'Rising stars' in cardiology research win Blumenthal Prizes

The Johns Hopkins Heart Institute will recognize outstanding research enterprise with annual prizes named in honor of the late Hopkins physician Stanley L. Blumenthal, BA '39 and MD '43. The awards will be given annually in the fields of basic science, translational medicine and clinical science to three postdoctoral fellows. Each will receive a $1,000 cash prize and a commemorative plaque recognizing the best in cardiovascular research.

A ceremony awarding the first prizes was held Oct. 26 in the JHH Houck Lobby.

"These awards honor the best in Hopkins cardiology, something my family is proud to support," said Blumenthal's son, cardiologist Roger S. Blumenthal, also a Hopkins alumnus, BA '81, and an associate professor and director of the Ciccarone Preventive Cardiology Center at the School of Medicine.

Recipients of the 2006 Blumenthal awards are Peter Johnston (basic science), for a study on stem cell therapies in pigs after heart attack; Richard T. George (translational science), for a study designed to improve heart imaging in patients for the early detection of coronary artery disease; and Brian G. Kral (clinical science), for research about the limited protective benefit from "good cholesterol" in families with a history of coronary artery disease.

The three studies have been selected for presentation at this year's Scientific Sessions of the American Heart Association meeting to be held in November in Chicago.

 

Spaghetti Bridge Contest tests the skills of future engineers

An always popular engineering event — a Spaghetti Bridge Contest in which first-year students use their noodles to build weight-bearing bridges — begins at 3 p.m. (viewing at 1:30) on Sunday, Nov. 5, in Homewood's Glass Pavilion.

The bridges, which are constructed of only spaghetti and glue and must span 1 meter, are made by teams of students in the introductory course What is Engineering? Students whose bridges hold at least 10 kilograms (about 22 lbs.) are excused from the final exam, and the winning team takes home $100.

Last year's winning bridge held 56 kilos (about 123 lbs.) before it snapped.

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