We are in the throes of an election season in which divisive issues are at the forefront. One issue that a majority of Americans can agree on is advancing research to combat deadly and debilitating diseases.

A small group of thin patients who develop disorders typically tied to obesity pose a medical mystery and a potential opportunity for scientists.

The lack of representation of black and other minorities in academia is problematic and has far reaching implications on the type of research that is conducted, especially intervention research pertaining to the health of black people.