TTUHSC student researchers recently participated in the university’s 37th Student Research Week, organized by the TTUHSC Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. The event allows TTUHSC students to showcase their research and hear presentations from distinguished national speakers related to the year’s theme. TTUHSC’s Department of Cell Physiology and Molecular Biophysics hosted the 2025 event, and “Let’s Get Biophysical” was the theme to highlight the host department's focus on biophysical techniques, particularly in membrane protein research. 

A new study examines the embryogenesis and eye development of the cave-dwelling spider Tegenaria pagana, providing the first detailed description of its developmental stages. By analyzing gene expression in the Retinal Determination Network (RDN), the research identifies key genetic mechanisms involved in eye formation and highlights developmental differences compared to other spider species. The findings contribute to the understanding of evolutionary adaptations in cave environments, particularly the genetic factors influencing eye reduction.