A biomedical engineer from the University of Houston is using a $1.2 million grant to develop technology platform for axonal regeneration in nervous system. The goal is to understand how shifts in chemical gradients affect axonal growth, with potential applications for neurodegenerative diseases and neural prosthetics.
Researchers found that sex worker outreach was associated with increased clinic visits for testing and treatment of HIV, AIDS, and other STIs. Contact with outreach workers speeded up diagnosis and treatment, leading to expected drops in disease rates.
A team of University of Houston researchers has identified novel regulators of heart formation, including microRNAs, which can convert human fibroblasts into heart muscles. These findings hold promise for treating human heart attack and subsequent heart failure within the next five to 10 years.
Researchers found a natural fruit extract, hydroxycitrate (HCA), dissolves calcium oxalate crystals, the most common component of human kidney stones. The study suggests HCA is an effective inhibitor and may be preferred over existing treatments.
Research finds that adolescent girls with 'boomerang fathers' experience lower depressive symptoms compared to those without stable paternal involvement. The study suggests familiarity and commitment from the biological father create a protective bond, assisting in positive mental health.
A four-year NSF grant supports Elizabeth Ostrowski's research on the evolution of social cooperation in Dicty amoebae. The study explores how organisms can work together despite individual benefits from cooperation, and how this cooperation is influenced by evolutionary pressures.
Children who experience inadequate or disrupted sleep are more likely to develop depression and anxiety disorders later in life. A study funded by the NIH found that poor sleep impacts children's emotional health by altering positive emotional experiences, leading to increased negative emotions and diminished impulse control.
The University of Houston will launch a new effort to educate and support Latina mothers and families on postpartum depression, thanks to a $500,000 grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. The two-year project aims to develop culturally responsive interventions to address the high risk of postpartum depression among Latina new moms.
A high-temperature superconducting coil developed by UH scientists boosts signal-to-noise ratio, revealing brain structures not easily visualized with conventional coils. The new technology can also acquire images in a shorter time than conventional coils.
Researchers from the University of Houston have reported a critical step toward large-scale manufacture of better and less-expensive solar panels. They discovered how perovskite thin films change structure upon gentle heating, crucial for designing a manufacturing process that can consistently produce high-efficiency solar panels.
Researchers at the University of Houston have reported record thermoelectric performance from a rare bismuth-based Zintl compound. The material boasts high efficiency, converting heat to electricity with an impressive figure of merit value.
A University of Houston researcher is exploring electron oscillation in porous gold nanoparticles to harness their energy. The goal is to enhance catalytic reactions and boost biosensing, potentially leading to ultrasensitive detection of disease biomarkers.
Researchers at University of Houston discovered a graphene-based Janus amphiphilic nanosheet that achieves 15 percent tertiary oil recovery at a low concentration of 0.01 percent, comparable to expensive methods. This breakthrough makes the process more environmentally friendly and cost-effective.
A University of Houston study found that more than one-third of African-American youth experience death ideation after racial discrimination, which can be a predictor of suicide. The research suggests implementing adaptive coping methods, such as journaling and talking to parents or friends, to support children affected by discrimination.
Researchers at the University of Houston have developed a new technique using near-infrared light to measure chemical composition in materials. The technique enhances sensitivity by 10,000 times, making it suitable for water-based samples and allowing for more detailed analysis.
A researcher at the University of Houston is developing a new technique to map the cornea's structural integrity using high-resolution imaging and mechanical mapping. This emerging field, optical elastography, holds promise for early diagnosis and treatment of kerataconus, a progressive thinning of the cornea that affects about one in ...
A study by University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work researchers examines the perceptions and preferences of older Latinos with advanced cancer regarding news on their diagnosis or prognosis. The investigation aims to identify culturally appropriate training for physicians and providers, promoting quality end-of-life care.
A study by the University of Houston found that drivers' natural ability to correct themselves while driving is more effective than previously thought. When drivers are distracted or upset, their brain's automatic error correction system helps them stay on course, but texting significantly disrupts this process.
George E. Fox, University of Houston professor and renowned biologist, has been awarded the university's highest faculty honor, the Esther Farfel Award. His groundbreaking research, including the discovery of the Archaea domain, has earned him recognition as one of the most meritorious scientists alive today.
Ricardo Sosa, a University of Houston student, has been awarded a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship to continue his research on kidney stones. He will study how organic modifiers affect kidney stone growth, potentially leading to new treatments or prevention methods.
The University of Houston has received a $386,000 grant from the Robert J. Kleberg Jr. and Helen C. Kleberg Foundation to develop a model for studying traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Professor Amy Sater aims to create a system that can screen for possible drugs facilitating recovery from brain injury using Xenopus laevis tadpoles.
Roger L. Boltz, a longtime UH optometry professor, has been recognized as Educator of the Year by the Texas Optometric Association for his commitment to advancing the profession and fostering academic excellence. He is also an associate dean at UH, overseeing finance and administration.
A study from the University of Houston finds that mothers' perceptions of their children's weight status are closely tied to their own weight status and concerns. Mothers who perceive their child as healthy are more likely to underestimate their weight, highlighting the need for healthcare providers to broaden their health screenings.
Luis Martinez, a PhD candidate at the University of Houston College of Pharmacy, has made significant breakthroughs in understanding Fragile X Syndrome. His research suggests that pharmacologically inhibiting Rac1 can rescue cognitive deficits and improve learning and memory skills in FXS models.
Researchers will follow eight crew members over five years to measure changes in muscle strength and function, with a focus on the ankle and knee joints. The goal is to determine when muscle loss levels off and develop countermeasures to limit losses for future Mars missions.
Researchers at University of Houston are developing a new framework to protect big data processing and minimize risks of data breaches on the cloud. The project aims to address security concerns in large-scale data analytics, with potential commercial value in the growing $125 billion market.
A University of Houston study suggests that traditional internship lengths of one semester are insufficient for experiential learners, who require structured support and time to navigate the challenges of a professional workplace.
A University of Houston study found that 'intentionally brief' middle school mentoring programs increased math and English grades, as well as life satisfaction and reduced absences. The program provided mentor training and utilized social science theories to support student outcomes.
A University of Houston researcher has discovered a link between alcohol and breast cancer, finding that alcohol enhances the actions of estrogen in driving breast cancer cell growth. The study also found that alcohol weakens the effectiveness of a cancer drug called Tamoxifen.
A new study by the University of Houston found that supervisor and co-worker attitudes significantly impact working mothers' decisions to breastfeed. Women with supportive supervisors were eight times more likely to continue exclusive breastfeeding. The study highlights the importance of workplace climate in supporting breastfeeding mo...
A team of scientists led by UH professor Liming Li analyze Cassini spacecraft data to understand the seasonal changes on Saturn. They also examine the energy budget for Jupiter and Saturn to better comprehend planetary climate evolution.
Researchers propose novel solutions to improve bridge safety and reduce maintenance costs, addressing structural issues with rebar placement and column connections. Computer modeling suggests cost savings of up to 30 times greater than the research investment.
Geologists have discovered evidence to explain the origin of the Wilcox Formation, one of Mexico's most productive oil plays, and support for a theory that water levels in the Gulf of Mexico dropped dramatically as it was separated from the world's oceans. The study also offers insight into extreme warming around 55.8 million years ago.
A study by the University of Houston and UTMB found that urine drug screenings for chronic pain patients increase patient safety but raise the risk that patients won't return for future treatment. The screenings were associated with a higher no-show rate among patients, even those who tested negative.
The Huffington Foundation has awarded $2 million to the Graduate College of Social Work at University of Houston to fund the Brené Brown Endowed Chair. Brown, a renowned researcher and author, will focus on expanding her research and mentoring students.
New research suggests that ravens share human-like ability to think abstractly about other minds, attributed to mental states including vision. Ravens guarded food caches in response to auditory cues from unseen competitors, demonstrating a level of Theory of Mind previously unknown in non-human animals.
A $810,000 grant from the Office of Naval Research will enable researchers at the University of Houston to test advanced materials more efficiently. The new physical properties measurement system will allow for faster testing of superconducting wire, solar cells, batteries, and other materials.
Researcher Zhifeng Ren has received a $561,275 DOE grant to continue his work on flexible transparent electrodes and thermoelectric materials. His efforts aim to enhance existing material properties and discover new materials with high power factor.
A new study by University of Houston researchers found that including religion in campaign speeches can increase a candidate's perceived trustworthiness and favorability. The study revealed that atheists face significant challenges in winning public office due to societal biases against non-believers.
Diana Shu-Lian Chow, a University of Houston professor, has been named a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors in recognition of her work on developing new drug formulations. Her work has led to significant improvements in the safety and efficacy of stem cell transplants for leukemia patients.
Research found that hedge fund activism initially bolsters target companies but weakens competitors, potentially reducing innovation and consumer growth. Average investors are more likely to hold stock in competitor firms, which may face reduced investment in research and development.
Pat Segu, a clinical associate professor at the University of Houston College of Optometry, received the prestigious Distinguished Service Award from the Vision Care Section of the American Public Health Association. Her work in establishing clinics, programs, and associations has improved access to eye care for underserved communities.
A University of Houston researcher is investigating the effect of dispersants on bacterial movement towards oil spills, aiming to understand natural cleaning processes and inform future spill cleanup strategies. The study will answer fundamental questions about human intervention's impact on bacteria's role in biodegradation.
Yingcai Zheng, an assistant professor at the University of Houston, has received the 2015 J. Clarence Karcher Award for his significant contributions to exploration geophysics. His research focuses on characterizing fractured reservoirs, a key area of study in the field.
The University of Houston is developing technology to help protect emergency response systems, such as current and next-generation 911 systems, against Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks. The team aims to develop low-cost mitigation strategies to strengthen the resilience of emergency response systems.
A study published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience found significant increases in functional connectivity in localized brain networks when subjects viewed art they considered aesthetically pleasing. The research team collected data from over 400 people, including men and women of different ages, using EEG headsets.
Michihisa Umetani, a University of Houston professor, has won a $5,000 grant from the Neuron-Genetics Institute to further research into hereditary spastic paraplegia type 5A. The prize will help him and his team investigate the role of 27-hydroxycholesterol in human physiology and disease.
A University of Houston study found that minority girls who were teased about their weight engaged in unhealthy eating behaviors, including disordered eating and emotional eating. The study suggests that teasing can have a strong impact on young girls' perceptions of themselves and food.
The University of Houston has been awarded a $246,000 NSF grant to support summer research opportunities in China for 18 geoscience majors. The students will conduct landslide studies using GPS and LiDAR technologies in the Three Gorges area, with potential applications worldwide.
Ezerski will focus on modeling the interactions between calcium, calmodulin, and CaMKII to understand how their shapes change in response to calcium signaling. This research aims to improve knowledge of calcium ion signaling, a method crucial for biological processes in neurons.