MUSC Hollings Cancer Center has launched a new digital badge program to prepare the next generation of cancer researchers. Six graduate students became the first recipients of the Hollings Cancer Research Scholar badge, a microcredential recognizing their efforts across academics, research and outreach.

The program, led by David Long, Ph.D., bridges gaps between students and the Hollings community, offering structured cancer-focused coursework, journal clubs, symposium presentations and volunteer opportunities. Students like Elizabeth Ampolini and Rachel Burge highlighted the program’s value in expanding research knowledge, building networks and connecting science with patient care.

Beyond enhancing resumes, the badge fosters perspective, collaboration and purpose. Outreach efforts, such as volunteering at the American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge and mentoring undergraduates, emphasize the link between lab work and patient impact. Flexible and inclusive, the program is open to MUSC graduate students and postdoctoral fellows across disciplines. With growing interest, Hollings leaders see it as a first step toward launching dedicated cancer biology graduate programs at MUSC.

Every three seconds, someone in the world develops dementia—a condition expected to nearly double in prevalence every 20 years, reaching 78 million cases by 2030. This rising tide poses profound medical, social, and economic challenges.

With the advancement of high-throughput sequencing technologies and precision medicine, researchers are beginning to uncover the complex biological mechanisms of dementia. These breakthroughs are paving the way for earlier detection, personalized interventions, and more effective strategies to slow disease progression.

Despite some challenges, cotton production is expected to be better than average due to timely rains this season, according to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service reports around the state.

Ben McKnight, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension statewide cotton specialist and assistant professor in the Texas A&M Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, Bryan-College Station, said the Aug. 25 acreage report from the Texas Boll Weevil Eradication Foundation has total planted Texas acres at approximately 5.41 million acres.