Association of American Universities (AAU)

A new report from the College Board reveals encouraging trends in college affordability. Despite rising sticker prices, the net cost of tuition and fees after grant aid is actually lower than it was a decade ago. Highlights include: - For public four-year institutions, net tuition for in-state students dropped from a peak of $4,340 in 2012-13 to an estimated $2,480 in 2024-25. - At private nonprofit four-year institutions, net tuition decreased from $19,330 in 2006-07 to an estimated $16,510 in 2024-25. - Public two-year college students have been covering tuition with grants since 2009-10. This report challenges the perception of ever-increasing college costs and highlights the substantial benefits of higher education. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eGNCS_U2

Last week, the member presidents and chancellors of the Association of American Universities elected Princeton University President Christopher Eisgruber as chair of the AAU Board of Directors. See the full statement ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/eU_ABB5X

Amidst the ongoing opioid crisis, researchers at the University of Florida are exploring a promising alternative for pain management: synthetic oxytocin, also known as the "cuddle hormone." This innovative study is investigating whether combining oxytocin with prescription drugs can help curb opioid addictions, particularly in older adults. The interdisciplinary team is conducting a two-year study funded by the @NIH. The research is set to conclude in April 2025 and could pave the way for safer, non-addictive pain management options.

Researchers from the University of Rochester and Georgia Institute of Technology have developed a method to reduce cost-safety tradeoffs in self-driving cars and autonomous drones. As these technologies become increasingly prevalent, ensuring safety without skyrocketing costs is crucial. The team proposes a tailored approach to protection, moving away from the costly "one-size-fits-all" strategies. Yuhao Zhu from the UofR highlights how their innovative method selectively applies protection strategies to different parts of an autonomous system, optimizing reliability and cost. https://lnkd.in/ek9CasFn

A study from Yale University reveals that hypertension and amyloid plaques can significantly increase the risk of cognitive decline when combined. They utilized data from the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial involving 467 racially diverse participants aged 60 and above. Findings show those with high levels of both risk factors had a 22.6% rate of cognitive impairment, compared to just 5.3% for those with low levels of both. The lead author stresses the need for diverse clinical trials to effectively treat both conditions, especially in medically underserved populations. https://lnkd.in/e5em_WTE

The American Talent Initiative has awarded grants to five AAU institutions: University of California, Santa Cruz, Georgia Institute of Technology, Stony Brook University, Indiana University Bloomington, and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign for their innovative projects aimed at increasing college access and success for lower-income students. These grants will support programs that improve transfer pathways, enhance dual-credit options, and provide robust support for Pell Grant-eligible students. https://lnkd.in/eTkqdZkN

Enjoyed presenting to the RTP UIDP Assembly today. I also enjoyed having the opportunity to engage with individuals who are directly working to develop, improve and advance university and industry partnerships that have an impact.

A recent study led by researchers at New York University and Columbia University has shed light on the impressive reach and impact of Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs) across the United States. With support from both sides of the political spectrum, these clinics are transforming mental health and substance use disorder treatment for over 60% of the US population. The research highlights the crucial roles CCBHCs and Medicaid bundled payments play in expanding access to essential crisis services like 24/7 call lines, mobile crisis response teams, and crisis stabilization. https://lnkd.in/eern_Pqi

Penn State University researchers are exploring the potential of drugs, like Ozempic and Wegovy, for treating opioid addiction. Their recent small clinical trial showed a promising 40% reduction in opioid cravings among participants using these drugs. The team is gearing up for a larger trial involving 200 participants across multiple sites, including New York University and the University of Maryland.

A study led by Brown University has unveiled new insights into the toxicity of PFAS, commonly known as "forever chemicals." While individual PFAS types show low toxicity, their mixture presents significant risks. The team found that the combined effects of PFAS are more toxic than individual components, emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive regulations on these chemicals, which are found in 45% of US drinking water. https://lnkd.in/eRiDbBRF