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Engineering enters the operating room

A new T32 training program connects bioengineers and neurosurgeons to work on research projects improving neurosurgical practice. The program brings together postdoctoral associates and residents to collaborate on team-based research projects, closing the gap between neurosurgery and bioengineering.

New approach to obesity classification could better guide treatment decisions

Researchers from Pennington Biomedical Research Center propose a new framework for defining and diagnosing obesity, which considers the effects of excess adiposity on organs and tissues. This approach provides a more biologically grounded and clinically actionable method for guiding treatment decisions.

SourcePennington Biomedical Research Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism·DateJul 31, 2026

White blood cells use brute force to dislodge bacteria

A recent study in Nature Communications reveals that white blood cells employ a novel mechanism to dislodge bacteria from human tissues using brute force and integrin-based adhesion rings. The research, led by Xuefeng Wang, has significant implications for understanding the role of macrophages in cleaning up environmental pollutants.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 4, 2025

Pennington Biomedical’s Dr. Kaja Falkenhain awarded postdoctoral fellowship from the American Heart Association

Dr. Kaja Falkenhain, a postdoctoral researcher at Pennington Biomedical Research Center, has been awarded a postdoctoral fellowship from the American Heart Association. The fellowship will support her research project on studying brain reward circuitry and cravings in relation to obesity medication and modern food environment.

Advanced wearable technology improves support for people with dementia and their caregivers

A new pilot study assesses how caregivers use advanced wearable technology to support people with dementia, finding that it reduces emotional strain and increases caregiver satisfaction. The technology, called Theora Care, provides a wearable device and smartphone application that alerts caregivers when the person has wandered.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalJournal of Alzheimer’s Disease·DateFeb 3, 2025

Education modules build student and instructor skills

The Macrosystems EDDIE modules have been effective in building student and instructor quantitative literacy and data science skills in ecological forecasting, reaching over 35,000 students globally. The modules aim to introduce students to core concepts of forecasting and complement educators' work teaching ecological concepts.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalBioScience·DateNov 5, 2024

El Niño–southern oscillation caused the spike in 2023 temperatures, new study found

A recent study by University of Miami researchers identifies El Niño-Southern Oscillation as the primary cause of the rapid warming of the planet in 2023. The analysis shows that nearly all temperature spikes were associated with an El Niño event, highlighting the significant impact of this climate phenomenon on global temperatures.

New study highlights the importance of psychological resilience in helping kids recover from concussions

A new study published in the journal Brain Connectivity reveals how psychological resilience can aid children's recovery from concussions. The research found that building resilience through supportive family environments and effective coping strategies may help young patients heal faster.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalBrain Connectivity·TypeImaging analysis·DateJul 29, 2024

POSTECH Professor Yong-Young Noh resolves two decades of oxide semiconductor challenges, which Is published in prestigious journal Nature

Researchers led by POSTECH Professor Yong-Young Noh discovered that tellurium oxide can function as a p-type semiconductor in oxygen-deficient environments. They successfully engineered high-performance amorphous p-type oxide Thin-Film Transistors (TFTs) with exceptional hole mobility and on/off current ratio.

International graduate and postdoctoral trainees in biomedicine are struggling with career confidence, study says

A new study found that international and female trainees reported lower career-self-efficacy across the national sample. The study highlights how immigration status intersects with individuals' perceptions of their own capabilities, influencing their career trajectories and opportunities for advancement.

Does stereotyping impact cooperative behavior?

Researchers found that stereotypes can significantly reduce cooperation by making individuals less likely to engage in positive behaviors if they believe their actions won't be recognized. This can lead to a decrease in overall cooperation. However, the use of individual-based reputations could potentially improve cooperative outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 6, 2024