U Grad Breaking Boundaries in Alzheimer’s Disease

Innovative Alzheimer’s Treatment Developed at the U Featured in Journal of Nuclear Medicine


Alzheimer’s disease, a debilitating brain disorder with limited treatment options, has long challenged researchers. Specifically, researchers have struggled with slowing the buildup of amyloid beta plaques, harmful clumps in the brain that exacerbate the disease by damaging brain cells and causing memory loss.

Recently, researchers from the University of Utah’s Nuclear Engineering Program (UNEP), in collaboration with Dr. Andrew Roberts of the Department of Chemistry and Drs. Satoshi Minoshima and Donna Cross of the Department of Radiology, have developed a groundbreaking approach to tackle these plaques. Inspired by cancer treatment methods, their innovative technique utilizes tiny particles known as alpha particles to break down chemical bonds in amyloid beta plaques. This method, called Targeted Alpha Therapy (TAT), delivers these particles directly to the harmful areas while minimizing damage to healthy tissues.

Dr. Aidan Bender, a UNEP PhD graduate, spearheaded this pioneering research on Alzheimer’s disease. His remarkable work is being published in the Journal of Nuclear Medicine, the premier journal in the field.

Dr. Tara Mastren, an Assistant Professor at UNEP, expressed immense pride in her former student’s significant contributions.

“Aidan excelled in research and developed many skills and techniques needed to tackle this study,” said Dr. Mastren. “The research from his publication is the first step in determining if this treatment method is feasible and has allowed us to move into testing in vivo models.”

Additionally, this research received funding from the University of Utah’s 1U4U initiative, which aims to bring together research and projects from health sciences and the U’s main campus to increase their societal impact. 1U4U’s support of this project underscores the value of Dr. Bender’s contributions.

The Research’s Real-World Impact: A New Hope for Alzheimer’s Patients

To apply this theoretical nuclear medicine to treating the disease, Dr. Bender’s team, under the supervision of Dr. Mastren, started by developing a chemical compound that can latch onto to the harmful amyloid beta plaques, called BiBPy.

Drs. Tara Mastren and Aiden Bender in the Mastren Lab

Drs. Tara Mastren and Aidan Bender in the Mastren Lab

After developing this new compound, they attached a small amount of a radioactive element, bismuth-213. This makes the compound capable of emitting alpha particles. This new compound, [213Bi]-BiBPy, was applied to the brain tissue of mice that are genetically modified to develop amyloid plaques similar to those in Alzheimer’s patients.

The compound, when combined with bismuth-213, successfully developed properties that made it effective at binding to the amyloid plaques in the mice’s brain tissue.

Measured using two types of tests that check for the presence of amyloid beta, the treated brain tissues showed a significant reduction in amyloid beta concentration. These results suggest that the compound can be effectively applied as a potential Alzheimer’s treatment, paving the way for further tests in live animals and eventually in humans.

Future Directions: Advancing Nuclear Medicine

During his time at the U, Aidan Bender worked in the Mastren Lab developing small-molecule radiopharmaceuticals for applications in cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. Upon earning his PhD, he joined the Center for Quantitative Cancer Imaging at Huntsman Cancer Institute as a Research Associate, where he continues this significant work.

Currently, Dr. Bender is working on radiopharmaceutical development for cancer imaging and therapy. By harnessing cyclotron-produced therapeutic radionuclides, auger electron therapy, and PET radiometals, his work is providing powerful tools for detecting, diagnosing, and treating cancer.

Outside of the lab, Aidan enjoys writing speculative fiction and hiking with his wife and dogs.

 


Nuclear Engineering at the University of Utah

The Utah Nuclear Engineering Program (UNEP) is responsible for educating the next generation workforce in critical nuclear engineering fields and developing innovative procedures and technologies for the advancement of nuclear applications.

Our curriculum is designed for engineers and scientists involved in the nuclear power and radioactive waste industries, nuclear medicine, homeland security, radiation safety, and nuclear materials detection. We offer an undergraduate minor and two graduate degrees (M.S. non-thesis and Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering). 

Explore Nuclear Engineering→

 


 

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New Nuclear Methods

University of Utah Research is Improving Radiation Detection


Congratulations to Taylor Kimball, A PhD student in Nuclear Engineering at the University of Utah, whose research has been published in the prestigious Nuclear Technology journal!

Kimball’s innovative work introduces a new method to create calibration standards for use in radiation detectors at radioxenon measurement labs, which support the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT). His research supports the CTBT by providing better tools for detecting nuclear explosions, ensuring more accurate monitoring and compliance with the treaty.

Performed for the Washington State University (WSU) TRIGA reactor, Kimball’s work was supported by funding from Idaho National Laboratory (INL), Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC, and the Energy Solutions Presidential Endowment from the University of Utah.

Nuclear Technology aims to be the leading international publication reporting new information on the practical application of nuclear science for peaceful uses, including reactor design, waste management, and health physics.

Taylor Kimball, set to graduate next May, has been with U of U’s Nuclear Engineering Program (UNEP) since August 2022, focusing his research on computational radiation transport. Working with Dr. Glenn Sjoden, Kimball’s work specializes in fuel burnup and depletion calculations, as well as cross section generation. He recently presented his work on new reactor efficiencies at the 2024 American Nuclear Society (ANS) Annual Conference, a leading event for nuclear science and engineering professionals.

Congratulations to Taylor Kimball and Dr. Glenn Sjoden on this remarkable achievement!

 

 


About UNEP

UNEP’s TRIGA Nuclear Reactor

The Utah Nuclear Engineering Program (UNEP) is responsible for educating the next generation workforce in critical nuclear engineering fields and developing innovative procedures and technologies for the advancement of nuclear applications.

Our curriculum is designed for engineers and scientists involved in the nuclear power and radioactive waste industries, nuclear medicine, homeland security, radiation safety, and nuclear materials detection. We offer an undergraduate minor and two graduate degrees (M.S. non-thesis and Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering). 

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From Classroom Concepts to Real-World Impact

Dr. Weidhaas Champions Local Solutions for Water Reclamation in Arid Utah


On June 18, 2024, Environmental Engineering Professor Dr. Jennifer Weidhaas shared her insights and experiences with the groundbreaking PureSojo project as part of the Engineering & Public Works Roadshow. This innovative initiative, developed in collaboration with the City of South Jordan, represents a significant leap forward in water sustainability for Utah.

“It has been exciting to see the project come to fruition and provide a roadmap for future reuse projects in Utah,” said Dr. Weidhaas. Her expertise and commitment have been crucial to the project’s development and implementation, ensuring its success and impact.

From Theory to Practice

During her talk at the PureSojo site, Dr. Weidhaas reflected on her teaching journey, noting a significant shift in how she can now approach water reuse topics in her courses. Previously, she had to cite examples from states like Texas or California to illustrate water sustainability projects. However, with PureSojo, she now has a powerful local case study to share with her students, showcasing the potential for water reclamation in Utah’s unique climate.

Having a local example like PureSojo enriches our curriculum and provides tangible proof of what can be achieved in our own backyard.

A Vision for the Future

As Utah’s population continues to grow, the importance of sustainable water management becomes increasingly critical. Initiatives like PureSojo are not just projects; they are essential steps towards building a resilient and sustainable future for our state. By setting new standards for water reuse, PureSojo serves as a model for other communities in Utah and beyond.

About the Project

The Engineering and Public Works Roadshow is the first time America’s engineers and operators have come together to celebrate successful infrastructure investment projects. The Roadshow is a joint project from the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC), the American Public Works Association (APWA), and the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE).

Recent stops on the Roadshow this year have included the DC Infrastructure Academy in Washington, DC; the Low Battery Seawall in Charleston, South Carolina; Colman Dock in Seattle, Washington; and the Northwest Valley Infrastructure Project in Phoenix, Arizona. It is exciting that the Roadshow has now stopped at an infrastructure project that Dr. Weidhaas has been a part of, and that Project Sojo’s efforts right here in Utah are being recognized nationally.

The University of Utah is proud to support and be part of such transformative projects, highlighting the intersection of academic research, practical application, and community collaboration.

 

 

 


Environmental Engineering at the University of Utah

 

Our faculty specializing in Environmental Engineering are dedicated to addressing the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. Our cutting-edge research spans across multiple disciplines — from wastewater reclamation to reducing CO² emissions — combining innovative technologies and interdisciplinary collaboration to help build the future more sustainably.

Explore Environmental Engineering at the U→

 


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Dr. Glenn Sjoden Joins the Elite Ranks of UtahAES

Achievements in Nuclear Engineering are Enhancing Utah’s Scientific Community


In late June, Nuclear Engineering Professor Dr. Glenn Sjoden was inducted into the Utah Academy of Engineering and Science (UtahAES). This prestigious honor recognizes Dr. Sjoden’s outstanding contributions to the field of nuclear engineering and its broader applications to engineering and science for the betterment of Utah.

Modeled after the US National Academies, UtahAES is an esteemed professional organization that recognizes the remarkable achievements in engineering and science. Its membership is limited to no more than 80 living individuals from Utah, highlighting the exclusivity and honor of Dr. Sjoden’s induction.

Specifically, Dr. Sjoden received this honor for his groundbreaking work in developing advanced radiation transport computational methods. These methods have far-reaching applications, including nuclear treaty monitoring, industrial processes, and academic research leadership.

As the Director of the Utah Nuclear Engineering Program (UNEP), Dr. Sjoden brings over three decades of diverse experience to his role. His background as a military officer, professor, consultant, and chief scientist showcases his versatility and depth of knowledge. In his capacity of Director of UNEP, Dr. Sjoden leads with a commitment to fostering the next generation of nuclear engineers; Currently, the University of Utah is home to the only Nuclear Engineering minor and graduate degrees in the state, an honor and responsibility that Dr. Sjoden cherishes.

This recent induction also underscores the excellence of faculty at the University of Utah, as Sjoden is now a UtahAES member among several distinguished U professors, including prior Dean of the Price College of Engineering, Dr. Richard Brown.

Having another member of PCoE honored with this prestigious membership reinforces the university’s reputation as a hub of cutting-edge research and academic leadership.

 

 


About UNEP

UNEP’s TRIGA Nuclear Reactor

The Utah Nuclear Engineering Program (UNEP) is responsible for educating the next generation workforce in critical nuclear engineering fields and developing innovative procedures and technologies for the advancement of nuclear applications.

Our curriculum is designed for engineers and scientists involved in the nuclear power and radioactive waste industries, nuclear medicine, homeland security, radiation safety, and nuclear materials detection. We offer an undergraduate minor and two graduate degrees (M.S. non-thesis and Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering). 

Explore Nuclear Engineering→


 

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