University of Florida scientists are conducting a four-year, USDA-funded study worth nearly $750,000 to evaluate whether basaltic volcanic rock dust can improve soil health and crop productivity across Florida’s varied farmlands. The research targets the state’s nutrient-poor sandy soils as well as its highly organic soils, with the goal of reducing dependence on conventional fertilizers. Findings could have broader applications for warm, humid farming regions throughout the South and irrigated agricultural land nationwide.
Sources: UF News
Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo announced more than $4.2 million in grants to eight Florida institutions for Alzheimer’s disease research, making the announcement at a news conference held at the University of Florida. The funding comes from the Ed and Ethel Moore Alzheimer’s grant for fiscal year 2025-26 and will support work ranging from diagnosis and treatment to basic science. UF alone will receive nearly $550,000 across three separate research projects.
Sources: Mainstreet Daily News · WCJB TV20
A UF College of Veterinary Medicine surgical oncologist has partnered with the robotic drug discovery group at the Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute to study melanoma and osteosarcoma across both canine and human cancer cell lines. The collaboration exploits the biological similarities between dogs and people, with researchers comparing how each species’ cancer cells respond to treatments in hopes of identifying therapies that could benefit both. Osteosarcoma, while rare in humans, occurs more frequently in dogs, making canine patients a valuable model for advancing understanding of the disease.
Sources: UF News
A report from the Independent Florida Alligator’s Spanish-language section examines how mental health stigma remains a significant challenge for Hispanic students and immigrants in the Gainesville area. University culture can intensify that stigma for immigrants and their descendants, according to the reporting.
Sources: The Independent Florida Alligator
