Here are the top 10 most clicked, shared BYU News pieces of the year
A lot of news happens on BYU's campus in the course of a year. Some of that news will change the shape of BYU forever, such as the announcement of the new school of medicine, while some of that news connects research with current trends (AI anyone?). And some of that news simply brings joy, such as the library's record-smashing LEGO exhibit and an expanded Creamery on Ninth.
The collection of stories below doesn't capture every announcement, award or research project of 2024, but it does represent the top 10 stories most viewed, shared and engaged with this past calendar year. And for those who want a little more detail, each item on the list below links to the full news story or announcement. Let the countdown begin!
10. BYU researchers play central role in state’s approval of drought-resistant grass in Utah
BYU professor Brian Hopkins (plant and wildlife sciences), along with students and colleagues, has been conducting turf-grass research on hybrid Bermudagrass for years. In the summer of 2024, thanks in huge part to Hopkins and his colleagues, this drought-tolerant species was approved by Utah as a grass for commercial and private use. Tests show hybrid Bermudagrass can last six weeks without water as opposed to Kentucky Bluegrass, which shows stress within a week. Hybrid Bermudagrass is well-adapted to Utah’s hot summers, droughts, and cold winters.
9. BYU animation, AdLab students win Student Emmys
BYU students shined at the 43rd College Television Awards. BYU Animation won a Student Emmy for “Witch’s Cat”— a short film about a jealous cat who attempts to intervene in the relationship of a witch and her boyfriend. The underlying theme of the story is love. Meanwhile, the BYU AdLab won a Student Emmy for Best Commercial. This year’s commercial is called No One is Alone — a touching message about the impact of Alzheimer’s on family members.
In this Q&A, nursing professor Katreena Merrill offered tips for managing flu and cold symptoms during the winter season. She addresses generic medicines, a key cough suppressant, decongestants, antihistamines, and symptoms that call for a clinic visit. Merrill cautioned against overdosing on acetaminophen and advised college students on an important medicine to have on hand.
7. BYU study examines effects of full-day kindergarten on maternal work-life balance and family time
Full-day kindergarten may be the best option for some families. BYU professors Jocelyn Wikle and Riley Wilson, along with Chloe Gibbs from the University of Notre Dame, authored a study finding that full-day kindergarten eases maternal responsibilities and increases flexibility in family schedules, with mothers still being able to maintain quality time with children. Children in full-day kindergarten showed improved academic scores and were found to spend only 57 minutes less with their mothers each day than children in half-day kindergarten.
BYU nutrition and dietetics professor Karen Della Corte produced a new national glycemic index database, revealing how common foods impact health and chronic diseases. The research team developed an AI-enabled model to match carbohydrate quality with thousands of foods identified in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The database will facilitate future studies and increase public awareness about the importance of making healthful carbohydrate choices.
5. I love to see the (LEGO) temple . . .
The BYU Harold B. Lee Library featured the "Brick Upon Brick: Creativity in the Making LEGO" exhibit with LEGO replicas of church buildings, temples, the Joseph Smith Memorial Building, as well as scenes of missionaries spreading the gospel, and depictions of the Savior. The number of bricks in the Joseph Smith Memorial Building alone exceeded the largest official LEGO set. More than 100,000 visitors flocked to the exhibit with LEGO enthusiasts (both young and old) taking in the massive creations and even adding their own creations.
4. New BYU creamery on ninth east building
A new creamery is being built on the west side of the current Creamery on Ninth. The new location will be open to the public in mid-2025, featuring a 70% increase in retail space. The current creamery will remain open until just before the transition.
3. BYU earns trio of No. 1 rankings to start new school year
We're no.1! We're No. 1! We're No. 1! BYU received a slew of top rankings in 2024, topping lists from The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and the Princeton Review. The Wall Street Journal ranked BYU as the top school to be highly recommended by students and alumni, Forbes named BYU as the best financially healthy school and The Princeton Review recognized BYU with the best college library.
2. Study visually captures hard truth: Walking home at night is not the same for women
BYU public health professor Robbie Chaney led a study concluding that environment is perceived and experienced differently between women and men. Nearly 600 participants were asked to imagine walking through photographed environments; they then clicked on the areas that stood out most to them. Men tended to focus on focal points or intended destinations; women tended to focus on the periphery, scanning for safety hazards. This study brings awareness to different lived experiences and the need for community design that appeals to perceptions and safety of both women and men.
1. BYU school of medicine news; BYU names inaugural dean for school of medicine
In a letter to the BYU campus community, President Shane Reese announced that the future BYU school of medicine will align with the spiritual mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with a focus on humanitarian efforts and international health issues. The school will be located on BYU's Provo campus and include collaborations with nearby medical centers. Leaders are working to develop an MD program with reduced graduation times and costs for students. Mark Ott, an accomplished surgeon with Intermountain Health, was appointed as inaugural dean of the medical school.
Like Best of 2024 lists? Check out BYU Photo's best images of the past year: https://byuphoto.exposure.co/bestof2024?source=share-byuphoto
