Postdoctoral Opportunities

Breakthrough Discoveries in Medical Research

Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center has long been a leader in research. Since before Albert Sabin perfected his oral polio vaccine in the 1950s and 1960s, researchers at the Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation have made breakthrough discoveries that have changed medicine forever.

2000s | 1990s | 1980s l 1970s l 1950s / 60s l 1940s / 1950s

2000s

Researchers demonstrate that divalproex sodium (Depakote) is effective in significantly improving symptoms of bipolar I disorder in children and adolescents.
Robert B. Hinton, Jr., MD, and colleagues are the first to show the high heritability and likely genetic underpinnings of Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS), a rare but deadly heart malformation.
In the first nationwide Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) study, researchers find that approximately 2.4 million children meet ADHD diagnostic criteria, yet more than half are undiagnosed.
Researchers discover that prenatal exposure to tobacco smoke and childhood exposure to lead account for more than one-third of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) cases among children in the United States.
The crucial role of the protein RhoH GTPase in the development and activation of cells critical to the immune system is identified. The findings, along with other studies, suggest that RhoH GTPase may provide a target for therapeutic intervention in some types of leukemia.
The first gene associated with eosinophilic esophagitis is discovered.
European officials approve a rotavirus vaccine developed and tested by two Children's researchers. The decision by the European Commission makes Rotarix the first rotavirus vaccine available to children throughout Europe.
Creatine transporter deficiency is identified, which can explain developmental delays in some male children.
Revealed the genetic underpinning to biliary atresia, the most common reason for liver transplant in children.
Developed a genital herpes vaccine that was 75 percent effective in female patients during trials and may help prevent the spread of the virus from mother to newborn.
A genetically engineered vaccine is the first to be proved effective in protecting newborns, in an animal model, against cytomegalovirus (CMV), the most common congenital viral infection in the United States.
Exposure to environmental tobacco smoke, even at extremely low levels, is associated with decreases in certain cognitive skills, including reading, math and logic, and reasoning in children and adolescents.
The first study to show adverse consequences of blood lead levels below 10 micrograms per deciliter, the level that is currently considered 'acceptable.'
Development of a new vaccine against rotavirus, a leading cause of death in infants and children worldwide.

1990s

Discovery of a gene and identification of a key protein involved in the development of allergic diseases.
Findings that parental obesity more than doubles a child's risk of obesity in adulthood.
Discovery of flavohemoglobin's role in protecting bacteria from the body's immune system. May lead to a new generation of more effective antibiotics.
Documentation that ATP depletion leading to end organ failure in shock can be pharmacologically delayed. Could improve the chances of surviving gunshots, car accidents and massive infections.
Demonstration that immunization can be effective for treating, as well as preventing, genital herpes virus infection; and creation of a compound that appears to provide total protection against herpes virus transmission.
Discovery that estrogen is an essential regulator of male adolescent growth and bone mineralization.
Discovery of multiple enzyme defects in bile acid synthesis that cause liver failure -- now treatable.

1980s

Identification and cloning of surfactant proteins, important for optimal surfactant replacement therapy. The introduction of artificial surfactant, used nationwide since 1989 to help improve lung function in premature babies, saves an estimated 2,000 lives a year in the United States.

1970s

Identification of unique morphological features of Reye syndrome.

1950s / 60s

Development of the Sabin oral polio vaccine, which has conquered polio in the western hemisphere.
Development of the first artificial lung compounds (perfluorocarbons), now also used for assisted ventilation.
Creation of the first heart-lung machine, opening the door for modern heart surgery.