By Karen Burbach

Scientists in the Durham Research Center will search for clues to treat cancer, reverse Alzheimer's disease, prevent congenital heart defects and cure blindness.

"There is an endless potential for scientific advancement and discovery within the Durham Research Center," said Thomas Rosenquist, Ph.D., vice chancellor for research at UNMC. "The state-of-the-art building will allow some of our top scientists to further advance their cutting-edge work in unraveling the medical mysteries relating to transplant biology and genetics and of birth defects, respiratory diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, eye disease and pancreatic and breast cancer."

The $77 million building, which towers over the western edge of the medical center campus, will contain many of UNMC's research giants. Approximately 55 of UNMC's top researchers will move into the 10-level building. When the entire length of these researchers' grants is taken into account, the group's total extramural research funding brings nearly $55 million to UNMC.

Besides the advancing of scientific knowledge, researchers say the building will enhance their ability to recruit bright young people into the labs and allow for greater interaction and collaboration among faculty.

It's important to be right next door and rub elbows to further scientific knowledge, made new therapeutic discoveries and generate new ideas," said Carl Camras, M.D., chairman of the ophthalmology department.