News Summary
Marquette University has received a $2.7 million grant from the NIH to advance research on improving breathing function for patients with cervical spinal cord injuries. The study aims to explore innovative techniques such as diaphragm electrical stimulation to enhance respiratory capabilities. This funding signifies vital progress in addressing the critical issue of respiratory dysfunction post-injury. Moreover, it highlights ongoing funding challenges faced by other research institutions in Wisconsin amid recent policy shifts in federal funding.
Milwaukee, WI – Marquette University has secured a significant five-year grant totaling $2.7 million from the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. This funding will be directed towards advancing research focused on enhancing independent breathing function for individuals suffering from cervical spinal cord injuries.
The rehabilitation of breathing functions post injury is crucial, given that paralysis of the diaphragm and related breathing impairments are leading causes of morbidity and mortality in these patients. Currently available treatment options for managing respiratory dysfunction, particularly outside of mechanical ventilation, are limited, emphasizing the urgent need for innovative solutions.
One promising area of research involves the electrical stimulation of the diaphragm, which may help restore independent breathing capabilities after an injury. Preliminary findings indicate that targeting diaphragm sensory neurons could present a new therapeutic avenue for reinstating respiratory neural function after spinal injuries. The potential impact of this research is significant, aiming to improve the quality of life for individuals who have sustained such injuries.
William Cullinan, the Dean of Marquette’s College of Health Sciences, has acknowledged the importance of this grant not only for its research implications but also for its potential in identifying novel methods to enhance breathing for affected patients. As highlighted, breathing impairments following cervical spinal cord injuries present a challenge with currently limited treatment avenues available and no established cure.
While Marquette University celebrates this achievement, other research institutions in the Milwaukee area are facing challenges related to NIH funding. Recent policy changes implemented by the Trump administration aim to cap indirect cost reimbursements, raising concerns about the long-term viability of research support. Although a federal judge has recently blocked these measures temporarily, the uncertainty still looms over the entire research sector.
Concerns regarding the potential impact of these funding cuts have been articulated by leaders at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, which secured an impressive $465 million from NIH in the fiscal year 2023, positioning itself as a leader in research expenditures nationwide. UW-Madison’s operations significantly depend on indirect costs, which account for almost half of its $1.7 billion research spending, vital for maintaining infrastructure and regulatory compliance in laboratories.
The proposed reduction in NIH funding could lead to projected losses of approximately $65 million annually for UW-Madison, prompting the University of Wisconsin system to implement cost-containment measures, including hiring freezes, in response to these uncertainties.
In light of the situation, thirty Wisconsin research institutions have collaborated to urge congressional representatives to protect NIH funding, showcasing the vital economic and health impacts it yields in the state. Wisconsin anticipates receiving around $653 million in annual NIH funding, benefiting key medical research projects statewide.
This NIH funding landscape not only sustains research efforts but also supports a substantial number of jobs; an estimated 7,760 positions are linked to NIH funding within the state, generating approximately $1.48 billion in economic activity for the biohealth sector, which in turn employs another 141,000 individuals.
As Marquette University’s research into breathing rehabilitation progresses, the broader research environment in Wisconsin continues to grapple with uncertainties tied to federal policies, casting a shadow over future health-related discoveries and medical advancements.
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Additional Resources
- Journal Sentinel: NIH Funding Cuts Will Disrupt Research
- TMJ4: NIH Funding Cuts Impacting Wisconsin
- Biz Times: Impact of NIH Funding Cuts in Milwaukee
- Urban Milwaukee: UW-Madison Researchers Worried About Funding
- Journal Sentinel: Alzheimer’s Researcher Speaks Out Against NIH Cuts
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
