Past News

Oliver appointed interim vice provost for teaching and learning

September 15, 2025

Provost Patrick Wolfe announced Thursday (Sept. 11) that he has appointed Haley Oliver as interim vice provost for teaching and learning. She will succeed Jenna Rickus, who recently accepted a senior vice provost role at the University of Arizona. An internal search will be announced in due course.

Oliver appointed interim vice provost for teaching and learning

US scientists cite key gaps hindering NASA's Moon plans; claim reveals inconsistence between US goal and process: expert

September 14, 2025

US scientists claimed they have found "critical gaps" in NASA's development of space life support systems that "could prevent the US from competing with China in the pursuit of long-term manned space exploration and habitation," media reported on Sunday.

US scientists cite key gaps hindering NASA's Moon plans; claim reveals inconsistence between US goal and process: expert

Purdue study reveals role of brain fat in Alzheimer’s disease

September 13, 2025

Fat buildup in the brain’s immune cells may play a critical role in Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders, according to new research from Purdue University.

Purdue study reveals role of brain fat in Alzheimer’s disease

Purdue-led study shows how fat disables the brain’s immune shield in Alzheimer’s disease  

September 11, 2025

It was long thought that fat in the brain played no role in neurodegenerative diseases, but Purdue University researchers are challenging that assumption. The research findings, published in Immunity, show that excess fat in the brain’s resident immune cells, called microglia, impairs their ability to combat disease. This insight opens a path to lipid biology-based neuroimmune therapies that could treat diseases like Alzheimer’s by enhancing microglial function and neuronal health. This work was led by Gaurav Chopra, the James Tarpo Jr. and Margaret Tarpo Professor of Chemistry and (by courtesy) of Computer Science at Purdue.

Purdue-led study shows how fat disables the brain’s immune shield in Alzheimer’s disease  

Purdue-led study shows how fat disables the brain’s immune shield in Alzheimer’s disease  

September 9, 2025

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — It was long thought that fat in the brain played no role in neurodegenerative diseases, but Purdue University researchers are challenging that assumption.

Purdue-led study shows how fat disables the brain’s immune shield in Alzheimer’s disease  

Scientists say NAD+ could slow aging and fight Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s

September 9, 2025

A global team of leading scientists is zeroing in on a tiny but powerful molecule that could reshape how we age. Known as NAD⁺, it plays a crucial role in keeping our cells energized, repairing DNA, and maintaining overall health—but its levels steadily decline over time, potentially fueling diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Researchers are now exploring ways to boost NAD⁺ using compounds like NR and NMN, with early studies hinting at improvements in memory, metabolism, and physical function.

Scientists say NAD+ could slow aging and fight Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s

Working for better tourism in the Colca Valley

September 2, 2025

Members of the ‘Tourism’ Project during meetings with tourism stakeholders in the Colca Valley. Left: event held in the district of Sibayo. Right: meeting conducted in Yanque. Photos credits: Sarah Renkert and Jonathon Day.

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Fat fuels breast cancer, and cutting lipids might be the key to stopping it.

August 28, 2025

Researchers found that triple-negative breast cancer cells are “addicted” to lipids, a feature tied to obesity. By studying mice, they discovered that high lipid levels alone accelerate tumor growth. Lowering these fats slowed cancer progression, suggesting that lipid-lowering treatments could help. The findings also caution against high-fat diets such as keto for patients with obesity.

Fat fuels breast cancer, and cutting lipids might be the key to stopping it.

Purdue Chemistry faculty awarded national awards from the American Chemical Society

August 27, 2025

The American Chemical Society (ACS) has announced national awards for 2026 which includes two faculty from Purdue University. The awardees are being acknowledged for their outstanding achievements in chemistry across various fields in the discipline.

Purdue Chemistry faculty awarded national awards from the American Chemical Society

Carcinogens Found in U.S. Drinking Water Sources, Study Shows

August 25, 2025

PFAS researcher Jennifer Freeman recently spoke to Newsweek discussing the Waterkeeper Alliance study, which has found carcinogenic PFAS chemicals—known as “forever chemicals”—in drinking water sources across 34 states and the District of Columbia, raising concern about public health risks. PFAS, widely used in consumer goods like nonstick cookware and stain-resistant fabrics, have been linked to cancer, thyroid disease and other serious illnesses. Despite enforceable limits announced by the EPA in April, public water systems have until 2029 to comply with treatment standards.

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