Swallow research produces Eppendorf win for Seeholzer

The prize, hosted jointly by the life science company and Science magazine, is awarded to early-career scientists for groundbreaking neurobiological work based on methods of molecular, cellular, systems or organismic biology. Winners receive US$25,000 and the publication of their research paper in the journal.

PhD, postdoctoral Fellow at the University of California, San Francisco, Seeholzer “brilliantly” described in her account how she identified a group of laryngeal and tracheal neuroendocrine cells that protect the body’s airways, said prize jury chairman and senior Science editor Dr. Peter Stern. Activation of those cells drives airway protective reflexes via interaction with airway-innervating sensory neurons

Outlined Seeholzer: “Water ‘going down the wrong pipe’ or refluxing stomach acid into the airways are deeply uncomfortable experiences that elicit protective reflexes like coughing, gagging and swallowing.

“We found that a rare cell type in the airway epithelium, called neuroendocrine (NE) cells, detect these noxious stimuli. Upon stimulation, tracheal and laryngeal NE cells release a specific type of neurotransmitter that activates nearby sensory neurons, which then drive protective reflexes like swallowing and coughing.”

Seeholzer is researching whether NE cell dysregulation can impact the likelihood of aspiration when people age or where critical airway reflexes are compromised by disease.

The researcher, herself a regular reader of Science’s articles, said: “Being selected as this year’s winner is one of the greatest surprises and honors of my fledgling career. I would also like to thank Dr. David Julius and my lab mates for creating an enthusiastic and supportive lab environment where it is a joy to go to work each day.”

Two other finalists were acknowledged for their research: Senior research fellow and group leader at Australia’s University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia Rosemary Cater for her work that reveals molecular details of how the essential nutrients choline and omega-3 fatty acids are transported into the brain; and Claudia Kathe, assistant professor at the University of Lausanne, Switzerland for research into the role of neuronal populations in the spinal cord in restoring motor function.

Now in its 23^rd year, the Eppendorf & Science Prize for Neurobiology was first awarded in 2002 and has since featured more than 70 winners and finalists. Deadline for 2025 prize applications is June 15, 2025 and nominees must be aged 35 or younger. For further information, click here.