Recent Publications
Latest Research Highlights
- Cutting-edge research: Discover the latest advancements in obstetrics and gynecology, including maternal-fetal medicine, reproductive health, gynecologic oncology, urogynecology, and more.
- Expert authors: Benefit from insights shared by leading clinicians, researchers, and educators dedicated to women’s health.
- Impactful outcomes: See how our work informs clinical guidelines, enhances patient care, and drives progress in medical science.
John S. Davis, PhD
Follicle Stimulating Hormone Research
01/06/2026 Dr. John S. Davis’ laboratory and collaborators recently published a new article: Pituitary-derived Follicle stimulating hormone has greater follicle-stimulating bioactivity than recombinant Follicle stimulating hormone possibly due to glycoform variants. Summary: Commercially prepared recombinant human FSH used for ovarian stimulation in human ART is fully-glycosylated FSH. These findings of this study indicate that hypo-glycosylated FSH or mixed FSH glycoforms may improve outcomes in ART.
Lynda Harris, PhD
Targeted Nanoparticles
01/05/2026 Dr. Lynda Harris' lab has published a new paper, in collaboration with colleagues at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and The University of Manchester, UK: Targeted nanoparticles for placenta-specific drug delivery in pregnant rhesus macaques. The study shows that targeted liposomes can be used to deliver therapeutic cargos to the placentas of pregnant rhesus macaques, with no evidence of fetal transfer or significant accumulation in maternal organs. This work provides valuable proof-of-principle data to support the use of targeted liposomes to more safely and effectively treat placental dysfunction in humans.
Neil Hamill, MD
AI-Driven Framework to Improve Prenatal Screening
10/23/2026 Dr. Neil Hamill co-authored a new study introducing an AI-driven framework to improve prenatal screening for congenital heart disease in rural Nebraska. This approach uses ultrasound analysis and regional referrals to help close gaps in early detection and care. Dr. Neil Hamill is leading a team of medical students to ensure the AI model’s accuracy and relevance for obstetric care. His group is categorizing ultrasound exams to train the AI platform, aiming for future adoption of AI screening in routine prenatal care to help reduce congenital heart disease risks in Nebraska.
Heather Said, MD
Capstone Project with Genetic Counseling Team
10/23/2026 Dr. Heather Said collaborated with the genetic counseling team for a capstone project that surveyed providers at a women’s health clinic to assess practices and barriers in offering spinal muscular atrophy carrier screening. The study found that, despite guidelines, many providers do not routinely offer SMA screening due to time constraints and lack of knowledge, highlighting the need for improved education and streamlined processes.
Karen Carlson, MD
Stage I Hypertension and Pregnancy
10/31/2025 Dr. Karen Carlson co-authored “Stage I Hypertension and Pregnancy: Scope of Disease and Pregnancy Outcomes,” published in the prestigious journal Pregnancy Hypertension. This study reveals that even mild elevations in blood pressure before 20 weeks gestation significantly increase the risk of preeclampsia and other pregnancy complications, highlighting the importance of early monitoring and intervention for maternal health.
Sarosh Rana, MD, MPH
New Study Finds Clues to Brain Health in Pregnancy
10/31/2025 A new research study co-authored by our department chair, Dr. Sarosh Rana, shows that certain markers in the blood can help doctors spot brain-related problems in pregnant women with preeclampsia. The study looked at two groups of women and found that those with preeclampsia had higher levels of these markers, which may help doctors identify who is at risk for more serious complications. This discovery could lead to better care and safer pregnancies in the future.