Scientific Discovery Born in the Bayou

Étouffée, gumbo, jambalaya, crawfish, po’ boys, zydeco, jazz, and Mardi Gras: The unique cuisine, customs, and music in the Bayou make the region a standout, but so do the dietary and health issues of its residents: According to the United Health Foundation, the state of Louisiana is ranked 49th for overall health and is among the five states (Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, Alabama, and Oklahoma) with the highest incidence of certain chronic diseases. The rankings are a stark indicator that …