a day. But how does that actually happen? It turns out that it’s not unlike what one might imagine. Each of the body’s approximately one million nephrons, the functional units of the kidney, contains a glomerulus, or…
Read More“The longer and more you study a subject, the more you begin to create a narrative around what you’ve learned. I just kind of built up a story about these people and began thinking about them and the work that they were doing. And I would think for some, what a joy it must have…
Read MoreMarch is #NationalKidneyMonth and we’re celebrating MDI Biological Laboratory’s longstanding and close connection to renal physiology, starting with Homer Smith, D. Sc., (1895-1962) the renowned scientist who made many significant contributions to the field – including identifying how the kidney works. He spent a period of his career at MDIBL and his determination and curiosity…
Read More“My experience at MDIBL was integral to me now pursuing a career as a scientist — I came in knowing nothing about lab research, was given my own project and really got to discover the wonders of science for myself.” MDI Biological Laboratory’s summer fellowship programs strive to offer a well-rounded, unique research experience for…
Read MoreDoug Heden and his wife, Becky, first came to know the MDI Biological Laboratory through our Science Café presentations. As an engineer in a science-oriented family, Doug says he finds the cafés educational, entertaining and discussion-provoking. Over the years, the Hedens’ involvement with MDIBL has grown; attending more events and joining the Star Point Society…
Read MoreThe Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory is pleased to announce the promotion of Aric Rogers, Ph.D., to Associate Professor, effective January 10, 2021. Rogers joined the MDI Biological Laboratory as an Assistant Professor in early 2013. He and his research team are working to understand not only how dietary restriction works to increase health and…
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