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University of Houston


The powerhouse future is flexoelectric

Scientists at the University of Houston have demonstrated giant flexoelectricity in soft elastomers, paving the way for improved robot movement range and self-powered pacemakers. The breakthrough could also enable human-like robots to perform physical tasks with greater flexibility.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 2, 2021

Building a better LED bulb

A University of Houston research team creates a unique class of luminescent materials called phosphors that absorb violet LED's single-color emission and convert the light to cover the majority of the visible spectrum. The new LED bulb emits less blue light, reducing health concerns associated with overexposure.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateMay 25, 2021

Persuading consumers to go green

Researchers found that using gain language, which highlights positive benefits, can increase eco-friendly behavior. Anthropomorphism, such as giving objects human characteristics, also boosts green compliance. The study suggests that businesses can save money by shifting customers' behaviors to be greener.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalPsychology and Marketing·DateApr 26, 2021

From toxic ions to single-atom copper

Researchers have discovered a new method for converting toxic copper ions into stable single-atom copper using bacteria found in copper mines. This process is safer and more efficient than current methods, which often require harsh chemicals and labor-intensive processes.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 23, 2021

Astronauts' mental health risks tested in the Antarctic

Researchers found continuous declines in positive emotions among astronauts at two Antarctic stations, without a bounce-back effect after returning home. Positive emotions such as satisfaction and enthusiasm are crucial for thriving in high-pressure settings, and interventions targeting these may reduce psychological risk.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalActa Astronautica·DateApr 20, 2021

Filling federal oversight gaps

The withdrawal of federal regulation on smaller transboundary waters has left individual states with the responsibility to fill in the gaps, but evidence suggests this may not lead to desired outcomes. Research highlights the flaws in the 2020 Navigable Waters Protection Rule's economics analysis and the failure to account for economic...

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalScience·DateApr 20, 2021

Opioid vaccine in the works

Researchers are developing an opioid vaccine that targets fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid, to reduce respiratory depression. The vaccine stimulates the body to create powerful antibodies that bind to opioid molecules, preventing them from reaching the brain and reducing overdose risk.

Life expectancy lower near superfund sites

A nationwide review of hazardous waste sites found that living near a Superfund site could decrease life expectancy by over two months. Those with lower incomes and sociodemographic disadvantage face the greatest risk, with decreases in life expectancy ranging from seven to 15 months.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 13, 2021

Screening for skin disease on your laptop

A new deep neural network architecture can differentiate between healthy and diseased skin images with high accuracy, offering a potential screening tool for systemic sclerosis. The proposed network reached 100% accuracy in training and validation sets, outperforming traditional CNNs.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalIEEE Open Journal of Engineering in Medicine and Biology·DateApr 6, 2021

Modernizing the naval selection process

The US Navy is developing a virtual reality personality assessment tool to improve recruitment and selection processes. The Manpower and Personnel Assessment Battery (MPAB) will use virtual reality technology, physiological markers, and real-time data analytics to assess applicants' skills and personalities.

UH receives $5 million to combat HIV/AIDS epidemic

The University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work research center has received $5 million in funding from Gilead Sciences, Inc. to continue its work combating the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the South. Led by Assistant Professor Samira Ali, the SUSTAIN Center focuses on improving frontline care and access for marginalized communities.

Borderline personality disorder: Don't ignore it

Researchers found that adolescent borderline pathology can improve with treatment, challenging previous assumptions about its intractability. The study of 500 adolescent patients over 18 months showed a significant downward trend of BPD features despite not undergoing specialized treatment.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalJournal of Abnormal Child Psychology·DateJan 25, 2021

Examining therapeutic targets for kidney disease

A University of Houston researcher has identified the suPAR protein as a potential therapeutic target for treating focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), a common form of kidney disease. High circulating levels of suPAR have been shown to induce oxidative stress in the kidneys, leading to cell damage and kidney failure.

Hotels that promote women perceived as fairer, less discriminatory

Research suggests hotel companies that promote a woman over an equally qualified man are perceived as fairer and less discriminatory, leading to a stronger organizational culture and higher financial performance. The study found that women account for only 12% of all hotel leadership positions, despite making up the majority of the acc...

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalInternational Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management·DateJan 5, 2021

Explained: Political polarization

A University of Houston researcher has developed a mathematical model showing that economic inequality causes political polarization. Once polarization occurs, it can spread rapidly to the whole population and persist even when the conditions that produced it have reversed.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 14, 2020