Researchers have observed a cell ejection phenomenon in communities of bacteria (biofilms), similar to how jellyfish eject stingers. Biofilms eject cells to ensure the community survives in new colonies. They leveraged the discovery as a possible new way to eliminate antibiotic-tolerant bacteria.

Researchers at LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center have published the first set of data from the Risks Underlying Rural Areas Longitudinal, or RURAL, Heart and Lung study in Franklin Parish. The data book for Franklin Parish is now available to explore. Researchers identified several key findings from the Franklin Parish data that help build a clearer picture of the health challenges facing rural communities and may help explain persistent health risks. Among the most notable findings, 82% of adults in Franklin Parish have overweight or obesity — significantly higher than both the Louisiana average (72%) and the national average (68%). Researchers found obesity rates were elevated across all demographic groups in the parish.