Researchers have created a new material using tellurium nanorods produced by naturally occurring bacteria, which can protect electronic devices against high-intensity bursts of light. The material has the potential to revolutionize high-speed optical networking and improve internet communications.
New research suggests that the structure of social networks can sway voting outcomes towards one political party, even if both parties are equal in size and influence. This phenomenon is known as information gerrymandering, where people's decisions are constrained by their social networks and distorted by zealots and automated bots.
Researchers found that 'humanizing' produce can change consumer attitudes toward fresh fruits and vegetables showing signs of age. Depicting imperfect-looking produce with human characteristics enhances its appeal, leading consumers to evaluate it more favorably.
A single cholesterol-derived molecule, 27-hydroxycholesterol (27HC), has been found to increase body fat even without a high-fat diet. The molecule affects white adipose tissue and expands the capacity of existing fat cells.
A 900-mile stretch of volcanoes in the Pacific Ring of Fire became dormant for 10 million years due to a prominent bend in the Hawaiian Islands chain and a crack in the Pacific Ocean Plate. The crack, formed by opposing plates moving in opposite directions, disrupted the water-laden conveyor belt that drives volcanic activity.
A UH engineer offers two winning proposals to the US Department of Energy to enhance the nation's electric grid, focusing on accommodating variable renewable energy generation. His projects include reconfiguring transmission networks and upgrading energy management systems with microgrids.
The Next Gen Energy X program offers paid internships to students from UH and Texas Southern University, preparing them for energy sector careers and entrepreneurial management. The program has shown promising results, with 50% of students finding jobs or internships in the energy sector or STEM fields.
A study published in the Annals of Family Medicine found that family physicians overestimated their patients' geographic footprint by 112% on average. Integrating geography into practice data and community-oriented approaches can improve patient health outcomes.
A study by University of Houston researcher found that adults taking opioids for severe pain also experience increased anxiety, depression, and substance abuse issues when combining it with marijuana. This highlights the need for comprehensive assessment and treatment of chronic pain.
Researchers at the University of Houston have developed a new brain stimulation technique for PTSD patients, utilizing skin conductance to provide personalized treatment. The approach aims to improve treatment outcomes for individuals with neuropsychiatric disorders, including those with Parkinson's disease and essential tremor.
Scientists have identified two types of blood clotting proteins found in the urine of patients with lupus nephritis, which can serve as non-invasive biomarkers for early diagnosis and monitoring of the disease. The discovery may lead to improved clinical management and treatment responses.
A new study suggests that outdoor light exposure may help prevent myopia in children by thickening the choroid behind the retina. The research aims to develop targeted treatment options to slow down myopia progression and improve eye health.
Researchers at the University of Houston have developed a multifunctional ultra-thin wearable electronic device that can be worn on human skin without being noticed. The device has potential applications in healthcare and robotics, allowing it to automatically collect information and relay it back to the wearer.
A study by University of Houston researchers found that people in sub-Saharan Africa perceive exposure to disinformation is high, while trust in national media and social media is low. This lack of trust can lead to uninformed choices and decreased ability to make good judgments.
Researchers developed neuro biomarkers to create 'smart' deep brain stimulators, adapting to Parkinson's disease patient needs. The technology responds to fluctuating symptoms in real-time, improving the therapy.
A University of Houston researcher is studying the impact of racial discrimination on moderate-to-heavy drinking adult Latinxs, revealing higher rates of anxiety and excessive drinking. The study aims to raise awareness about sociocultural experiences that increase risk for addiction.
Researchers have discovered a new thermoelectric material that works efficiently at room temperature, requiring less expensive materials like magnesium. The material's production could close the performance gap with traditional bismuth-tellurium-based alloys, expanding the use of thermoelectric modules for cooling.
A team of researchers has created a novel technology that combines multi-spectral imaging and supercomputing to study brain pathology in concussions. This allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the injury's effects on brain cells, enabling the development of new treatment regimens.
Researchers found magnetic anomalies resembling those formed at mid-ocean ridge plate boundaries, suggesting Tamu Massif formed by mid-ocean ridge 'spreading' rather than as a shield volcano. The discovery weakens the accepted analogy between eruptions of continental flood basalts and oceanic plateaus.
A UH researcher reports that the formation of abnormal hemoglobin clusters in red blood cells may be a crucial step in developing treatments for sickle cell disease. The study suggests that inducing similar-sized clusters in liquids and solids could have applications in nanotechnology and industry.
The study reveals that the green photoluminescence in CsPB2Br5 is caused by a small overgrowth of nanocrystals composed of CsPbBr3 along its edges. This understanding paves the way for designing and fabricating novel optoelectronic devices.
Researchers at the University of Houston have developed a model to explain asymmetrical thermoelectric performance, enabling the prediction of promising new materials for converting waste heat to power. The discovery could lead to more efficient thermoelectric devices and potentially clean energy from waste heat.
University of Houston researcher Margaret Cheung is exploring the molecular structure of memories at the precise moment they are formed in single neurons. She aims to understand how calcium signaling and calmodulin affect cellular processes, including human cognition.
A new brain-computer interface can sense when a user expects a reward and improve its performance autonomously, potentially revolutionizing robotic prosthetics. This technology utilizes single-neuron activities and local field potential to decode user intentions.
Researchers identified a protein called gravin as key to regulating beta-adrenergic receptor expression on heart cells. Elevated adrenaline levels in heart failure desensitize receptors, reducing heart function. Researchers seek to develop treatment targeting this mechanism.
A University of Houston study finds that one-fifth of female firefighters experience post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms and are at higher risk of contemplating suicide than their male colleagues. Women with PTSD symptoms were more likely to be in their mid-career years, suggesting a need for targeted intervention strategies.
Researchers have discovered a new mechanism for the formation of strontium-rich barite in seawater, which could lead to more efficient methods for removing toxins from water. The study found that organic matter can create conditions that promote the nucleation and incorporation of strontium into barite precipitates.
The University of Houston College of Pharmacy has opened a new center to educate providers and patients on safe controlled substance prescription use, aiming to optimize pharmacotherapy for pain management. The PREMIER Center will also support the safe disposal of unused medications through a $3.34 million grant.
Six University of Houston students have earned NSF graduate research fellowships, pursuing research in augmented reality, Mars geology, biomedical engineering, and more. The awards recognize outstanding STEM graduates who will receive a three-year stipend and education allowance.
The organic cathode offers more reliable contact with the electrolyte, extending cycle life and allowing for higher energy density. The flexibility of the organic cathode maintains intimate contact at the interface even as the cathode expands and contracts during cycling.
A team of researchers is developing AI-powered mobile robots to direct a documentary-style coverage of a 5K race. The robots will predict likely events, adjust plans in real-time, and gather information as they go, capturing the most pertinent moments for an engaging narrative.
A comprehensive profile of B cells in rheumatoid arthritis reveals their involvement in the disease's progression. Researchers identified two specific differences in B cells that contribute to the condition, including the inclusion of interleukin 15 receptor subunit alpha and high levels of amphiregulin.
The Healthy Start program aims to address longstanding perinatal health disparities in Houston's most disadvantaged communities. The initiative will provide community-based services and health education to black women, their partners, and families to promote preconception care and behaviors that reduce risk.
Researchers at the University of Houston are developing a new imaging technology that can simultaneously capture structural and molecular changes in embryos during critical periods of development. This breakthrough could lead to improved early detection and prevention of birth defects with long-term chronic conditions.
Researchers are developing a system to test multiple biomarkers at once and a smartphone-based analysis and reporting system for disease monitoring and home care. They aim to identify predictive biomarkers to empower patients to monitor their own disease and prevent serious complications.
New research finds that children's risk aversion can be influenced by their social environment, with girls from matrilineal Mosuo culture becoming more risk-loving after exposure to patriarchal Han culture and vice versa. The study aims to explore the malleability of gender norms and their impact on economic outcomes.
The study found that telehealth users saved several hours of time and preferred access over continuity with their primary care physician. However, researchers also noted a lack of coordination between telehealth platforms and traditional healthcare systems, which could lead to fragmented care.
University of Houston biologist Richard Meisel is investigating the sex determination of house flies, a process that differs from mammals. He aims to understand why genetic variation in male/female-determination exists across animals.
Researchers developed a laser-driven photoacoustic microfluidic pump that moves fluids in any direction without mechanical parts or electrical contacts. The device uses a plasmonic quartz plate implanted with gold atoms to generate an ultrasonic wave, driving the fluid via acoustic streaming.
A University of Houston geologist is reconstructing the Panthalassa-Pacific plates to improve geological models for climate change and other phenomena. Preliminary research suggests current models may not accurately describe this region, where plates have been converging through subduction.
Researchers are testing a new approach to reduce college drinking by leveraging cognitive dissonance and counter attitudinal advocacy. Heavy drinkers will share their advice with younger students, who will then be motivated to change their own behavior.
A billion different ways for C-diff to become resistant to metronidazole have been identified. Genetic changes linked to heme levels are thought to be a key factor contributing to this resistance. Researchers are now working to identify new drug targets to combat the growing threat of C-diff, a bacterium that causes diarrhea and colitis.
University of Houston chemist Thomas Teets tackles three topics: blue light-emitting compounds, near-infrared spectra, and photocatalysts for organic synthesis. He also leads educational projects to introduce children and art enthusiasts to the chemistry of light.
A $1.3 million grant will lead a multi-continent exploration of the epistemology of religion, connecting Latin American philosophers with colleagues from North America and Europe. Scholars from diverse perspectives will engage in discussions on the evidence for religious beliefs and the rationality of traditions.
Researchers found that students trained in a relaxed environment acquired microsurgical suturing and cutting skills rapidly, with performance levels comparable to seasoned surgeons. The study's results challenge traditional training doctrines, suggesting that stress-free conditions can improve skill acquisition and retention.
Researchers at the University of Houston's Akay Lab found that chronic nicotine exposure during pregnancy significantly activates dopamine neurons in newborns, leading to unusually high levels of dopamine. This altered gene expression may hold the key to developing targeted medication to eliminate addiction in offspring.
Researchers have developed advanced stretchable electronics, including rubbery integrated circuits and sensory skins, using metallic carbon nanotubes to improve carrier mobility. This breakthrough could lead to significant advances in smart devices like robotic skins and human-machine interfaces.
Researchers at the University of Houston have developed a new method to raise the transition temperature of superconducting materials, potentially leading to more efficient and reliable power grids. The breakthrough, reported in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, uses high pressure to increase the superconductors' abi...
Researchers at UH have reported a new class of polyethylene catalyst with exceptional turnover frequency and potential for high-strength plastics in medical and other applications. The nickel-based catalyst has the potential to produce ultra-high-weight polyethylene, but further work is needed to improve its commercial viability.
Researchers have reconstructed ancient lost plates under the Andes mountains, offering a glimpse of the Earth's surface millions of years ago. The study reveals that the formation of the mountain range was more complex than previously thought, with evidence of volcanic activity and plate tectonics.