Department of Biological Science

Recovery of endangered sunflower sea stars may play key role in restoring devastated submarine forests

Published: March 21, 2023 | 2:43 pm | Posted in: Science & Technology

Sunflower sea stars, such as the one that appears in the foreground, could help keep purple sea urchins in check, according to new research from Florida State University Assistant Professor Daniel Okamoto and colleauges published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B. (Photo by Lynn Lee)

Scientists working to understand the decimation of kelp forests on the Pacific Coast have found that the endangered sunflower sea star plays a vital role in maintaining the region’s ecological balance and that sea star recovery efforts could potentially help restore kelp forests as well. The multi-institution team, which includes Florida State University Assistant Professor […]

Pathways to STEM: FSU, partners work to improve transitions from 2-year colleges to 4-year universities

Published: February 28, 2023 | 3:42 pm | Posted in: Education & Society

Florida State University is part of a nationwide cohort of institutions that have received an $8.8 million grant from the prestigious Howard Hughes Medical Institute to develop more inclusive pathways from community college programs to four-year universities. The award, part of the institute’s Inclusive Excellence 3 initiative (IE3), will fund FSU research on improving relationships […]

FSU researchers find sea urchin die-offs threaten Caribbean coral reefs

Published: February 27, 2023 | 3:00 pm | Posted in: Science & Technology

The sustained loss of a once abundant species of sea urchin in the Caribbean could also result in the functional extinction of diverse coral species from the region’s reefs, according to new research from a Florida State University team. The urchin species Diadema antillarum has long been considered the most important grazer in the Caribbean, […]

FSU experts available for American Heart Month

Published: February 2, 2023 | 9:16 am | Posted in: Expert Pitches

February is a time to think about matters of the heart. That includes heart health. The American Heart Association sponsors “American Heart Month” every February to promote good cardiovascular health. Understanding the risk factors of heart disease and how to live a heart-healthy lifestyle goes a long way toward improving quality of life. Research from […]

Seeing through her subject: FSU graduate student finds passion in study of fluorescent frogs

Published: December 2, 2022 | 11:15 am | Posted in: Science & Technology

The first discovery of fluorescence in frogs was a complete accident — someone had a black light UV light, shone it on a frog and then did a double take. (Santiago Ron)

Courtney Whitcher always loved biology and learning about how things work. Little did she know that she’d find an interest in the world of biofluorescence and the world of amphibians. “And then a biofluorescent frog brought my two worlds together,” she said. Whitcher indeed has hopped into a glowing field as a doctoral candidate in […]

FSU biological scientist named president-elect of Animal Behavior Society

Published: November 17, 2022 | 1:43 pm | Posted in: University News

Florida State University Professor of Biological Science Emily DuVal.

A Florida State University biologist has been named president-elect of the Animal Behavior Society, a prominent professional organization that advances research and education in the field of animal behavior. Professor of Biological Science Emily DuVal will take over as president in 2026. “I’m humbled and inspired by this election,” DuVal said. “Being president of the […]

Taking pictures on a molecular level: FSU biologists receive $5M NIH grant to build cryo-electron microscopy center

Published: October 11, 2022 | 8:58 am | Posted in: Science & Technology

While technologies like X-rays allow us to create pictures of the inside of the human body, imaging on a molecular level is much more complicated. Cryogenic electron microscopy, or cryo-EM, allows scientists to reconstruct protein complexes, like viruses and antibodies, in three dimensions at nearly atomic-level resolutions. These reconstructions — which let scientists pinpoint the […]

Andrew Taylor

Published: September 9, 2022 | 10:48 am | Posted in: Student Stars

Andrew Taylor always held an interest in science and a persistent curiosity. Now he holds a prestigious distinction at Florida State University as well. Taylor, a senior biological science major, recently won the Helen Louise Lee Undergraduate Research Award, an IDEA Grant for an FSU in the Department of Biological Science. The award allowed him […]

FSU biologists discover how cancer-causing virus avoids triggering immune system response

Published: August 24, 2022 | 2:24 pm | Posted in: Health & Medicine

The human immune system is a complex network of organs, cells and proteins that defend the body against infections and diseases. While our bodies work constantly to ensure invading infections don’t breach the defenses, viruses are working just as hard to coerce our immune systems into allowing access and staying quiescent. A team of researchers […]

Natalie Jen

Published: August 3, 2022 | 12:46 pm | Posted in: Student Stars

Florida State University junior Natalie Jen saw the opportunity to pursue scientific research as an important factor in deciding where to attend college. In FSU, she found a university with extensive undergraduate research and funding opportunities — and in doing so became the fourth Seminole sibling in her family. During her freshman year, Jen explored […]

FSU internal investment program helps faculty move from lab to market

Published: May 25, 2022 | 9:59 am | Posted in: Science & Technology

Improved ceramics manufacturing, breakthrough medical screening tests and a more convenient way to detect nuclear particles earned funding from the latest round of a Florida State University program that helps researchers bring their work to the marketplace. FSU’s Office of the Vice President for Research awarded more than $167,000 to faculty members to continue research […]

FSU neuroscientist awarded $1.8M NIH grant to study brain’s influence on eating habits

Published: May 9, 2022 | 1:47 pm | Posted in: Science & Technology

Roberto Vincis, an assistant professor of Biological Science and Neuroscience. (Florida State University)

A researcher in Florida State University’s Program in Neuroscience has received a $1.8 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to investigate how the brain encodes information about food and how this information affects an individual’s overall eating habits and food choices. Roberto Vincis, an assistant professor of Biological Science and Neuroscience, will lead […]

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