Since the big bang, the early universe had hydrogen, helium, and a scant amount of lithium. Later, some heavier elements, including iron, were forged in stars. But one of the biggest mysteries in astrophysics is: How did the first elements heavier than iron, such as gold, get created and distributed throughout the universe? A new answer has come from an unexpected place - magnetars.

For four straight years in a row, LSU has soared in research. In the 2023-2024 academic year, LSU's research campuses in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and Shreveport achieved a record-breaking $543 million in combined research activity. Not only did this lead to life-changing discoveries and support thousands of jobs--the direct economic impact of LSU research on Louisiana is higher than ever, estimated at $1.5 billion.

In fall of 2025, LSU will launch a new instructional site on its Baton Rouge campus for its nationally recognized Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program.

The American Society for Nutrition and the ASN Foundation have honored Pennington Biomedical Research Center’s Dr. Leanne Redman with the 2025 E.V. McCollum Award – given to a clinical investigator who is perceived as a major creative force, actively generating new concepts in nutrition.