A collaborative study between UH and Michigan State University reveals that bacteria evolving quickly can outcompete those that initially grow faster but then become extinct. Understanding these evolutionary dynamics may help design roadblocks to antibiotic resistance.
The University of Houston will retrofit 10 school buses with a new technology designed to reduce ozone pollutants emitted by diesel-powered vehicles. The goal is to achieve a 65% reduction in NOx emissions, and the study's findings will determine whether the technology can be approved for use on larger scales.
Researchers use computer simulations to study clonal plant communities and their impact on ecosystems, aiming to design ideal prairies for pollution cleanup and species preservation. The project utilizes volunteer computing resources from over 10,000 volunteers worldwide.
Dan Graur, a UH biologist, has received the Humboldt Research Award for his groundbreaking work in evolutionary biology and genomics. His research focuses on mutation processes and genome analysis, with potential applications in flu vaccine development.
University of Houston professors have developed a computerized modeling system to accelerate the development of new antibiotics. The system aims to identify effective dosing regimens and prioritize clinical investigations.
A University of Houston chemist has developed materials for use in creating sensors that can rapidly detect explosives, tainted milk, and other hazardous substances. The sensors are based on a concept called molecular imprinted polymers and have the potential to be used in hand-held scanners for bomb detection or nerve agent detection.
Richard C. Willson, a professor at the University of Houston, has been recognized as a 2010 Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) for his work in biomolecular recognition sciences and technology development. The honor is a testament to Willson's research contributions.
Researchers are working to identify factors that cause neural implants to fail, which can occur within six to eight weeks. A team led by the University of Houston is using advanced software and imaging techniques to analyze brain cell responses to implants, aiming to improve prosthetic limbs for amputees.
Researchers discovered nuclear receptors that may prevent cancer progression and regulate energy homeostasis. The findings suggest ERbeta has growth-suppressive effects in colon cancer cells and regulates Brown Adipose Tissue activity to control energy expenditure.
Two University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work students, Maria Cano and Yuliana Medina, received the Hogg Foundation Bilingual Scholarship to pursue master's degrees in social work. The scholarship aims to increase linguistic diversity in Texas' mental health workforce.
Preethi Gunaratne's research aims to unleash the body's natural cancer-fighting agents using microRNAs, which have been shown to suppress the growth of cancer cells. Gold nanoparticles are being explored as a potential carrier for these molecules, offering a promising treatment for ovarian cancer with minimal side effects.
Researchers are developing a robotic system that combines real-time magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with a highly flexible robotic device to perform cardiothoracic surgeries on beating hearts. This minimally invasive approach aims to increase precision and reduce trauma, leading to faster recovery times.
The University of Houston will receive a $5 million grant from the Houston Endowment to strengthen its doctoral programs in key fields. The funding will support increased recruitment, retention, and graduation rates for highly qualified doctoral students.
John Boerstler, a University of Houston MPA graduate student, has been awarded the Marshall Memorial Fellowship to develop knowledge of transatlantic institutions and issues. He will participate in a 24-day program in Europe, learning from local counterparts and expanding his ability to interact with experts in transatlantic relations.
A collaborative effort between St. Luke's pharmacy department and the University of Houston College of Pharmacy aims to optimize antimicrobial use, detect inappropriate antibiotic use, and limit resistance development. The program has resulted in published research initiatives and changes to local standards that could save lives.
Researchers from 38 institutions collaborate to study neutrinos in the Daya Bay project. The team aims to understand how neutrinos transition between types and shed light on the universe's matter-antimatter imbalance.
Researchers used computer models to illuminate protein behavior in crowded cells, revealing enzyme activity was 15 times more active. This discovery can aid in designing efficient therapeutic means for diseases like Alzheimer's and cancer.
Smith's breakthrough discovery involves new technologies to control myopia progression through peripheral optics manipulation, which can slow disease progression and mitigate vision loss. His work aims to provide practical implications for clinical management of myopia and offers a fundamental shift in optical interventions.
The University of Houston is developing new technologies for the alternative energy industry with a $1.2 million grant from the Office of Naval Research. Researchers will focus on improving thin-film solar cell efficiency and developing nanosensors for wind turbine blades to monitor structural health.
Researchers found that low-level lead exposure during gestation increases retinal progenitor cell proliferation and rod photoreceptor and bipolar cell neurogenesis in mice. This discovery could potentially treat retinal degenerations and blindness by transforming human embryonic retinal stem cells into neurons.
A new book by UH history professor Monica Perales unearths the history of Smeltertown, a Southwest Border community that was home to generations of ethnic Mexicans. The book symposium will explore the significance of this forgotten community and its place in transnational capitalism.
Researchers Jacinta Conrad and Jeff Rimer have papers featured in consecutive issues of Science, exploring new method for bacteria to move and developing potential drug targets for L-cystine-based kidney stones. Their work has implications for industries such as food production and military transport.
A UH researcher has received a $250,000 pre-seed grant to develop the Blue Scale, a device that tracks cardiac function in the home and sends alerts to physicians. The device, which resembles a bathroom scale, uses biosensors to monitor vitals and can detect heart failure with accuracy.
A team of bioethical, legal and medical researchers proposes an innovative approach to oversee direct-to-consumer genetic tests, combining premarket studies with ongoing postmarket evaluations. The approach aims to balance innovation with regulation, ensuring safety and accuracy for consumers.
The University of Houston is collaborating with the Mexican Institute of Greater Houston on a $2 million federal grant to provide broadband education and training to underrepresented communities. The project aims to improve digital literacy, increase internet adoption, and enhance economic growth among minority populations.
A section of northwestern Harris County is sinking rapidly due to groundwater withdrawal and subsidence. Researchers analyzed GPS data over a decade, finding that some areas sink up to 5.5 cm/year.
A new flood-mapping computer system is being developed to help emergency medical services crews navigate flooded roads in real-time. The system, led by UH Professor Gino Lim, will use color-coded maps to indicate the severity of flooding on major road segments.
The University of Houston pharmacy professor Joydip Das is working on pinpointing the mechanisms in the brain that respond to alcohol with a goal to discover a treatment. His team hopes to design drugs based on targeting the PKCε protein, which has shown a 75% reduction in mice drinking.
Researchers from University of Houston team up with top institutions to develop approaches for improving reading comprehension skills among middle and high school students. The $20 million grant aims to provide clear guidance to teachers and schools about cognitive and motivational processes contributing to student reading.
Alice Cepeda, a University of Houston sociologist, has received the National Award of Excellence in Research by a New Investigator for her groundbreaking research on Hispanic drug abuse. Her work has made significant contributions to understanding social context and high-risk behavior associated with drug use among Latinos.
The University of Houston has partnered with ABB and SuperPower to develop a superconducting magnet energy storage system that could revolutionize the US electrical grid. The project aims to create an affordable, large-scale energy storage system using magnetic fields in superconducting coils.
University of Houston chemists Rigoberto Advincula and Mamie Moy received ACS Fellowships, recognizing their outstanding contributions to science and the chemistry profession. Their research focuses on polymer and nanomaterials, with potential applications in chemical sensors, energy transfer, and more.
A study by the University of Houston team suggests that higher exposure to estrogens may be connected to gallbladder cancer. The research found that eliminating estrogens prevents tumor development in a specific animal model, leading to potential new drugs and understanding individual risks.
Chapman's research aims to simplify the development of portable applications, enabling medical equipment manufacturers to create advanced software for embedded multicore processors. The collaboration has led to the creation of open-source training material and graduate courses introducing UH students to multicore programming.
A University of Houston researcher is using a vacuum device to study the effects of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill on insects and spiders in salt marshes along the Gulf Coast. The goal is to understand how the food web is structured and affected by the oil spill.
The University of Houston received a $2.4 million grant to fund postdoctoral scientists researching cancer biology and computational disciplines. This multidisciplinary approach aims to tackle the most pressing problems in cancer research.
Meghan Baker, a J.D./M.S.W. dual degree student at the University of Houston, has been recognized as Social Work Student of the Year by the National Association of Social Workers Texas Chapter. Her commitment to social justice and service work promotes equality for marginalized communities.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in finding diamonds, discovering that kimberlites owe their origin to hot mantle plumes rising from the core-mantle boundary. This new understanding will help geologists concentrate their search for diamond-bearing rocks within ancient cratons, increasing the odds of finding precious gems.
University of Houston professor Paul Gregory's new book reveals previously hidden facts about Stalin's regime, shedding light on the early development of totalitarian regimes. The book tells the story of Nikolai Bukharin and Anna Larina, who clashed with Stalin over their visions for Russia's future.
Researchers at UH are studying 'wireless connections' in the brain to prevent diseases like epilepsy and schizophrenia. They found that liver X receptor β and thyroid hormone receptor α play key roles in brain development and regulation.
A University of Houston sociologist chronicles the Gülen Movement, an Islamic civic movement that promotes peace, education, and interfaith dialogue. The book presents stories from participants who benefited from Gülen-inspired schools, highlighting its positive impact on communities.
The University of Houston's teachHOUSTON program has been awarded a grant from ExxonMobil to take ownership of the flagship Bernard Harris Summer Science Camp. The camp provides a two-week, free-of-charge experience for over 1,500 students from urban districts across the country.
Researchers at UTHealth and UH will use nanotechnology and new imaging techniques to study the effects of Amyloid-Beta on the brain. The goal is to create new intravenous delivery mechanisms for gamma secretase modulators, which could potentially protect against Alzheimer's development.
Researchers have assembled the first comprehensive DNA sequence of an amphibian genome, which will aid in studying embryonic development and its implications for preventing birth defects and treating various human diseases. The Xenopus tropicalis frog genome sequencing provides a blueprint for understanding gene function and expression.
Researchers have developed a non-invasive test for cardiovascular disease using VENDYS, a device that monitors finger temperature to measure an individual's risk. The test, which takes 15 minutes, can help identify vascular health issues and provide valuable feedback on progress.
A new study reveals that a Martian meteorite, ALH84001, is approximately 4.091 billion years old, significantly younger than previously estimated ages. This finding suggests that volcanic activity was ongoing in Mars for much of its history and has implications for understanding the planet's evolution.
The UH Energy program has received a $2.5 million Department of Energy (DOE) award to develop a smart grid workforce training program. The grant will support training programs for electric power sector employees, focusing on activities such as electricians, line workers, and system operators.
The University of Houston welcomes the NSF-supported National Center for Airborne Laser Mapping, bringing cutting-edge laser mapping technology to its campus. The center aims to advance research in geosensing systems engineering, improving disaster recovery, oil and gas exploration, and environmental studies.
Using optical-coherence tomography (OCT), researchers are documenting the formation of the mammalian heart in real-time, allowing for the first time to observe the heart beat and chamber contractions. This breakthrough technology aims to shed light on developmental processes and gene mutations that cause cardiovascular abnormalities.
A team of scientists, including UH biologist Preethi Gunaratne, uncovered the genome of the zebra finch, which may help people with speech impairments and learning disabilities. The study found that microRNAs play a crucial role in song learning and memory in zebra finches.