UF Research

09/16/2025

Through her research lab and startup company, Senotrac Biotechnology, Dr. Lina Cui is creating innovative tools to detect senescent cells, which are linked to Alzheimer’s and other age-related diseases.

https://pharmacy.ufl.edu/2025/09/09/outsmarting-old-cells/

09/15/2025

Why are there so many bat fatalities near wind energy facilities?

Under the mentorship of UF College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Associate Professor of Biology Hannah Vander Zanden, her lab found that bats with erratic autumn migrations are most likely to collide with wind turbines. The team tracked hoary, eastern red, and silver-haired bats using chemical markers in their fur to map movement patterns, shedding light on why North America's bats are dying in large numbers at wind energy facilities.

A new study sheds light on why North America’s bats are dying in large numbers at wind energy facilities. 

09/12/2025

Early detection of subtle motor changes is crucial for managing Parkinson’s disease, but these signs often go unnoticed by clinicians. University of Florida College of Health and Human Performance researcher Diego Guarín developed an AI tool called VisionMD that analyzes video recordings to detect hidden movement alterations, even in individuals who appear healthy.

Guarín's study, published in the journal NPJ Parkinson's Disease, shows that this technique can identify early motor issues in people with idiopathic REM sleep behavior disorder and Parkinson’s, potentially enabling earlier diagnosis and intervention.

The following video shows the process of the finger tapping test, a video-processing technique that uses artificial intelligence helping neurologists better track the progression of Parkinson’s disease in patients, ultimately enhancing their care and quality of life.

09/09/2025

There seems to be a new recall every week. Tomatoes, eggs, cucumbers, deli meats — the list goes on. Why are we seeing more outbreaks from food-borne pathogens? Why are people getting from their groceries?

To learn more, we chatted with EPI member Dr. Soohyoun Ahn, a food science and human nutrition lecturer from the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.

Dive into the article for breakthroughs and setbacks in food safety, the three pathogens to look out for and how to avoid foodborne pathogens at home: https://go.ufl.edu/ccb77ye.

09/09/2025

Male ghost sharks have evolved forehead rods with real teeth to grasp females during mating. University of Florida shark evolution expert Gareth Fraser led a team revealing the first known case of true teeth growing outside the mouth in vertebrates, showcasing evolution’s adaptability.

09/03/2025

Fitness and lifestyle influencers are spotlighting a new trend among middle-aged women: weighted vests. While many advocate for their use as a quicker way to burn calories, build muscle and improve bone density, the science behind the workout fad says otherwise.

09/03/2025

1 in 3 third graders in Florida have untreated cavities – UF College of Dentistry's Olga Ensz tells us in The Conversation US how parents can protect their children’s teeth and oral health.

Florida is one of the worst states in the US when it comes to access to affordable dental care – and children are suffering as a result.

08/29/2025

Rob Ferl's flight paves the way for future scientist-astronauts

08/28/2025

The University of Florida is building tools to forecast solar storms and protect satellites. Smart science, strategic impact.

https://news.ufl.edu/2025/07/space-weather-forecasting/

Space weather forecasts protect vital space satellites, infrastructure

08/26/2025

For Florida's state universities, $3 billion in federal research funding does much more than drive groundbreaking discoveries in science, engineering, agriculture and medicine. It also prepares students and industries to thrive in the 21st-century economy. In this piece, the vice presidents of research at the University of Florida and Florida's five other major research universities share their perspective on the value of publicly funded research investments. Read more: http://bit.ly/4lKyEea

08/26/2025

The University of Florida is home to one of the nation's leading Parkinson's disease research programs. It's also where accomplished mosquito researchers do vital work to halt the spread of diseases. All of that life-changing research is driven by crucial federal funding. Read more about how our researchers' work positively affects people in Florida and throughout the nation: https://impact.research.ufl.edu/

08/25/2025

University of Florida scientists are advancing space technologies to support future NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration missions, including life-support systems and spacecraft sensors. Federal research investment helps Florida lead in aerospace innovation.

https://news.ufl.edu/2025/01/nasa-collaboration/

NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida is entering a new era of collaboration that will propel the nation’s space exploration by leveraging the world-class expertise at three Florida universities.