Press Releases

U.S. Congressman Garret Graves (South Louisiana) is paving the way for a Center of Excellence in Military Health and Nutrition at Pennington Biomedical Research Center. Graves secured the new mission for Pennington in the House Defense spending bill, which was approved by the House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee this week – a strong indication of widespread support for the effort as the bill moves through the legislative process. If enacted, Graves' provision would fund new health-science research efforts at Pennington focused on optimizing the health and readiness of U.S. military servicemen and women in Louisiana and beyond.

"We have the best military in the world, and this helps to ensure that our military service members are healthy, ready for deployment, and able to withstand the stress of extended warfare – a priority for each of our military branches. This use of taxpayer funds is exactly the right type of investment for our community. The findings from the research will improve the health of military service members, other first responders, and their families," Graves said. "Pennington Biomedical has some of the best facilities, research efforts, and proven capabilities to bring about life-changing impacts in our community and the country. I am thankful their efforts begin right here in Baton Rouge, and I remain committed to keep giving them the resources needed to meet any challenge."

Graves has worked with Pennington Biomedical throughout his time in Congress. For example:

HHS Grants Announced August 10, 2020:

• Recipient: LSU Pennington Biomedical Research Center
  • Title of Project: Expansion of Clinical Trials Access to Rural and Underserved Children of Louisiana
  • Grant Amount: $440,207
• Recipient: LSU Pennington Biomedical Research Center
  • Title of Project: Aging and the mitochondrial response to exercise training, measured by noninvasive 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy
  • Grant Amount: $667,911

HHS Grant announced May 27, 2020

• Grantee Name: LSU Pennington Biomedical Research Center
  • Awarding Office: National Institute of Diabetes and Kidney Diseases
  • Program Title: Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolic Research
  • Title of Grant: SGK1 is a regulator of islet beta cell mass and secretory function
  • Award Amount: $370,000

HHS Grant announced April 10, 2020:

• LSU Pennington Biomedical Research Center
  • Award Amount: $415,276
  • Program Title: Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolic Research
  • Title of Grant Project: Evaluation of the validity of the PortionSize app in controlled and free-living conditions: Tests of an app that calculates food intake and provides immediate feedback to users.
  • Click here for the grant information.

HHS Grants announced February 28, 2020:

Oncostatin M as a mediator of adipose tissue immune balance

• Grantee Name: LSU Pennington Biomedical Research Center
• Total Amount Awarded: $111,000
• Type of Action: New Award
• Notification Date: February 25, 2020

Botanical Approaches to Combat Metabolic Syndrome

• Grantee Name: LSU Pennington Biomedical Research Center
• Total Amount Awarded: $534,217
• Type of Action: Competing Continuation
• Notification Date: February 18, 2020

Metabolic Basis of Disease

• Grantee Name: LSU Pennington Biomedical Research Center
• Total Amount Awarded: $2,471,896
• Type of Action: New Award