Articles tagged with Medical Research Facilities
Researchers highlight unanticipated benefits of GLP-1 medications, including reduced inflammation and lower risk of certain cardiovascular and musculoskeletal conditions. However, questions remain about lean body mass and nutritional health following weight loss associated with these medications.
Researchers are developing a smartphone-based platform that combines driving data, personalized coaching and parent engagement strategies to improve driving safety for teens with ADHD. The platform will use telematics to monitor driving behaviors while allowing parents and teens to set shared goals and track progress.
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.
The Alliance QUANTUM trial is testing whether post-transplant consolidation therapy with teclistamab improves survival in patients with primary plasma cell leukemia. Plasma cell leukemia is a rare but aggressive blood cancer with poor long-term survival rates.
A Phase 2 clinical trial shows that a THC/CBD combination significantly reduces agitation in hospice-eligible people with dementia. The study, conducted across multiple US sites, achieved its primary and key secondary endpoints, demonstrating the efficacy of this treatment approach for end-of-life agitation.
Researchers identified endotrophin as a biological marker that rises and falls with changes in body fat, reflecting changes in metabolic health. The study suggests endotrophin could serve as a valuable biomarker and therapeutic target for reducing obesity-related health risks.
Researchers from Pennington Biomedical will present findings on organoid models, GLP-1 therapies, and early-life nutrition. The center's broad research portfolio is represented at the annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition.
The Pennington-Louisiana Nutrition Obesity Research Center has received a five-year, $5.66 million renewal grant from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). The award reaffirms Pennington Biomedical's position as a national leader in nutrition, obesity, and metabolic health research. The center su...
Dr. Kaja Falkenhain receives the Peter J. Reeds Early Career Investigator Award for her groundbreaking work on human nutrition and metabolism. Her research focuses on cardiometabolic health and glycemic control, highlighting the impact of nutritional exposures on energy expenditure.
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.
Dr. Tim Allerton's research focuses on heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), a condition affecting millions of Americans. His team aims to determine how declining hydrogen sulfide levels contribute to muscle function and exercise capacity in patients with HFpEF.
Researchers have identified high rates of overweight/obesity (82%) and hypertension (higher than statewide average) in Franklin Parish, with income levels linked to lower hypertension rates. Older residents are also more likely to have undiagnosed high cholesterol and diabetes.
Dr. Logan Townsend joins Pennington Biomedical to study the connection between metabolic disease and mental health, investigating circulating factors influencing anxiety and depression. His research program aims to improve both metabolic and mental health outcomes.
A longitudinal study found modifiable factors like emotion regulation, social support, and sleep quality influence psychological resilience in female athletes. Greater resilience was linked to lower rates of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and perceived stress.
The NOVO EXPENDITURE trial investigates the effects of a hormone-based treatment on weight loss compared to a reduced-calorie diet. Participants will undergo extensive physiological testing, including metabolic chamber sessions and regular weigh-ins, to assess the treatment's impact on energy use and body weight.
Dr. Corby Martin has been awarded the LPFA Endowed Chair in Nutrition at Pennington Biomedical Research Center for his groundbreaking research on nutrition and health behaviors. The chair recognizes his extensive experience leading interventions to modify health behaviors and outcomes, including food intake, exercise, and body weight.
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...
Dr. Mey directs the Mitochondrial Energetics and Nutrient Utilization (MENU) Laboratory at Pennington Biomedical, researching precision nutrition and metabolic health. He will represent Pennington Biomedical and the Academy as a Media Spokesperson.
Researchers from Pennington Biomedical will showcase their latest findings on prevention, care, and cures for diabetes and obesity at the American Diabetes Association's 2026 Scientific Sessions. The sessions will highlight cutting-edge advancements driving progress in diabetes research and management.
Researchers at Pennington Biomedical published the first study to estimate pediatric obesity prevalence among US children and adolescents aged 5-18 years using the new Lancet Commission definitions. The study found that many children are already experiencing measurable health impairments associated with obesity.
Dr. Owen Carmichael received the James W. and Neil Ann Parks Professorship for Dementia Research, Prevention and Treatment at Pennington Biomedical. His work focuses on developing advanced biomedical imaging techniques to better understand Alzheimer's disease and brain aging.
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.
Dr. John Apolzan and Dr. Leanne Redman, both from Pennington Biomedical Research Center, have been recognized as 2026 Excellence in Nutrition Fellows for their outstanding scientific contributions and leadership in the field of nutrition. They will be part of 69 new Fellows to be honored at ASN's annual meeting.
The center aims to enhance international cooperation in medical research and become one of the five core institutions at Korea University Mediscience Park. The event featured keynote lectures by experts from the University of Nottingham and domestic speakers sharing IBS's MRI operational know-how.
The institution has established a state-of-the-art biosafety research center with integrated facilities for pathogen analysis, vaccine development, and treatment identification. Korea University Medicine plans to operate the first privately led full-cycle vaccine development platform in Korea.
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...
The summit brought together endocrine leaders to identify opportunities to work closely together on increasing the visibility of endocrine health in policy decisions. Early findings from a workforce survey revealed challenges including long patient waiting times and retention concerns among early-career clinicians.
Regular physical activity is essential for mitigating the regain of lost weight after discontinuing GLP-1 medications. Exercise has complementary effects beyond energy balance, including improved insulin sensitivity and increased fat oxidation. Clinicians must develop individualized strategies to improve exercise adherence.
A two-day symposium brought together leading researchers, clinicians, and policy experts to examine the science surrounding ultra-processed foods and their impact on human health. Key findings include the biological mechanisms linking ultra-processing to chronic disease and opportunities for policy action.
Dr. Hannah Cabré has been appointed as an Assistant Professor and Director of the Aging, Gynecology, and Endocrinology Laboratory at Pennington Biomedical Research Center. Her research focuses on the role of female sex hormones in shaping nutrition, health, and performance across the lifespan.
A recent study published in Cell Reports identified a key pathway through which the hormone FGF21 influences eating behavior and energy balance. The findings highlight the importance of nutrition in brain function and suggest that FGF21-based therapies could be optimized to target specific brain circuits.
Dr. Gang Hu's research focuses on the complex interplay between lifestyle factors, biomarkers and genetic influences in chronic disease development. He has made significant contributions to understanding gestational diabetes mellitus and its long-term health effects.
The Pennington Generation study aims to explore the impact of physical activity, nutrition, and sleep on children's health and growth. The study will examine how these behaviors relate to weight gain and obesity over time.
A randomized trial found that duloxetine does not prevent painful neuropathy caused by oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy in patients with stage II or III colorectal cancer. The study suggests that duloxetine should only be used for managing existing neuropathy, not prevention.
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.
The Greaux Healthy initiative, launched by Pennington Biomedical Research Center, aims to prevent and treat childhood obesity in Louisiana. Studies show that childhood obesity is a national healthcare crisis in Louisiana, with over 1 in 3 children living with overweight or obesity.
Dan Devers joins the Stowers Institute with over 20 years of experience in law and business. He will lead all legal matters across the Institute, ensuring governance, compliance, intellectual property strategy, and partnerships support the Institute's mission to diagnose, treat, and prevent disease.
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.
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.
Dr. Leanne Redman joins the Charles Perkins Centre to lead research on obesity, diet, and exercise, building on her extensive experience in women's health issues and translational research. With over 300 publications and numerous awards, she will expand the centre's impact on global health.
The Louisiana ECHO program, which focuses on pre-, peri- and postnatal outcomes, obesity, and other areas, will continue its efforts to expand access to clinical trials for Louisiana children. The grant renewal supports the collaboration between researchers from Pennington Biomedical and Ochsner Health System, as well as two free-stand...
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.
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.
A new report highlights the potential of precision medicine to improve obesity prevention and treatment by identifying high-risk individuals and tailoring interventions. The authors emphasize the need for rigorous clinical trials to empirically determine the effectiveness of precision-based treatments.
The two universities are sharing high-end research equipment, including microscopes and atom probes, to foster deeper collaboration and joint research projects. This will lead to higher-quality research, faster innovation, and more effective industry engagement.
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.
The institutions aim to strengthen global cancer research through scientific cooperation and foster the next generation of cancer researchers. They will establish a multimillion-dollar endowment to support research, symposia, and trainee exchange between both institutions.
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.
Dr. Pasiakos joins Pennington Biomedical to lead research on muscle physiology, nutrition, neuroscience, and technology to optimize human performance in extreme conditions. His expertise strengthens capabilities for U.S. Military resilience, spaceflight bioenergetics, and elite athlete development.
Pennington Biomedical welcomes Dr. Adithya Hari, MD, with expertise in nuclear oncology and translational science, strengthening cancer research and patient-centered innovation in Louisiana. He will establish a research program focused on nuclear medicine and dedicate time to direct patient care through a clinical partnership.
A new study found that many home washing machines are insufficient for decontaminating healthcare worker uniforms, allowing antibiotic-resistant bacteria to survive. The researchers propose revising laundering guidelines or using on-site industrial machines to improve patient safety.
Researchers have discovered a protein, Mfd, that promotes bacterial resistance and spontaneous mutations. A new compound, NM102, has been developed to block this protein, reducing the bacteria's ability to develop resistance and effectively combat antibiotic-resistant strains.
The CHLA team has demonstrated the possibility of using genetically engineered pig hearts as a 'bridge' to heart transplant for critically ill babies. Eight baboons have survived with a pig heart, with one living for nearly 21 months.
A new study reports on five patients with Canavan disease who have a novel variant identified through targeted long-read sequencing, revealing an SVA_E retrotransposable element that disrupts gene function. The findings enhance genetic diagnostics and enable improved guidance for families.
Researchers from the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center presented abstracts highlighting contrasting effects of a protein on head and neck, breast, and lung cancers. The study found increased levels of IL-9 in patients with head and neck cancer correlated with decreased survival, while elevated IL-9 was associated with smaller tumo...
The CoVaRR-Net network successfully bridged critical research and public health gaps exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic through interdisciplinary collaboration and innovative approaches like wastewater surveillance. Its achievements include 139 peer-reviewed publications, evidence-based public health decisions, and a global leader in ear...
Researchers at Pennington Biomedical Research Center investigated tirzepatide's effects on weight loss and metabolic health. The study found that tirzepatide decreased calorie intake and increased fat oxidation, leading to significant weight loss. However, the drug did not decrease the slowing down of metabolic rate usually observed wi...
The CDC has awarded a $3 million grant to the Texas A&M School of Public Health to investigate avian flu among dairy farm workers in Texas. The team, led by Dr. David Douphrate, aims to identify the scope of exposure and workplace factors involved in transmission.
The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine has filed complaints with OHSU, the USDA, and NIH, asking for an invasive reproductive experiment on nonhuman primates to be shut down due to cruelty and scientific unnecessaryness. The experiment aims to investigate how chronic THC use affects fertility in primates.