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University of Houston


Department of Energy awards University of Houston-led team $2.88M to use AI to strengthen America’s critical mineral supply chain

Researchers aim to develop new magnets that reduce American reliance on supply-vulnerable foreign sources by finding alternatives to critical minerals. The UH-led team will use AI to design and manufacture next-generation permanent magnets, with the goal of surpassing industry-standard materials like neodymium iron boron.

New study suggests ‘freedom framing’ more effective than mandates for vaccine-hesitant Americans

Researchers propose a new approach to overcoming vaccine hesitancy by framing vaccines in terms of personal autonomy and freedom, which showed greater willingness among those with higher concerns. The study suggests that traditional universal approaches may not be effective for everyone, highlighting the importance of individual values.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMay 6, 2026

UH professor urges better prevention and care of liver disease to reduce burden

Chronic liver disease in the US costs $41.57 billion, with prescription medication expenditures accounting for nearly half of all-cause healthcare expenditures. Poor adherence to antiviral medications is a key factor in preventing disease progression and treatment, with high out-of-pocket costs increasing non-adherence risk.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalExpert Review of Pharmacoeconomics & Outcomes Research·DateApr 28, 2026

University of Houston BRAIN Center finds exposure to nature associated with reductions in negative emotions

A systematic review and meta-analysis of 33 studies found that nature exposure is associated with reductions in negative emotions and increases in positive emotions. Experts recommend integrating nature into urban design to promote brain health and treat mental illnesses.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateMar 24, 2026

UH engineers issue hot take on cold-steel: Finding hidden damage requires radar, AI

Researchers have developed a new framework to detect possible damage in concealed cold-formed steel construction framing materials, utilizing ground-penetrating radar and artificial intelligence. The technology allows for rapid detection of damage, enabling inspectors to verify only flagged spots without removing walls or cladding.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalJournal of Computing in Civil Engineering·DateMar 5, 2026

Turning down the heat

A University of Houston professor has found that tree-like thin films release heat at least three times better than traditional methods, enabling more efficient cooling in AI data centers. The discovery demonstrates the power of physics-aware AI design for validating high-impact cooling solutions.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalInternational Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer·DateFeb 12, 2026

UH psychologist explores reducing anxiety among survivors of sexual assault

A UH psychologist's study finds that anxiety sensitivity and pain-related anxiety are linked to mental health problems and clinically significant alcohol use among survivors of traumatic sexual assault. The investigation highlights the importance of addressing both types of anxiety in reducing the risk of lifelong challenges.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalThe Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease·DateJan 27, 2026

Common: being wrong. Less common: admitting it

Researchers at the University of Houston found that admitting intellectual errors can increase public trust in science. In a classroom setting, professors who admit mistakes were rated higher by students for warmth, competence, and teacher effectiveness. This study highlights the importance of intellectual humility in building respect.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalPublic Understanding of Science·DateJan 14, 2026