Education (Colleges & Universities)
Here's a look at documents from public, private and community colleges in the U.S.
Featured Stories
UTEP Researcher Finds Potential New Treatment for Aggressive Ovarian Cancer
EL PASO, Texas, Dec. 2 (TNSjou) -- The University of Texas's El Paso campus issued the following news release:
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UTEP Researcher Finds Potential New Treatment for Aggressive Ovarian Cancer
Claudin-4: A new target to make cancer cells more vulnerable
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Scientists at The University of Texas at El Paso have found a promising new target in the fight against high-grade serous carcinoma, an aggressive form of ovarian cancer. Less than 50 percent of women survive five years after diagnosis, according to the team.
A new study published in the journal Scientific Reports shows that Claudin-4, a
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EL PASO, Texas, Dec. 2 (TNSjou) -- The University of Texas's El Paso campus issued the following news release:
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UTEP Researcher Finds Potential New Treatment for Aggressive Ovarian Cancer
Claudin-4: A new target to make cancer cells more vulnerable
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Scientists at The University of Texas at El Paso have found a promising new target in the fight against high-grade serous carcinoma, an aggressive form of ovarian cancer. Less than 50 percent of women survive five years after diagnosis, according to the team.
A new study published in the journal Scientific Reports shows that Claudin-4, aprotein that increases in ovarian cancer, may be the culprit behind the cancer's resistance, helping tumors both survive and hide from the body's natural defense, the immune system. The study was led by UTEP postdoctoral researcher Fabian R. Villagomez, Ph.D., and Benjamin G. Bitler, Ph.D., of the University of Colorado Anschutz.
The research team studied tumors growing in animal models that have an immune system similar to humans. Targeting Claudin-4 helped the immune system better find and attack the tumors, making the cancer more vulnerable to treatment.
Villagomez explained that cancer cells often carry alterations in their genetic material that make them more aggressive and grow uncontrollably. But if these alterations become too extreme, the immune system can detect and attack the tumor.
"Claudin-4 seems to help the tumor deal with these genetic changes, allowing it to survive, hide from the immune system, and avoid cell death," said Villagomez, who works in the Department of Biological Sciences at the UTEP College of Science.
The team tested a peptide called CMP, which can block Claudin-4, along with a drug called a PARP inhibitor, commonly used to treat ovarian cancer.
The combination was effective, the team said. When applied together, tumor growth slowed and the body's immune system worked better than before at fighting the cancer.
While the treatment has not yet been tested in humans, Villagomez plans to continue studying ovarian cancer and Claudin-4. He hopes to build a research network with other universities to combine efforts and one day help get the treatment to patients.
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Original text here: https://www.utep.edu/newsfeed/2025/december/utep-researcher-finds-potential-new-treatment-for-aggressive-ovarian-cancer.html
UMass Boston Marketing Professor Named One of the World's Most Influential Researchers
BOSTON, Massachusetts, Dec. 2 -- The University of Massachusetts Boston campus issued the following news:
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UMass Boston Marketing Professor Named One of the World's Most Influential Researchers
Professor Werner Kunz of the College of Management has been named a Highly Cited Researcher 2025 by Clarivate, recognizing him as one of the world's most influential researchers.
Researchers selected for this list have authored multiple highly cited papers that rank in the top 1% by citations for their field and publication year in the Web of Science Core Collection over the past 11 years. Only
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BOSTON, Massachusetts, Dec. 2 -- The University of Massachusetts Boston campus issued the following news:
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UMass Boston Marketing Professor Named One of the World's Most Influential Researchers
Professor Werner Kunz of the College of Management has been named a Highly Cited Researcher 2025 by Clarivate, recognizing him as one of the world's most influential researchers.
Researchers selected for this list have authored multiple highly cited papers that rank in the top 1% by citations for their field and publication year in the Web of Science Core Collection over the past 11 years. Onlyabout 1 in 1,000 researchers worldwide receives this honor indicating exceptional influence in their disciplines.
Dr. Kunz is the first scholar in the history of UMass Boston to be named a Highly Cited Researcher. The recognition is also a key component of the prestigious Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU), underscoring his global impact in the areas of artificial intelligence (AI) and innovation.
"Werner's achievement is a milestone not only for the College of Management, but for UMass Boston," said Dean Venky Venkatachalam of the College of Management. "Being named a Highly Cited Researcher places him among the most influential scholars in the world, and it reflects the groundbreaking work happening across our college."
Professor Kunz is a professor of Marketing and director of the Digital Media Lab at the College of Management. He has published more than 50 peer reviewed papers in top-tier academic journals, including the Journal of Service Research, Journal of Retailing, International Journal of Research in Marketing, Tourism Management, and Computational Statistics, and has received numerous national and international awards. Among many honors, he is the inaugural recipient of the Bo Edvardsson "Industry Impact in Services" Award.
Reflecting on the honor, Professor Kunz said, "Academia is a wonderful profession. It allows us to devote our work to the questions we're truly passionate about. It's even more rewarding when others read that work and find it impactful. I'm deeply grateful to my co-authors and my college-- none of this would have been possible without them"
His research focuses on service technology, including generative AI, service robots, human-machine collaboration, and how organizations can become more innovative. In particular today, he focuses on how emerging technologies such as AI and service robots are reshaping the way people live, work, and do business.
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Original text here: https://www.umb.edu/news/recent-news/marketing-professor-named-one-of-the-worlds-most-influential-researchers/
Shippensburg University: Matthew Ramsey's Research on Supervisor Humor Earns National Publication
SHIPPENSBURG, Pennsylvania, Dec. 2 (TNSjou) -- Shippensburg University issued the following news:
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Matthew Ramsey's research on supervisor humor earns national publication
By Emma Durnin
Professor of Communication Studies, Dr. Matthew C. Ramsey, has earned national recognition for his latest research exploring the complex role that humor plays in the workplace. His article, "Supervisor Humor as a Predictor of Employee Voice and Intention to Quit," has been accepted for publication in the International Journal of Business Communication.
Ramsey has studied humor within communication since
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SHIPPENSBURG, Pennsylvania, Dec. 2 (TNSjou) -- Shippensburg University issued the following news:
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Matthew Ramsey's research on supervisor humor earns national publication
By Emma Durnin
Professor of Communication Studies, Dr. Matthew C. Ramsey, has earned national recognition for his latest research exploring the complex role that humor plays in the workplace. His article, "Supervisor Humor as a Predictor of Employee Voice and Intention to Quit," has been accepted for publication in the International Journal of Business Communication.
Ramsey has studied humor within communication since2007, but his deep dive into how supervisors' humor impacts the workplace began just two years ago. He felt inspired to pursue this topic because he saw a need to move beyond "anecdotal and fluff pieces that praise its positive effects [workplace humor]."
"In reality, humor is an incredibly nuanced area of study." He noted that humor can trigger a wide range of reactions, some of which are beneficial and others that are harmful to workplace culture. Even "classical perspectives from Plato and Aristotle," he added, relate certain humor to aggression and/or superiority.
His prior research, published earlier this year in Communication Reports, examined supervisor humor as a predictor of "subordinate dissent" (when someone in a lower-level position speaks up against those in leadership positions). This research, coupled with the opportunity to meet with Dr. Stephanie E. Kelly at the Southern States Communication Association Conference in Norfolk, Virginia, opened up the door for Ramsey to explore his current research.
After speaking on a humor panel, Ramsey talked with Kelly, who months earlier had shared a pre-print of one of her studies that helped him revise his article. Their conversation about shared research interests led to Ramsey's invitation to join Kelly's research team. "She was kind enough to invite me to join her research team, which led to this article", Ramsey explained.
The new study offers insights into how leaders' use of humor influences employee behavior, satisfaction and communication. Whether through team-building, leadership styles or organizational culture and branding, humor plays a huge role in the workplace. Ramsey argues that understanding the effects of supervisors' humor and humor in general is more important than ever.
"As John C. Meyer, noted humor scholar, put it, humor has the power to "unite and divide audiences," Ramsey said. "Research has shown that supervisors' humor affects employees' productivity, organizational identification, expression of dissent and intentions to quit."
The study's findings highlight how leaders can build healthier work environments. It has been shown that supervisors who use humor to connect with employees can strengthen job satisfaction and reduce turnover intentions. "Put simply, when supervisors use humor in conversations to connect with subordinates, those subordinates are more satisfied with their work," Ramsey said. They also feel more comfortable sharing dissenting information directly with supervisors, which in turn improves decision-making and organizational communication.
Despite these findings, Ramsey notes that not all humor produces positive outcomes. Humor that belittles, mocks or creates division can produce the opposite effect, and among communication scholars is known as "displaced dissent" (when employees share their complaints/concerns outside of the company or organization).
"Displaced dissent can lead to community gossip, media and social media imbroglios and/or whistleblowing - which can negatively affect organizations," Ramsey said.
Furthermore, humor is highly subjective. "Humor is in the eye of the beholder," Ramsey emphasized. "One person's good-natured joke may be offensive to others." Ramsey encourages leaders to use humor intentionally and avoid messages that have the potential to divide people.
The study did not compare supervisor humor to humor exchanged among coworkers, but Ramsey sees that as a possibility for future research. He is already continuing his work on organizational communication with a new study titled "Identity, Supervisor Trust and Displaced Dissent in the Supervisor-Subordinate Relationship," which is set for publication in Communication Research sometime in mid-2026.
He believes the stakes of "dissent" research will only increase. "Given the rise of artificial intelligence and challenges to workers' rights, understanding and empowering employee dissent is a must," he emphasized. He argues that effective dissent counters "groupthink" (when a group of people prioritize "keeping the peace" over critical thinking and/or sharing their objectives), and strengthens organizational culture.
Ramsey credits his collaborators and colleagues for supporting his work, particularly Kelly, whom he describes as "a prolific communication researcher and a wonderful human being." He also praised the Department of Communication Studies at Shippensburg University for encouraging faculty and students to explore nuanced topics such as humor and organizational communication.
"I want to encourage all Shippensburg University students interested in humor or organizational communication to contact me," he said.
For Ramsey, his recent publication is a huge professional achievement and a tribute to nearly two decades of research highlighting both the beneficial and harmful impact of humor in the workplace.
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Emma Durnin, Editorial Content Writer, ERDurnin@ship.edu
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Original text here: https://news.ship.edu/2025/12/01/matthew-ramseys-research-on-supervisor-humor-earns-national-publication/
Queensland University of Technology: National Industry PhD Projects Success
BRISBANE, Australia, Dec. 2 -- The Queensland University of Technology issued the following news:
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National Industry PhD projects success
QUT researchers have been successful in securing six National Industry PhD Program awards.
They are:
Associate Professor Brett Williams, Dr Julia Bally and PhD candidate Jordan Gemmell from QUT's School of Biology and Environmental Science, with partner Invertigro for the project Manipulation of Stress Response Pathways to Enhance Crop Yield.
Professor Williams said the PhD project aimed to revolutionise protected cropping (horticulture under shelter)
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BRISBANE, Australia, Dec. 2 -- The Queensland University of Technology issued the following news:
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National Industry PhD projects success
QUT researchers have been successful in securing six National Industry PhD Program awards.
They are:
Associate Professor Brett Williams, Dr Julia Bally and PhD candidate Jordan Gemmell from QUT's School of Biology and Environmental Science, with partner Invertigro for the project Manipulation of Stress Response Pathways to Enhance Crop Yield.
Professor Williams said the PhD project aimed to revolutionise protected cropping (horticulture under shelter)by enhancing photosynthesis, light-use efficiency, yield and shelf life in tomato seedlings through controlled stress responses.
"Climate change's increasing frequency of drought and floods calls for climate-resilient agricultural systems, such as protected cropping, but its higher infrastructure and staffing costs limit its viability compared to broad-acre cropping in Australia.
"By improving crop performance through moderate stress pre-treatment, we could transform horticultural practices and enable producers to maximise their yields and contribute to sustainable food production."
The project will contribute to ensuring the continued growth and resilience of Australia's horticultural sector and food supply.
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Professor Zhiyong Li, from QUT's School of Mechanical, Medical and Process Engineering, with industry partner Acacia Ridge Medical Centre will supervise the PhD project Fluid dynamics of heart valves and their replacements.
Professor Li said mitral and tricuspid valve disease was a leading cause of heart failure but current treatments have significant challenges, particularly for tricuspid interventions, which lag in minimally invasive solutions.
"Existing evaluation methods for prosthetic heart valves often lack the precision, flexibility, and physiological fidelity required to optimise designs before clinical use," Professor Li said.
"The project aims to develop an integrated experimental-computational simulator capable of replicating realistic haemodynamics under both normal and pathological conditions."
Professor Li said the platform would set a new standard for testing and improving cardiovascular devices.
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"Dr Tuquabo Tesfamichael, from QUT's School of Mechanical, Medical and Process Engineering (MMPE), with PhD candidates Robert Jackson and Cameron Edward from industry partner PWR Performance Products will undertake two related PhD projects, both titled, Advanced Simulation Techniques for Optimizing Thermohydraulic Performance in Heat Exchangers, under the program.
Dr Tesfamichael said Australia's heat exchanger market was projected to reach $881 million by 2030 and to maintain our national and international leadership in this market further technological improvements in design and material selection were needed to reduce costs and lift performance.
He said QUT and PWR had a history of collaboration that would provide a solid foundation for expanding the working relationship and increasing the scale and scope of collaborative projects.
"One of the projects aims to develop accurate and efficient models to predict the performance of heat exchangers to enable improved designs that cut emissions and support sustainable manufacturing in Australia."
"The other project will improve heat exchangers for cooling systems in transport and energy through enhanced design and material selection and aims to reduce manufacturing cost, boost performance and support Australian manufacturing", Dr Tesfamichael said.
Dr Tesfamichael said these new methods would enable identification of precisely tuned geometries for specific applications and manufacture of more efficient, cost-effective, durable and reliable heat exchangers.
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Dr Adi Idris, from QUT's School of Biomedical Sciences, with PhD candidate Muskan Muskan and industry partner Gene Company, will undertake the project, Developing extracellular vesicle-based RNA therapeutics for targeting Human T cell Leukaemia Virus type 1 (HTLV-1): A solution for suppressing HTLV-1.
Dr Idris said there was no vaccine, cure or antiviral treatment for HTVL-1 driven disease, which is estimated to infect more than 20 million people worldwide, and is endemic in remote Indigenous communities in Australia.
"Our project aims to directly target HTVL-1 virus which preferentially infects a group of white blood cells of the immune system called T cells and leads to an aggressive blood cancer called adult T-cell leukaemia," Dr Idris said.
"We have generated a new cell-derived, nanoparticle platform called extracellular vesicles to deliver antiviral RNA-based therapy with high specificity for infected T cells."
Dr Idris said the project's outcome would be an innovative antiviral drug using RNA silencing technology and which could be the first therapeutic to treat global HTLV-1 infections.
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Professor Sara Couperthwaite, from QUT's School of Mechanical, Medical and Process Engineering, and PhD candidate Ruairi O'Kane with industry partner Lava Blue will undertake the research project, Unlocking critical minerals from mine wastes.
Professor Couperthwaite said a significant proportion of Australia's critical minerals were locked up in obstinate aluminosilicate minerals in mine wastes and tailings that cannot be extracted by traditional methods.
"Critical minerals are in high demand for renewable technologies, such as batteries, solar cells, and electric vehicles, but present considerable challenges in sustainable sourcing and processing methods," Professor Couperthwaite said.
"This project will unlock new supply lines of critical minerals through secondary prospecting of mine wastes using novel phosphoric acid processing methods that are highly selective to breaking down aluminosilicate structures."
This research will provide fundamental information on chemical mechanisms and engineering designs that will unlock the critical mineral potential in mine wastes and tailings.
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Original text here: https://www.qut.edu.au/news?id=202775
NDSU Microplastics Study Featured in Time Magazine
FARGO, North Dakota, Dec. 2 (TNSjou) -- North Dakota State University issued the following news:
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NDSU microplastics study featured in Time magazine
Iskander's team used carrots to measure particle transfer and documented microplastics embedded in the vegetable surface after chopping.
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Syeed Iskander, NDSU assistant professor of civil, construction and environmental engineering, is featured in a new Time magazine story examining how plastic cutting boards release microplastics into food during everyday kitchen use.
The article, titled "Are Plastic Cutting Boards Safe?," highlights Iskander's
... Show Full Article
FARGO, North Dakota, Dec. 2 (TNSjou) -- North Dakota State University issued the following news:
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NDSU microplastics study featured in Time magazine
Iskander's team used carrots to measure particle transfer and documented microplastics embedded in the vegetable surface after chopping.
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Syeed Iskander, NDSU assistant professor of civil, construction and environmental engineering, is featured in a new Time magazine story examining how plastic cutting boards release microplastics into food during everyday kitchen use.
The article, titled "Are Plastic Cutting Boards Safe?," highlights Iskander'sresearch and brings national attention to NDSU's work on consumer exposure to microplastics.
"Time's coverage of my group's research highlights the urgent need for more rigorous studies that can generate precise evidence of chemical exposure and inform behavioral interventions to protect human health," Iskander said. "Ironically, there is relatively little support for research aimed at generating evidence-based interventions to mitigate the ways people are exposed to harmful chemicals and particulates in their daily lives."
Iskander's study (https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acs.est.3c00924), published in 2023, tested how many plastic particles are released when cutting vegetables on common household cutting boards. The study found that individuals may be exposed to millions of microplastics annually from plastic cutting boards, most of which are smaller than 100 um, with exposure depending on use frequency.
The article explains that Iskander's team used carrots to measure particle transfer and documented microplastics embedded in the vegetable surface after chopping. While the equipment used could detect only larger microplastics (greater than 20 micrometer), Iskander told TIME that smaller particles likely were present as well, meaning exposure levels could be higher than measured.
The story places NDSU's findings in the broader context of emerging concerns about microplastics in the food system. Although there is no conclusive evidence yet showing harm from cutting-board microplastics in humans, TIME reports that the combination of particle ingestion and the potential migration of chemicals during cooking raises important questions about long-term exposure.
Iskander's work adds to a growing field of research examining daily consumer habits that may contribute to microplastic intake. The article notes that plastic boards can wear down more quickly under heavy use and that consumers may reduce exposure by replacing boards more often or considering alternatives like wood or bamboo.
For NDSU, the national spotlight underscores the university's growing research portfolio in environmental health, food systems and materials science. Iskander's work demonstrates how research at NDSU can shape national conversations about safety and sustainability in household products.
Iskander came to NDSU in 2020. He holds a doctorate in civil engineering from Virginia Tech, a master's degree in environmental engineering from Washington State University and a bachelor's in civil engineering from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology.
Iskander leads research on human exposure to micro- and nanoplastics from consumer products and pathways of contamination in foods and environments. His work has attracted national and international attention for its real-world implications.
His honors at NDSU include the 2024 College of Engineering Early Career Teaching Excellence Award and the 2024 Peltier Innovation in Teaching Award.
As a student-focused, land-grant, research university, we serve our citizens.
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Original text here: https://www.ndsu.edu/news/ndsu-microplastics-study-featured-time-magazine
Georgia College: 'Shark Tank' Winner, Digital Marketing Specialists Share Expertise With Business Community
MILLEDGEVILLE, Georgia, Dec. 2 -- Georgia College issued the following news:
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'Shark Tank' winner, digital marketing specialists share expertise with business community
By Gil Pound
Panelists at Georgia College & State University's Nov. 17 Executive Forum gave Middle Georgia business leaders ways to keep up with the rapidly-evolving business landscape and ensure their brands stand out in a world crowded with advertising.
The J. Whitney Bunting College of Business & Technology welcomed Lou Childs, co-founder of SlumberPod, along with Nick and Lauren Goebel, owners of digital marketing
... Show Full Article
MILLEDGEVILLE, Georgia, Dec. 2 -- Georgia College issued the following news:
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'Shark Tank' winner, digital marketing specialists share expertise with business community
By Gil Pound
Panelists at Georgia College & State University's Nov. 17 Executive Forum gave Middle Georgia business leaders ways to keep up with the rapidly-evolving business landscape and ensure their brands stand out in a world crowded with advertising.
The J. Whitney Bunting College of Business & Technology welcomed Lou Childs, co-founder of SlumberPod, along with Nick and Lauren Goebel, owners of digital marketingfirm Goebel Media, for a marketing masterclass given in an interactive fireside chat format.
Childs, also a GCSU Foundation trustee, swam with sharks on ABC's hit television show, Shark Tank. Childs and her daughter took their baby/toddler travel sleeping solution to the show in 2020 and struck a deal with mogul Barbara Corcoran, securing a $400,000 investment in exchange for a 20% stake in their company.
Among the advice shared at the forum, Childs urged business leaders to not shy away from negative comments on social media. The comment section is where customers can be won over.
"Really monitor that stuff because it is critical for you to react or respond as soon as possible," Childs said. "We've had people in our network delete bad comments. Never do that. Take it as a learning experience and make sure you end up making that person turn around. You want the public to see you doing that."
The panel was asked for examples of the biggest mistakes they see small businesses make. Nick and Lauren Goebel - respectively the technical and creative director for their company - gave their perspectives.
"Marketing that's focused on the customer is going to work; marketing that's focused on the business isn't," said Lauren, a 2006 GCSU alumna. "I see that a lot these days with AI. The message gets lost when it's focused on the business instead of who the business is serving."
"AI can't help you figure out why you're in business and it really can't help you find your mission statement," added Nick. "It can just help you refine it. That's where you can lean on those types of tools."
Beyond the expertise, the panelists also gave the audience physical resources to utilize in their businesses, such as style guide templates and worksheets to help them find their distinct brand voice.
"One thing that really stood out to me was how scalable marketing frameworks can empower small businesses to tell their story more effectively," said Sarah Beth McMillan, marketing director for Century Bank in Milledgeville. "In my role, it reaffirmed how important it is for us to provide not just financial support, but also resources and guidance to our customers and to help local businesses grow."
An entrepreneur in the audience
Paying especially close attention at the forum was Georgia College senior finance major, Will Means. The Suwanee native earlier this year developed his own smartphone app called PocketAce. Targeted towards college students, it allows them to upload photos of their course syllabus schedules. The app then pulls all assignments, reading and exams into a calendar to help students better manage time with their busy course loads.
Means' main takeaway was that operating a business is a constant learning process.
"I think people see business owners as already knowing what they're doing," Means said. "For me as a student and a business owner, I see it as you're always figuring it out along the way. You're always learning. You don't start your business knowing everything. It's a developmental process."
The College of Business & Technology's Executive Forum series will continue next semester with dates and guest speakers to be announced.
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Original text here: https://frontpage.gcsu.edu/node/23173
Clemson University: Scientists Make Breakthrough in Cholesterol Research to Combat Heart Disease
CLEMSON, South Carolina, Dec. 2 -- Clemson University issued the following news:
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Scientists make breakthrough in cholesterol research to combat heart disease
Their work could lead to more effective treatments for conditions such as coronary artery disease and stroke, leading causes of death worldwide.
By Denise Attaway
In a promising development for cardiovascular health, scientists at Clemson University and the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) have made significant strides in understanding how the human body clears excess cholesterol--a key factor in combating heart disease.
Their
... Show Full Article
CLEMSON, South Carolina, Dec. 2 -- Clemson University issued the following news:
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Scientists make breakthrough in cholesterol research to combat heart disease
Their work could lead to more effective treatments for conditions such as coronary artery disease and stroke, leading causes of death worldwide.
By Denise Attaway
In a promising development for cardiovascular health, scientists at Clemson University and the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) have made significant strides in understanding how the human body clears excess cholesterol--a key factor in combating heart disease.
Theirwork could lead to more effective treatments for conditions such as coronary artery disease and stroke, which remain leading causes of death worldwide.
At the heart of this research is a deeper examination of how the body's immune system can be harnessed to remove cholesterol from tissues, particularly within artery walls, where buildup can lead to life-threatening blockages. The team's findings center on two proteins--ABCA1 and ABCG1--that play a crucial role in enhancing the ability of immune cells to eliminate cholesterol.
"Many people take medications like statins to lower cholesterol, but those medications don't always stop heart disease from progressing," said Alexis "Stocko" Stamatikos, lead researcher and associate professor in Clemson's Department of Food, Nutrition and Packaging Sciences. "Our goal is to find better ways to remove cholesterol directly from the cells where it builds up."
A new approach to an old problem
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance produced by the liver and found in the blood. It is essential for making hormones and digesting fatty foods. However, when levels become too high, cholesterol can accumulate in the arteries, leading to the development of atherosclerosis. This condition narrows and hardens the arteries, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Traditional treatments, such as statins, work by lowering the amount of cholesterol circulating in the bloodstream. While effective for many, these medications don't always address the root of the problem: cholesterol that has already built up in the arterial walls. That's where Stamatikos and his team's research comes in.
Their study focuses on boosting ABCA1 and ABCG1 activity within specific immune cells, known as macrophages, which can act as the body's cleanup crew.
"It's a step forward in understanding how the body may defend itself against atherosclerosis and what may be done for future atherosclerosis therapies to become more effective," Stamatikos said.
The science behind the discovery
The ABCA1 and ABCG1 proteins are part of a family of transporters that help move cholesterol out of cells. When these proteins are activated, they assist in the transfer of cholesterol to apoAI, as well as high-density lipoproteins (HDL), commonly referred to as "good cholesterol."
The protein apoAI is a primary protein in HDL. It is a multifunctional protein that plays key roles in cholesterol transport, helping to remove excess cholesterol from the body's tissues and transport it to the liver for excretion or recycling. Additionally, apoAI can be involved in regulating immune and inflammatory responses and may have therapeutic potential in treating atherosclerosis and several other types of diet-related diseases.
By studying how the ABCA1 and ABCG1 proteins function in immune cells--particularly macrophages, which are known for "eating" cellular debris--the researchers gained insight into how the body may be trained to manage cholesterol levels better.
This approach represents a potential paradigm shift from traditional cholesterol management to targeted cellular therapy. Instead of simply reducing cholesterol production, the goal is to enhance the body's ability to clean up existing cholesterol deposits found in the arteries of the heart and neck.
Why this study matters
The implications of this research are far-reaching. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 86 million adults in the United States have cholesterol levels of 200 mg/dL or higher, which is well above the optimal level of 150 mg/dL. High cholesterol often has no symptoms, making regular testing essential.
Lifestyle factors such as poor diet, lack of exercise and smoking contribute to elevated cholesterol levels. Still, genetics and underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes, also play a role. The ability to target cholesterol buildup at the cellular level could offer new hope for individuals who struggle to manage their levels through conventional means.
"This research could pave the way for therapies that work inside artery walls, addressing the problem at its source," said Stamatikos.
Looking ahead
While the research is still in its early stages, the potential for clinical applications is promising. Future studies will focus on how these proteins can be activated safely and effectively in vivo.
The goal is to develop therapies that lower cholesterol levels and prevent the damage high cholesterol levels cause to blood vessels.
"It's about giving the body the tools it needs to protect itself against atherosclerosis," Stamatikos said.
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Original text here: https://news.clemson.edu/scientists-make-breakthrough-in-cholesterol-research-to-combat-heart-disease/
