Researchers at the University of Houston are using a patented equation to assess the effects of antibiotics on bacteria and develop more effective treatments. They plan to use image analysis technology to automatically record data, reducing the need for physicians to run excessive tests.
Two University of Houston scientists, Dan Graur and Mary Ann Ottinger, were elected as AAAS Fellows for their distinguished contributions to the fields of biology and biochemistry. They join a select group of researchers recognized by their peers as among the best in their fields.
A $1.5 million NIH grant will fund a five-year study assessing the effectiveness of a culturally sensitive social support group, Joy Luck Academy, among Chinese-American breast cancer survivors. The study aims to improve quality of life, reduce depressive symptoms, and stress.
Debora Rodrigues, assistant professor at the University of Houston, has received the Emerging Investigator award from the Sustainable Nanotechnology Organization for her pioneering contributions to sustainable nanotechnology. She was recognized for her outstanding research in water purification and treatment using nanomaterials.
The house fly genome project has uncovered genes responsible for male traits that evolve exceptionally fast and are gained and lost from the genome at a high rate. These findings hold promise for developing pest control strategies that do not rely on chemical pesticides, by targeting sex determination systems.
Researchers at the University of Houston have developed a molecule that can capture potent greenhouse gases, including Freons and fluorocarbons. The molecule's lightweight structure with microscopic pores makes it an attractive solution for capturing large quantities of greenhouse gases.
The University of Houston has been awarded a $1.5 million grant from the National Science Foundation to train students in cybersecurity. The program aims to attract talented graduate students and build a community of well-qualified scholars in this area.
Shiv Halasyamani, a professor at the University of Houston, has been recognized with the 2014 Roy-Somiya Award for his outstanding work in solvothermal research. His research focuses on hydrothermal and solvothermal synthesis of new functional inorganic materials.
A new study by University of Houston researchers found that religious beliefs and practices may reduce suicidal thoughts among African-Americans, particularly in cases of racial discrimination. The study suggests that extrinsic religiosity can buffer the negative effects of racism on mental health.
Researchers at the University of Houston are developing new nanofiltration methods to remove salt from brackish waters, a potentially cheaper alternative to existing desalination techniques. The methods could help alleviate drought-stricken regions' water scarcity issues.
The University of Houston researcher aims to produce high-efficiency, inexpensive thin film photovoltaics with a goal of achieving 24% efficiency and 20 cents per watt. His innovative approach utilizes roll-to-roll manufacturing technology to create solar cells on low-cost metal substrates.
Researchers propose harmonizing academic structure with function by rethinking graduate education and research. They suggest adapting models from the film industry, which recognizes individual contributions and rewards them equally.
David Mayerich aims to create three-dimensional models of tissue and whole organ microstructures using his NIH grant. This will help diagnose and treat diseases closely tied to microvascular structure, including cancers and neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers have found a promising plant-derived compound, CDDO, that may block both steps of lupus development and has no known side effects. The compound, originally derived from plants, could potentially eliminate the risks associated with current lupus treatments.
A University of Houston study reveals that print readers remember an average of 4.24 news stories, while online readers recall only 3.35 stories. The researchers attribute the difference to the nature of online news as a medium with multiple uses and ephemeral content.
Gold nanoparticles work as catalysts to speed chemical reactions despite being inert metals. Researchers have now fully understood the role of water in this process, revealing its crucial role as a co-catalyst for transforming carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide.
The University of Houston is building a one-of-a-kind piece of equipment to further research on superconductivity and thermoelectricity, aiming to make these technologies more commercially viable. The $1.8 million project will help find materials with higher transition temperatures and lower costs.
The University of Houston researchers focused on what students need to succeed in the future, identifying three key themes: a shift in power balance towards students, blurred lines between aspects of student life, and the impact of information and communication technologies. They also highlighted eight major needs for the future, inclu...
The University of Houston's CMCD program aims to reduce student disruptions and increase instruction with research-based classroom management strategies. The four-year study will focus on third and fourth-grade students in 30 elementary schools, exploring the effectiveness of CMCD interventions.
The University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work has received a $1.25 million NIH grant to study the long-term impact of heroin use on health and behavior. The grant will support innovative virtual reality research, as well as programs to promote underrepresented researchers and provide prevention services.
The University of Houston is launching a new center to increase female STEM faculty recruitment, particularly among women of color. The five-year grant will support workshops on inclusion and diversity, mentorship programs, and senior administrative fellowships for women in STEM leadership roles.
The University of Houston's Comprehensive Student Success Program has been recognized for its success in improving grades and retaining students in introductory biology courses. The program includes curricular enhancement, peer-led recitation sessions, and field trips, resulting in a 14% increase in successful completion rates.
A team of researchers has developed a technology that allows materials to automatically read their environment and adapt to mimic their surroundings. The optoelectronic camouflage system was inspired by the skins of cephalopods, which can change coloration quickly for camouflage and warning purposes.
Paul Chu and Venkat Selvamanickam are recognized for their sustained service and significant contributions to applied superconductor materials technology. The awards acknowledge their work in advancing high-temperature superconductivity, with applications in commercialization.
Olafs Daugulis, a University of Houston associate professor, is recognized for his work on transition metal-catalyzed carbon–hydrogen bond functionalization reactions. He will receive a $40,000 research grant and present at the Arthur C. Cope Symposium in San Francisco.
UH undergrads worked on diverse projects tackling cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and contact lens issues. Researchers explored ways to convert cancer cells into fat cells, analyzed neural activity effects of alcohol, and created a Lego-building guide app.
A University of Houston study found that expressive writing can reduce fatigue, intrusive thoughts, and posttraumatic stress in Chinese-speaking breast cancer survivors. The intervention involved writing about emotions and benefits for 20 minutes each week over three weeks.
A biomedical engineer has received a $250,000 grant to expand his research on a novel lupus drug that targets B cells. The goal is to treat a range of autoimmune diseases, offering an alternative to steroids with fewer side effects.
University of Houston researchers have developed a technique to extract biomolecules from live cells without killing them. The method uses magnetized carbon nanotubes to retrieve molecular information, allowing researchers to study single cells. This breakthrough could provide new avenues for diagnosing cancer and other diseases.
Researchers at the University of Houston have identified a semiconducting material called graphene nitride as one of the thinnest possible piezoelectric materials. The material is only one atomic layer thick and can be stacked on top of itself without losing its piezoelectric properties.
Gila Stein, a University of Houston chemical engineer, received an NSF grant to build models explaining lithography systems used for device fabrication. Her research focuses on chemically amplified resists, which are crucial for patterning semiconductor devices in smaller sizes.
Thomas Colbert proposes innovative solutions to protect Galveston Bay from hurricane storm surge and climate change through thoughtful design. His concepts include functional urban amenities, leveraging lush wetlands as tourist attractions, to address the challenges faced by this coastal community.
A University of Houston chemist has received a $600,000 NSF CAREER Award to develop synthetic strategies for increasing the efficiency and yields of chemical reactions. The goal is to improve the treatment of diseases such as cancer and malaria by better understanding molecular reactivity.
The University of Houston is redesigning introductory STEM courses with hands-on projects and mentoring programs to encourage students to persist in STEM fields. The $1.5M grant aims to improve how science is taught and provide early research opportunities for all students.
The University of Houston is participating in a $7.5 million NIH clinical trial to slow the progression of nearsightedness in children using commercially available soft bifocal contact lenses. The study aims to determine whether these lenses can slow eye growth and subsequent myopia.
The University of Houston will bolster its biomedical research capabilities with the recruitment of cancer imaging expert David Mayerich. Mayerich's work focuses on improving diagnosis and treatment through high-performance imaging and modeling of complex tumor structures.
UH researchers found conclusive evidence of how silicalite-1 zeolites grow, involving nanoparticle attachment and molecular addition. This breakthrough technique allows for real-time observation of surface growth.
University of Houston pharmacy students earned statewide awards for excellence in leadership, professional service and clinical skills. Two teams won the second- and fourth-year Pharmacy Doctorate student divisions in the clinical skills competition.
University of Houston physicists are exploring subatomic particles to understand the fundamental nature of the universe, including matter/antimatter asymmetry. They will use $1.2 million grant for separate but related experiments involving neutrinos and leptons.
UH chemical engineer Lars Grabow has received a $750,000 five-year award from the Department of Energy to continue his research on upgrading bio-oil. Bio-oil is created by heating biomass and has high oxygen content, making it unstable for use as transportation fuel or chemical feedstock.
Joe Pratt, a renowned historian and educator, has been recognized with the prestigious Piper Award for his exceptional teaching. With five UH teaching awards and participation on over 30 Ph.D. committees, Pratt's dedication to student success is evident in his commitment to creating engaging learning experiences.
Vanessa Alejandro, a UH geology student and founder of Warriors of the Wild, has been awarded the first-ever Udall Scholarship from the University of Houston. The scholarship recognizes her leadership potential, academic achievement, and commitment to pursuing a career in environmental conservation.
A new study from the University of Houston finds that childhood poverty contributes to higher obesity rates among young adult women, with repeated exposure during childhood increasing their risk. The study also highlights the importance of helping families escape poverty in improving their long-term health status.
Researchers at the University of Houston have discovered a new thermoelectric material that can efficiently convert waste heat into electricity at temperatures ranging from room temperature to 300 degrees Celsius. The discovery could be important for clean energy research and commercialization, potentially increasing efficiency by up t...
Kevin C. A. Burke, a University of Houston geology professor, has received the 2014 Arthur Holmes Medal for his fundamental contributions to tectonics and Earth evolution. His research focuses on understanding rock structures at the core/mantle boundary and has been recognized internationally.
A biomedical engineer at UH is studying a potential treatment for lupus nephritis by targeting the interaction between three specific molecules. The goal is to determine if blocking this pathway can prevent kidney inflammation and failure.
Abinadi Meza, a University of Houston School of Art professor, has received the prestigious Rome Prize for his contributions to visual arts. He will use the fellowship to create new artworks in Rome and forge relationships with international artists.
A UH biomedical engineer is working on a device to separate well-preserved red blood cells from potentially harmful materials in blood transfusions. The system uses microfluidic technology to scale up the separation process, making it safer and more efficient.
University of Houston junior Khanh Nguyen has been recognized as a 2014 Goldwater Scholar for her mathematical neuroscience research. She aims to pursue a Ph.D. in applied mathematics and apply her findings to medical and technological advances.
A new diagnostic tool has been developed to identify children with emotional behavior disorders, including those orphaned by HIV/AIDS. The study found that poverty may wash out any effects of AIDS on the children's mental health, and that community-based organizations need training to respond to their needs.