High-temperature superconducting wires can transmit up to 10 times more power than traditional copper cables without significant losses. This technology has the potential to revolutionize electricity generation, transmission, and use, reducing carbon emissions and offsetting the emission of equivalent conventional power plants.
The University of Houston has executed two licensing agreements with SuperPower, covering second-generation high-temperature superconductor (HTS) wire and the fundamental composition of matter patent for HTS discovered by Paul Chu in 1987. These agreements enable SuperPower to advance its 2G HTS wire development for various applications.
Scientists at UH found that better food from high-latitude plants may explain why animals grow bigger in cold climates. The study suggests considering ecological interactions beyond traditional physiological responses to temperature.
Stuart Dryer, a University of Houston biology professor, has been awarded the prestigious AAAS Fellowship for his work in molecular physiology and ion channel regulation. His research on ion channels could lead to new treatments for cancer, asthma, and kidney diseases.
The project aims to manufacture a transformer boosting power grid reliability, reducing energy losses by one-third and eliminating CO2 emissions. The superconducting wire will have a unique property allowing electricity to flow without resistance while limiting current flow in sudden spikes.
A team of researchers at the University of Houston has created a process to grow real human bone in tissue culture, allowing them to investigate how bones form and grow. The technology has potential applications in preventing bone loss in astronauts and patients with spinal cord injuries.
Professor Paul Ching-Wu Chu, a world leader in superconductivity research, has received a $2.8 million grant to explore novel materials that can operate at higher temperatures and have greater current carrying capacity. This funding will enable the development of more compact and lighter power devices with higher energy densities.
Researchers will analyze toxic chemicals' impact on human health and potential causes of serious diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. The three-year project uses zebrafish and mouse models to speed up testing and provide new information on chemical risk assessment.
The University of Houston's information security program has been designated as a national center of academic excellence by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security. This recognition enhances career prospects for students and graduates in the field of cyber security.
Researchers at the University of Houston's Texas Diesel Testing and Research Center will test a system designed to reduce emissions produced by construction vehicles, including Nett Technologies' BlueMAX selective catalytic reduction system. The team aims to provide real-world performance data for the EPA.
A duo of researchers from the University of Houston has developed a unique health-monitoring system that could provide congestive heart failure patients with peace of mind and significant healthcare cost savings. The device, known as the BlueScale, simultaneously records various patient information in just 10 seconds.
University of Houston researchers have developed highly conductive nanocomposites using polycarbonate and carbon nanotubes, improving the integrity of electronics in aircraft, computers, and iPhones. The findings could lead to antistatic coatings and electromagnetic interference shields, increasing device lifespan and efficiency.
Researchers at the University of Houston's College of Optometry have developed custom contact lenses to address the needs of patients with eye diseases that affect focus. The lenses correct higher-order aberrations, providing improved vision and quality of life. Early-stage patients have shown dramatic results, and the team aims to mak...
Joe Kotarba, University of Houston sociology department chairman, has received the George Herbert Mead Award for his lifetime achievement in symbolic interaction. He will be honored at the SSSI/American Sociological Association meeting in San Francisco this August.
The UH initiative aims to instill passion and creativity in middle school students through interactive lessons inspired by Harry Potter. The program, funded by a $3 million NSF grant, pairs graduate students with teachers to train them on nanosciences topics.
A University of Houston research team is helping NASA develop a navigation system to track and direct explorers on the moon. The system must be adaptable, robust and provide accurate information despite sensor failures or changes in input data.
Research shows in-clinic therapy and at-home reinforcement are more effective than home-based programs in treating convergence insufficiency, a condition that affects students' performance in school.
Assistant professor Samantha Kwan argues that the concept of obesity has been overstated and is influenced by cultural beauty messages and health discourses. She claims that women are more closely tied to weight and appearance, and that conforming to norms can bring benefits beyond being healthier.
Carlos Ordonez, a UH professor, recruits up-and-coming scientists from Latin America for two-year fellowships at UH's top researchers. The program enhances scientific partnerships between the US and Latin America, empowering promising young scientists to tackle problems in their home countries.
A longitudinal study examines the consequences of adolescent gang membership on health, employment, and relationships among Mexican American men. The study aims to identify interventions that can improve outcomes for this population.
Jan-Åke Gustafsson, a renowned hormones expert, has joined the University of Houston faculty thanks to a $5.5 million grant. He will lead the Center for Nuclear Receptors and Cell Signaling, collaborating with other top researchers to develop treatments for diseases such as cancer and diabetes.
A new study supports a University of Houston professor's theory that blocking the beta-2 adrenoreceptor receptor instead of stimulating it could be a safer and more effective strategy for long-term asthma management. The research, published in PNAS, reveals that a mouse model without the key gene produces fewer asthma-like symptoms.
A University of Houston-led research team has developed a method to identify pollution sources using unique identifiers found in fine particulate matter. The findings suggest that people living close to highways and refineries are more likely to become seriously ill.
B. Montgomery Pettitt, a UH chemistry professor, has been recognized as an American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Fellow for his distinguished work in computational and theoretical chemistry. He is one of only three researchers at UH to receive this honor.
The UH Center for Public Policy will create a comprehensive real estate database to understand the complexities of foreclosure in Houston. The database will contain information on home sales, rents, listings, and foreclosures from 2000 to 2008.
University of Houston researcher Chip Knee finds that relationship-contingent self-esteem can trigger negative emotions and behaviors in romantic relationships. Individuals with high RCSE are more prone to depression, anxiety, and hostility when faced with minor issues.
The research team aims to identify what types of trade-offs patients are willing to make when opting for pharmacogenomic testing. They will analyze the willingness of patients from various socio-economic backgrounds to adopt, and pay for the use of, genomic diagnostics to tailor prescriptions.
University of Houston professors Matthew Franchek and Ralph Metcalfe receive a $2.8 million NIH grant to create a pulseless total artificial heart (TAH) with advanced control systems. The device aims to improve reliability and adjust to physiological needs, offering hope for those waiting for a heart transplant.
A new NASA-funded study from the University of Houston department of health and human performance is examining the ability of sweat patches to detect levels of chemicals that may indicate bone loss. The study aims to develop a micro-fabricated sweat patch that can perform biomarker analysis and provide immediate read-out results.
The University of Houston has trained its first class of 'homegrown' oil geophysicists in Africa, addressing a critical shortage in the petroleum industry. The program, in collaboration with the University of Cape Town, provided a comprehensive education in petroleum geophysics and prepared students for jobs in the oil industry.
University of Houston researchers Yuriy Fofanov and Lennart Johnsson have developed computational tools to monitor microbial community sizes and genomic diversity. Their technology aims to better understand how human activities affect microbial communities governing human health and life on Earth.
The University of Houston's Texas Obesity Research Center (TORC) is recruiting 500 participants for a study promoting healthy dietary habits and physical activity in the virtual world of Second Life. Participants will earn rewards and compete to win the International Health Challenge.
Two Fortune 500 oil companies, Devon Energy Corp. and Marathon Oil Corp., have pledged major funding to the University of Houston's Cullen College of Engineering. The funds will support a new undergraduate petroleum engineering program with scholarships, textbooks, and state-of-the-art equipment.
The UH department of health and human performance is leveraging Second Life to enhance student learning, with grants supporting research on virtual environments and instructional technology. Faculty members aim to create immersive learning experiences, promote healthy habits, and facilitate international collaborations.
Lubchenko aims to crack the mystery of electrical phenomena in amorphous materials using 'old-fashioned' math, as direct computer modeling and existing theoretical approaches have been unsuccessful. His research could lead to affordable solar batteries and expand the speed and capacity of computer memory.
Arman Jahangiri, a University of Houston biology graduate, has been awarded the Merage Foundation American Dream Fellowship to pursue his dream of becoming a neurosurgeon. He plans to use his scholarship to further his medical education and advocate for affordable healthcare as a physician, policy maker, and educator.
A University of Houston geologist has found over 300 surface faults in Harris County, posing a risk to buildings and infrastructure. The faults could move up to 1 inch a year, causing damage over several years and potentially leading to flooding on the subsiding side.
The University of Houston has received a $750,000 grant from BP America to recruit and retain top students in engineering, sciences, mathematics, and business. The three-year scholarship program aims to develop the regional workforce through high-quality programs such as summer camps, scholarships, and mentorship opportunities.
Researchers uncover rare two-billion-year-old window into the Earth's mantle, shedding light on geological history. The discovery suggests the mantle is not as well-mixed or homogenous as previously believed.
Researchers found that chronic use of beta blockers alleviates asthma by helping airways relax and dilate, providing longer-term respiratory function. The study builds on earlier breakthroughs in treating congestive heart failure, where beta blockers improved outcomes despite initial worsening symptoms.
A University of Houston report found that students in a 'hybrid class' incorporating instructional technology scored higher on average, with minimal interaction between instructor and professor. Students preferred the self-paced nature of the hybrid class, which also reduced space management issues for large campuses.
Olafs Daugulis, a UH assistant professor of chemistry, has developed a simplified technique to form compounds used in pharmaceuticals and plastics. This method reduces waste, labor, and costs while increasing efficiency.
The University of Houston's Texas Diesel Testing and Research Center will test technologies to reduce nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions by over 80% in the state, enabling compliance with federal air quality guidelines. The facility also plans to provide laboratory space for third-party companies to test their technologies.
A University of Houston professor found a new side effect of lead exposure: obesity in male mice born to mothers exposed to varying levels of lead. The study suggests that the link may be related to testosterone or other hormones, and highlights the need for lower acceptable lead exposure rates for pregnant women and children.
A 18-month study explores the relationship between environment perception and physical activity in Hispanic fifth graders, examining how moms' views influence child behavior. The UH-PEAK study uses innovative technology to track daily activity and gather data on safe spaces for play.
Three students, Rajit Chaudhury, Carmen Reznik, and Christiana Chang, received top honors in the TcSUH Student Symposium for their research on superconductivity and related advanced materials. Their projects have potential applications in improving data storage, human health, and structural integrity.
The University of Houston's teachHOUSTON Program will receive a $2.4M grant from the National Math and Science Initiative (NMSI) to support teacher preparation in math and science. This funding is part of a broader effort to address the critical shortage of qualified math and science teachers in US schools.
The University of Houston will receive a five-year, $2.3 million National Institutes of Health grant to fund a multidisciplinary approach to drug abuse research. The grant will focus on the health and social consequences of drug abuse among aging minority populations, with a particular emphasis on Latino injecting heroin users in the H...
A University of Houston team found that melatonin inhibits memory formation in zebrafish during nighttime. Removing the melatonin-producing gland allowed fish to form memories at high levels even at night.
A University of Houston research team has discovered a method to make fuel cells more efficient and less expensive. This breakthrough could lead to the widespread adoption of fuel cell-powered vehicles, which are already two to three times more efficient than internal combustion engines.