News from the Life Span Institute
At the Life Span Institute, we improve the quality of people’s lives through research. Explore and share stories you’ll find here about our investigators, students and staff, and the outcomes of our research.
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Disaster Strikes Fast — Here’s How People with Disabilities Can Stay Safe
People with disabilities face unique challenges during natural disasters like tornadoes, yet emergency planning often overlooks their needs. These essential preparedness tips, including how to build an emergency kit and ensure accessibility in shelters, can help you stay safe and ready when disaster strikes.
Report reveals high levels of added sugar in US infant formula despite medical recommendations
A study published today from the University of Kansas in the Journal of Food Composition and Analysis shows most infant formulas on the U.S. market contain primarily added sugars rather than the healthier, naturally occurring lactose found in cow-milk base that would be best for babies because it’s closest to human breast milk.
Successful mobile phone intervention for eating disorders on college campuses will expand
The BEST-U program, an 11-week treatment underpinned by guided self-help cognitive behavioral therapy, has shown “most participants were fully recovered from their eating disorder” during a pilot program at the University of Kansas.
KU researchers developing AI-boosted program to help teach writing skills to students with disabilities
A KU research team is developing and expanding Project AI-Score, a system that uses artificial intelligence technology to help instructors more efficiently teach writing to students with disabilities.
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Heat waves disproportionately increase health risks for people with disabilities
Heat can exacerbate preexisting conditions, including neurological, respiratory, cardiovascular diseases, and more. While the risk of heat-related illness applies to everyone, those at the highest risk include the very young, older adults, and people with disabilities.
Social stigma creates barriers to treatment for people with substance use disorders
Stigma associated with substance use can dehumanize people, increase shame and be a roadblock for those who might seek assistance or health care.
In honor of Gov. Kelly designating April as Assistive Technology Awareness Month, ATK gathered in Topeka to demonstrate available technology and celebrate the bill's signing
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Through Intersections, we share stories of the impact of our research. Intersections offers new research findings, features about research in progress, and showcases our scientists and students—and the questions that drive them.
Intersections