Colorful shapes with black and white photos of a girl coloring and an older man laughing

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

potato chips spilling from bag

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.
Tera Fazzino

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
Gym instructors lead a class in stretching at the end of a functional fitness class

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.
An image of Sean Smith against a background of blue shapes

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.

Our Economic Impact

An economic analysis indicates the KU Life Span Institute an estimated $30 million impact on the Kansas economy
An image of a woman and a child sitting on a hill beneath a cloud in the image of a fragile x chromosome

Stories of Our Impact

Read more about the impact of Life Span Institute research on individuals in Kansas and beyond.

Featured Stories

Love a story you read? Take it!

Unless otherwise noted, you can republish this article for free (online or in print). We simply ask that you credit the author and the KU Life Span Institute, link back to the original URL, and do not make material changes to the text. 

Reach out to External Affairs Director Jen Humphrey if you have questions or need assistance.

Follow the Life Span Institute

Get to know us

The KU Life Span Institute is a network of more than 450 scientists, staff and students. We sit down with 6 questions for researchers and staff at the Life Span Institute.