rescue premature babies from death or lifelong disabilities. Played key role in developing the current hepatitis B vaccine now administered in 116 countries. Identified genes that influence heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and other common health problems. Developed vaccines, antibodies and antitoxins for deadly agents of bioterrorism such as Ebola, botulinum neurotoxins, and anthrax. Developed promising hormone-derived therapies with potential to treat breast and prostate cancer. Developed invaluable animal models for research on cancer, heart disease, obesity, AIDS, and hepatitis among other public health problems that afflict millions around the globe. Created methods to diagnose infections with herpes B virus, which is lethal to humans. Identified genes influencing drug resistance to malaria parasites. Helped advance a new treatment which moved from animal to human trials for chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Discovered a promising drug therapy candidate for the treatment of Ebola. Current research projects Investigating genetic and dietary factors that have major roles in influencing susceptibility to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity Evaluating novel approaches to curing hepatitis C, which infects three percent of the world’s population and is the leading cause of liver failure in the US. Developing vaccine strategies for Ebola, HIV, Lassa virus, West Nile virus, Japanese encephalitis viruses, and herpes. Genetically characterizing the parasites which cause malaria and schistosomiasis, with the common goal of developing more effective drugs and disease control strategies for these global health problems. Studying ways of preventing or treating diseases caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), herpes simplex virus, and dengue virus. Research on preventing and treating Mycobacterium tuberculosis with particular emphasis on TB and aging, diabetes, and vaccine development. Developing an animal model to test vaccines to protect people against the Zika virus. Controversy On April 14, 2018, four baboons escaped from the facility. They were contained within the same day. In 2015, it was announced that the institute is under a federal investigation after the death of at least five primates over a five-year period. According to news reports, one monkey was crushed to death by a cage door, another died from strangulation, and another from blood poisoning following a traumatic injury. In 2014, the Humane Society of the United States released undercover footage from inside the institute which, according to the animal welfare group, “found a pattern of animal mistreatment, including overcrowding and lack of veterinary care”. The group said their investigation found animals suffering from severe stress