Ever started an email, saved it to drafts, and finished it later? It turns out, your cells do the exact same thing. Scientists at Biological Sciences Division at the University of Chicago have discovered that cells can actually "change their minds" and "save their work in progress."

It’s not just about extending the lifespan. It’s about extending the healthspan. From decoding the genetics of cellular senescence to understanding how our microbiome evolves as we grow older, we are tackling the fundamental mechanisms of aging to ensure that living longer means living better.

New Biological Sciences Division at the University of Chicago research shows that gut microbes can actually synthesize steroids to manage inflammation acting like a "mini-pharmacy" inside your body. This changes how we look at treating IBD and autoimmune disorders.

Lowering arsenic in drinking water can cut the risk of death from chronic disease by more than half, according to a new 20-year study co-led by UChicago's Habibul Ahsan. Full story: biologicalsciences.uchicago.edu/news/lowerin...

Biological Sciences Division at the University of Chicago scientists have discovered how an important cell protein protects itself while it’s being made. Read more: biologicalsciences.uchicago.edu/news/crucial...

The MS-TRM program moves to UChicago Emergency Medicine (BSD)! This strengthens real-world crisis training. New cohort starts Fall 2026. biologicalsciences.uchicago.edu/news/masters... Read the news #UChicago #EmergencyMed

Breakthrough news from UChicago BSD! Our scientists have identified a mutation in the CPD gene linked to congenital deafness and, crucially, found two potential therapeutic targets: arginine supplements and the FDA-approved drug sildenafil. A promising step toward treatment.

Congrats to Thomas Gajewski, MD, PhD, on the 2025 AACI Distinguished Scientist Award recognizing his pioneering research in tumor immunology and immunotherapy. UChicagoBSD University of Chicago Pathology @uchicagomedicine.bsky.social https://ow.ly/JMey50Xh2oA

A UChicago BSD study on the nation's 1st trauma-center Medical-Legal Partnership found 94.8% of patients had legal needs. The program secured $1.2M+ to stabilize lives and disrupt violence, arguing this model should be standard care.

UChicago researchers have discovered how two competing molecules made by your gut bacteria—queuine (promotes growth) and preQ1 (halts growth)—reach deep inside your cells to control their protein-building machinery. Read the fascinating study: biologicalsciences.uchicago.edu/news/how-mic...

🦕 Scientists reveal the true appearance of a duck-billed dinosaur for the first time! UChicago researchers reconstructed Edmontosaurus with crests, spikes, scales and hooves. A 66-million-year-old mummy zone in Wyoming unlocked the secret. @paulserenoofficial.bsky.social shorturl.at/cYfNj

A visionary $21M gift will integrate quantum tech with biology to revolutionize healthcare, training a new generation of physician-scientists in this emerging field. Read more about this Quantum Leap: biologicalsciences.uchicago.edu/news/berggre... #UChicagoBSD #QuantumBiology

Published in PNAS, this study reveals how female Papilio alphenor butterflies gain complex, protective patterns to perfectly mimic toxic species. Led by Nicholas VanKuren and Marcus Kronforst. lnkd.in/e-exdkCA

Decades of collaboration are transforming pediatric cancer research. At UChicago, our Pediatric Cancer Data Commons unites data from 44,000+ patients worldwide accelerating discoveries and improving outcomes for children everywhere. 🔗https://tinyurl.com/3d2tze5r

A new study uses an unprecedented dataset to map every building in sub-Saharan Africa. The goal? To improve sustainable development and infrastructure where it's needed most. Read more here: biologicalsciences.uchicago.edu/news/mapping...

A new UChicago study in Nature by Prof. Jueqi Chen reveals a paradigm-shifting mechanism for how bacterial toxins trigger inflammation. They don't just damage cell membranes; they enter the cell and directly remodel an internal organelle. Read More: www.nature.com/articles/s41...

In a new study, Jing Chen, PhD, and team demonstrates that zeaxanthin, a plant-based nutrient, acts as an immunomodulator—boosting CD8+ T cell function and enhancing the effects of immunotherapy. @cellpress.bsky.social @uchicagobsd.bsky.social ow.ly/jFGo50WPJBG

Bring science to life for our South Side community! Volunteer for the 4th annual South Side Science Festival on October 4, 2025. Your help makes the magic happen. Sign up!

Soil isn’t just dirt. It’s alive! New UChicago research shows that despite its complexity, soil microbiomes respond to changes in pH through just three predictable metabolic “regimes.” biologicalsciences.uchicago.edu/news/soil-mi...

Ready for a new generation of data scientists? The UChicago Biological Sciences Division is breaking down barriers to computational biology, inspiring middle and high school students with hands-on coding experiences. Read more: biologicalsciences.uchicago.edu/news/unlocki...

UChicago’s Prof. Michael Coates helped flip a key evolutionary theory. His team discovered jawless fish had big hearts & acute senses, overturning the idea these traits evolved with jaws. biologicalsciences.uchicago.edu/news/big-hea...