UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA

About 6% of pregnant women use marijuana, often to ease morning sickness, despite known risks to both mother and fetus, according to a University of Georgia study published in the American Journal on Addictions. Most users perceive little to no risk, and two-thirds live in states where medical marijuana is legal. The study emphasizes the need for policy to educate pregnant women on the dangers of marijuana use.

UGA celebrated the completion of Phase I renovations on Science and Ag Hill, modernizing Cedar Street Building C with state-of-the-art labs and support spaces for entomology, microbiology, and cellular biology. Phase II will renovate Cedar Street Building B, the largest mid-century science facility.

Nathan Lewis, a professor of pediatrics and bioengineering, joined the University of Georgia as a GRA Eminent Scholar in Molecular Cell Biology. His research focuses on cell communication and its application in treating diseases and manufacturing drugs. Lewis will collaborate with multiple interdisciplinary centers at UGA, aiming to advance translational research and drug discovery.

NC State researchers identified lignin's methoxy content as key to using trees for industrial chemicals, overcoming previous limitations with CRISPR-edited poplars. Low methoxy content enhances microbial degradation, making trees a sustainable alternative to petroleum-derived chemicals.

UGA researchers developed a method to balance plant disease resistance and growth by modifying cold-regulated genes, allowing for increased salicylic acid levels without compromising growth, potentially enhancing crop productivity and resilience.

A new drug, MED6-189, targets both the apicoplast and vesicular trafficking pathways in drug-sensitive and resistant strains of _Plasmodium falciparum_, preventing resistance development and showing efficacy in humanized mouse models and against other zoonotic Plasmodium parasites.

Flagler County Fire Rescue installs 360-degree cameras on ambulances, requires two personnel for underage/vulnerable patients, and implements mandatory psychological evaluations for new employees following allegations of medic sexual assault. A new rescue supervisor position is also created for enhanced oversight.