James Byrne, MD, PhD, of University of Iowa Health Care, is doing highly innovative research to improve patient outcomes. The NIH is noticing.

Researchers found that a protein made by tiny creatures called tardigrades can protect mouse and human cells from radiation damage. The findings hold promise for reducing the harmful side effects of radiation therapy to treat cancer.

Humans undergoing similar radiation for cancer treatment often suffer painful side effects

Researchers at University of Iowa Health Care, MIT, and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, are creating a unique approach to protect healthy tissue during radiation therapy.