UChicagoBSD

New criteria point to even higher rates of obesity among Americans Research suggests that new criteria for defining obesity could increase prevalence among Americans from 40% of adults to nearly 60%.

New research from @uchicagobsd.bsky.social suggests obesity prevalence in the U.S. may be significantly higher than previously thought climbing from 40% to nearly 60% under new diagnostic criteria.

Nanoparticle system shows promise for delivering mRNA to prevent type 1 diabetes Research from UChicago shows that lipid nanoparticles can effectively deliver mRNA to beta cells, enhancing their immune protection and preserving insulin production.

New research from @uchicagobsd.bsky.social Scientists have developed a nanoparticle system to deliver mRNA to beta cells, potentially preventing the onset of Type 1 Diabetes.

biologicalsciences.uchicago.edu/news/nanopar...

New ‘scimitar-crested’ Spinosaurus species discovered in the central Sahara The first indisputable evidence of a new species of Spinosaurus in over a century belongs to S. mirabilis, named for its scimitar-shaped crest and found at a locality far from the ocean’s edge.

A new giant joins the fossil record! 🦴

@uchicagobsd.bsky.social researchers have identified a new species of scimitar-crested Spinosaurus from the Central Sahara.

This discovery sheds new light on the "River of Giants" and the incredible biodiversity of the Cretaceous.

New 2.6-million-year-old Paranthropus fossil reshapes understanding of early hominins A partial lower jaw discovered in Afar, Ethiopia expands the known geographic distribution of Paranthropus northward by 1000 km, revealing the genus to be more widespread and adaptively versatile than...

A 2.6-million-year-old jawbone just changed the map of human evolution!

New research led by @uchicagobsd.bsky.social 's Zeresenay Alemseged reveals that Paranthropus was far more widespread and adaptable than we ever realized. Turns out, the "Nutcracker" genus was a master of versatility.

New study shows how light suppresses virulence in antibiotic-resistant pathogen Researchers at UChicago uncover a light-sensitive signaling cascade in Pseudomonas aeruginosa that suppresses biofilm formation and virulence, offering a potential new strategy to combat antibiotic-re...

Researchers at Biological Sciences Division at the University of Chicago have found that far-red light acts as a "stop" signal for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, suppressing its ability to cause infection and form biofilms.

This mechanism could be key to fighting antibiotic-resistant superbugs.

Same moves, different terrain: How bacteria navigate complex environments without changing their playbook New research from UChicago reveals that bacteria use the same ‘run-and-tumble’ strategy to move through everything from open water to dense soil.

New Biological Sciences Division at the University of Chicago research shows that whether swimming in open water or navigating dense soil, bacteria use the exact same "run-and-tumble" motor commands.

Full story: biologicalsciences.uchicago.edu/news/how-bac...

Master’s in Biomedical Informatics moves to the Biological Sciences Division Program’s new academic home and online format aim to expand access while strengthening ties to research and clinical expertise.

The Master’s in Biomedical Informatics is moving to the Biological Sciences Division! This change brings our students closer than ever to the heart of UChicago’s medical research and clinical data work.

#UChicago #STEM #HealthData #Bioinformatics

Microbes in breast milk help populate infant gut microbiomes New study provides one of the most detailed portraits yet of how different combinations of bacteria in human milk contribute to infants’ gut microbiomes.

New research from @uchicagobsd.bsky.social shows that microbes in breast milk actually populate the infant gut, laying the foundation for a healthy microbiome.

biologicalsciences.uchicago.edu/news/microbe...

#ScienceNews #Microbiome #GutHealth

Using synthetic data to tell the right story and improve care A collaboration among clinicians and data scientists at UChicago provides tools to work with accurate, relevant health care data while protecting patient privacy.

Accessing real-world patient data is critical for research, but navigating privacy regulations often slows the process to a crawl. Biological Sciences Division at the University of Chicago is changing that dynamic with synthetic data.

Building a hub to bring basic cancer research to patients New Chair of the Ben May Department for Cancer Research, Jeffrey Rathmell, returns to UChicago for the next era of translating basic discoveries to the clinic.

"Discovery is our business." The Ben May Department is entering a new era under Jeffrey Rathmell. By connecting fundamental biology with clinical application, @uchicagobsd.bsky.social is streamlining how we fight cancer.

biologicalsciences.uchicago.edu/news/buildin...

Engineering simulations rewrite the timeline of the evolution of hearing in mammals Paleontologists from UChicago use CT scanning and software simulations to show how a 250-million-year-old mammal predecessor could hear like modern mammals.

New research from BSD at UChciago is challenging long-held assumptions about the evolution of mammalian hearing.

By applying engineering simulations to 250-million-year-old fossils, paleontologists have discovered that our ancient forerunners heard far better and far earlier—than we ever imagined.

How cells change their mind and save their work in progress New research from UChicago shows that cells form biomolecular condensates routinely during the process of translating proteins, not just in times of stress.

Ever started an email, saved it to drafts, and finished it later? It turns out, your cells do the exact same thing.

Scientists at Biological Sciences Division at the University of Chicago have discovered that cells can actually "change their minds" and "save their work in progress."

The science of healthy aging By reframing aging with a focus on resilience, UChicago researchers are unlocking clues that could help more people thrive later in life

It’s not just about extending the lifespan. It’s about extending the healthspan.

From decoding the genetics of cellular senescence to understanding how our microbiome evolves as we grow older, we are tackling the fundamental mechanisms of aging to ensure that living longer means living better.

Researchers find gut microbes that could affect how the body controls inflammation UChicago research shows how some gut microbes break down steroid hormones, affecting responses to inflammation and potentially interfering with treatments for Crohn’s disease.

New Biological Sciences Division at the University of Chicago research shows that gut microbes can actually synthesize steroids to manage inflammation acting like a "mini-pharmacy" inside your body.

This changes how we look at treating IBD and autoimmune disorders.

Lowering arsenic levels in groundwater decreases death rates from chronic disease Reducing amounts of arsenic in drinking water can lower long-term deaths from cardiovascular disease and cancer, a new study shows.

Lowering arsenic in drinking water can cut the risk of death from chronic disease by more than half, according to a new 20-year study co-led by UChicago's Habibul Ahsan.

Full story: biologicalsciences.uchicago.edu/news/lowerin...

Crucial protein recruits help to protect itself while it forms Research captures how the GRP94 protein shields itself to make sure it forms properly and suggests a way to target it for future disease treatments.

Biological Sciences Division at the University of Chicago scientists have discovered how an important cell protein protects itself while it’s being made.

Read more: biologicalsciences.uchicago.edu/news/crucial...

Master’s in Threat and Response Management moves to the Section of Emergency Medicine The transition strengthens real-world emergency preparedness training through clinical expertise and expanded academic collaboration.

The MS-TRM program moves to UChicago Emergency Medicine (BSD)! This strengthens real-world crisis training. New cohort starts Fall 2026.

biologicalsciences.uchicago.edu/news/masters...

Read the news #UChicago #EmergencyMed

UChicago scientists discover gene mutation linked to deafness — and identify possible treatments Losing key functionality in hair cells of the inner ear emerges as an important mechanism in a rare form of congenital hearing loss.

Breakthrough news from UChicago BSD! Our scientists have identified a mutation in the CPD gene linked to congenital deafness and, crucially, found two potential therapeutic targets: arginine supplements and the FDA-approved drug sildenafil. A promising step toward treatment.

Congrats to Thomas Gajewski, MD, PhD, on the 2025 AACI Distinguished Scientist Award recognizing his pioneering research in tumor immunology and immunotherapy.
UChicagoBSD
University of Chicago Pathology
@uchicagomedicine.bsky.social
https://ow.ly/JMey50Xh2oA

Study shows medical-legal partnerships aid recovery for patients with violent injuries The research by Elizabeth Tung and Tanya Zakrison evaluated the first such program embedded in a trauma center.

A UChicago BSD study on the nation's 1st trauma-center Medical-Legal Partnership found 94.8% of patients had legal needs. The program secured $1.2M+ to stabilize lives and disrupt violence, arguing this model should be standard care.

How microbes control mammalian cell growth UChicago researchers identify two small molecules made by gut bacteria that compete to control our cells’ protein building machinery.

UChicago researchers have discovered how two competing molecules made by your gut bacteria—queuine (promotes growth) and preQ1 (halts growth)—reach deep inside your cells to control their protein-building machinery.

Read the fascinating study: biologicalsciences.uchicago.edu/news/how-mic...

Dinosaur ‘mummies’ unlock secrets of life appearance UChicago paleontologists unveil fossil duck-billed dinosaur specimens that preserve their fleshy external anatomy with sufficient detail to depict how it looked in life.

🦕 Scientists reveal the true appearance of a duck-billed dinosaur for the first time! UChicago researchers reconstructed Edmontosaurus with crests, spikes, scales and hooves. A 66-million-year-old mummy zone in Wyoming unlocked the secret.

@paulserenoofficial.bsky.social

shorturl.at/cYfNj

New research center integrates quantum technology with biology The Berggren Center for Quantum Biology and Medicine will harness advanced physics and turbo-charge biology for patients’ benefit.

A visionary $21M gift will integrate quantum tech with biology to revolutionize healthcare, training a new generation of physician-scientists in this emerging field.

Read more about this Quantum Leap:
biologicalsciences.uchicago.edu/news/berggre...

#UChicagoBSD #QuantumBiology

Butterfly display

Chrysalis in dish

Butterfly display.

Published in PNAS, this study reveals how female Papilio alphenor butterflies gain complex, protective patterns to perfectly mimic toxic species. Led by Nicholas VanKuren and Marcus Kronforst.
lnkd.in/e-exdkCA

Data-sharing efforts create breakthroughs in pediatric cancer research UChicago researchers reflect on 20 years of work building an ecosystem for sharing pediatric cancer data.

Decades of collaboration are transforming pediatric cancer research. At UChicago, our Pediatric Cancer Data Commons unites data from 44,000+ patients worldwide accelerating discoveries and improving outcomes for children everywhere.
🔗https://tinyurl.com/3d2tze5r

Mapping an entire subcontinent for sustainable development Analysis of street level data across sub-Saharan Africa shows how access to infrastructure dramatically improves the lives of people in cities, especially in informal settlements.

A new study uses an unprecedented dataset to map every building in sub-Saharan Africa. The goal? To improve sustainable development and infrastructure where it's needed most.

Read more here: biologicalsciences.uchicago.edu/news/mapping...

Type A cholesterol-dependent cytolysins translocate to the trans-Golgi network for NLRP3 inflammasome activation - Nature Immunology Chen and colleagues show that type A cholesterol-dependent cytolysins, a group of bacteria pore-forming toxins, translocate to the trans-Golgi network to remodel it into a platform for NLRP3 activatio...

A new UChicago study in Nature by Prof. Jueqi Chen reveals a paradigm-shifting mechanism for how bacterial toxins trigger inflammation. They don't just damage cell membranes; they enter the cell and directly remodel an internal organelle.

Read More: www.nature.com/articles/s41...

Plant-based nutrient improves immune cells’ ability to fight cancer Researchers find that zeaxanthin, best known for protecting vision, can also strengthen the cancer-fighting activity of immune cells.

In a new study, Jing Chen, PhD, and team demonstrates that zeaxanthin, a plant-based nutrient, acts as an immunomodulator—boosting CD8+ T cell function and enhancing the effects of immunotherapy. @cellpress.bsky.social @uchicagobsd.bsky.social ow.ly/jFGo50WPJBG

4th annual South Side Science Festival on October 4, 2025.

Bring science to life for our South Side community! Volunteer for the 4th annual South Side Science Festival on October 4, 2025. Your help makes the magic happen. Sign up!

Simple rules govern soil microbiome responses to environmental change Research from UChicago shows how environmental changes lead to predictable responses in soil microbiome metabolism.

Soil isn’t just dirt. It’s alive! New UChicago research shows that despite its complexity, soil microbiomes respond to changes in pH through just three predictable metabolic “regimes.”

biologicalsciences.uchicago.edu/news/soil-mi...