Suggestions
Manuel Varela
Professor of Biology, ENMU
Manuel Varela, a renowned figure in the field of microbiology and biochemistry, has a rich academic and research background that spans across prestigious institutions in the United States.
Starting his journey in Santa Fe, NM, Varela laid the foundation for his exceptional career by publishing groundbreaking research papers as an undergraduate in behavioral neuropharmacology.
He went on to earn his undergraduate degree in biochemistry from the University of New Mexico before completing his Ph.D. with honors in biomedical sciences, delving into the intricacies of tetracycline efflux pumps.
Upon moving to Boston as an NIH postdoctoral fellow at Harvard Medical School, he focused on lactose transport in Escherichia coli, showcasing his versatility in molecular research.
Varela's passion for academia led him to become an assistant professor of biology at Eastern New Mexico University, where he explored the molecular physiology of bacterial sugar transporters, later advancing to the position of associate professor and earning tenure in 2003.
Throughout his tenure at ENMU, his research on drug resistance in bacterial pathogens and antimicrobial efflux pump systems led to significant discoveries in clinically important bacteria like MRSA and Vibrio cholerae.
Collaborating with esteemed institutions such as the National Center for Genomic Resources, Varela and his team contributed to groundbreaking genome sequencing work that paved the way for identifying novel targets for antimicrobials.
Recognized as a full professor in 2008, Varela's academic prowess is further highlighted by his extensive publication record, including peer-reviewed papers, reviews, book chapters, and co-authoring multiple books on various aspects of science and scientists.
His publications such as 'The Inventions and Discoveries of the Worlds Most Famous Scientists' and 'The Life and Times of the World's Most Famous Female Scientists' showcase his commitment to sharing the stories of notable figures in the scientific community.
Highlights
The fall semester is commencing soon! #enmu #science
Here are the new papers for classroom discussion in my Virology course this fall:
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Albert Sabin & his world-changing 1960 polio vaccine: Sabin, A. B., M. Ramos-Alvarez, J. Alvarez-Amezquita, W. Pelon, R. H. Michaels, I. Spigland, M. A. Koch, J. M. Barnes, and J. S. Rhim. 1960. Live, orally given poliovirus vaccine. Effects of rapid mass immunization on population under conditions of massive enteric infection with other viruses. Jama 173:1521-1526.
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Bacteriophages can treat acne! Rimon, A., C. Rakov, V. Lerer, S. Sheffer-Levi, S. A. Oren, T. Shlomov, L. Shasha, R. Lubin, K. Zubeidat, N. Jaber, M. Mujahed, A. Wilensky, S. Coppenhagen-Glazer, V. Molho-Pessach, and R. Hazan. 2023. Topical phage therapy in a mouse model of Cutibacterium acnes-induced acne-like lesions. Nat Commun 14:1005.
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Odds of getting “Long COVID” decreases as SARS-CoV-2 evolves: Xie, Y., T. Choi, and Z. Al-Aly. 2024. Postacute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in the Pre-Delta, Delta, and Omicron Eras. N Engl J Med. Published July 17, 2024 DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa2403211
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Felix d’Herelle and his famous 1917 bacteriophage—a first in history:
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Smallpox vaccine protects against the dread “monkeypox” (Mpox) virus:
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1969 Nobel Prize work of Luria and Delbruck – the Famous Fluctuation Experiment:
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Cow receptors make cows prime “beef” target for the dread bird flu–influenza virus:
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New treatment for a terrible killer of humans - a virus called RSV:
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Bacteriophages used to discover mRNA in 1961:
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An effective Vaccine for COVID-19 Omicron variant:
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Ancient viruses cause modern cancers!
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People who are completely immune to COVID-19.
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Gene therapy can treat (cure!) sickle cell disease:
