UAB neuroscientist Kauê Machado Costa, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Department of Psychology, received a Parkinson's Foundation grant to test an intriguing hypothesis: The cognitive deficits now known to occur in the early years of Parkinson's disease may be a clue that learning-oriented dopamine circuits shift gears to cover for their movement-focused cousins. If Costa’s hypothesis is correct, it could point the way to tests that speed up Parkinson's diagnoses.

After studying thousands of hours of data from heart rate monitors, UAB clinician-researchers developed algorithms to predict when a baby’s heart rate will drop to unsafe levels in the NICU. With funding from UAB’s Harbert Institute, they will now conduct a clinical trial of a device they have created to intervene automatically.

Rachel June Smith, Ph.D., a key recruit in UAB’s Neuroengineering and Brain-Computer Interface Initiative, can predict the frequency of stimulation that will push a brain into the chaos of a seizure — potentially saving patients with intractable seizures time, frustration and money.

This year, the university recognizes 50 years of service by Jeanne Hutchison, Ph.D., and Ferdinand Urthaler, M.D., and 45 years of service by Robert Kim M.D., and Joseph Lovetto. In addition, 294 employees with 20 or more years and 904 with five, 10 and 15 years will honored for their longevity.