Assisting the U.S. in combating addiction, Alzheimer’s, and other ailments

April 14, 2025

4 min read

A glimpse of studies funded by collaboration between government entities and academic institutions

Instances showcasing how scholars at Harvard are confronting pressing societal issues — through essential research funded by federal resources — can be found daily in the Gazette. Below is a brief overview of recent reports.

Mitigating opioid fatalities

The fentanyl crisis is particularly personal for Harvard-trained researcher Travis Donahoe, whose studies investigate the factors contributing to opioid-related deaths and the most effective strategies for intervention. “Eradicating this epidemic represents one of the most crucial improvements we can implement to enhance the health — and dignity — of all Americans.”

Restoring eye injuries previously deemed untreatable

A stem cell treatment developed at Mass Eye and Ear successfully rejuvenated the cornea’s surface for 14 participants in a clinical trial. When a person suffers a corneal injury, it can deplete the limbal epithelial cells, which are irreparable. Individuals with such injuries often endure chronic discomfort and vision challenges.

Developing an at-home test for early Alzheimer’s detection

Researchers affiliated with Harvard’s Mass General Brigham have designed olfactory assessments — where participants smell scent labels placed on a card — to evaluate individuals’ abilities to differentiate, identify, and memorize odors.

Recognizing 296 genetic conditions that can be addressed before birth

“We identified a significant void in prenatal healthcare and an opportunity to outline the genetic disorders that can be treated during this time,” said the leading author of the study. “These conditions are actionable — meaning that, armed with diagnostic information, we can intervene early and enhance outcomes.”

Investigating a more economical method of producing prescription medications

Chemist and doctoral candidate Brandon Campbell envisions silver as a means to reduce medication costs in the U.S., where consumers pay nearly threefold compared to 33 other countries in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.

Preparing for increased demand for air conditioning

A startup from Harvard has created a “third method” to extract moisture from the atmosphere similar to the operation of a coffee filter. It consumes substantially less energy compared to conventional air conditioners and dehumidifiers and is more consistent than desiccant systems.

Analyzing dark energy and the universe’s future

The destiny of the universe depends on the equilibrium between matter and dark energy, which is believed to be the force behind the universe’s accelerating expansion. Recent studies indicating that dark energy, commonly assumed to be a “cosmological constant,” might be diminishing suggest that the traditional model of the universe may require revision.

Discovering potential new treatments for autism and anxiety

Fresh perspectives on how inflammation incited by the body’s immune response influences mood and behavior could pave the way for alternatives to conventional psychiatric medications that directly target the brain. These new therapies would function indirectly by modifying immune substances outside the brain.

Investigating connections between nutrition and healthy aging

“Previous studies have evaluated eating habits concerning specific ailments or longevity,” remarked one of the researchers. “Ours adopts a comprehensive perspective, inquiring how diet affects individuals’ capacities to lead independent lifestyles and maintain a high quality of life as they grow older.”

Creating a lens now present in millions of electronic devices

Throughout his doctoral education at Harvard, Rob Devlin must have manufactured 100 of an innovative type of mini-lens, testing various materials and prototyping new structures to manipulate light like a conventional camera, while only employing a series of minute pillars on a wafer thinner than a millimeter.