Dr. Kyle Gustafson, assistant professor of biology, is principal investigator on a grant funded by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department to study pumas, also known as cougars and mountain lions. Gustafson will study the effects of wildlife management practices on the population genetics of pumas in Wyoming and neighboring states. The goal is to use molecular genetics to identify populations, assess conservation and management units, and identify source and sink populations of genetic diversity.

Dr. Edward (Ted) Schmid, assistant professor of biology, is lead author of research recently published in Nature Communications. The authors found that a common cellular protein, F-actin, accumulates in the brains of aging Drosophila and correlates with health decline. Reducing this buildup improved memory as the fruit flies aged and extended healthy lifespan by approximately 30%. Schmid and colleagues are continuing related research at A-State with the goal of developing therapies to improve healthy aging.

A paper co-authored by Dr. Federica Catti, professor of chemistry, Campus Querétaro, and her collaborators at the University of Barcelona and its Institute of Biomedicine has been published in the journal Drug Discovery Today. Their paper, “Drugs from drugs: New chemical insights into a mature concept,” offers a unified view of the field of drug development from previously marketed drugs. The paper is available online.

Dr. Lance G. Bryant, professor of sport management and pedagogy, hosted a panel discussion with executives and front office staff from the Women's National Basketball Association’s Atlanta Dream team. The panel allowed Arkansas State sport management students the opportunity to interact with Dream organization leaders, to exchange ideas, and to discuss issues related to sport business, advocacy, social justice and leadership.

Dr. Elizabeth Nix, assistant professor of health studies, has ventured into the publishing world as the author of Monty the Mongoose Can’t Sleep!," which is the first in a 12-book series she wrote for children and their parents. She was assisted by her editor, Dr. Kerri Bennett, instructor in English, and the book illustrator, Brittney Osborn. The book is available online. Nix joined the A-State faculty in 2004.