Washington, DC – Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (Conn. -3) announced over $1.5 million for Yale University and the University of Connecticut through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for medical research. The National Institute of Health directs funding to projects that focus on basic research to improve the quality of life and reduce the burdens of illness and disability.

“Investing in medical research creates an opportunity for the scientific progress and critical breakthroughs that will improve people’s health and well being. In doing so, we will help stimulate the economy, as well as ensure America’s continued leadership in medical research and development,” said DeLauro.

Specifically, the two Universities are receiving recovery funding for the following projects:

Yale University

High-throughput Genetic Analyzer Upgrade, $ 92,429: Users can collect quality data in a more cost-effective manner.

Yale University

Lifestyle Modification to Reduce Weight and Related Morbidity in Mental Illness, $680,100: To test the effectiveness of a program of diet and exercise in reducing obesity and related illness in severely mentally ill patients.

University of Connecticut

Transmission Electron Microscope, $334,703: To investigate several diseases related phenomena such as cardiovascular, inherited, infectious & cancer

University of Connecticut Health Center

Dopaminergic Modulation of Dentritic Excitability, $418,724: This research will explore the impact of pharmacotherapy on brain dysfunction in people with psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and depression, potentially leading to new preventive and therapeutic approaches.