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University of Houston


University of Houston physicists hit major milestone in advancing superconductor applications

Researchers at the University of Houston have achieved a major milestone in finding superconductors that work in everyday conditions. By stabilizing high-pressure-induced superconducting states at ambient pressure, they have opened up new avenues for fundamental research and practical applications.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 10, 2025

Sinking truths: University of Houston confirms Miami’s coastal subsidence challenges

Researchers from the University of Houston have confirmed alarming rates of subsidence in Miami's barrier islands, with 35 skyscrapers sinking up to three inches into the ground since 2016. The study used InSAR technology to detect changes in the earth's surface and found that construction-induced stresses extend beyond building footpr...

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalEarth and Space Science·DateJan 27, 2025

Eyes on the brain at the University of Houston

Researchers found that autistic children prioritize faces in different ways, particularly when first seeing them, using an exploratory pattern characterized by larger face regions of interest. This may be associated with autism-related symptomology and decreased visual sensitivity to face information.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateDec 9, 2024

Gaming for the good!

A new report from the University of Houston found that massive multiplayer online gamers learn valuable skills in the workplace, including problem-solving, teamwork, and leadership. The study revealed that gaming can be a way for people to grow both personally and professionally when done in moderation.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalHuman Resource Development International·DateNov 18, 2024

Improving eye tracking to assess brain disorders

A University of Houston team developed non-invasive, comfortable, and safe wearable sensors to monitor eyeball movements, providing early warning signs of brain-related disorders. The new sensors have potential applications in diagnosing conditions like ADHD, autism, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and traumatic brain injuries.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalAdvanced Healthcare Materials·DateSep 16, 2024

Groundbreaking approach to sleep study expands potential of sleep medicine

Researchers at the University of Houston have introduced a new method for sleep stage classification that can be performed at home and uses only two leads. This approach achieves expert-level agreement with the gold-standard polysomnography without expensive equipment, paving the way for more accessible and cost-effective sleep studies.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalComputers in Biology and Medicine·DateJul 2, 2024

Optimal cancer-killing t cells discovered

Researchers at the University of Houston have identified a subset of T cells called CD8-fit that show high motility and serial killing capabilities in patients with clinical responses. These cells were discovered using a patented approach called TIMING, which evaluates cell behavior and movement to identify potential cancer-killing cells.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalNature Cancer·DateMay 28, 2024

Weighted blankets do not improve sleep among children with a history of maltreatment

A recent study by University of Houston sleep expert Candice Alfano found that weighted blankets do not improve sleep for children who have experienced various types of maltreatment, including abuse or neglect. Despite the popularity of weighted blankets as a sleep aid, research has been lacking on their effectiveness in this population.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·DateMay 23, 2024

Treatment for deadly superbug C. diff may be weakening

Clinical trials show decreased effectiveness of vancomycin in treating C. diff infection, with reduced cure rates and lower sustained clinical responses associated with antimicrobial resistance. The finding poses a significant concern for the management of C. diff infection, with only two recommended antibiotics available.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateApr 25, 2024

Life goals and their changes drive success

A new study from the University of Houston reveals that adolescents' life goals, particularly those related to education and prestige, have a significant impact on their educational attainment and occupational outcomes. As people grow older, these goals tend to become more important, with changes in them predicting later success.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateApr 22, 2024

University of Houston engineer Metin Akay featured in study highlighting 50 scientists' contributions to biomedical engineering advancements

A new study highlights the contributions of 50 top scientists from elite universities to transforming medicine through cutting-edge biomedical engineering advances. Five primary medical challenges are identified, including precision engineering for personalized care and tissue engineering for human health.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalIEEE Open Journal of Engineering in Medicine and Biology·DateMar 4, 2024

New discovery suggests significant glacial retreat in West Antarctica began in 1940s

A new study suggests that the Thwaites Glacier and Pine Island Glacier began experiencing significant glacial retreat in the 1940s, driven by an extreme El Niño climate pattern. This finding corroborates previous research on ice sheet dynamics and highlights the importance of external factors in controlling glacier behavior.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 26, 2024

Solving an age-old mystery about crystal formation

University of Houston researcher Peter Vekilov discovers two-step incorporation into crystals, mediated by an intermediate state, solving a 40-year-old riddle. The new paradigm guides the search for solvents and additives to stabilize the intermediate state and slow down unwanted polymorphs.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 5, 2024

A new weapon against the super tough C diff bacteria

A phase-one human clinical trial shows that Omadacycline causes a distinctly different effect on the gut microbiome than Vancomycin, making it a safe drug option for patients at high risk for C diff infection. The antibiotic achieves high concentrations in the gut quickly, reducing the risk of long-term colonization.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateDec 19, 2023