WaNPRC has played a crucial role in some of the most important medical breakthroughs of the last 60 years. Research with nonhuman primates (NHPs) is highly regulated and provides insights unavailable with other animal models. Often this research must precede clinical trials in humans. Below are just some of the important breakthroughs enabled by research at WaNPRC aimed at improving human and animal health.
COVID-19 – The emergence of the SARS-Cov-2 virus in 2019 was one of the greatest public health crises in history and NHP research was vital in responding to it. NHP studies revealed transmission routes and genetics of the virus among other data sets. Coupled with decades of research on mRNA viruses, WaNPRC studies provided vital information on the efficacy of vaccines before they could enter human trials.
Zika – WaNPRC’s pioneering work with the Zika virus also revealed the link between the virus and microcephaly in infants, driving new public health policies and treatments to protect pregnant women and their babies.
HIV/AIDS – Amid the AIDS crisis, WaNPRC scientists discovered how HIV infects and destroys T cells. This work led to therapies and diagnostics that have been essential in improving the lives of people living with HIV. They also discovered that using antivirals just before or after exposure to HIV could prevent infection, which led to the development of PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) drugs, protecting millions of people around the world from HIV today.
Gene Therapy – WaNPRC has been a leader in genetics and viral research. Researchers at the Center have developed a gene therapy that’s now in clinical trials to cure color blindness, offering hope to people affected by this genetic condition.
Brain-Computer Interfaces – When the U.S. was putting a man on the moon, WaNPRC was already launching research into brain-computer interfaces. These early efforts laid the groundwork for today’s technology, which allows brain control of robotics—helping people with disabilities regain control over their movements in ways that were once thought impossible. A major milestone from WaNPRC was performing the first controlled brain-function study in nonhuman primates. This work led to breakthroughs in spinal cord injury treatment and opened the door to technologies that can help restore movement for people with spinal cord injuries. And there’s more: ongoing research in brain-computer interfaces holds the promise that, one day, people who have suffered strokes or spinal injuries may be able to walk and talk again.
Cochlear Implants – Researchers at WaNPRC have helped deaf people hear again. The Center helped develop the first generation of cochlear implants, which stimulate nerves in the inner ear, which have changed the lives of millions of people with profound hearing loss.
Neuroscience – Neuroscience researchers at WaNPRC scientists are contributing to similar efforts, using electrical stimulation to help rewire the nervous system, with promising results in clinical trials aimed at helping stroke and spinal cord injury patients regain lost motor function.
GCEO – To date, Drs. Randy and Elle Kyes and their international colleagues have conducted 130 field courses in 9 program countries for more than 2,427 participants representing over 125 institutions. The participants have included university undergrad and graduate students, faculty, staff, national park rangers, teachers, community leaders, local tourist guides, NGO staff, lab researchers, environmental journalists, etc.