1990 KABANOV LAB While reorganizing my office today, I came across a 1990 institution brochure detailing the research conducted in my laboratory at that time. They say a picture is worth a thousand words. @sahayg1 @LuxenhoferLab @DaddyOxazoline @alyssa_holden_ @dr_manickam @manickam_lab @ChristineAllenW

Pleased to announce that our latest work with @DaddyOxazoline Jacob Ramsey on the poly(2-oxazoline) (POx)-based mRNA delivery platform, Xmera, has just been released as a bioRxiv preprint. In this study, we demonstrate that: PEG-lipids can be replaced by POx synthetic lipid polymers (SLPs) - rather than POx–lipid conjugates; andConventional ionizable cationic lipids can be replaced by ionizable POx synthetic lipid oligomers (SLOs). Both SLPs and SLOs are synthesized via controlled living cationic ring-opening polymerization of 2-oxazolines, providing a highly versatile and tunable chemistry platform. This approach has the potential to significantly reduce manufacturing costs while enabling extensive structural diversification for a broad range of biological and therapeutic applications. We are excited about the opportunities this polymer-based lipid platform may create for next-generation nucleic acid delivery systems. Synthetic Poly(2-Oxazoline) Chimera 'Lipo-Polymers' as Replacements for Key Lipids in Lipid Nanoparticles biorxiv.org/content/10.64898…

Looking at this makes me sick. Such a betrayal of human dignity and human values, values I still hope are American values. I spoke with Putin twice before the full-scale invasion, before Mariupol and Bucha, before the daily murder of Ukrainian civilians. Even then, I would never have degraded myself by saying anything like that to him. Never.

I am extremely pleased to see Natalia Berloff, Professor of Applied Mathematics at the University of Cambridge, and Michael Epstein, philosopher and cultural scholar at Emory University, named as the recipients of the 2026 George Gamow Award. In the 21st century, the George Gamow Award has become the most prestigious distinction for Russian-speaking scholars working outside Russia. Its creation was fueled by the large-scale emigration of scientists and scholars from the former Soviet Union to the United States and many other countries following the collapse of the USSR. The significance of this award, which remains independent of the Russian state and its influence, has grown substantially in recent years amid widespread rejection of the policies of modern Russia. Equally important, this is a peer-recognized honor, awarded by members of the scholarly community. Each year, the George Gamow Award Committee selects two recipients from among numerous nominees across all academic disciplines. This year's committee was chaired by economist Konstantin Sonin (University of Chicago). The committee members included Tatiana Bronich (Northeastern University), Igor Efimov (Northwestern University), Mark Lipovetsky (Columbia University), and Alexandra Zhernakova (University of Groningen).The committee's chair and members are appointed annually by the Russian-American Science Association (RASA), which sponsors and administers the award. Congratulations to Professors Berloff and Epstein on this well-deserved recognition. @k_sonin eurekalert.org/news-releases…

ПРЕМИЯ ГАМОВА 2026 В этом году мне выпала честь быть председателем жюри Гамовской премии, которая вручается русским-русскоязычным учёным за научные достижения на протяжении академической карьеры. В 21-ом веке это самая престижная премия для российских учёных - и тех, чья основная часть карьеры прошла в СССР/России и тех, у кого она прошла в основном, после окончания. Премия была учреждена Российско-Американской ассоциацией ученых (RASA-America, Russian-American Science Association) в память о выдающемся русско-американском физике Георгии Гамове (1904-1968), а также в целях поощрения членов русскоязычной научной диаспоры за выдающиеся достижения, признанные широким научным сообществом. Как и у всякой крупной премии, выбор каждого года можно бесконечно обсуждать, но, пока что, за одиннадцать лет существования, её получали только учёные мирового уровня: rasa-usa.org/george-gamow-aw…. В своих областях они входят в число безусловных лидеров российской науки. В жюри премии Гамова за 2026 год входили Татьяна Бронич (Северо-Восточный университет, США), Игорь Ефимов (Северо-Западный университет, США), Марк Липовецкий (Колумбийский университет, США), Александра Жернакова (Гронингенский университет, Нидерланды) и я. Задача, как и во все годы, состояла в том, чтобы выбрать двух лауреатов, не отдавая предпочтения никакой науке специально. Понятно, что и здесь, как во многих премиях, нужно находить правильный баланс. В каких-то областях российская-советская-российская наука традиционно отставала и российский лидер мог не быть мировым, и наоборот - в каких-то областях нужно выбирать из нынешних или будущих нобелевских лауреатов. В 2026 году лауреатами премии стали Наталья Берлова и Михаил Эпштейн (rasa-usa.org/george-gamow-aw…). Наталье Берловой, профессору Кембриджского университета (damtp.cam.ac.uk/person/ngb23): “За выдающийся вклад в квантовую гидродинамику и вычислительные методы, основанные на физических принципах, а также за исключительную широту междисциплинарных исследований, связывающих фундаментальные теоретические достижения с возможностями их экспериментальной реализации и практического применения в логистике, финансовых технологиях, фармацевтике и управлении данными”. Михаилу Эпштейну, профессору университета Эмори (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mikhai…): “За новаторский вклад в изучение русского постмодернизма и концептуализма, значительные достижения в области философии и теории литературы, создание альтернативных концепций и подходов к различным знаковым системам и теоретическим моделям; а также за его роль общественного интеллектуала и защитника гуманитарных наук и их преобразующего потенциала, утверждающего представление о научной деятельности как о творческом процессе, устремлённом в будущее”.

I agree with LT GEN Kellogg. Ukraine should destroy Russia’s diesel production infrastructure. Totally destroy it. Our President should complain to Putin about Russia bombing Ukrainian cities… not complain to Ukraine who is the victim and who is defending itself.

President Trump’s decision to lift sanctions on Russian fuel amidst Putin’s ongoing and brutal attacks on civilian targets in Ukraine makes no sense and is a betrayal of the legacy and leadership of the late Senator Lindsey Graham. While Ukraine fights for its survival, Putin’s war machine continues to prosecute his terrorist war on civilian populations and innocent Ukrainians are dying every day. Now, Instead of implementing the tough sanctions Lindsey Graham fought to his last breath to enact, President Trump has announced the United States is lifting sanctions on Russian energy, fueling the Putin’s war machine. As I saw firsthand in Ukraine last month, Putin is losing this war. Ukraine has fought the Russian military to a standstill and reinvented warfare with drones taking the fight into the heart of Russia. America should not be throwing a lifeline to Putin’s war machine. Now is the time to stand strong against Russian aggression as we did during the first Trump administration. Putin doesn’t want peace. Putin wants Ukraine. I have no doubt that if Putin overruns Ukraine, it will only be a matter of time until Russia’s military crosses a border that our troops will have to deal with him. America is the Leader of the Free World. For our National Security, for the security of our Allies in Europe including Ukraine, President Trump should rescind this deal immediately and return to the strong policies of our four years in the White House; impose harsh sanctions on any nation purchasing Russian energy and work with our allies to ensure Ukraine has the military support it needs to repel and defeat this Russian invasion once and for all. Slava Ukraini🇺🇸🇺🇦

Chief Scientific Officer Search at the AOI The Ackman Oxman Institute (AOI) is a new translational neuroscience, rehabilitation, and brain health institute in New York City founded to accelerate the translation of promising science to treating and curing patients. We are seeking a Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) who shares our ambition and recognizes that transformative advances depend on creative, independent scientists pursuing fundamental questions relevant to brain injury, degeneration, recovery, and rehabilitation. The CSO will help shape AOI's scientific identity, organization, and culture. We welcome the candidate's ideas about how best to organize the science and create an environment in which outstanding investigators can do their best work. Mandate Lead AOI's discovery science enterprise. Working with the Chief Translational Officer (CTO) and institute leadership, the CSO will define the research agenda, recruit and develop exceptional scientists, and determine the mix of investigator-led laboratories, collaborative teams, shared resources, and external partnerships best suited to the mission. The portfolio will support two complementary kinds of work: Patient-Anchored Translational Programs Research developed in anticipation of, as well as in response to, clinical observations. For example, a mechanistic program on mitochondrial delivery and bioenergetic rescue could inform a parallel clinical study of mitochondrial transplantation. Programs pursuing a defined path to patients will have clear milestones and criteria for advancement, redirection, or stopping, appropriate to their stage of development. Mission-Relevant Discovery Science Protected support for fundamental research on brain injury, repair, plasticity, and aging, led by investigators with intellectual independence. Major continuation or stop decisions will use a five-to-seven-year horizon, with ongoing scientific exchange and peer review to maintain rigor. This work can generate new therapeutic ideas and give AOI the depth to recognize and pursue discoveries arising from patient studies. The CSO will shape the balance between these forms of research and how they interact, with resources and review practices suited to each. Scientists will have the freedom to pursue original ideas within AOI's mission and contribute to a collaborative scientific community. Scope and Responsibilities Scientific Portfolio Define the research agenda with the CTO across acquired brain injury (stroke, TBI), and neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric diagnoses as well brain health in aging. Build on AOI's initial priorities in bioenergetics/mitochondria, neuroinflammation, and neuroplastogens (devices or biologics that increase neuroplasticity), helping refine their scope, sequence, and organization. Identify promising mechanistic programs early so AOI is prepared to act on clinical discoveries, and welcome new ideas through a transparent scientific review process. Independent Discovery Recruit exceptional investigators and give them the resources and latitude to pursue fundamental questions relevant to AOI's mission. Develop peer review that evaluates scientific quality, originality, and contribution over an appropriate time horizon, recognizes the value of well-reasoned negative results, and protects intellectual independence. Scientific Infrastructure Determine which laboratory and measurement capabilities will best support the science, and which to build internally, share, or access through partnerships. Guide scientific use of shared resources, including GLP vivarium and GMP capabilities, in coordination with the CTO and Chief Regulatory Officer. Scientific Recruitment and Community Shape a recruitment and support model that attracts outstanding scientists with diverse approaches to discovery and collaboration. Explore joint or affiliated academic appointments and shared recruitment with New York City and regional universities and medical centers, where these strengthen recruitment, mentorship, and scientific exchange. Appointment arrangements will be developed with partner institutions and individual recruits. External Scientific Network Build a network of well-funded collaborations with academic laboratories in New York City and the region whose fundamental work is relevant to AOI's mission, so that AOI's discovery capacity extends well beyond its own walls. The Pershing Square MIND Prize community is a natural springboard for this network, though collaboration is not limited to prize recipients. Work with the founders on how the MIND Prize and AOI's basic research program should relate to each other over time. Scientific Quality Lead a collegial, rigorous scientific review process. For translational and later-stage preclinical programs, agree on clear milestones and advancement or stop criteria with program leaders and the CTO. For fundamental discovery, combine ongoing scientific dialogue with substantive peer review and five-to-seven-year continuation decisions. Uphold research integrity and reproducibility across all programs. External Standing Represent AOI's science to the field, to funders (NIH, ARPA-H, DoD, philanthropy), to scientific advisors, and to academic and industry partners. Relationship to the Chief Translational Officer The CSO and CTO are peers who connect discovery with development and clinical investigation. The CSO leads fundamental and exploratory preclinical research; the CTO leads regulated preclinical development, manufacturing, engineering, and trial readiness, and clinical studies. They jointly define the evidence needed to advance a program into development and review the portfolio together. Scientific collaboration continues as programs advance and clinical observations raise new research questions. First 6 Months •Develop a scientific strategy with the CEO, CTO, and board, including the proposed research organization, the balance of discovery and translation, initial priorities and resources, and a first set of anticipatory mechanistic programs. Agree on review practices that protect independent discovery and support timely development decisions. •Begin recruiting priority scientific leaders and independent investigators, with the mix and sequence of appointments shaped by the scientific strategy. Develop the support and affiliation arrangements needed to attract exceptional candidates. •Establish an agreed plan for laboratory capabilities and launch initial research using in-house resources or external partnerships as appropriate. Work with the CTO and clinical leadership to align research with patient studies and their readiness requirements. •Co-define the criteria for entering development with the CTO and begin well-funded collaborations with regional academic laboratories. Set the subsequent launch timetable around scientific priorities, recruitment, and facility readiness. Who We Are Looking For Essential •MD/PhD or PhD with a first-rank research record in neuroscience, immunology/neuroinflammation, bioenergetics, or a convergent field. •Experience building and leading a research organization (institute, department, biotech R&D unit, or focused research organization). •A track record of attracting outstanding scientists. •Enthusiasm for a patient-centered research model and for leading a team whose work spans the continuum from discovery to therapy development. Valued •Experience supporting independent investigators and collaborative research in academia, research institutes, or industry. •Scientific credibility in at least one of AOI's initial priority areas. •Comfort spanning biologics and device/neurotechnology science. •A demonstrated ability to protect creative discovery while guiding translational programs toward clear milestones. Practical AOI welcomes candidates from academia and industry who are excited to build the institute over the coming decade and beyond. The position is full-time in New York City. Candidates should be eager to focus their research leadership on the brain, recovery, and rehabilitation; any continuing research commitments should support that mission. Compensation will be competitive and will include the opportunity to participate in the value created through company formation at AOI. Leadership Team Engagement Works closely with the CTO as described above and with clinical leadership to connect research and patient studies. Engages the legal/regulatory team early on regulatory strategy, quality systems, and evidence requirements. Collaborates with the Chief AI Officer on data-rich study design and computational modeling, the COO on laboratory development and recruitment operations, and the CFO on scientific resource planning. Interested candidates should send their CV and a brief cover note to: CSO@aoi.org

New publication from @JulieNguyenLab “The Status of Extracellular Vesicles as Drug Carriers and Therapeutics” in @natrevbioeng. With work from Mark Bannon, PhD & PhD candidates Omar Budayr, Caden Kussatz, Karissa Law. 🔗 doi.org/10.1038/s44222-026-0… @UNCPharmacy

We am thrilled to share the the promotion of @Owen_S_Fenton to Associate Professor with Tenure at the @UNC ! A well-deserved achievement. Join us in celebrating this exciting milestone & congratulating Dr. Fenton. @UNCPharmacy

Publication out in Ann Biomed Eng from Sam Lai, PhD lab; with 1st author Peter Voorhees, PhD “A Droplet Digital PCR Assay for Quantification of Bacteriophage Viral Vector Titer and Purity” 🔗 doi.org/10.1007/s10439-026-0… @BMESociety @UNCPharmacy

Huge congratulations to @JulieNguyenLab PhD candidate Alita Miller for receiving the Brewington Research Award, honoring the top doctoral student in Pharmaceutical Sciences for excellence in research, public service, and commitment to higher education. @UNCPharmacy

Last month, the association of Russian-American scientists - RASA - was named “unwelcome” by the Russian Federation, alongside @UCBerkeley, @Stanford, and previously @Yale. Last Friday, I was personally designated in Russia a foreign agent — a label used to silence, discredit, and harass individuals who speak inconvenient truths. I did not expect this to be without cost. In times of global disruption, science and scientists are increasingly under attack. I ask colleagues and friends across the globe: speak up for what you believe, and stand your ground. If we do not, what are we living for? @sahayg1 @Joseph_DeSimone @SMitragotri @H_Ghandehari @JulieNguyenLab @AviSchroeder @RFreeman_Lab @MariaJVicent1 @sguriev @k_sonin @RFreeman_Lab @UNCPharmacy

Women’s rights are under pressure worldwide. 
What took decades to achieve is once again being challenged. That is why we come together on 8 March – International Women’s Day during Women Unite! in Amsterdam. 
I will be taking part as a speaker at this international conference organised by the City of Amsterdam and Royal Theatre Carré. This is the moment to stand up and make our voices heard.

Happy to share our latest manuscript in JACS "Characterizing the Impact of the Cell Cycle on mRNA Lipid Nanoparticles"!! @rachel_vkm amyaponte @PalasTiwade @ENarasipura vincentfung sawyerandersen nicolegill mikeemanuele Link here: pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.102… @DPMP_UNC @UNC_ESOP

Iranians are in the streets again—risking everything. From Tehran's bazaars to cities across all 31 provinces, they're demanding dignity over despair. The world must not look away. The Iranian people deserve to determine their own future. 🤍💚❤️ #IranProtests

Noem: “The agency is labeling the incident as an act of "domestic terrorism."” - TRUE - by ICE.

Excited to share a new publication in Drug Metabolism and Disposition featuring work by John Fallon “N-acetyltransferase (NAT) 1 and NAT2 enzyme activities drive interindividual variability in sulfamethoxazole N-acetylation” 🔗 doi.org/10.1016/j.dmd.2025.1… @UNCPharmacy

Grateful to UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center (#LCCC) for highlighting this important recognition. Being a member of Lineberger and collaborating closely with outstanding cancer scientists and clinicians—first through the Carolina CCNE and soon as part of the NCI’s T32 Carolina Cancer Nanotechnology Training Program—has been tremendously meaningful for me and my colleagues at the DPMP UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy (#ESOP). At an organizational level, the strategic partnership between ESOP and LCCC has been a cornerstone of our excellence in pharmaceutical research and nanomedicine at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. unclineberger.org/news/kaban…

Honored to be inducted as a member of the American Academy of Sciences and Letters.

China and the U.S. are taking sharply different paths on science and innovation. China has ramped up its R&D spending by nearly 10% year-over-year, reaching almost $600 billion, according to Nature and Reuters. Beijing is pouring funds into AI, quantum, and biotech while launching the new K-visa program to attract top global researchers — a mirror image of how the U.S. once drew the world’s brightest minds. At the same time, China’s universities are rapidly climbing global rankings, reflecting this national push. In contrast, U.S. federal science budgets are tightening under political gridlock, with the NSF and NIH warning of slowed grant approvals in 2025. Immigration policies are also heading in the wrong direction: stricter H-1B rules and processing delays are discouraging skilled scientists from staying or coming. For 80 years, America’s leadership in science came from openness and investment in talent. Now, as China doubles down, the U.S. risks surrendering the very advantage that defined its global supremacy.