2026 News Feed
Pennington Biomedical Research Advances Understanding of How the Brain Senses Diet to Control Appetite and Metabolism
Researchers at Pennington Biomedical Research Center provide critical insight into how the brain and body work together to regulate food intake, energy use and metabolism – offering important new analysis into the biology of obesity and metabolic health. The study, “FGF21 signals through hindbrain neurons to alter food intake and energy expenditure during dietary protein restriction,” published in the journal Cell Reports and led by Pennington Biomedical Associate Executive Director for Basic Science Dr. Christopher Morrison and colleagues, focuses on Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 (FGF21), a hormone produced by the liver tat helps the body adapt to changes in diet and nutritional status.
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Pennington Biomedical’s Dr. Gang Hu Named Fellow of The Obesity Society
Dr. Gang Hu, Director of the Chronic Disease Epidemiology Laboratory at Pennington Biomedical Research Center, has been named a Fellow of The Obesity Society, or FTOS, one of the highest honors bestowed by the organization. The prestigious FTOS designation recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional scholarly achievement in obesity research, including a strong record of peer-reviewed publications and significant contributions to the field.
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How LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center Extends Beyond Louisiana
At Pennington Biomedical, more than 500, nurses, dietitians, biologists and other specialists spend their days asking ever-evolving questions about nutrition and metabolic health. The research conducted in the lab is part of the Center’s larger mission to better understand the root causes of chronic conditions like obesity, diabetes and heart disease. But the work, and its impact, doesn’t stop there.
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New Partnership Broadens Reach of Pennington Generation Study
The meals a family eats today, the sleep habits developed as a child and the amount of movement one gets in adolescence may shape health outcomes later in life. Through a new longitudinal, statewide study – dubbed the Pennington Generation study – researchers at Pennington Biomedical are delving into how physical activity, nutrition, sleep and other factors affect children’s health and growth and will examine how those behaviors can relate to weight gain and obesity over time.
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Minutes Matter Most When Exercising to Control Blood Sugar
Researchers found that longer exercise sessions – especially early in an exercise program – were the strongest predictor of improvements in blood sugar control among inactive adults who were newly diagnosed with T2D.
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From Baton Rouge to Better Health
At Pennington Biomedical, more than 500, nurses, dietitians, biologists and other specialists spend their days asking ever-evolving questions about nutrition and metabolic health. The research conducted in the lab is part of the Center’s larger mission to better understand the root causes of chronic conditions like obesity, diabetes and heart disease. But the work, and its impact, doesn’t stop there.
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The Answer: Best of the Bayou Raises Support for Life-Changing Research at Pennington Biomedical
On Friday, March 27, supporters of LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center gathered with a shared purpose: to advance research that is changing lives. The Answer: Best of the Bayou welcomed supporters, partners and friends to L’Auberge Casino and Hotel Event Center for an evening that reflected both the spirit of Louisiana and the power of scientific discovery.
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Dr. Jennifer Rood on Leading Pennington Biomedical Through a Time of Transition
For more than three decades, Dr. Jennifer Rood has been a driving force at Pennington Biomedical, building a career defined by scientific rigor, leadership and impact. Since joining the Center in 1993, she has served in a range of leadership roles, most recently as Associate Executive Director for Cores and Resources, where she oversaw the critical infrastructure supporting the Center’s basic, clinical and population research.
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Chinese Medical Journal: Lifestyle Factors and Cardiometabolic Risk
A review in the Chinese Medical Journal underscores healthy lifestyles as key to mitigating cardiometabolic risk. It emphasizes "Life's Essential 8," linking diet, physical activity, sleep, and other factors to significantly reduced risks of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Despite proven benefits, widespread adoption faces challenges, necessitating innovative public health strategies and individual commitment. The rising global burden of cardiometabolic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and type 2 diabetes (T2D), necessitates a robust approach to prevention and management. This review consolidates extensive research demonstrating that adherence to optimal lifestyle factors is paramount in reducing the risk of these conditions.
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Fifth Annual Senior Black American Health Fair to be Held on April 11 at Pennington Biomedical
LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center is gearing up to host the fifth annual Senior Black American Health Fair. Open to all residents in the Greater Baton Rouge region and beyond, the health fair will take place on Saturday, April 11, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Pennington Biomedical Conference Center, located at 6400 Perkins Road in Baton Rouge.
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