Heather Caldwell, Ph.D., a professor in Kent State University’s Department of Biological Sciences, recently received a $450,000 grant to study the role that oxytocin plays in the developing brain. Labeled by some as “the bonding hormone,” oxytocin is well known for helping pregnant mothers with uterine contraction while in labor, milk letdown while breastfeeding and a feeling of euphoria when cuddling with their infants. But, there is still much that researchers don’t know about how this hormone works in the brains of children. The grant, which came from the National Institutes of Health...

Ohio ranks seventh in new business creation, but last among larger states in integrating startups into the overall economy. That makes it hard to build momentum in the state’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. WKSU presents: Growing Ohio’s Startup Culture: An Exploradio Meetup Tuesday, Oct. 23, at 7 p.m. at the Akron-Summit County Public Library in Downtown Akron. The free event is moderated by Jeff St. Clair, WKSU host of All Things Considered and producer of the station’s award-winning Exploradio series. Panelists include:  Doug Weintraub, CEO of Bounce Innovation Hub C...

Medical professionals treat a wide variety of people. But what do they do when they encounter a communication barrier? What if the patient only speaks French or Spanish or American Sign Language? Kent State nursing students are learning how to navigate that situation. Kent State University’s College of Nursing works to provide real-world experiences for their students. Through a collaboration with the American Sign Language/English Interpreting program, the nursing students were given a unique simulated opportunity to treat a baby whose parent was deaf. The simulation is a valuable opportun...