The funds raised this year will allow us to purchase the NovaSeq Instrument , a state-of-the-art genome sequencing machine that is faster and more efficient than past equipment. With this new equipment, genome sequencing can be complete on 48 children in as little as 40 hours. By sequencing these cells, physician-scientists will be able to discover underlying microbiome composition that can lead to answers for a number of fundamental biological and clinical questions. Additionally, physician-scientists will be able to study gene expression, or changes in DNA structure , which is key to early diagnosis and treatment in a multitude of pediatric diseases including cancer, diabetes, epilepsy and many other chronic diseases.
About the University of Arizona Steele Children's Research Center
The University of Arizona Steele Children's Research Center is one of the prestigious Centers of Excellence in the UArizona College of Medicine – Tucson at the University of Arizona Health Sciences. It is the state's only academic pediatric research center designated by the Arizona Board of Regents, and the only facility in Southern Arizona where researchers and physician-scientists are dedicated to advancing medical knowledge through basic and translational research to improve children's health. As researchers, they seek to discover answers to children's medical mysteries. As physician-scientists, they provide compassionate care to hospitalized patients at Banner Children's at Diamond Children's Medical Center and pediatric outpatient clinics throughout Tucson and the state. And, as faculty members with the UArizona Department of Pediatrics, they teach and train the next generation of pediatricians and researchers. For more information: steelecenter.arizona.edu (Follow us: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram).
About the University of Arizona Health Sciences
The University of Arizona Health Sciences is the statewide leader in biomedical research and health professions training. The UArizona Health Sciences includes the Colleges of Medicine (Tucson and Phoenix), Nursing, Pharmacy, and the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, with main campus locations in Tucson and the growing Phoenix Biomedical Campus in downtown Phoenix. From these vantage points, the Health Sciences reaches across the state of Arizona and the greater Southwest to provide cutting-edge health education, research and community outreach services. A major economic engine, the Health Sciences employs nearly 5,000 people, has approximately 4,000 students and 900 faculty members, and garners $200 million in research grants and contracts annually. For more information: uahs.arizona.edu (Follow us: Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | LinkedIn | Instagram).
About the University of Arizona Foundation
Now in its 64th year, the University of Arizona Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the University of Arizona through philanthropy. Since its inception, the foundation has helped generate more than $3 billion in private funding to support and elevate the university's global leadership position in experiential and interdisciplinary education, research and entrepreneurial partnerships. The University of Arizona is ranked No. 92 on The Chronicle of Philanthropy's list of America's Favorite Charities, the 100 American organizations that raise the most money annually.
About PANDA
The Phoenix Women's Board of the Steele Children's Research Center, affectionately known as PANDA, supports the advancement of medical knowledge to improve treatments and cures for devastating childhood diseases. The strong and unique partnership between the members of PANDA and the researchers and physicians at the Steele Children's Research Center have made it possible for us to embody our name, People Acting Now Discover Answers. Since 1999, PANDA has funded the Steele Children's Research Center's internationally recognized physician-scientists as they investigate a range of pediatric illnesses including those involving cancer, autoimmune disorders, genetics, gastroenterology, and developmental and behavioral pediatrics.