The STAT Madness pitch session at the STAT Breakthrough Summit East in Manhattan provided a platform for scientific teams to showcase their groundbreaking research in a format similar to the popular TV show “Shark Tank.” As basketball fans eagerly followed March Madness scores, these scientists entered their own version of the Big Dance.
Four teams out of the 64 competing in STAT Madness presented their research to a panel of judges that included representatives from Cure and JobsOhio, as well as STAT reporters and academic experts. Among them was the New York University School of Global Public Health team, which is currently a strong contender in the competition and received the audience pick at the live event for their study on respiratory failure in Hispanic patients.
The NYU team’s research focused on the disproportionate rate of deep sedation among Hispanic patients in intensive care units, which has been linked to higher mortality rates in respiratory failure patients. By de-implementing this low-value practice, the team believes that lives can be saved, offering a practical and optimistic solution to a pressing healthcare issue.
Other teams presented equally innovative research, such as a study using natural language processing to extract data on cancer patients’ outcomes from medical records, research on genetic factors influencing cancer metastasis, and the use of an antibody to prevent allergic reactions in children and adults. The potential implications of these studies range from improving patient outcomes to developing new therapies for challenging medical conditions.
As the competition continues, these research teams are at the forefront of scientific discovery, showcasing the power of innovation and collaboration in advancing healthcare. The STAT Madness pitch session highlighted the importance of supporting and recognizing these groundbreaking studies that have the potential to transform medical practice and improve patient care. The importance of scientific research has never been more crucial than in today’s world. With the federal government scaling back on funding for science, it is imperative to bring visibility to groundbreaking research that can benefit society as a whole. This was a key theme discussed at the recent STAT Breakthrough Summit, where speakers emphasized the need to make science more relatable and accessible to the general public.
Melissa Dupont, the global public affairs lead for neurology at Sanofi, highlighted the significance of connecting science to everyday life. She stressed the importance of demystifying science and moving away from the traditional image of scientists working in isolated labs. By making science more relatable and relevant to people’s lives, we can foster a greater appreciation for the impact of scientific research.
One way to showcase the importance of scientific research is through initiatives like STAT Madness. While there may not be a monetary prize at stake, the opportunity to showcase groundbreaking research and innovative discoveries can have a lasting impact. By engaging the public in the voting process, we can raise awareness about the incredible work being done in the scientific community.
One example cited at the summit was the use of omalizumab, a drug that can help toddlers with severe food allergies. A toddler who is willing to eat anything handed to them may benefit from this treatment, as well as college-age students who are venturing out on their own for the first time. By highlighting the real-world applications of scientific research, we can underscore the importance of funding and supporting scientific endeavors.
In conclusion, the visibility of scientific research is more important than ever in today’s world. By making science more relatable and accessible to the general public, we can foster a greater appreciation for the impact of scientific discoveries. Initiatives like STAT Madness provide a platform to showcase groundbreaking research and engage the public in the scientific process. Through these efforts, we can ensure that scientific research continues to drive innovation and improve the lives of people around the world.
