UChicagoBSD
@uchicagobsd.bsky.social
As UChicago's largest academic division, the Biological Sciences Division collaborates on life-changing advancements. We bring together research, education, and outstanding patient care to solve global challenges for a more equitable future.
Spirals, sources, sinks, and planes 🧠〰️ New UChicago research reveals that your brain waves form distinct traveling shapes when processing memories and these patterns act like a unique "fingerprint" for each person.
Spirals, sources, sinks, and planes: What brain waves can tell us about memory
New research from UChicago and the University of Pittsburgh shows how the brain creates distinct patterns of activity as it processes memories.
biologicalsciences.uchicago.edu
A new study from the Özkan Lab at @UChicagoBSD reveals the first "interactome" for the C. elegans worm, mapping 374 protein interactions that guide everything from neuron growth to metabolism.
Building a reference manual for how cells connect with each other
Scientists from UChicago have created the first cell surface ‘interactome’ for the C. elegans worm, yielding insights into ways its cells connect and communicate with each other.
biologicalsciences.uchicago.edu
New research from @uchicagobsd.bsky.social suggests obesity prevalence in the U.S. may be significantly higher than previously thought climbing from 40% to nearly 60% under new diagnostic criteria.
New criteria point to even higher rates of obesity among Americans
Research suggests that new criteria for defining obesity could increase prevalence among Americans from 40% of adults to nearly 60%.
biologicalsciences.uchicago.edu
New research from @uchicagobsd.bsky.social Scientists have developed a nanoparticle system to deliver mRNA to beta cells, potentially preventing the onset of Type 1 Diabetes. biologicalsciences.uchicago.edu/news/nanopar...
Nanoparticle system shows promise for delivering mRNA to prevent type 1 diabetes
Research from UChicago shows that lipid nanoparticles can effectively deliver mRNA to beta cells, enhancing their immune protection and preserving insulin production.
biologicalsciences.uchicago.edu
A new giant joins the fossil record! 🦴 @uchicagobsd.bsky.social researchers have identified a new species of scimitar-crested Spinosaurus from the Central Sahara. This discovery sheds new light on the "River of Giants" and the incredible biodiversity of the Cretaceous.
New ‘scimitar-crested’ Spinosaurus species discovered in the central Sahara
The first indisputable evidence of a new species of Spinosaurus in over a century belongs to S. mirabilis, named for its scimitar-shaped crest and found at a locality far from the ocean’s edge.
biologicalsciences.uchicago.edu
A 2.6-million-year-old jawbone just changed the map of human evolution! New research led by @uchicagobsd.bsky.social 's Zeresenay Alemseged reveals that Paranthropus was far more widespread and adaptable than we ever realized. Turns out, the "Nutcracker" genus was a master of versatility.
New 2.6-million-year-old Paranthropus fossil reshapes understanding of early hominins
A partial lower jaw discovered in Afar, Ethiopia expands the known geographic distribution of Paranthropus northward by 1000 km, revealing the genus to be more widespread and adaptively versatile than...
biologicalsciences.uchicago.edu
Researchers at Biological Sciences Division at the University of Chicago have found that far-red light acts as a "stop" signal for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, suppressing its ability to cause infection and form biofilms. This mechanism could be key to fighting antibiotic-resistant superbugs.
New study shows how light suppresses virulence in antibiotic-resistant pathogen
Researchers at UChicago uncover a light-sensitive signaling cascade in Pseudomonas aeruginosa that suppresses biofilm formation and virulence, offering a potential new strategy to combat antibiotic-re...
biologicalsciences.uchicago.edu
New Biological Sciences Division at the University of Chicago research shows that whether swimming in open water or navigating dense soil, bacteria use the exact same "run-and-tumble" motor commands. Full story: biologicalsciences.uchicago.edu/news/how-bac...
Same moves, different terrain: How bacteria navigate complex environments without changing their playbook
New research from UChicago reveals that bacteria use the same ‘run-and-tumble’ strategy to move through everything from open water to dense soil.
biologicalsciences.uchicago.edu
The Master’s in Biomedical Informatics is moving to the Biological Sciences Division! This change brings our students closer than ever to the heart of UChicago’s medical research and clinical data work. #UChicago #STEM #HealthData #Bioinformatics
Master’s in Biomedical Informatics moves to the Biological Sciences Division
Program’s new academic home and online format aim to expand access while strengthening ties to research and clinical expertise.
biologicalsciences.uchicago.edu
New research from @uchicagobsd.bsky.social shows that microbes in breast milk actually populate the infant gut, laying the foundation for a healthy microbiome. biologicalsciences.uchicago.edu/news/microbe... #ScienceNews #Microbiome #GutHealth
Microbes in breast milk help populate infant gut microbiomes
New study provides one of the most detailed portraits yet of how different combinations of bacteria in human milk contribute to infants’ gut microbiomes.
biologicalsciences.uchicago.edu
Accessing real-world patient data is critical for research, but navigating privacy regulations often slows the process to a crawl. Biological Sciences Division at the University of Chicago is changing that dynamic with synthetic data.
Using synthetic data to tell the right story and improve care
A collaboration among clinicians and data scientists at UChicago provides tools to work with accurate, relevant health care data while protecting patient privacy.
biologicalsciences.uchicago.edu
"Discovery is our business." The Ben May Department is entering a new era under Jeffrey Rathmell. By connecting fundamental biology with clinical application, @uchicagobsd.bsky.social is streamlining how we fight cancer. biologicalsciences.uchicago.edu/news/buildin...
Building a hub to bring basic cancer research to patients
New Chair of the Ben May Department for Cancer Research, Jeffrey Rathmell, returns to UChicago for the next era of translating basic discoveries to the clinic.
biologicalsciences.uchicago.edu
New research from BSD at UChciago is challenging long-held assumptions about the evolution of mammalian hearing. By applying engineering simulations to 250-million-year-old fossils, paleontologists have discovered that our ancient forerunners heard far better and far earlier—than we ever imagined.
Engineering simulations rewrite the timeline of the evolution of hearing in mammals
Paleontologists from UChicago use CT scanning and software simulations to show how a 250-million-year-old mammal predecessor could hear like modern mammals.
biologicalsciences.uchicago.edu
Ever started an email, saved it to drafts, and finished it later? It turns out, your cells do the exact same thing. Scientists at Biological Sciences Division at the University of Chicago have discovered that cells can actually "change their minds" and "save their work in progress."
How cells change their mind and save their work in progress
New research from UChicago shows that cells form biomolecular condensates routinely during the process of translating proteins, not just in times of stress.
biologicalsciences.uchicago.edu
It’s not just about extending the lifespan. It’s about extending the healthspan. From decoding the genetics of cellular senescence to understanding how our microbiome evolves as we grow older, we are tackling the fundamental mechanisms of aging to ensure that living longer means living better.
The science of healthy aging
By reframing aging with a focus on resilience, UChicago researchers are unlocking clues that could help more people thrive later in life
biologicalsciences.uchicago.edu
New Biological Sciences Division at the University of Chicago research shows that gut microbes can actually synthesize steroids to manage inflammation acting like a "mini-pharmacy" inside your body. This changes how we look at treating IBD and autoimmune disorders.
Researchers find gut microbes that could affect how the body controls inflammation
UChicago research shows how some gut microbes break down steroid hormones, affecting responses to inflammation and potentially interfering with treatments for Crohn’s disease.
biologicalsciences.uchicago.edu
Lowering arsenic in drinking water can cut the risk of death from chronic disease by more than half, according to a new 20-year study co-led by UChicago's Habibul Ahsan. Full story: biologicalsciences.uchicago.edu/news/lowerin...
Lowering arsenic levels in groundwater decreases death rates from chronic disease
Reducing amounts of arsenic in drinking water can lower long-term deaths from cardiovascular disease and cancer, a new study shows.
biologicalsciences.uchicago.edu
Biological Sciences Division at the University of Chicago scientists have discovered how an important cell protein protects itself while it’s being made. Read more: biologicalsciences.uchicago.edu/news/crucial...
Crucial protein recruits help to protect itself while it forms
Research captures how the GRP94 protein shields itself to make sure it forms properly and suggests a way to target it for future disease treatments.
biologicalsciences.uchicago.edu
The MS-TRM program moves to UChicago Emergency Medicine (BSD)! This strengthens real-world crisis training. New cohort starts Fall 2026. biologicalsciences.uchicago.edu/news/masters... Read the news #UChicago #EmergencyMed
Master’s in Threat and Response Management moves to the Section of Emergency Medicine
The transition strengthens real-world emergency preparedness training through clinical expertise and expanded academic collaboration.
biologicalsciences.uchicago.edu
Breakthrough news from UChicago BSD! Our scientists have identified a mutation in the CPD gene linked to congenital deafness and, crucially, found two potential therapeutic targets: arginine supplements and the FDA-approved drug sildenafil. A promising step toward treatment.
UChicago scientists discover gene mutation linked to deafness — and identify possible treatments
Losing key functionality in hair cells of the inner ear emerges as an important mechanism in a rare form of congenital hearing loss.
biologicalsciences.uchicago.edu
Congrats to Thomas Gajewski, MD, PhD, on the 2025 AACI Distinguished Scientist Award recognizing his pioneering research in tumor immunology and immunotherapy. UChicagoBSD University of Chicago Pathology @uchicagomedicine.bsky.social https://ow.ly/JMey50Xh2oA
A UChicago BSD study on the nation's 1st trauma-center Medical-Legal Partnership found 94.8% of patients had legal needs. The program secured $1.2M+ to stabilize lives and disrupt violence, arguing this model should be standard care.
Study shows medical-legal partnerships aid recovery for patients with violent injuries
The research by Elizabeth Tung and Tanya Zakrison evaluated the first such program embedded in a trauma center.
biologicalsciences.uchicago.edu
UChicago researchers have discovered how two competing molecules made by your gut bacteria—queuine (promotes growth) and preQ1 (halts growth)—reach deep inside your cells to control their protein-building machinery. Read the fascinating study: biologicalsciences.uchicago.edu/news/how-mic...
How microbes control mammalian cell growth
UChicago researchers identify two small molecules made by gut bacteria that compete to control our cells’ protein building machinery.
biologicalsciences.uchicago.edu
🦕 Scientists reveal the true appearance of a duck-billed dinosaur for the first time! UChicago researchers reconstructed Edmontosaurus with crests, spikes, scales and hooves. A 66-million-year-old mummy zone in Wyoming unlocked the secret. @paulserenoofficial.bsky.social shorturl.at/cYfNj
Dinosaur ‘mummies’ unlock secrets of life appearance
UChicago paleontologists unveil fossil duck-billed dinosaur specimens that preserve their fleshy external anatomy with sufficient detail to depict how it looked in life.
biologicalsciences.uchicago.edu
A visionary $21M gift will integrate quantum tech with biology to revolutionize healthcare, training a new generation of physician-scientists in this emerging field. Read more about this Quantum Leap: biologicalsciences.uchicago.edu/news/berggre... #UChicagoBSD #QuantumBiology
New research center integrates quantum technology with biology
The Berggren Center for Quantum Biology and Medicine will harness advanced physics and turbo-charge biology for patients’ benefit.
biologicalsciences.uchicago.edu
Published in PNAS, this study reveals how female Papilio alphenor butterflies gain complex, protective patterns to perfectly mimic toxic species. Led by Nicholas VanKuren and Marcus Kronforst. lnkd.in/e-exdkCA
Decades of collaboration are transforming pediatric cancer research. At UChicago, our Pediatric Cancer Data Commons unites data from 44,000+ patients worldwide accelerating discoveries and improving outcomes for children everywhere. 🔗https://tinyurl.com/3d2tze5r
Data-sharing efforts create breakthroughs in pediatric cancer research
UChicago researchers reflect on 20 years of work building an ecosystem for sharing pediatric cancer data.
biologicalsciences.uchicago.edu
A new study uses an unprecedented dataset to map every building in sub-Saharan Africa. The goal? To improve sustainable development and infrastructure where it's needed most. Read more here: biologicalsciences.uchicago.edu/news/mapping...
Mapping an entire subcontinent for sustainable development
Analysis of street level data across sub-Saharan Africa shows how access to infrastructure dramatically improves the lives of people in cities, especially in informal settlements.
biologicalsciences.uchicago.edu
A new UChicago study in Nature by Prof. Jueqi Chen reveals a paradigm-shifting mechanism for how bacterial toxins trigger inflammation. They don't just damage cell membranes; they enter the cell and directly remodel an internal organelle. Read More: www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Type A cholesterol-dependent cytolysins translocate to the trans-Golgi network for NLRP3 inflammasome activation - Nature Immunology
Chen and colleagues show that type A cholesterol-dependent cytolysins, a group of bacteria pore-forming toxins, translocate to the trans-Golgi network to remodel it into a platform for NLRP3 activatio...
nature.com
In a new study, Jing Chen, PhD, and team demonstrates that zeaxanthin, a plant-based nutrient, acts as an immunomodulator—boosting CD8+ T cell function and enhancing the effects of immunotherapy. @cellpress.bsky.social @uchicagobsd.bsky.social ow.ly/jFGo50WPJBG
Plant-based nutrient improves immune cells’ ability to fight cancer
Researchers find that zeaxanthin, best known for protecting vision, can also strengthen the cancer-fighting activity of immune cells.
ow.ly