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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.

Featured News

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KU addiction center study explores how next-day responsibilities influence cannabis use

One sign of substance use disorder is continuing to use substances despite interference with responsibilities. However, previous research hadn’t examined why people may or may not reduce cannabis use before certain activities.
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KU researchers partner with state to build capacity to employ Kansans with disabilities

A project that is a partnership between the state of Kansas and researchers at the KU Life Span Institute, initiated one year ago, is exploring ways to increase the capacity in the state to employ people with disabilities in jobs that meet higher thresholds for wages and other factors, with potential to improve opportunities and quality of life.
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Study: ChatGPT needs expert supervision to help parents with children’s healthcare information

New research from the University of Kansas Life Span Institute highlights a key vulnerability to misinformation generated by artificial intelligence and a potential model to combat it.
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Tera Fazzino among KU scholars named Faculty of the Year by Kansas Board of Regents

The Kansas Board of Regents awarded three current KU scholars and one former KU professor as Faculty of the Year for 2024. This program recognizes the outstanding contributions of faculty at state universities to teaching, student success, research and Kansas communities.

Blog

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.


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Intersections newsletter logo: discoveries, people and impact

Newsletter

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