Paul Ohodnicki named new Center for Energy Director at University of Pittsburgh
Dr. Paul Ohodnicki joins as permanent director, succeeding Heng Ban; to expand energy research and education capabilities across multiple disciplines.
Dr. Paul Ohodnicki joins as permanent director, succeeding Heng Ban; to expand energy research and education capabilities across multiple disciplines.
Anne Aunins, a UVA chemical engineering alumna and board member, was elected to the National Academy of Engineering for her innovative work in bioprocess engineering and biopharmaceutical manufacturing. Her contributions have had transformative impact on industry and society, particularly during the global COVID-19 crisis.
Professor Michael L. King has been elected to the National Academy of Engineering for his seminal contributions to transport phenomena and biomedical engineering. His work has deepened fundamental understanding of particle transport, adhesion, and aerosol behavior in biological systems, informing advances across biomedical applications...
Wachs was recognized for his work on mixed oxide catalysts that guide the rational design of solid catalysts for air pollution remediation, sustainable energy, fuels, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. His election to the NAE honors his contributions to chemical engineering and the modern field of operando molecular spectroscopy.
Dr. Catherine Prater's research project aims to improve prediction models and uncover metabolic markers that explain individual differences in weight gain. She will use machine learning techniques to train and test prediction models using existing clinical trial data.
The Vilcek Foundation has awarded $9.6 million to 14 individuals from 12 countries for their contributions to the arts and sciences in the US. This year's prize winners include scientists, artists, and fashion designers who have made significant advancements in their fields.
Researchers propose an expansive mode of engineering practice that seeks to reduce conflict through the design of technologies like solar panels and water pipelines. The authors argue that procurement, education, and institutional support are necessary for peace engineering to become the norm.
BioPathNet is an AI method that analyzes large biomedical knowledge graphs to identify hidden connections between genes, diseases, and drugs. The model proposes hypotheses that can be tested experimentally or clinically, providing a hypothesis-generating tool for researchers.
The DASH Diet, developed at Pennington Biomedical Research Center, has been ranked as the best heart-healthy diet and second-best overall by US News & World Report. The diet's focus on fiber, heart-healthy minerals, and whole grains helps lower blood pressure and reduce cardiovascular risk.
Pennington Biomedical researchers investigated competing body weight regulation models, analyzing the interaction of energy intake and expenditure. The study highlights the need to test state-of-the-art technology and could help explain why losing weight is challenging for some individuals.
Dr. Gang Hu, a leading expert in chronic disease epidemiology, has been appointed to the NIH Reproductive, Perinatal and Pediatric Health Review Group. He will evaluate studies on reproductive, perinatal, and pediatric health, with a focus on lifestyle factors and their impact on chronic diseases.
Dr. Jennifer Rood, Associate Executive Director for Cores and Resources, takes on interim leadership role at Pennington Biomedical Research Center while an international search for the next full-time Executive Director is underway. She brings over 30 years of experience in obesity and chronic disease research.
Researchers have developed a new strategy to target mRNA cancer vaccines by teaching the immune system to recognize and destroy tumors. The treatment uses chimeric nanobodies that bind to tumor surface proteins, releasing mRNA that stimulates an immune response against cancer cells.
Philip R. Troyk, director of the Pritzker Institute of Biomedical Science and Engineering at Illinois Tech, has been elected as a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors for his groundbreaking work on neuroprosthetic devices, including an implanted cortical visual prosthesis that provides artificial vision to individuals with profo...
The Pew Charitable Trusts has funded seven new biomedical research collaborations, bringing together 14 renowned scientists to tackle pressing problems in human health. These interdisciplinary projects will accelerate discoveries and advance understanding of human biology and disease.
Pennington Biomedical Research Center launched its first international scientific symposium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, exceeding expectations with distinguished audience engagement and new institutional contacts.
Dr. Corby Martin has been appointed as the Associate Executive Director for Scientific Education at Pennington Biomedical Research Center. He will provide leadership for key programs such as the T32 Postdoctoral Training Program, the Pennington Scientific Symposium and the Bray Obesity Symposium.
Researchers will study neural mechanisms of visual perceptual learning (VPL) to generalize across the visual field, improving vision rehabilitation and AI systems. The project aims to develop a unified model of visual processing, VPL, and attention.
This book highlights novel synthesis techniques for next-generation nanomaterials, advancing innovations in catalysis, energy storage, environmental sustainability, and biomedical engineering. It provides essential insights into how nanoscale engineering is transforming multiple sectors.
Researchers at Terasaki Institute and Caltech will use stem cell-based models to identify factors influencing early human development. The goal is to gain insights into infertility, pregnancy loss, and developmental disorders.
Four researchers from LSU's Pennington Biomedical Research Center have been named among the world's most highly cited scientists. Dr. Steven Heymsfield, Dr. Peter Katzmarzyk, Dr. Eric Ravussin and Dr. Donna Ryan are recognized for their significant and broad influence in their respective fields.
Researchers Andrew Gewirtz and Lanying Du from the Institute for Biomedical Sciences at Georgia State University have been recognized as Highly Cited Researchers in 2025. They are among the top 1% of globally impactful researchers, with highly cited papers in multiple fields.
Dr. Johnson V. John has been appointed as a standing member of the NIH's Musculoskeletal Tissue Engineering (MTE) Study Section, ensuring innovative research receives support. His expertise in biomaterials and tissue engineering will contribute to national research priorities.
A new gene editing technique, P3a mutagenesis, achieves near 100% success in creating precise DNA mutations. This method simplifies protein engineering, accelerating biomedical research and reducing costs.
Researchers at UMass Amherst have developed an app that uses Apple Watch data to monitor sleep stages and predict Alzheimer's disease risk. The app, BIDSleep, collects heart rate data and feeds it into an AI model that accurately identifies sleep stages 71% of the time.
Pennington Biomedical researchers will participate in numerous panels and presentations during the conference, sharing their latest findings on obesity treatment and prevention. The institution is well-represented at the event, with faculty members among the experts leading courses, presentations, and speaker panels.
A new analytical tool using Raman spectroscopy enables rapid monitoring of vaccine quality and quantity, with results in 30 seconds or less. The tool operates on the production line, saving time and money in vaccine production.
The National Institutes of Health has renewed Pennington Biomedical's Metabolic Basis of Disease Center for five years, providing $2.2M per year to support research on the mechanisms of metabolic health. The center aims to address the obesity epidemic and its related illnesses.
Christopher Chen, a renowned biomedical engineer, has been elected to the National Academy of Medicine for his groundbreaking contributions to cell and tissue engineering. His research may lead to lifesaving new treatments for disease, including heart attack cures and organ repairs.
Researchers at Binghamton University created a new technique for engineering vascular systems using nanotubes, which improved blood distribution and supplied cells with nutrition and oxygen. The technology has potential applications in treating tumors or neurodegenerative diseases.
The bregr R package streamlines the process of analyzing large-scale biomedical data by automating model fitting, extracting tidy results, and providing publication-quality visualizations. This results in enhanced efficiency and scalability for researchers, while maintaining reproducibility and accuracy.
Researchers at Cornell University are launching a new initiative to unravel the science of menopause, aiming to develop urgently needed treatment strategies for this condition. The project seeks to bridge the knowledge gap in understanding how menopause shapes health and disease.
The University of Pittsburgh is launching a groundbreaking undergraduate degree in Natural Gas, Renewables, and Oil Engineering (GRO), combining traditional oil and gas engineering with renewable systems. The program prepares students for a rapidly changing global energy market and offers strong career prospects.
Professor Lim Chwee Teck, Director of NUS iHealthtech, has been elected an International Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering for his pioneering research in biomedical engineering and wearable technologies. His work on disease diagnosis and therapy has translated into impactful healthcare solutions through start-ups.
An international team has published a new framework for studying 'Earth engineers' who have fundamentally altered ecosystems globally. The framework distinguishes between engineering behaviors with local and planetary scale effects, offering insights into how humans and other organisms have shaped the planet.
A team of researchers has received funding to study the PRPH2 gene, crucial for normal vision, but when mutated causes a range of retinal diseases leading to blindness. They aim to uncover the underlying mechanisms of PRPH2-associated pathology to develop effective therapies.
The 2025 Childhood Obesity Conference, hosted by Pennington Biomedical's Greaux Health initiative, aims to educate healthcare providers and promote healthier futures for Louisiana's children through cutting-edge research and evidence-based strategies. Participants can earn up to 7.5 CMEs and gain practical tools to support healthier fu...
Researchers at Penn State developed CitraBoneQMg, a biodegradable scaffold that combines magnesium and glutamine with citric acid to promote bone growth. The implant increased bone growth by 56% in rats compared to traditional implants, demonstrating its potential for treating complex fractures.
Dr. Steven B. Heymsfield joins an elite group of scholars recognized for advancing knowledge and transforming their fields. He has authored over 1,300 scientific publications with nearly 79,000 citations, placing him among the top 500 most-cited researchers globally.
Dr. Michael J. Welsh has advanced understanding and treatment of cystic fibrosis through his pioneering research on chloride channels and CFTR function. He has developed new therapies, including a porcine model of CF, leading to improved treatments for 90% of people with the disease.
A recent study by Pennington Biomedical researchers found that pregnant women with metabolically unhealthy obesity were twice as likely to develop gestational diabetes and had more body fat at birth. Despite lower weight gain, these mothers' metabolic health played a crucial role in their baby's development.
The Pennington Biomedical Research Center has opened a new Endocrinology and Diabetes Clinic in Baton Rouge, providing specialized care for patients managing diabetes and endocrine disorders. The clinic is led by Dr. Timothy Gilbert, who brings nearly 20 years of private practice experience to the region.
A new platform combines bacteria and viruses to target cancer cells. The system hides a virus inside a tumor-seeking bacterium, smuggling it past the immune system and unleashing it inside cancerous tumors.
The Pew Charitable Trusts has funded 10 postdoctoral Latin American researchers for two years of biomedical science research in the US. They are exploring topics like brain tumor evolution, immune cell function, and nervous system repair.
The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) has launched a new journal, Civil Engineering Sciences, which aims to publish interdisciplinary and cutting-edge works on discoveries and innovations in civil engineering. The journal will promote future reform and innovation in civil engineering science and technology.
A USC research team has made a groundbreaking discovery about the human spinal cord's role in bladder control. The study used functional ultrasound imaging to observe real-time changes in blood flow dynamics during bladder filling and emptying, revealing areas where activity is correlated with bladder pressure.
Researchers designed a hydrogel system using milk-derived extracellular vesicles as both bioactive cargo and structural building blocks, enabling tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications. The yogurt EVs promote healing and tissue regeneration without additional chemical additives.
Answer ALS is launching a groundbreaking collaboration with Tulane University and the Pennington Biomedical Research Center to harness AI for ALS treatment discovery. The Louisiana AI Drug Development Infrastructure for ALS (LADDIA) will prioritize therapeutic targets using AI-driven insights from the Answer ALS' Neuromine Data Portal.
Researchers aim to understand the relationship between nightmares and anxiety-related mental health disorders like PTSD. They will use novel imaging techniques to map brain activity during sleep stages.
Recent advances in biofabrication and biomedical electronics have led to the development of biohybrid-engineered tissue (BHET) platforms, turning passive constructs into intelligent systems. These platforms show promise in diverse applications, including brain organoids and cardiac tissues, blurring the line between biology and machine.
Lisa Maillart, PhD, has been named Department Chair of Industrial and Systems Engineering at the University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering. She aims to expand the department's growth in enrollment and guide interdisciplinary research on challenges like AI, health issues, and supply chain logistics.
The Shanghai Jiao Tong University Medical-Engineering Interdisciplinary Journal Alliance aims to bridge medicine and engineering research through scholarly publishing. The partnership seeks to accelerate translational research in precision medicine and biomedical engineering, increasing global visibility for China's 'Double First-Class...
The new microscope allows researchers to map and quantify the mechanical properties of biological tissues without interfering with them, enabling real-time monitoring. This breakthrough technology has far-reaching implications for fields such as inflammation, cancer, developmental biology, and biomedical materials.
The study highlights the challenges of commercializing renewable polymers, but also emphasizes the potential of chemical modification to improve their properties for clinical use. The research aims to provide a comprehensive overview of these sustainable materials in biomedical practice.
The Greaux Healthy initiative aims to prevent and treat childhood obesity through partnerships with healthcare providers, educators, and families. The program has developed tools and resources for four priority populations, including expectant families, preschool-aged children, school-aged children, and adolescents and young adults.
The Berggren Center for Quantum Biology and Medicine will merge quantum technology with biology to transform medicine, driving the development of revolutionary quantum tools and cultivating bilingual scholars. Researchers will translate quantum advances into clinical solutions, enabling new diagnostics and therapies.
The June Small Shifts campaign focuses on incorporating more fruits and vegetables into daily meals and snacks, leading to energy, mood, and immune function improvements. By making simple changes, such as adding berries or carrot sticks, individuals can make a big impact on their overall health.
The Terasaki Institute and California State University, Northridge (CSUN) have launched a new collaboration initiative that brings advanced hands-on laboratory experience to CSUN Biology graduate students. Participating students will work alongside leading scientists on projects in various fields of biomedical research.
Texas A&M University researchers have developed a customizable vessel-chip method that can mimic various blood vessel structures, enabling more accurate models of vascular disease. The chip technology enables patient-specific research and pharmaceutical testing, with the potential to cure vascular diseases.
Antonios Mikos, a leading expert in biomaterials and tissue engineering, has been elected to the European Academy of Sciences. He is recognized for his groundbreaking work in regenerative medicine, controlled drug delivery, gene therapy, and disease modeling.