University of Minnesota Wins NIH Grant to Study Tuberculosis Immunity
A University of Minnesota Medical School research team was awarded a 5-year, $3.8 million grant from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases to study early immune responses in the lung and how they influence tuberculosis infection outcomes.
University of Minnesota Breaks Ground on New Community-University Health Care Center Facility
University of Minnesota leaders and faculty, state officials, clinic staff and patient board members will break ground today on a new Community-University Health Care Center building. Twice the size of the current clinic, the new, advanced facility will expand patient access, enhance care delivery and strengthen the University’s health professional training programs.
University of Minnesota Experts Bust Five Common Mental Health Myths
Nearly one in five Americans lives with a mental health condition, yet myths and misinformation continue to shape how people seek — or avoid — care. During Mental Health Awareness Month in May, University of Minnesota experts are setting the record straight with evidence-based research, new treatments and workforce innovations that are changing how mental health conditions are understood and treated.
Children’s Minnesota Names John Harding Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
Children’s Minnesota is pleased to announce John Harding, Ed.D., MBA, FACHE, as its new executive vice president, chief operating officer (COO), effective April 27. In his role, Harding will provide enterprise-wide operational leadership across the organization’s hospitals, specialty centers and clinics.
Blood Test May Help Predict Survival After Age 70
Why do some people live longer than others? New research from the University of Minnesota and Duke University, recently published in Aging Cell, investigates how tiny molecules in the bloodstream — called small RNAs — may explain and determine differences in human longevity.
Dr. Michael Osterholm Recognized Among TIME’s 2026 Most Influential Health Leaders
TIME named Dr. Michael Osterholm, Regents Professor, McKnight Presidential Endowed Chair in Public Health and director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP) at the University of Minnesota, to the 2026 TIME100 Health List of the World’s Most Influential Leaders in Health.
Disrupting Bacterial “Communication” to Advance Human Health
Like all living things, bacteria adapt to survive. Over time, bacteria have been developing resistance to common antibiotics and disinfectants, which poses a growing problem for healthcare and sanitation. However, many species of bacteria are beneficial and even essential for human health. What if there was a way to change the behavior of bacteria in the body to prevent illness and poor health outcomes?
CIDRAP Unveils Updated Coronavirus Vaccine Roadmap Site to Strengthen Global Vaccine R&D Coordination
The University of Minnesota’s Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP) today announced the launch of a new Coronavirus Vaccines R&D Roadmap (CVR) Initiative digital home, a global, open-access platform designed to track scientific progress toward the development of broadly protective coronavirus vaccines.
Study Explores Link Between Whole-Fat Dairy and Improved Heart Health
For decades, Americans have been advised that cutting fat was key for a heart-healthy diet, spurring an industry of low-fat dairy products. A new generation of nutrition research is challenging some of those long-held beliefs — suggesting that for dairy products, the overall effects of whole-fat varieties on heart health may be positive.
Exploring PCOS with the University of Minnesota
Polycystic ovary syndrome, commonly referred to as PCOS, is one of the most common hormonal disorders that affects patients of reproductive age. Worldwide, 13% of women of reproductive age are affected by PCOS — and experts estimate that as many as 70% of women who have PCOS may go undiagnosed.
Advancing the Health of People and the Planet
World Environmental Health Day is celebrated each year on September 26 to increase recognition of the interconnectedness of human health and the environment. The International Federation of Environmental Health’s 2025 theme is “Clean Air, Healthy People” — promoting awareness and action on the impact of clean air on public health.
Teddie Potter, director of the Center for Planetary Health and Environmental Justice and a clinical professor in the University of Minnesota School of Nursing, is available to discuss the consequential relationship between human and environmental health and how the planetary health movement seeks to address it.
Teddie Potter, Ph.D.
"Human and environmental health are deeply interconnected — we cannot have one without the other. Yet human behaviors are causing climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, which threaten the wellbeing of people and life on Earth.
The planetary health movement is a growing, solutions-focused transdisciplinary effort to protect Earth’s natural systems so that future generations can survive and flourish. The University of Minnesota’s Center for Planetary Health and Environmental Justice understands that when we create the right environment, nature not only can heal itself, but is an essential partner in human health.
Through a planetary health foundation, our nurses are equipped to address both mitigation (prevention) and adaptation to issues like air quality. Nurses advocate for local and federal policy changes, promote sustainability practices in their work and educate the public on how air quality can impact their health. They also help their patients adapt to the reality of a world where poor air quality contributes to an estimated 7 million deaths each year. They can recommend adaptation strategies for vulnerable populations and suggest tools — like air purifiers or masks — to address the health effects of poor air quality due to wildfire smoke. They teach individuals and families how to modify outdoor activities on days when the air quality is dangerous for everyone. For World Environmental Health Day, we invite everyone to join the planetary health movement to protect both our Earth and its people."
Teddie Potter is the director of the Center of Planetary Health and Environmental Justice at the School of Nursing and fellow in the Institute on the Environment at the University of Minnesota. She is a board member of the Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments, a member of the American Academy of Nursing Environment and Public Health Expert Panel and is on the steering committee of the Planetary Health Alliance. She serves on the National Academy of Medicine’s Action Collaborative on Decarbonizing the U.S. Health Sector and on the Climate Crossroads committee of National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine.
Safely Identifying Vulnerabilities in a Lethal Tick-Borne Virus
Powassan virus, a cousin to Zika and Dengue in the flavivirus family, is a rare tick-borne infection that is becoming more widespread in the northern U.S. Powassan symptoms include fever, nausea and headaches. In severe cases, it can lead to brain swelling and potentially be fatal. Given how dangerous this virus is, it can only be studied in special, high-security labs.
University of Minnesota Receives Donation for CIDRAP Information Hub
The Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP) at the University of Minnesota today announced the upcoming launch of the CIDRAP Information Hub (CIH), made possible by a sizable gift from the Bentson Foundation, to address recent public health information gaps created by restricted, reduced or redefined U.S. government programs.
Children’s Minnesota Names Emily Chapman, MD, as New President and CEO
Children’s Minnesota is pleased to announce the selection of Emily Chapman, MD, as its new president and CEO, effective Aug 2. This comes after an extensive months-long national search following the announcement of the planned retirement of Dr. Marc Gorelick, MD, earlier this year.
Children’s Minnesota Unveils Leadership Changes After Planned Retirement of VP of Specialty Pediatrics
Children’s Minnesota is pleased to announce several key leadership changes following the planned retirement of Susan Sencer, MD, clinical vice president of specialty pediatrics. Dr. Sencer leaves behind a legacy of more than 35 years of clinical care and leadership that has contributed to advancements in patient care, research and innovation.
Children’s Minnesota Announces Dr. Marc Gorelick’s Retirement as President and CEO
Children’s Minnesota today announced the upcoming retirement of its esteemed President and CEO, Dr. Marc Gorelick, effective July 2025. Dr. Gorelick has led the organization with distinction as CEO since December of 2017, leaving a legacy of innovation, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of children.
Research Insight: Barriers to Sports Participation for Students with Multiple Marginalized Identities
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Healthy People 2030 plan sets a national objective to increase youth sports participation from 50% to 63% over the next five years.
Children’s Minnesota Earns LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader Designation
Children’s Minnesota is proud to announce it has been re-designated as an “LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader” by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC).
Children’s Minnesota And Minnesota Epilepsy Group Receive Re-Accreditation As A Level 4 Epilepsy Center
Children’s Minnesota and Minnesota Epilepsy Group are pleased to announce the re-accreditation of their epilepsy monitoring unit as a Level 4 Epilepsy Center.
Star Gala Inspires $2.3 Million In Giving To Support Children’s Minnesota Neuroscience Program And First-Of-Its Kind Pediatric Surgery Suite
Children’s Minnesota is thrilled to announce the 32nd annual Star Gala raised $2.3 million to benefit the nonprofit pediatric health system’s neuroscience program.