The University of Florida has received more than $500 million in Gatorade royalties, helping to fund thousands of research projects. Often, faculty are able to leverage Gatorade seed funding into millions more in grants from public and private agencies.
Jason Butler, Ph.D., a professor in the Division of Hematology and Oncology, leads a lab team that discovered how blocking a protein called thrombospondin-1 can reverse aging in blood stem cells. Their research showed that removing this protein in aged mice restored youthful blood function, improved bone and vascular health, and extended lifespan. The study opens doors to therapies that could enhance immune response and chemotherapy outcomes in older adults. With clinical trials ahead, Butler’s work represents a major step in combating age-related decline.