The Spark Innovation Center at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville Research Park is launching the Spark BioHub, a life science initiative supporting health-focused startups. With expanded lab space, mentoring, and entrepreneurial coaching, the hub helps startups bring innovations to market, fostering advanced technology companies, high-paying jobs, and opportunities for UT students in Tennessee.

Dr. Ryi Shin-kun and his research team from the CCS Research Department at the Korea Institute of Energy Research (President Yi, Chang-Keun, hereinafter referred to as KIER) have succeeded in developing a new catalyst capable of stably decomposing greenhouse gases generated in semiconductor and display manufacturing processes, even at low temperatures.

Despite decades of research and the approval of several therapies to help manage symptoms, there is still no cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Prevention through genetic testing, such as carrier screening, remains the most effective for families at risk. Prevention is always better than treatment. We spoke with Prof. Tran Van Khanh, Director of the Center for Gene-Protein Research and Head of the Department of Molecular Pathology at Hanoi Medical University, Vietnam, as she shared her perspective on prevention, diagnosis, and family planning for DMD.

A fascinating conversation between Applied Microbiology International President Professor Jack Gilbert and Professor Raquel Peixoto examines how understanding and leveraging coral microbiomes is leading to innovative probiotic solutions to boost coral resilience.

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and UT Medical Center celebrated the opening of the Center for Precision Health, which will foster collaboration among researchers, physicians, and students. The facility features cutting-edge technology, including a robotic 3D printer, and supports medical innovation, clinical research, and entrepreneurial development to improve health outcomes for Tennesseans.

Dana Orange’s research may help predict flares, provide precise drug targets, and enable interventions that block symptoms before they begin.

How can we design the spaces inside nanomaterials to make nanosystems more efficient? This is what researchers from the Yamauchi-Asakura Laboratory at Nagoya University are working on—becoming architects for materials at the atomic level. They specialize in “Nanoarchitectonics”, the design and control of nanospaces inside inorganic materials, such as metal and carbon, to create high-performance materials for batteries, sensors, and other clean technology applications. 

MUSC Hollings Cancer Center has launched a new digital badge program to prepare the next generation of cancer researchers. Six graduate students became the first recipients of the Hollings Cancer Research Scholar badge, a microcredential recognizing their efforts across academics, research and outreach.

The program, led by David Long, Ph.D., bridges gaps between students and the Hollings community, offering structured cancer-focused coursework, journal clubs, symposium presentations and volunteer opportunities. Students like Elizabeth Ampolini and Rachel Burge highlighted the program’s value in expanding research knowledge, building networks and connecting science with patient care.

Beyond enhancing resumes, the badge fosters perspective, collaboration and purpose. Outreach efforts, such as volunteering at the American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge and mentoring undergraduates, emphasize the link between lab work and patient impact. Flexible and inclusive, the program is open to MUSC graduate students and postdoctoral fellows across disciplines. With growing interest, Hollings leaders see it as a first step toward launching dedicated cancer biology graduate programs at MUSC.

An Iowa State University scientist and an Ames entrepreneur are launching a startup company to develop and sell slow-release fertilizers. The advantages for farmers are less runoff, better nutrient retention, matching fertilizer release with crop demands, higher yields and lower environmental impacts.