“The more we learn about the microbiome and its effects on health and disease, the more fundamental uBiome’s work becomes. I look forward to contributing as a member of the Scientific Advisory Board." Dr. Elaine Hsiao, PhD
SAN FRANCISCO (PRWEB) June 07, 2018
uBiome, the leader in microbial genomics, announces the addition of Dr. Elaine Y. Hsiao, PhD, renowned researcher, to its Scientific Advisory Board. Joining the board of prominent scientists, health experts, and doctors from around the world, Dr. Hsiao will bring to uBiome her extensive knowledge as a pioneer in neurobiome research and its role on the human nervous system — particularly in connection with neurological diseases, such as epilepsy and Autism Spectrum Disorder. The appointment will help uBiome continue its advancement in human microbiome research and further its mission to improve people’s lives.
“Dr. Hsiao’s groundbreaking research about the effects of the microbiome on the nervous and immune systems is certain to benefit uBiome’s mission and every individual who relies on uBiome for insights into their health,” said Jessica Richman, PhD, co-founder and CEO of uBiome. “We are very fortunate to welcome Dr. Hsiao to the uBiome Scientific Advisory Board.”
Dr. Hsiao leads research on the relationship between the microbiota, immune system, and nervous system. She has advanced the study of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) by discovering that microbiota can regulate the behavioral, metabolic and gastrointestinal abnormalities related to ASD. Her lab has also made important discoveries on microbial modulation of neurotransmitters and gut microbes that mediate the anti-seizure effects of the ketogenic diet.
Dr. Hsiao’s work has earned her numerous honors, including a Packard Fellowship in Science and Engineering, the National Institutes of Health Director’s Early Independence Award, Alfred P. Sloan Fellowship in Neuroscience, and National Geographic’s Emerging Explorer Award. She has also served as a member of President Obama’s White House Office of Science & Technology Microbiome Forum and was honored as a Forbes’ 30 Under 30 in Science and Healthcare. Dr. Hsiao holds a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics from UCLA and a Doctor of Philosophy in Neurobiology from the California Institute of Technology.
About joining uBiome's Scientific Advisory Board, Dr. Hsiao said, “The more we learn about the microbiome and its effects on health and disease, the more fundamental uBiome’s work becomes. I look forward to contributing as a member of the Scientific Advisory Board."
uBiome’s technology platform is based on the largest microbial dataset in the world (over 250,000 samples), covered by six issued patents (and over 100 pending applications), and used in over 20 peer-reviewed publications and presentations. This platform has been used by over 200 research institutions around the world, including the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC), US National Institutes of Health (NIH), Harvard University, Stanford University, University of California San Francisco, University College London, and University of Sydney.
In addition to Dr. Hsiao, the uBiome Scientific Advisory Board also includes Dr. Joseph DeRisi (MacArthur Genius and UCSF professor), Dr. Atul Butte (head of the Institute for Computational Health Sciences at UCSF), Dr. Katherine Pollard (Director, Gladstone Institute for Data Science and Biotechnology), Dr. Joel Palefsky (UCSF School of Medicine professor), Dr. George Church (leading geneticist at Harvard University), and other prominent scientists. The company’s Medical Advisory Board includes Dr. Alan Green (Society for Participatory Medicine), Dr. Leo Treyzon (Cedars-Sinai Medical Center), Dr. Robynne Chutkan (Georgetown University Hospital), Michael Docktor (Boston Children’s Hospital), as well as other accomplished clinicians.
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About uBiome:
Founded in 2012, uBiome is the world’s leading microbial genomics company with a mission to advance the science of the microbiome and make useful products to improve human life. uBiome is funded by Y Combinator, Andreessen Horowitz, and 8VC, as well as other leading investors. Since its launch, the company has received widespread recognition including CNN 10: Startups to Watch, the IVY Technology Award, CNN Future 30, and was named one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies in Healthcare in 2016 and in Data Science in 2018.
Media Contact:
Lelle Henrichsen
lelle.henrichsen(at)ubiome(dot)com