The statistics are staggering. Doctors prescribe opioids and people become addicted. But what if there was an effective, safer alternative to beat the pain? Dr. Paul Durham, distinguished professor of biology at Missouri State University and the director of the Center for Biomedical and Life Sciences at the Jordan Valley Innovation Center, shared his research of the vagus nerve … [Read more...] about Center tests device to combat opioid crisis
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 64,000 Americans died from drug overdoses in 2016. Opioids now cause about three-fourths of all overdose deaths. One solution to address this deadly crisis is reducing dependence on prescription painkillers through Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS). Dr. Paul Durham, distinguished professor of biology at Missouri … [Read more...] about Reducing opioid use through VNS
The Society of Wetland Scientists (SWS) held their annual meeting in Denver, Colorado, this year. Dr. La Toya Kissoon-Charles, assistant professor of biology, and two of her students, Indigo Tran and Christine Cornish, presented at the meeting. The presenter is noted by the * symbol: Macrophyte and atrazine presence in agricultural, conservation, and golf course … [Read more...] about Annual conference, new experiences
In Hollywood, death is usually dramatic and loud. But for most living organisms, it’s slow and silent. To keep an eye on the health of several at-risk species, Missouri State University’s biology department has a contract with the National Park Service (NPS). Since 2004, this relationship has allowed students and faculty to conduct research at 15 national parks. They … [Read more...] about Health of many species studied through parks partnership
Leah Brand and Julie Curless spent their part of their summer in the vineyards. As part of a National Science Foundation Plant Genome Research Program (NSF-PGRP) grant, they sampled grapevines at E.J. Gallo Winery in California’s Central Valley. Dr. Laszlo Kovacs, professor of biology, is a co-investigator on the project, entitled "Adapting Perennial Crops for Climate … [Read more...] about Research opportunity and industry experience in one project