OHSU and Oregon State University researchers are developing a new approach to gene therapy for inherited forms of blindness that uses lipid nanoparticles to deliver gene-altering mRNA.

EverOut/Portland reports that Larry Sherman, Ph.D., will join the Portland Chamber Orchestra and singer Naomi LaViolette, mixing music, humor and neuroscience for an event in Beaverton on Valentine’s Day.

In a Pharmacy Times article on at-home, non-invasive tests for colorectal cancer, David Lieberman, M.D., says “I'm hoping to have a new and highly reliable test available for patients soon. One that will allow them to conveniently screen for CRC (colorectal cancer) in their own homes."

An article from The Lund Report reports on Oregon’s newly finalized regulations for the controlled use of the mushroom psilocybin. Atheir Abbas M.D., Ph.D., discusses the medical concerns and gaps in research related to microdosing psilocybin: “Part of the issue is we don't really know…I would predict that psilocybin will be associated with heart disease in people that use it too much. But we don't know; no one has looked.”

Researchers at OHSU are contributing to an international clinical trial exploring possible treatments for Alzheimer’s, specifically focusing on earlier intervention. The AHEAD Study looks at the treatment of a drug called Lecanemab, which could delay memory decline before symptoms of the disease appear.

An OHSU-led study found that patients with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis showed significant improvements with the use of a new topical steroid therapy.

The Beaverton Valley Times reports that OHSU and Lutheran Community Services Northwest are hosting a resource fair and cultural celebration on Jan. 28 in Beaverton to aid immigrants and refugees in the Portland area.

Jennifer Mensik Kennedy, Ph.D., M.B.A., RN, says her priorities as the new American Nurses Association president include safe staffing and fighting racism; about nurse staffing she says: “This has been an issue well beyond COVID. COVID exacerbated it and shined a light on some of these issues, but this has been going on for some time. We need to focus on solving this one because it has a lot of impact on patient safety. This has an impact for nurses staying in the workforce.”

In a story about a shortage of nurse educators affecting Oregon’s ability to grow its clinical nursing workforce, The Oregonian reports OHSU’s Oregon Nursing Education Academy aims to prepare 63 new clinical nurse faculty and 92 new nurse preceptors by the fall of 2026.

-- KPTV features Beaverton child Raiden Pham, who has a rare genetic disorder, and efforts led by Ruth Napier, Ph.D., to develop a gene therapy through the Raiden Science Foundation.