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University of Houston


University of Houston study finds anger over COVID-19 layoffs keeping hospitality workers from returning to jobs

A University of Houston study found that anger over how the industry responded to the pandemic is a major driver behind hospitality workers' reluctance to return. The research team suggests that rebuilding trust with employees and offering better compensation and benefits are key recommendations for businesses.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalJournal of Hospitality and Tourism Management·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 21, 2022

Finding simplicity within complexity

A University of Houston researcher has developed a method to describe complex systems using the least number of variables possible, reducing complexity from millions to just one. This advancement speeds up science with efficiency and ability to understand and predict natural system behavior.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·DateDec 8, 2022

Power of the pulpit

A University of Houston study suggests that attending religious services regularly can lead to lower mortality rates among Black men in their 50s and older. The study found that these men who attended services at least once weekly had better health profiles, including lower rates of smoking and drinking.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateSep 29, 2022

Building the best zeolite

Researchers have developed new methods to prepare state-of-the-art zeolites with nano-sized dimensions and hierarchical structures, critical for industrial applications. The findings emphasize the importance of smaller size and structure in determining performance.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalNature Synthesis·DateAug 11, 2022

Complex coacervate droplets as a model material for studying the electrodynamic response and manipulation of biological materials

Stabilized coacervate droplets can be steered using an electric field, allowing for controlled manipulation and delivery of biomolecules like enzymes. The technology has potential applications in drug delivery and other encapsulation technologies, as well as explaining the stability of biological condensates.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 4, 2022

Study finds low vitamin D levels in young people of color

A University of Houston study found that 61% of Black and Hispanic adolescents have low vitamin D levels, which can lead to cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, type 2 diabetes, and renal disease. The research emphasizes the importance of raising awareness among clinicians about social determinants of health and providing culturall...

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalJournal of Pediatric Health Care·DateJun 28, 2022

University of Houston biochemistry researchers repair and regenerate heart muscle cells

Researchers at the University of Houston have made a groundbreaking discovery in repairing and regenerating heart muscle cells in mice. The technology uses synthetic mRNA to deliver mutated transcription factors, which increases the replication of cardiomyocytes. This finding has the potential to become a powerful clinical strategy for...

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalThe Journal of Cardiovascular Aging·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 16, 2022

Progress on early detection of Alzheimer’s disease

Researchers have developed a new probe to detect Alzheimer's disease biomarkers using near-infrared fluorescence, which may help diagnose the disease early and prevent its progression. The probe binds oligomeric Aβ proteins, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease, offering a potential alternative to existing treatments.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·DateJun 14, 2022

New discoveries in lupus research

Researchers at the University of Houston have identified blood biomarkers predicting heart disease in lupus patients and urine biomarkers for diagnosing kidney inflammation in children with lupus. These findings hold promise for early preventive measures and improved treatment outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalFrontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine·DateJun 2, 2022

University of Houston researchers identify alternative to lithium-based battery technology

Researchers at the University of Houston have identified an alternative to lithium-based battery technology for grid-level energy storage systems. They developed a novel form of oxysulfide glass electrolyte that enables reversible sodium plating and stripping at high current densities, potentially solving the challenges associated with...

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 31, 2022

Mars’ emitted energy and seasonal energy imbalance

Researchers found that Mars' extreme energy budget imbalance can contribute to dust storms. The team analyzed four years of data from NASA missions and found a correlation between the planet's orbits and temperatures, suggesting that the energy excess may be one of the generating mechanisms of Mars' dust storms.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 16, 2022

Racial and ethnic disparities in telemedicine usage persist during pandemic

A new study led by the University of Houston College of Medicine found that racial and ethnic disparities persisted in telemedicine usage during the pandemic. African Americans were 35% less likely to use telemedicine compared to whites, while Hispanics were 51% less likely. The digital divide was a major factor, with limited access to...

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateApr 14, 2022

Firefighters with PTSD likely to have relationship problems

A new study from the University of Houston finds that firefighters with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are more likely to have relationship problems. The research, led by Donald A. Godfrey, discovered a link between PTSD symptom severity and difficulty regulating emotions in intimate relationships.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalJournal of Aggression Maltreatment & Trauma·DateApr 4, 2022

Disparities in diabetic eye care

A new University of Houston study finds racial and ethnic disparities in diabetic eye care, with Whites more likely to receive regular exams than minorities. The study also reveals that Hispanics have the highest prevalence of diabetic eye complications.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalDiabetes Epidemiology and Management·DateMar 30, 2022

New tool to accelerate drug discovery

Researchers at the University of Houston have developed a novel technology to monitor membrane protein trafficking in real-time using bioluminescence. This allows for the study of cellular processes and drug development for heart disease, metabolic disorders, cancer, infectious diseases, COVID-19, and others.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalCommunications Biology·DateMar 22, 2022

Working to revolutionize the way we live

University of Houston researchers have developed a pressure-quench process that enhances superconductivity in materials at room temperature, potentially revolutionizing electric power transmission. This breakthrough could lead to highly efficient electric power transmission systems with zero energy wasted.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalJournal of Superconductivity and Novel Magnetism·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 9, 2022

University of Houston researcher finds a new biomarker and potential drug target for breast cancer

Researchers at the University of Houston have identified a new biomarker, NPY1R, that predicts therapy outcome and has potential as a drug target in estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. The study found that NPY1R expression is associated with favorable outcomes in Luminal A subtype breast cancer, but declines in resistant cases.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 21, 2022