Featured news at KU


Our top featured stories

An image of a hand putting a ballot in a box.
"A Republic If You Can Afford It," a new book by a University of Knasas researcher and colleagues, explores how much it costs to hold elections across the country. The book, published by Cambridge University Press as part of its Cambridge Elements Series, is available for free online until Dec. 30.

Other featured news

Leishmania major promastigotes in culture photographed via microscope

Research points the way to lifesaving antiparasitic drugs while unlocking a scientific mystery

A breakthrough in understanding how a single-cell parasite makes ergosterol (its version of cholesterol) could lead to more effective drugs for human leishmaniasis, a parasitic disease that inflicts about 1 million people and kills about 30,000 people around the world every year.
A photo of a pair of elderly wrinkled hands.

Parkinson’s drug comes to market with help of renowned University of Kansas pharmaceutical chemist

Valentino Stella, University Distinguished Professor Emeritus at the University of Kansas, assisted in developing Vyalev, a new Parkinson's drug therapy marketed by pharmaceutical firm AbbVie.
A woman buries her face in her hands while a busy crowd of people moves around her without interacting.

Mental health stigma negatively influences those even with good intentions, research finds

In a new paper, Elizabeth Felix, assistant professor of sociology at the University of Kansas, investigates the presence of a potentially unique actor in the stigma process: the aversive stigmatizer. These are individuals who deliberately reject negative cultural stereotypes but still hold implicit mental illness-related biases that may inadvertently influence discriminatory behaviors.
Map of Mars illustrating the fourteen missions to Mars, key sites, and examples of artifacts contributing to the development of the archaeological record

Anthropologists call for tracking and preservation of human artifacts on Mars

University of Kansas researcher Justin Holcomb argues physical artifacts of human Martian exploration deserve cataloging, preservation and care.

Research



In a new paper, Elizabeth Felix, assistant professor of sociology at the University of Kansas, investigates the presence of a potentially unique actor in the stigma process: the aversive stigmatizer. These are individuals who deliberately reject negative cultural stereotypes but still hold implicit mental illness-related biases that may inadvertently influence discriminatory behaviors.
Better understanding of eating disorders is necessary to both identification and development of effective treatment, but the Latina demographic has historically been underrepresented in research.
A photo of a pair of elderly wrinkled hands.
Valentino Stella, University Distinguished Professor Emeritus at the University of Kansas, assisted in developing Vyalev, a new Parkinson's drug therapy marketed by pharmaceutical firm AbbVie.

Kansas Communities



Through to a community effort involving Russell County organizations and services provided by KU's RedTire (Redefine your Retirement) program, Russell County residents are still receiving local dental services, and Dr. Michael Jones is enjoying his retirement.
A new website from the Center for Educational Opportunity Programs is designed to provide high school students, current college students and adult learners engaged in college access and success programs — including TRIO, GEAR UP and CAMP (College Assistance Migrant Program) — with a one-stop hub for information on scholarships, internships and more.
Architect's drawing of new addition
Construction will begin next month on a 5,500-square-foot addition to the Kansas Geological Survey Drill Core Library in the West District of the University of Kansas Lawrence campus. The library preserves cores from 6,500 wells in Kansas for future study.

Economic Development



The woods can be a place of adventure and beauty, a peaceful escape for a walk. But among the leaves and grass, the threat of ticks can turn a hike into a health-altering encounter with Lyme disease. A recent $3 million Small Business Innovation Research award will fund the research and development of a vaccine to stop Lyme disease in its tracks.
Panasonic Energy and the University of Kansas today announced that they have signed an agreement aimed at promoting the development of next-generation technologies and the cultivation of specialist expertise in the field of lithium-ion batteries.
Photo of hands holding an Avium electrolyzer stack prototype
With $5 million in support from U.S. Department of Energy, the University of Kansas and Avium, a startup firm founded by researchers from KU’s School of Engineering, aim to make clean hydrogen more affordable.

Student experience and achievement



“Good Morning Indian Country,” a Native student-led weekly news and information program by University of Kansas journalism students and students from Haskell Indian Nations University, received a $100,000 grant to focus on skill training.
Each year on Veterans Day, ROTC students participate in an honor guard vigil on Memorial Drive, along with other remembrance activities, such as laying wreaths at each of the veterans memorials on campus. Meet some of the Jayhawks participating in this tradition.
Carolisa Watson
Carolisa Watson, doctoral student in geography at the University of Kansas, has earned the distinguished Dwight D. Eisenhower/Clifford Roberts Graduate Fellowship from the Eisenhower Institute at Gettysburg College.

Campus news



The Dole Institute’s Post Election Conference on Dec. 11 will bring together journalists, practitioners and experts to analyze campaign results throughout the country and what they’ll mean for the next two years.
Betsy Barnhart, associate professor and director of the Industrial Design Program in the School of Architecture & Design, was presented with the award Nov. 23 during halftime of the football game between KU and Colorado.
Ground-level rendering of Phase II of KU Gateway Project
Phase II seeks to develop new facilities that benefit the Lawrence campus community while driving economic growth in the region.

Latest news

Leishmania major promastigotes in culture photographed via microscope

Research points the way to lifesaving antiparasitic drugs while unlocking a scientific mystery

A breakthrough in understanding how a single-cell parasite makes ergosterol (its version of cholesterol) could lead to more effective drugs for human leishmaniasis, a parasitic disease that inflicts about 1 million people and kills about 30,000 people around the world every year.
Officers listening intently to discussion.

Law enforcement leaders showcase capstone projects in Lawrence

Earlier this month, law enforcement officers from various agencies across the state gathered to present their capstone projects as part of the Law Enforcement Leadership Academy (LELA). Enrollment is open for the 2025 sessions, which begin in January 2025.
Top of Campanile

Center for Certification & Competency-Based Education publishes new research journal

The Achievement & Assessment Institute’s Center for Certification & Competency-Based Education has launched the Competency-Based Education Research Journal, which serves to advance knowledge of competency-based education through empirical investigations, theory development articles and integrative conceptual reviews.
Amy McCart is shown with the Joseph R. Pearson Hall at KU in the background

Amy McCart named director of SWIFT Education Center

Longtime co-leader Wayne Sailor moves into an emeritus role as Amy McCart assumes full leadership of the center that focuses on improving academic, behavioral, social and emotional student outcomes.