Sports medicine experts from Newton-Wellesley Hospital will host "Running Strong: Train Smart - Run Smart," a free program for beginner to intermediate runners on Saturday, July 28, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. The event will be held in the hospital's Shipley Fitness Center, 2014 Washington St., Newton. This free workshop is designed to provide beginner runners with the tools to develop a program for a sound running foundation. Intermediate runners will have the opportunity to develop smoother and more efficient running mechanics. Participants will take an active part in the workshop in a learn-by-doing format - so come dressed to run. Registration is required by calling CareFinder at 617-243-6383 or visiting nwh.org/runningstrong.
Autism researcher honored
James F. Gusella, Ph.D., director of the Center for Human Genetic Research at the Massachusetts General Hospital and Bullard Professor of Neurogenetics at Harvard Medical School, was awarded the 2007 Distinguished Investigator Award by NARSAD: The Mental Health Research Association.
Gusella, who studies gene variants associated with autism spectrum disorder, will receive a one-year grant of $100,000 to further his research. Gusella is one of 23 outstanding scientists chosen for NARSAD's 2007 Distinguished Investigator Award, a highly competitive grant program for investigators who have established themselves as leaders in their fields.
Gusella will use his NARSAD Distinguished Investigator award to further explore a strong candidate gene for autism (neurexin 1 gene or NRXN1) that he identified in previous work. He will now test the hypothesis that rare variants in this and two closely related genes contribute to susceptibility to autism. He also aims to determine if any common variation in NRXN1 is responsible for autism susceptibility. Using data from the existing Autism Consortium composed of groups from Harvard, MIT, Boston University and Tufts, Gusella's work will firmly establish the role of this neurexin gene in autism and will generate data for future work that ultimately seeks to develop effective interventions for autism.
Gusella was raised in Ottowa, Canada, and currently lives in Framingham.
Are there 'Superfoods'?
Whole Foods Market in Bellingham will host a free workshop on "Superfoods," on Wednesday, July 25, at 7 p.m. "Superfoods" are foods that are packed with nutrients, fiber and antioxidants and can help promote health when incorporated into a regular daily diet. Examples include pomegranate, green tea, goji berries and leafy greens. Participants will have the opportunity to sample some of these foods. Pre-register by July 23, by calling 508-966-3331.
Health Briefs are compiled by Daily News staff Jennifer Lord. Contact her at jlord@cnc.com.
