News
Collecting Plants to Expand Louisiana's Botanical Knowledge
Six Biological Sciences graduate students used their fall break to collect plant specimens in the Winn and Catahoula Districts of the Kisatchie National Forest and the Briarwood Nature Preserve in Saline, Louisiana. The trip was hosted by the LSU Herbarium and the team was joined by scientists at the Botanical Research Institute of Texas (BRIT).
Newly Named "Cavefish" Asteroid Honors Hidden Creatures Swimming in the Depths of Earth
An asteroid millions of miles away now has the name of nearly invisible fish that live in underground waters on Earth. LSU Professor and Curator of Fishes Prosanta Chakrabarty helped name the asteroid "Cavefish" to raise awareness about cave-dwelling fish. Working with asteroid hunter Carrie Nugent, Associate Professor at Olin College of Engineering, he hopes that the asteroid's name will bring attention to this rare species, most of which are endangered freshwater fish.
From Christmas Tree Farm to National Recognition: Biological Sciences Student Wins Award for Plant Research
Growing up on a Christmas tree farm in Rhode Island, Aislinn Mumford spent her childhood exploring the outdoors, captivated by the plants around her.
Professor Wins Award for Research on Oxytocin Neurons that Support Maternal Behavior
LSU Biological Sciences Professor Ryoichi "Ryo" Teruyama recently received an award from the Louisiana Board of Regents for his research on how the brain changes in new mothers. His study, titled "Plasticity of Oxytocin Receptor Neurons during the Postpartum Period," focuses on oxytocin, a hormone that helps create bonds and encourages caring behaviors. This research could lead to new ways of understanding and even treating postpartum depression, a condition some mothers experience after childbirth.
PhD Student Offers New Perspective into Altitudinal Migration
Migration is often referred to as birds flying south to escape the winter, but a lesser-known form of migration, called altitudinal migration, involves animals moving between elevations, such as from a mountain to a valley, based on the season.
Trailblazing in the Andes: Flavia Montano-Centellas Earns Maxwell-Hanrahan Award in Field Biology
Assistant Professor Flavia Montano-Centellas has been selected as one of the recipients of the Maxwell-Hanrahan Award in Field Biology, recognizing her tireless dedication to studying montane biodiversity and species interactions in Bolivia's Andean mountains.
Redpoll Revelation: Uniting Two Birds into One Species
Assistant Professor Nicholas Mason and his collaborators published a groundbreaking paper in 2021 that will soon introduce significant changes to the classification of bird species. Their research, spanning a decade, focuses on the Redpoll, a bird that Mason has studied throughout his career.
Professor Patrick DiMario Named Department of Biological Sciences Interim Chair
The LSU Department of Biological Sciences proudly announces the appointment of Patrick DiMario, PhD, as the new Interim Chair, effective July 1.
Trisha Ball: The Nucleus of LSU's Life Sciences Buildings
If you've ever stepped foot in the Life Sciences Building or Annex at LSU, chances are you've encountered a familiar face - Trisha Ball. Often described as the glue that holds everything together within the bustling academic hubs, she recently received the LSU Staff Stripes Award.
Bringing Knowledge Home: Abdul Ada's Journey to Inspire Mozambican Youth on Climate Change and Sustainability
Abdul Ada, a PhD student, is returning to his roots in Mozambique next spring with an inspiring mission. He will lead a transformative workshop to educate local teenagers on the impacts of climate change on marine communities while encouraging them to pursue their educational aspirations.