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Researchers identify brain circuit linked to food cravings during pregnancy

Researchers at Pennington Biomedical Research Center have identified a brain mechanism that may help explain how pregnancy changes the motivation to seek certain highly palatable foods. The study found that serotonin neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus become less active during pregnancy, increasing food-craving-like behavior in animal...

SourcePennington Biomedical Research Center·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateSep 18, 2026

Pennington Biomedical researchers help advance new tool for analyzing continuous glucose monitoring data

Researchers at Pennington Biomedical developed GVC-Calc to analyze continuous glucose monitoring data, providing a scalable and transparent approach. The platform supports batch processing, integrates individual-level data with cohort-level results, and offers consensus clinical metrics alongside exploratory measures.

SourcePennington Biomedical Research Center·JournalNature Metabolism·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 16, 2026

Pennington Biomedical Research Center’s 2026 Childhood Obesity Conference: “Be the Reason Kids Greaux Healthy” to be held Sept. 24

The 2026 Childhood Obesity Conference, 'Be the Reason Kids Greaux Healthy,' will explore strategies for preventing and treating childhood obesity, bringing together healthcare professionals, researchers, educators, and community leaders. The conference will feature keynotes, sessions, and poster presentations on emerging topics in pedi...

McCombs M.S. programs get new names

The McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin has announced the renaming of its Master of Science in Business Analytics and Artificial Intelligence program to emphasize the central role of emerging technologies in the curriculum. The new name highlights the technical rigor and AI integration that distinguish these...

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

Louisiana study shows promising outcomes for bariatric surgery in adolescents and young adults with severe obesity

A new study from Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Louisiana demonstrates safe and effective bariatric surgery outcomes for young patients with severe obesity. The study found significant improvements in weight loss and obesity-related health conditions, highlighting the importance of multidisciplinary care models.

SourcePennington Biomedical Research Center·JournalObesity Surgery·DateJul 13, 2026

New study finds Americans with severe obesity receive fewer surgeries despite rising need

A new study by Pennington Biomedical and collaborators found that Americans with the highest levels of obesity are undergoing fewer surgical procedures overall. Despite the increasing prevalence of extreme obesity, these individuals appear to be receiving proportionally fewer surgical interventions each year. The research highlights gr...

SourcePennington Biomedical Research Center·JournalObesity·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 9, 2026

New international study highlights impact of restrained sitting on movement behaviors in young children

A new study published in the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport found that most children meet guidelines for restrained sitting, but urban children and those with more vehicle time are less likely to meet the guideline. Higher levels of physical activity were associated with greater likelihood of meeting the recommended guideline.

SourcePennington Biomedical Research Center·JournalJournal of Science and Medicine in Sport·TypeSurvey·DateMay 28, 2026

UT System investments of over $470 million accelerate UT San Antonio’s rise as a world-class research university

The University of Texas System has invested over $470 million in capital projects supporting UT San Antonio's growth as a top public research university. These investments span research, innovation, infrastructure, technology, and patient care, with a focus on expanding the university's research capabilities and technology infrastructure.

Study shows use of obesity drugs alongside behavioral intervention is associated with reduced “food noise”

Research by Dr. Hanim Diktas at Pennington Biomedical Research Center shows that combining GLP-1 receptor agonists with behavioral intervention leads to a greater reduction in 'food noise', a persistent thought about food disrupting daily life and healthy behaviors. The study found significant decreases in food noise for participants u...

SourcePennington Biomedical Research Center·TypeObservational study·DateMay 12, 2026

Engineers track eye movements to advance student simulation training, enhance clinical preparedness in Meridian

Researchers are using eye-tracking technology at MSU-Meridian to study how students process and respond in high-pressure training scenarios, helping design the next generation of medical training tools. The project aims to identify key gaps in student performance and improve clinical outcomes by comparing data with clinical professionals.

SourceMississippi State University·TypeObservational study·DateMay 4, 2026

Improving heart health may not be enough to protect against Alzheimer’s disease

Researchers found that exercise and aggressive cardiovascular risk reduction improved heart health, but did not produce measurable cognitive benefits over two years in older adults at risk for Alzheimer's disease. The study highlights a critical gap between vascular risk reduction and brain health.

SourcePennington Biomedical Research Center·JournalJAMA Neurology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 23, 2026

Maths model could unlock new medical treatments

A new study could unlock the creation of brand new materials with promising biomedical applications, including smart drug delivery systems and targeted therapies. Researchers used a simple mathematical model to balance competing forces and predict the same arrangements across different materials.

SourceAberystwyth·JournalPhysical Review E·DateNov 12, 2025

Key ExoMars Rover part ships from Aberystwyth

The infrared spectrometer Enfys, a key instrument for the European Space Agency's ExoMars Rosalind Franklin Rover, is shipped from Aberystwyth University to Italy for testing. The rover will drill up to two meters beneath the Martian surface to search for signs of past or present life.

UT San Antonio announces Malú and Carlos Alvarez Family gift, closing Be Bold campaign with $575 million raised for students, research and growth

The University of Texas at San Antonio has achieved a final total of $575 million raised for students, research, and growth through the Be Bold: A Campaign for Our Future initiative. The campaign was closed with a $5 million gift from the Malú and Carlos Alvarez Family, establishing the Carlos Alvarez Distinguished Presidential Chair.

New guide to tackle tech abuse of older people

A new guide has been launched to help tackle the growing threat of technology-facilitated domestic abuse against older people. The resource highlights practical ways to prevent and respond to digital forms of abuse, including how to secure access to bank accounts and lock smart devices.