NIH awards funds to UF neonatologist

The National Institutes of Health has awarded a four-year, $429,000 grant to University of Florida neonatologist Dr. Michael Weiss to investigate brain cell death triggered by asphyxia before, during or after birth.

Weiss, an assistant professor of pediatrics in UF’s College of Medicine, will study the neurotransmitter glutamate, which is released in higher-than-normal amounts during asphyxia thereby leading to nerve cell death and brain damage. Three out of every 1,000 full-term babies experience asphyxia at birth, a complication that may occur when a pregnant woman has high blood pressure, an infection or other disorders. Asphyxia shortly before, during or soon after birth is thought to be one of the leading causes of cerebral palsy.

Weiss’ goal is to better understand the cellular mechanisms of asphyxia-related brain cell death so that scientists can create new preventive therapies.

Weiss’ mentors for the career development grant are Michael Kilberg, a professor in the department of biochemistry and molecular biology, and Kevin Anderson, an associate professor in the departments of physiological sciences and neuroscience who is affiliated with UF’s Evelyn F. and William L. McKnight Brain Institute.