UBNow: News and views for UB faculty and staff - University at Buffalo

What causes water main breaks?
2/11/26
It's more than just freezing temperatures, UB engineer Xudong "Andrew" Fan says, and AI may help utilities anticipate future breaks.
Mutation in one Parkinson’s protein eases cellular traffic jams caused by another
2/11/26
A study suggests two Parkinson’s proteins can balance with each other to disrupt axonal transport.
Study finds childhood war exposure leaves lasting pain
2/11/26
The paper provides new insights into warfare’s lifelong health consequences, particularly for noncombatants.
AMSNY scholarships help two UB medical students pursue their dreams
2/10/26
The Scholarship in Medicine aims to cut student debt load and improve health care in medically underserved areas in NYS.
UB study shows key protein can slow aging process
2/10/26
The research led by oral biology professor Keith Kirkwood reveal that enhancing tristetraprolin can reduce frailty in mice.
UB concussion experts discuss head injuries
2/10/26
With the Winter Olympics underway, faculty members John Leddy and M. Nadir Haider talk about what's known and not known about head injuries.
Freudenheim receives Distinguished Achievement Award
2/9/26
The UB epidemiologist has been awarded one of the highest honors from the American Society of Preventive Oncology.
Winning team selected in Resilient Campus competition
2/9/26
Led by the School of Architecture and Planning, the design competition brought together international minds to boldly envision the South Campus.
New device advances possibilities for displays, biosensing
2/9/26
The device can change color and behavior on demand, technology that could change consumer products like e-readers and smart watches.
SUNY grant to support student mental health
2/6/26
The funding will support programming, including instructor certification, delivery of campuswide training, required materials and outreach efforts.
A century of Black history
2/6/26
UB faculty member LaGarrett King reflects on the origins and importance of Black History Month.
Moving research results into real-world settings
2/6/26
UB scientists Ranjit Singh and Bonnie Vest discuss dissemination and implementation science and upcoming CTSI workshops on the topic.

Photographs, slideshows and videos capturing life at UB

Reimagining Black Futures
The School of Architecture and Planning's Spring 2026 Public Programs series opened on Feb. 4 with the first of two forums celebrating 100 years of Black history. In Forum 1, scholars in urban planning, sociology, social welfare and health gathered to examine the dangers posed by racist authoritarianism, discuss strategies for fighting back and reimagine a Black future in which people of African descent live in a nation grounded in radical democracy, anti-racism and socioeconomic justice. Forum 2 takes place on Feb. 25. For more information or to register, visit the forum page. Photos: Douglas Levere
Published February 10, 2026

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Record attendance

The women's basketball team set a new attendance record at their "Education Day" game against Central Michigan on Feb. 4. The 5,778 fans surpassed the previous mark set during the 2025 WNIT championship game. The Bulls recorded 15 assists and scored 18 points off turnovers, but the Chippewas won the battle, 90-59. The kids had a great time, no matter.

Exploring material design Undergraduate materials design students Mia Cassava (far left) and Cohen Lyons (blue hat) examine models of crystal-structured materials, the basic building blocks of other materials. Pictured with them on the right are Hui Cao (yellow shirt), assistant professor of research, and Jung-Hun Seo, associate professor, both in the Department of Materials Design and Innovation. The class was being introduced to the lab area in Bonner Hall. Photo: Meredith Forrest Kulwicki
Exploring materials design
Undergraduate materials design students Mia Cassava (far left) and Cohen Lyons (blue hat) examine models of crystal-structured materials, the basic building blocks of other materials. Pictured with them on the right are Hui Cao (yellow shirt), assistant professor of research, and Jung-Hun Seo, associate professor, both in the Department of Materials Design and Innovation. The class was being introduced to the lab area in Bonner Hall. Photo: Meredith Forrest Kulwicki
Published February 11, 2026