ARA Library

In Arkansas, where poultry is a multi-billion-dollar industry supporting over 140,000 jobs, researchers at the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture are using advanced genomics and machine learning to combat disease threats that can disrupt production and economic stability.

Led by Dr. Aranyak Goswami, the team analyzes the full DNA of pathogens like Enterococcus cecorum to identify clusters of genes responsible for infection, dramatically reducing the time and effort required compared to traditional methods. By narrowing thousands of potential genes down to a targeted set, this approach enables faster responses, more efficient research, and the potential development of new treatments or vaccines.

Chemotherapy is a proven and effective cancer treatment, but it can also cause serious side effects, including damage to vital organs, suppression of bone marrow, and, in rare cases, death. Dr. Noureen Siraj and her team at UA Little Rock have developed a novel approach using nano-technology to better target chemotherapy drugs, resulting in a lower dosage and fewer side effects.

Biofilm infections result in billions of dollars in health care costs, and current treatments are contributing to antibiotic resistance. But what if instead of killing the bacteria responsible, we disarm it?

At the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Dr. Gyan Sahukhal and his team are working to solve a problem that’s responsible for two million serious infections every year.