Mizzou innovations: How the University of Missouri is shaping medicine, energy, and journalism

“Show Me Mizzou”

Do you ever wonder what we actually do at the University of Missouri? Well, I think it’s important for us to keep you up to date and let you know what is going on. One of the best places for us to find out is on a site that you can access with your computer just by typing in “Show Me Mizzou”. I went there myself earlier this week and was amazed by the happenings on our MU Campus. Here are a few examples.

Mizzou scientists develop a method that could lower medicine costs and contribute to cleaner energy and sustainability. University of Missouri researchers and collaborators have developed an innovative, eco-friendly chemical tool that harnesses the power of engineered “soapy” water and electricity to create reactions in a whole new way. This breakthrough electrochemistry method could reduce the cost of making medicines and support clean energy technology, including efforts to remove pre- and polyfluoroalkyls (PFAS), also known as “forever-chemicals,” from water.

A new study from the University of Missouri School of Journalism introduces “volunteer journalism” as a promising solution to bridge the news and information gap in communities. “With traditional news organizations struggling or disappearing in many places, volunteer journalism could help fill the gap by keeping communities informed and connected,” Nick Mathews, assistant professor of journalism and lead author of the study, said. “This is particularly crucial in areas where professional journalism is no longer available.”

“Growing up in rural Missouri and working in maternal child health myself, I wanted to understand how rural moms in Missouri made their decisions about breastfeeding and how their rural environment impacted those decisions,” said Karry Weston, the study’s lead author and a postdoctoral fellow in Mizzou’s Sinclair School of Nursing. Like all new mothers, women in rural areas want to ensure their babies are getting enough

nourishment — but without proper guidance on breastfeeding best practices, it can be difficult to gauge. Mizzou’s emphasis on supporting rural communities, particularly with MU Extension programs, motivates Weston to continue her research.

At MU Extension, in all our programs, we want to serve all of the 6 million Missourians in our state. The University of Missouri Extension office is open Monday-Friday located in Kennett, Missouri at 102 Slicer Street. Contact 573-888-4722 with questions or comments. MU is an equal opportunity/ADA institution. University of Missouri Extension does not discriminate based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability in employment or in any program or activity.