University Hospital has become the first hospital in Utah and the 73rd in the nation to receive the Baby Friendly designation, an international initiative sponsored by the World Health Organization.
Other developments from 2008 included the University of Utah receiving a $22.5 million Clinical and Translational Science Award from the National Institutes of Health to accelerate research findings for patient treatment.
In the area of medical research, scientists investigated connections between longevity, cancer, and diet using worms. Additionally, researchers studied how DNA tattoos passed from adult stem cells to daughter cells, and how certain infections may increase the risk of gastroschisis in infants.
In genetic studies, researchers traced colon cancer risk in the U.S. to a common ancestor, involving two large families, including one located in Utah.
University Health Care and Kennecott Land announced plans to construct a 150,000 square-foot healthcare center in the Daybreak community of South Jordan to serve the southwest valley's growing population.
The University of Utah Public Health Program was scheduled to award its first three doctorates and 40 master degrees during a graduation held on May 23, 2008.
