UMaine researchers receive NIH grant to study flu virus, AP reports
The Associated Press reported a team of researchers at the University of Maine received a grant for more than $430,000 from the National Institutes of Health to study immune system responses to the influenza virus. The research will be used to develop new treatments for the flu, following the worst flu season in Maine in five years, according to AP. Using zebrafish, which have a similar genetic structure to humans, the researchers — Carol Kim, a professor of microbiology, Paul Millard, an associate professor of chemical and biological engineering, and Con Sullivan, an assistant research professor of molecular and biomedical sciences — will investigate immune response to the virus and factors that control antiviral activity, and look for causes of the immune response resulting in death from the infection. The Portland Press Herald, WABI (Channel 5), Maine Public, U.S. News & World Report, WAGM (Channel 8 in Presque Isle) and Seacoast Online carried the AP article. Medical Xpress posted a UMaine news release about the research.