News
US tobacco firms used cigarette-selling tactics to globally market ultra-processed foods
A new study from the University of Kansas details how U.S. tobacco corporations expanded into global food markets from the mid-1980s to the mid-2000s, using strategies honed through cigarette sales to market ultra-processed foods, which are industrially processed and contain ingredients and additives that maximize their appeal.
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Wed, 06/03/2026
US tobacco firms used cigarette-selling tactics to globally market ultra-processed foods
A new study from the University of Kansas details how U.S. tobacco corporations expanded into global food markets from the mid-1980s to the mid-2000s, using strategies honed through cigarette sales to market ultra-processed foods, which are industrially processed and contain ingredients and additives that maximize their appeal.
Mon, 05/11/2026
Study reveals common mutation linked to autoimmune diseases may protect people from viral infections
New research from the University of Kansas shows a “risk gene” linked to higher odds of developing autoimmune diseases such as diabetes or lupus may also provide a survival advantage fighting viral infections like coronavirus.
Mon, 05/04/2026
Research aims to identify underlying causes for linked mental health issues
A researcher from the University of Kansas has led a large-scale study of veterans to better understand how psychological conditions such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and eating disorders are connected.
Thu, 04/16/2026
KU researchers enhance training for the Kansas health care workforce to prevent substance use disorders
Researchers in the KU School of Social Welfare have updated training materials that prepare health care providers to prevent, identify and treat substance use disorders across Kansas. SBIRT — Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment — is an evidence-based approach to talking with people about their substance use.
Tue, 04/14/2026
Study reveals how dreams affect emotions in day-to-day life
A KU clinical psychology scholar sought to test whether emotions experienced within dreams — like fear and joy — change feelings the following morning. Garrett Baber and colleagues published the findings in the peer-reviewed journal Sleep.
Mon, 04/13/2026
Study shows cigarette smoking almost twice as likely for people living with chronic pain
Researchers have analyzed responses from more than 195,600 Americans surveyed over 10 years. The key finding: Chronic pain is tied to smoking and vaping at higher rates.
Wed, 04/08/2026
Researcher offers communication tips for combating military mental health stigma
KU professor Rikki Roscoe has contributed to the new book “Mental Health Communication for Underserved Populations,” detailing ways to reduce stigma and secrecy among soldiers and veterans who suffer post-traumatic stress disorder or other mental health issues.
Mon, 03/23/2026
KU study tracks 43 years of intellectual and developmental disability funding trends
The latest available data shows a vital shift toward community-based care for nearly 1 million Americans, but University of Kansas researchers warn that Medicaid uncertainty could force a return to institutions.
Fri, 02/20/2026
Startup from School of Pharmacy seeks to redefine oral testosterone replacement therapy
SteroCore, a startup emerging from the University of Kansas School of Pharmacy, is developing a novel oral testosterone therapy designed to work with, rather than bypass, the liver’s natural physiology. The company’s approach aims to address longstanding challenges in testosterone replacement therapy.
Mon, 02/02/2026
From Kansas to the world: KU’s WHO collaboration works to promote global health
By delivering a digital “toolbox” to 300 countries, researchers at the Center for Community Health and Development are bringing life-saving lessons back home to Kansas.
Mon, 01/26/2026
Study shows athletes with better jumping ability generate faster golf club head speed
Researchers from the University of Kansas partnered with Oklahoma State University's golf program to measure jumping ability and its correlation with golf club head speed, finding athletes with better jumping ability were able to generate more speed on their swings.
Wed, 01/14/2026
Fractured family relationships increase susceptibility for polydrug use, study finds
In a new study, Jarron Saint Onge, professor of sociology at the University of Kansas, examines the relationship between using multiple types of drugs and social inequality among low-income Mexican American women.
Wed, 12/17/2025
Grant to expand community-based research project focused on people with mobility disabilities
With new federal funding, a University of Kansas project is expanding access to exercise for people with disabilities. Life Span Institute researcher Lyndsie Koon says the community-based functional fitness program has shown strong results.
Mon, 12/01/2025
NIH grant supports KU study of DNA-protein cross-links
Identifying toxic DNA-protein cross-links (DPCs) and the cellular pathways to repair them are the goals of research underway by University of Kansas researcher Luke Erber, assistant professor of medicinal chemistry, and his lab team. The research is being funded by a $1.8 million grant recently announced by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences, a unit of the National Institutes of Health.
Mon, 12/01/2025
School of Pharmacy researcher publishes work on social isolation, drug abuse
School of Pharmacy researcher and associate professor of pharmacology and toxicology Zijun Wang was recently published in Nature Communications. Her research delves into social isolation and how it impacts mental health and substance abuse disorders and potentially discovering drug therapies to intervene.
Fri, 11/21/2025
New KU initiative uses cutting-edge sports technology to help Kansas high school athletes train smarter
A new initiative led by the Jayhawk Athletic Performance Laboratory helps Kansas high school athletes train smarter, stay healthier and sets the stage for groundbreaking sports science research.
Mon, 11/17/2025
Parents of autistic children find training, support through online OASIS program
OASIS at the University of Kansas helps caregivers of autistic children learn evidence-based strategies founded on behavioral science, serving as a critical bridge between diagnosis and intervention.
Fri, 10/24/2025
Research reveals people desire social distance from spouses of those with mental illness
In a new book chapter, Elizabeth Felix, assistant professor of sociology at the University of Kansas, employs a vignette survey experiment to investigate the extent to which the public wants social distance from people with certain mental illnesses, as well as their romantic partners.
Mon, 10/20/2025
Study uses GPS technology to find football practices can be up to 40% more demanding than games
Quincy Johnson, a researcher at the University of Kansas, led a study that used GPS technology to track how far and fast football players run and which positions had the most high-intensity work. They compared the workloads of practices to games, and the findings can help coaches, trainers and athletes find the best balance to properly prepare for a demanding game.
Thu, 10/16/2025
KU Positive Psychotherapy Clinic doubles number of clinicians, provides service across Kansas
The Positive Psychotherapy Clinic in the University of Kansas School of Education & Human Sciences has served Kansans from 48 counties, with plans to continue growing services. Clinicians report seeing improvements in clients as early as the first session.
Fri, 10/10/2025
KU social work training program strengthens mental health workforce in rural Kansas
The Integrated Health Scholars Program (IHSP) at the KU School of Social Welfare recently received a $2.4 million award through the Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training Program, funded by the Health Resources & Services Administration.
Fri, 10/10/2025
Research gives insight into the effect of neurodegenerative diseases on speech rhythm
By studying in minute detail how amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, affects speech rhythm, a University of Kansas researcher hopes to improve personalized treatment. Panying Rong's research found that when subjects tried to speak more slowly than normal, it helped intelligibility more than trying to speak more clearly.
Mon, 10/06/2025
KU program found effective in helping reduce stress among child welfare service providers
The Resilience Alliance, an intervention for child welfare service providers in Kansas, was found to help reduce the secondary traumatic stress associated with working amid stressful family environments, according to University of Kansas researchers. They believe the findings can lead to reduced burnout among the workforce and lead to better service outcomes for families.
Tue, 07/29/2025
Study finds high levels of social infrastructure lead to healthier communities
The United States spends significant amounts of money on health care every year, but health outcomes have not improved. New research from the University of Kansas has found that high levels of social infrastructure, especially in the arts, is connected to healthier communities.
Thu, 07/24/2025
KU centers team up to introduce local students to STEM fields in physical performance
A new partnership within the Achievement & Assessment Institute at the University of Kansas blends STEM education and physical performance training to offer middle school and high school students hands-on experience in sports medicine, exercise science, and strength and conditioning.
Wed, 07/23/2025
KU researcher advocates scientific framework to unlock music therapy’s full potential
Music therapy isn’t a “soft science,” according to KU Life Span Institute researcher Deanna Hanson-Abromeit, who advocates for wider adoption of her framework to evaluate and strengthen music therapy as a health intervention.
Tue, 07/15/2025
Study examines early sensory processing and development in people with autism
A researcher from the University of Kansas Life Span Institute recently published a comprehensive review of differences in sensory processing for people with autism during the prenatal (in utero) and neonatal (birth to a few months old) phases of life.
Tue, 07/01/2025
Research from the University of Kansas suppresses coronavirus by targeting Mac1
A study published in mBio details the vulnerability of coronaviruses to inhibitors of a small protein domain called Mac1, found in all coronaviruses such as SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV. The findings point toward potential antiviral therapies.
Tue, 06/24/2025
‘Muslim Ban’ decreased preventative care for children of Middle Eastern ancestry, study finds
In a new study, David Slusky, professor of economics at the University of Kansas, evaluates the impact of the 2017 “Muslim Ban” on preventive care use among Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) ancestry children in the U.S., finding decreased well-visits and associated vaccinations.
Wed, 06/11/2025
Study finds pitchers have thicker UCLs in elbows than other baseball players, factors that risk common injury
A University of Kansas study measured the thickness of the UCL in throwing and nonthrowing elbows of both pitchers and position players of a college baseball team. The study can showed arm slot is not correlated with UCL thickness, contradicting a common belief of throw angle contributing to the common injury.