
Life Span Institute News & Events
Discover how the Life Span Institute transforms lives through interdisciplinary research. Our investigators pursue scientific solutions toward a future where everyone thrives.
Recent News

Using FDA addiction science, researcher asks: Do salty, high-fat foods act like drugs?
University of Kansas researcher Tera Fazzino is investigating whether “hyperpalatable” foods marketed to Americans — foods formulated with artificially high amounts of fat, salt and carbohydrates — have traits commonly associated with addictive substances. She recently earned a $2.8 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to test the idea using experimental practices standard in the field of regulatory research.

Q&A with Researcher Tera Fazzino: What we can learn about the global food supply today by examining Big Tobacco’s past
Hyperpalatable food scientist explains how tobacco companies influenced the global food supply and how it changed the way people eat

Award to help KU researcher increase scale of inclusive fitness programs
Functional fitness has been a model for inclusive exercise, but access is inconsistent. This study will lay the groundwork for increasing access to the community-based exercise program.

KU Professor Sean Smith Receives Prestigious 2026 David Rose UDL Research Award
Life Span Institute-affiliated research honored by national organization for his leadership and research in advancing better access to learning through universal design.
