Spotlights

Cuba is making a significant move to revive its struggling tourism industry, opening the door to foreign investment, private hotel ownership and greater participation by independent businesses. But will these changes be enough to bring tourists and investors back to the island? That's the question being examined by Dr. Paolo Spadoni, associate professor of political science at Augusta University, in a recent Travel Weekly article titled Experts laud Cuba reforms but don't see quick travel rebound, published Oct. 26. The reforms would allow hotels to become fully foreign-owned and private businesses to operate travel agencies, tour companies and car rental services. While the changes represent a departure from Cuba's traditionally state-controlled tourism model, Spadoni cautions that the economic and political environment remains a major obstacle. Paolo Spadoni, a recognized authority on Cuba's political economy and co-author of the 2025 book The Cuban Tourism Industry: Evolution, Challenges and Prospects, told Travel Weekly that the reforms are necessary but arrive at a particularly difficult moment. View his profile They want to change the model, which is, I think, a good thing to do, but the conditions are not there now to actually reap the benefits,” Spadoni told Travel Weekly. He also warned that attracting substantial foreign investment remains unlikely under current conditions, pointing to the departure of international hotel operators, declining visitor numbers and continuing U.S. economic restrictions. Spadoni noted that U.S. tourist arrivals between January and August were just 9.9% of their levels during the same period in 2019. He also explained that Cuba's state-controlled tourism model was showing signs of exhaustion even before the pandemic. His analysis raises important questions about the future of one of Cuba's most important industries, the potential for private-sector growth and whether economic reforms can succeed without broader changes in U.S.-Cuba relations. For journalists covering international tourism, foreign investment, economic reform or U.S.-Cuba relations, Dr. Spadoni offers timely insight into the challenges facing Cuba and what it will take to rebuild its tourism economy. An internationally recognized expert on Cuba, Spadoni specializes in Latin American political economies, international relations, foreign investment and U.S.-Cuba relations. To arrange an interview or connect with Dr. Paolo Spadoni, visit his ExpertFile profile below.

World Diabetes Day is Nov. 14 and the theme for 2026-2027 is Early Action. Worldwide, one out of nine adults are currently living with diabetes and in the United States, over 40 million people have diabetes. However, many people are undiagnosed and remain aware of their risk of diabetes. Currently, 635 million adults worldwide are at high-risk for diabetes and 12 million persons in the United States are undiagnosed. Undoubtedly, we have a lot of work to do. Early action and prevention are key in the fight against the epidemic of diabetes. Early action "accelerates care, reduces the risk of diabetes, and leads to better health for all." As a nurse for the past 40 years, I have provided care for countless people living with type 2 diabetes. I have witnessed the struggles of people living with diabetes and the many associated complications that can occur. Diabetes can be a very devastating disease, but I am hopeful that there are new emerging treatment options for diabetes, such as GLP-1 medications, and new user-friendly technologies, including the use of continuous glucose monitoring. Lynn Glenn's research and practice promotes high quality, equitable health care and enhanced outcomes in underserved, diverse communities. View her profile Since being at Augusta University, I have focused my efforts on diabetes prevention in younger adults and rural populations. I have developed an adaptation of the Diabetes Prevention Program that incorporates flexibility and socioecological needs amidst competing priorities in young adulthood. My objectives also include improving access to screening and early detection of diabetes which have been implemented in several community events and health fairs, as well as other non-traditional settings. I have addressed the need for enhanced access for persons at high-risk for diabetes, such as Hispanic populations, at the annual AU College of Nursing Costa Layman International Health Outreach Fair and diabetes screening of Hispanic adults at the Dental College of Georgia. Most recently, I am working in partnership with Georgia Center for Diabetes Translational Research at Emory University to advance the science of diabetes prevention research. For Diabetes Month in November, TAKE ACTION and consider the following: Increase awareness of diabetes risk with friends and family members. Know your risk factors for diabetes and take the diabetes risk test. Approximately 115 million people and more than 42% of adults 18 years and older have prediabetes and at high for developing diabetes in the future. Encourage others to get diabetes screening. Almost one-third of adults with diabetes are undiagnosed or unaware of their condition. With the latest recommendations, more than 11 million adults are now eligible for diabetes screening. All adults aged 35 years and older should undergo screening for prediabetes and diabetes annually. Regardless of age, adults should undergo screening for prediabetes and diabetes if they have risk factors such as being overweight/obese, family history of diabetes, history of gestational diabetes (diabetes in pregnancy), or history of high blood pressure or hear disease. Participate in or organize a community-based screening for diabetes. Local events are an easy, non-threatening alternative to traditional health care office visits to receive preventive screenings. Advocate for increased awareness, screening, and early detection of diabetes in your local community. Increase equitable access to healthy food and physical activity at home and work. There is strong evidence that a healthy lifestyle has numerous benefits, such as prevention of cancer, diabetes, and other chronic conditions. We spend a large proportion of time outside the home, yet our workplace environments may not be conducive to our health, such as prolonged sitting time, inadequate time or access to healthy meals, and a high burden of stress. Try to make healthier choices, such as less sitting time, eating healthier meals and snacks, and having quick exercise "snacks" at work. More research is needed to understand how healthy workplace environments can have a positive impact on health outcomes. Please help support people at risk or living with diabetes and TAKE ACTION! Connect with an Expert Dr. Lynn Glenn, PhD, MSN, of Augusta University's College of Nursing, is available to speak with media about diabetes prevention, early detection, emerging treatments and the importance of expanding access to screening, particularly among younger adults, rural communities and underserved populations. To arrange an interview or learn more about her research, click Dr. Lynn Glenn's ExpertFile profile below.

How healthy is Georgia? A new report from Augusta University reveals some troubling answers, with the state ranking among the nation's poorest performers in several important measures of health and well-being. The 2026 Healthy Georgia: Our State of Public Health report, released by Augusta University's School of Public Health, examines 31 health indicators, offering a comprehensive picture of the challenges facing residents across the state. Biplab Datta, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Health Management, Economics, and Policy and the report's lead analyst, identifies healthcare affordability, kidney disease, loneliness and substance misuse as particularly concerning issues. View his profile A State Facing Serious Health Challenges Among the report's findings, Georgia ranks 48th in healthcare affordability, seventh highest in kidney disease prevalence and second highest in loneliness. The state also faces significant challenges involving mental health, opioid misuse and access to dental care. Datta emphasized that affordability and social isolation deserve particular attention because of their consequences for individual and community health. The findings also reveal a persistent divide between rural and urban communities. Rural Georgians experience higher rates of cigarette smoking, vaping, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cardiovascular disease and kidney disease. Beyond the Numbers The report highlights the interconnected nature of Georgia's public health challenges. Limited access to affordable care, geographic disparities and social isolation can complicate efforts to improve health outcomes. While Georgia has maintained comparatively low rates of heavy drinking and made progress on annual wellness visits, the findings suggest that substantial work remains to address health inequalities. Now in its fifth edition, the Healthy Georgia Report provides policymakers, health professionals and community leaders with data to guide decisions about prevention, access to care and public health priorities. “Healthcare affordability and dental visit rates were persistently lower in Georgia in the last five years,” Datta said. “Prevalence of kidney disease has been increasing nationally, but the gap between Georgia and the rest of the nation remains persistent. While some declining trends in child asthma have been observed, Georgia prevalence remained persistently higher than the national and regional averages.” An Expert Voice on Public Health As Georgia confronts rising healthcare costs, rural health disparities and growing concerns about mental well-being, Datta offers valuable expertise on the economic and policy dimensions of public health. His work provides important context for journalists examining healthcare affordability, chronic disease, health disparities and the challenges facing communities across Georgia. Biplab Datta, PhD, is available to speak with media about the findings of the 2026 Healthy Georgia Report and their implications for the state's public health priorities. To connect with Datta or arrange an interview, click on his profile below.

What if the same types of receptors that allow us to detect smells could also help our immune systems fight cancer? That's the intriguing question driving new research at Augusta University's Medical College of Georgia, where scientist Marco Orecchioni, PhD, has received a prestigious $3.66 million NIH Director's New Innovator Award to investigate a potentially groundbreaking approach to cancer treatment. The five-year award, announced in a recent Augusta University Jagwire article, will support Orecchioni's project, Harnessing Myeloid Olfactory Receptors to Reprogram Tumor Immunity. Orecchioni, an assistant professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology and researcher with the Immunology Center of Georgia, previously discovered that olfactory receptors, traditionally associated with the sense of smell, are also present on immune cells called macrophages and monocytes. These receptors can detect chemical signals within the body and influence inflammation and disease progression. Now, his team wants to determine whether they can also influence how immune cells respond to cancer. Could These Receptors Help Fight Melanoma? The research will focus on melanoma, investigating whether olfactory receptors can shift immune cells toward fighting tumors rather than supporting their growth. The project will also explore whether these receptors influence patients' responses to immunotherapy, potentially identifying new targets for cancer treatment. Orecchioni explained the promise of the research: "We have preliminary data suggesting that one olfactory receptor may help drive beneficial immune responses against melanoma." The NIH Director's New Innovator Award recognizes exceptionally creative, high-impact research that challenges conventional scientific approaches. Klaus Ley, MD, founding co-director of the Immunology Center of Georgia, emphasized the significance of the recognition. "This is an amazing achievement because very few scientists receive a DP2 award." Since joining Augusta University in 2023, Orecchioni has earned recognition for his work in immunology, inflammation and cardiovascular disease. His research now extends those discoveries into cancer biology, opening an exciting new direction in understanding how the immune system interacts with tumors. While the research is still in its early stages, its potential implications for melanoma and immunotherapy make it an important area to watch. For journalists covering cancer research, immunotherapy, innovative medical discoveries and the future of precision medicine, Orecchioni offers a fascinating perspective on an unconventional approach to fighting cancer. If you're interested in speaking with Dr. Marco Orecchioni about cancer immunotherapy, melanoma, immune cell biology and his NIH-funded research, contact AU's External Communications Team mediarelations@augusta.edu to arrange an interview today.

Artificial intelligence is already transforming industries, reshaping labour markets and changing how governments deliver services. Now, new research suggests AI development may also influence something far less obvious: a country's ability to secure favourable credit ratings and access lower-cost capital. A study co-authored by Lance Y. Hunter, PhD, a professor at Augusta University, and Glen Biglaiser, PhD, Regents Professor at the University of North Texas, finds a significant positive relationship between national AI development and sovereign bond ratings. Published in the International Area Studies Review, the research examines sovereign bond ratings across 101 countries between 2020 and 2023, using ratings from Moody's and Standard & Poor's alongside measures of national AI readiness. Lance Hunter, PhD, is a political science professor at Augusta University whose expertise in political behavior, elections and political communication makes him a valuable resource for journalists covering the growing influence of artificial intelligence on American politics. View his profile AI and Economic Confidence The researchers found that countries with more advanced AI capabilities generally received higher sovereign bond ratings, even after accounting for a range of economic, political and social factors. Their analysis suggests AI development may strengthen national economies by increasing productivity, improving government efficiency and supporting economic growth. These improvements can contribute to stronger public finances and greater confidence in a government's ability to repay its debts. The findings have potentially significant implications for governments seeking to attract investment, finance infrastructure and reduce borrowing costs. Government Efficiency Matters One of the study's most notable findings concerns the relationship between AI development and government effectiveness. Using statistical mediation analysis, the researchers found that government effectiveness accounted for 32.2% of the relationship between AI development and Standard & Poor's ratings and 26.1% of the relationship with Moody's ratings. The research also identified national income and gross savings as contributing factors, reinforcing the connection between technological development, economic performance and sovereign creditworthiness. The findings suggest that national AI strategies may have financial implications extending beyond innovation and industrial competitiveness. Opportunities and Risks The researchers also caution that AI's economic benefits are not guaranteed. While greater adoption can increase productivity and improve public services, poorly managed implementation could contribute to job displacement, inequality and economic instability. Their findings underscore the importance of responsible AI development, particularly policies that support workers while encouraging technological innovation. The study, Artificial Intelligence Development and Sovereign Bond Ratings, offers a new perspective on how emerging technologies may influence international finance and government borrowing. As governments worldwide increase investments in artificial intelligence, Hunter's research raises important questions about whether technological readiness could become an increasingly influential consideration in assessments of national economic strength. Lance Y. Hunter, PhD, is available to provide expert insight into the relationship between artificial intelligence, government effectiveness, sovereign debt, international political economy and the economic implications of emerging technologies. To connect with Dr. Hunter for an interview or learn more about his research, visit his profile below.

As communities across Georgia continue to confront substance use disorders and the challenges of addiction recovery, researchers at Augusta University are expanding efforts to improve overdose prevention and access to treatment. The university's School of Public Health has received a three-year, $2.5 million grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to strengthen overdose prevention initiatives across several high-risk regions of Georgia. The project will involve partnerships with treatment and recovery organizations in Augusta and surrounding counties, northwest Georgia, south central Georgia and southeast Georgia. Aaron Johnson, PhD, Associate Dean for Research and Community Engagement and Director of the Institute for Public and Preventive Health, is helping lead the initiative. View his profile “Part of the project will be here in Augusta and surrounding counties with Serenity Behavioral Health as a partner, and we also identified three more high-risk areas in Georgia, which include six counties in northwest Georgia, six counties in south central Georgia and four counties in southeast Georgia. We will work with treatment and recovery organizations in those areas to address overdoses,” said Aaron Johnson, PhD, associate dean for research and community engagement and director of the Institute for Public and Preventive Health at SPH. The funding announcement coincides with Augusta University's recent hosting of the Augusta Recovers event, which brought together researchers, healthcare professionals, recovery advocates and community organizations to examine the barriers preventing individuals from accessing addiction treatment and recovery support. Among the concerns raised were shortages of recovery services in rural communities, difficulties recruiting healthcare providers and the importance of directing opioid settlement resources to underserved areas. Johnson emphasized that expanding treatment and recovery services beyond major urban centres will be essential to addressing the crisis. The initiative, recently featured in Jagwire, Augusta University's official news publication, highlights Dr. Johnson's work and the importance of collaboration among universities, healthcare providers, government agencies and community organizations in developing effective approaches to overdose prevention. As communities across the country look for effective ways to address the opioid crisis, J. Aaron Johnson, PhD, is available to provide expert insight into overdose prevention, substance use treatment, rural healthcare challenges and evidence-based recovery strategies. To connect with Dr. Johnson for an interview or learn more about his research, visit his profile below.

Alzheimer’s disease, the most common cause of dementia, is a progressive brain disorder associated with the buildup of abnormal amyloid and tau proteins that damage nerve cells. Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (AD/ADRD) can affect memory, judgment, mobility, balance, and everyday independence, often beginning years before symptoms become noticeable. “One of the most important things to understand about AD/ADRD is that it affects more than memory,” explains Deborah Jehu, PhD. “It can change how someone plans, makes decisions, moves through their environment, and completes tasks they have performed independently for years.” Recognizing the Early Signs Early symptoms may include repeatedly asking the same questions, forgetting recently learned information, misplacing items, struggling to find words, or having difficulty managing finances and appointments. Someone may also become confused in familiar places, struggle to follow a recipe, or find it increasingly difficult to organize multistep activities. AD/ADRD progression is variable, and cognitive and functional abilities may fluctuate from day to day. Individuals may require intermittent reminders or assistance with tasks such as meal preparation and medication management. Persistent changes in daily functioning warrant clinical evaluation but do not necessarily indicate AD/ADRD. Diagnosis and Treatment Diagnosing AD/ADRD typically involves reviewing medical history, assessing memory and thinking, evaluating daily functioning and conducting physical and neurological examinations. Clinicians may order laboratory tests to identify other causes of cognitive changes, such as thyroid problems or vitamin deficiencies. Brain imaging and, when appropriate, blood-based biomarkers, cerebrospinal fluid testing, or amyloid PET scans can help clarify the diagnosis. There is currently no cure for AD/ADRD, but treatments can help manage symptoms or slow disease progression in some people. Medications such as donepezil and memantine may help manage cognitive symptoms, while certain anti-amyloid therapies may slow decline in eligible patients with early Alzheimer’s disease. Treatment decisions require individualized assessment of potential benefits, risks, and monitoring needs. Preserving Mobility and Independence Dr. Jehu emphasizes that comprehensive AD/ADRD care must address physical function alongside cognitive health. People with AD/ADRD can be up to twice as likely to fall as cognitively healthy older adults. As the condition progresses, changes in balance, gait, coordination, and judgment can increase fall risk, potentially leading to injuries, reduced mobility, and loss of independence. These challenges make routine mobility assessments and early rehabilitation particularly important. Physical and occupational therapists can recommend individualized strength and balance exercises, adapt activities, and identify environmental hazards. Caregivers can also support independence through consistent routines, familiar surroundings, simple instructions, medication reminders, and visual cues. “Supporting independence means recognizing what a person can still do and providing just enough assistance to help them succeed safely,” says Jehu. “The goal is not simply to prevent accidents, but to preserve dignity, autonomy, and opportunities for meaningful engagement.” Technology may also help through timely reminders, medication prompts and task-by- task guidance. However, these tools should complement, not replace, human connection, professional care and appropriate supervision. Looking Ahead Early recognition, personalized treatment, physical activity, and coordinated support can help people living with AD/ADRD maintain function and quality of life. Dr. Jehu underscores the need for research that evaluates practical, dementia-specific interventions to preserve mobility, prevent falls and reduce caregiver burden. Ultimately, successful AD/ADRD care should be measured not only by changes in memory, but also by a person’s ability to remain safe, active, connected, and as independent as possible throughout the course of the disease. If you're interested in speaking with Dr. Jehu about Alzheimer's Disease or Dementia and the research taking place at Augusta University – contact AU's External Communications Team mediarelations@augusta.edu to arrange an interview today.

(From left) Jessica Faulkner, PhD, Champa Woodham, MD, Mona Elgazzaz, PhD, and Safia Ogbi (research manager in Faulkner’s lab) A significant discovery by researchers at Augusta University's Medical College of Georgia is shedding new light on preeclampsia, a potentially life-threatening pregnancy complication affecting an estimated 2% to 8% of pregnancies worldwide. Published in Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology, the research reveals that a protein commonly used to assess preeclampsia risk may also contribute directly to the disease by triggering excess production of the hormone leptin. The discovery establishes a previously unknown connection between two biological markers long associated with preeclampsia and could help researchers identify new approaches to treatment. Jessica L. Faulkner, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Physiology at the Medical College of Georgia and the study's lead author, explained the importance of the findings. “Preeclampsia patients have elevated levels of both sFlt-1 and leptin, but the relationship between those two factors has remained unclear. Our findings show that sFlt-1 directly increases leptin production and suggest that leptin may be an important link between placental dysfunction and the cardiovascular complications of the disease.” Using human placental tissue, cultured cells and animal models, the research team demonstrated that elevated levels of sFlt-1 increase leptin production, contributing to the blood vessel dysfunction characteristic of preeclampsia. When researchers blocked leptin signaling in pregnant mice, much of that dysfunction was reversed. The research was made possible through collaboration between Faulkner's laboratory and the Medical College of Georgia's Maternal-Fetal Medicine program, led by Champa Woodham, MD. Woodham emphasized the importance of connecting laboratory discoveries with clinical care. “Preeclampsia remains one of the most challenging conditions we manage in maternal-fetal medicine because patients can progress from appearing clinically stable to becoming critically ill very quickly. What makes this research particularly exciting is that it takes sFlt-1, a biomarker we are already using clinically to help assess a patient’s risk and gives us a deeper understanding of how it may actually contribute to the disease process.” Mona Elgazzaz, MD, PhD, a postdoctoral fellow in Faulkner's laboratory and the study's first author, highlighted the potential treatment implications. “Uncovering the crosstalk between sFlt-1 and leptin is crucial because it introduces new potential targets for treating preeclampsia by modulating the proteins that regulate leptin production.” The findings are especially significant because current treatment options remain limited, with delivery of the placenta remaining the only definitive cure. Although additional research is needed before these discoveries can translate into clinical treatments, the findings offer a promising new direction for understanding and potentially treating a condition that continues to threaten maternal and infant health worldwide. The study was supported by the National Institutes of Health and the American Heart Association. For journalists covering maternal health, pregnancy complications, cardiovascular disease and emerging medical research, Augusta University's research team offers important expertise on the science behind preeclampsia and the potential implications of this discovery. To learn more or arrange an interview with the researchers, contact AU's External Communications Team mediarelations@augusta.edu to arrange an interview today.

GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy and Zepbound are transforming treatment for obesity and diabetes, with some now being used to treat obstructive sleep apnea. But could these increasingly popular medications also affect your teeth and gums? A researcher at Augusta University's Dental College of Georgia is investigating that question, highlighting a potential connection between GLP-1 medications, sleep apnea treatment and oral health. John C. Comisi, DDS, DMD, interim chair and professor in the Department of General Dentistry, recently published a review in Clinical Oral Investigations examining how obstructive sleep apnea and GLP-1 medications may influence the oral microbiome — the complex community of bacteria that helps maintain healthy teeth and gums. A New Question About GLP-1 Medications Obstructive sleep apnea can affect oral health through repeated oxygen disruptions, inflammation, mouth breathing and dry mouth. Treating the condition could improve some of these problems, but GLP-1 medications may introduce additional considerations. “OSA affects much more than sleep,” Comisi said. “The changes that occur throughout the body can also change the environment in the mouth. As we increasingly use medications to treat OSA, we need to understand what those treatments may mean for oral health.” Comisi's review suggests that successful treatment of sleep apnea could improve the oral environment by reducing mouth breathing, acid reflux and other contributing factors. However, reports involving semaglutide have also raised questions about dry mouth and changes in saliva, which plays an important role in protecting against tooth decay and gum disease. “There are potentially competing effects happening at the same time,” Comisi said. “Treating sleep apnea could improve several conditions that contribute to an unhealthy oral environment, while the medication itself could potentially affect salivary function. We simply do not have the prospective human studies yet to know what the overall effect will be.” The review, featured in an Oct. 6 Augusta University Jagwire article, calls for additional research tracking patients using GLP-1 medications, including changes in saliva, oral bacteria, cavities and gum disease. It also highlights the importance of communication between dentists and other health care providers, particularly when patients taking GLP-1 medications require dental procedures involving sedation or general anesthesia. With GLP-1 medications becoming increasingly common, understanding their broader effects on oral health is an emerging area of research with important implications for patients and dental professionals. John C. Comisi, DDS, DMD, is interim chair and professor in the Department of General Dentistry at Augusta University's Dental College of Georgia. His expertise provides a valuable perspective on the intersection of dental health, medication use and emerging approaches to patient care. If you're interested in speaking with Dr. John Comisi about GLP-1 medications, sleep apnea, dry mouth, oral health and the implications of these treatments for dental care, contact  AU's External Communications Team mediarelations@augusta.edu to arrange an interview today.