Job interest not a big predictor of job satisfaction
A study by Kevin Hoff and colleagues found that interest in an occupation does not strongly predict job satisfaction, but rather other factors like organization, supervisor, colleagues, and pay
University of Houston
Two genes regulate social dominance
Scientists have identified two paralogous androgen receptor genes that control social status in African cichlid fish, shedding light on the molecular basis of social hierarchy. These findings suggest independent mechanisms for regulating coloration and behavior, providing a framework for studying human social dominance.
Implantable device can monitor and treat heart disease
Researchers have developed an implantable device made from fully rubbery electronics that can monitor and treat heart disease. The epicardial bioelectronics patch can collect electrophysiological activity, temperature, heartbeat, and other indicators simultaneously.
Subsea Systems Institute receives $9.5 million for research, economic development
The Subsea Systems Institute will focus on developing new technologies and practices to improve the safety and sustainability of the offshore industry. The institute's research emphasis targets harsh marine environments while reducing costs, allowing offshore production to continue even when energy prices are low.
How do snakes 'see' in the dark? Researchers have an answer
Researchers have discovered how snakes can detect prey with uncanny accuracy in total darkness by converting infrared radiation into electrical signals. The cells inside the pit organ membrane are found to function as a pyroelectric material, drawing upon the electrical voltage in most cells.
How fear encourages physical distancing during pandemic
A new study by University of Houston researchers found that negatively presented information and 'Mr. Deadly COVID-19' scary face can significantly strengthen the message, increasing compliance with physical distancing guidelines. The study suggests using preventive language to persuade consumers to avoid close contact.
Lost and found: UH geologists 'resurrect' missing tectonic plate
Researchers at the University of Houston have located the long-debated Resurrection tectonic plate in northern Canada, shedding light on its existence and significance. The findings could aid in predicting volcanic hazards and mineral deposits.
UH professor awarded federal grant to study how parents impact children's emotions
A UH professor has received a $897,400 federal grant to study how parents influence their children's emotional development. The research aims to evaluate the effectiveness of emotion coaching in shaping parental interactions and improving relationships with children.
Customers prefer partitions over mannequins in socially-distanced dining rooms
A study by the University of Houston found that consumers prefer dining rooms with partitions between tables due to their perceived cleanliness, visual attractiveness, and comfort. Surprisingly, older respondents (over 40) were more willing to visit establishments with partitions, rating both options equally comfortable and welcoming.
Pandemic sets off future wave of worsening mental health issues
New research highlights the long-term impact of COVID-19 on mental health, including increased risk of substance abuse and chronic illness. The study found that those with pre-existing mental health vulnerabilities or disorders are more susceptible to these issues.
Alcohol, nicotine mix during pregnancy increases health risk in newborns
Researchers found that the combination of alcohol and nicotine alters gene regulatory pathways in developing fetuses, leading to major deficiencies in brain development. This can cause synaptic rearrangements and lead to neurological disorders.
Staying one step ahead to stop hackers in their tracks
Researchers at the University of Houston are developing machine learning and natural language processing techniques to generate novel attacks and improve filters against cyber threats. The goal is to stay one step ahead of hackers and close the loop by continuously improving detectors.
Center for Carbon Management in Energy Joins National CCUS Effort
The UH research center is collaborating with the Southern States Energy Board to accelerate the deployment of carbon capture, utilization and storage technologies. The partnership aims to address early technology deployment risks through workforce development and public-private partnerships.
Medical robotic hand? Rubbery semiconductor makes it possible
Researchers have designed a smart electronic skin and medical robotic hand that can assess vital diagnostic data using a newly invented rubbery semiconductor with high carrier mobility. The material is scalable for manufacturing and retains electrical performance even when stretched by 50%.
New UH National Research Center to address health disparities in underserved areas
The new center, led by Ezemenari Obasi, aims to accelerate cutting-edge research and implement findings in real time for community health. It will launch an app to help African Americans quit smoking and pursue careers in health equity science.
Inexpensive, non-toxic nanofluid could be a game-changer for oil recovery
Researchers developed a non-toxic nanofluid using commercially available sodium, achieving 80% oil recovery in lab tests. The nanofluid works through multiple mechanisms, including generating heat and reducing viscosity, making it a game-changing technology for oil recovery.
Bringing fusion energy to commercial reality
A $1.5 million project aims to reduce the cost of high-temperature superconductors by a factor of 30, enabling the widespread adoption of fusion energy as an on-demand, emissions-free source of power
Older women with type 2 diabetes have different patterns of blood use in their brains
Research reveals that Type 2 diabetes affects brain function in older women, leading to sensory and motor deficits. A unique fNIRS technique detects decreased oxygenated blood use in the brain, suggesting underlying mechanisms such as muscle changes and cortical dysfunction.
Examining the side effects of Alzheimer's disease dementia drugs
A University of Houston researcher is investigating the adverse effects of mixing cholinesterase inhibitors and antimuscarinics in patients with Alzheimer's disease. The study aims to evaluate drug interactions and their effects on severe adverse events, ultimately improving the quality of medication use in dementia care.
Words matter: Revealing 'how' restaurateurs land investors online
A study at the University of Houston found that concrete language styles and storytelling techniques can boost restaurant crowdfunding success rates. Using specific words, such as articles and prepositions, and delivering stories with fewer first-person pronouns can make pitches more compelling to investors.
SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalInternational Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management·DateSep 1, 2020
Investigating host tolerance to genes that jump
Researcher Erin Kelleher is studying how some individuals can tolerate genetic mutations caused by 'jumping genes,' which can lead to devastating effects on reproductive cells. Her work aims to understand the underlying mechanisms of bruno-dependent tolerance in fruit flies and its potential implications for tumor cells.
Inventing new tools to peer into the gastrointestinal tract
Researchers created oxygen-insensitive protein-based fluorescent sensors to study gut bacteria responses to metal imbalances. The sensors will reveal molecular mechanisms governing essential metals' impact on the human gut microbiota.
Identifying molecular targets to prevent obesity-induced cardiovascular diseases
A University of Houston researcher has identified sphingomyelinase as a key player in the development of obesity-induced cardiovascular disease. The study aims to develop therapeutic strategies for treatment or prevention of this condition, which affects millions worldwide.
Breaking molecular traffic jams with finned nanoporous materials
Researchers developed finned nanoporous materials that facilitate faster molecular transport, reducing transportation limitations in zeolite catalysts. The new design triples the efficiency of conventional catalytic materials and enables longer catalyst lifetimes.
Reducing the adverse impact of water loss in cells
A University of Houston researcher has discovered a mechanism for a protein called Nuclear Factor of Activated T cells 5 (NFAT 5) that regulates tonicity and protects cells against cell death. NFAT 5 produces protective osmolytes, which help maintain cellular integrity.
Racial discrimination linked to suicide
Two studies reveal a compelling story about racial discrimination and its link to suicide. Racial discrimination is found to be uniquely painful for Black adults, increasing their capability for self-harm. Reframing, such as dispositional forgiveness, can serve as a helpful coping strategy associated with fewer depressive symptoms.
A new chemical analysis upends conventional explanation for global cooling
Researchers found evidence suggesting a major volcanic eruption on the European continent drove the cooling event known as the Younger Dryas, which occurred around 13,000 years ago. The study used isotope analysis to rule out an extraterrestrial impact and provides new insights into the Earth's climate system.
'Drawn-on-skin' electronics offer breakthrough in wearable monitors
Researchers have developed 'drawn-on-skin' electronics, allowing multifunctional sensors and circuits to be drawn on the skin with an ink pen. This technology provides better data for personalized care by collecting precise, motion artifact-free health data.
Discovery will allow more sophisticated work at nanoscale
Researchers have developed a new understanding of fluid movement in tiny channels and created a method to stimulate flow by manipulating surface tension through temperature or voltage changes. This discovery has implications for various fields, including drug delivery, energy conversion, and power generation.
Stopping listeria reproduction 'in its tracks'
A newly discovered CoO-TiO2 compound effectively stops listeria monocytogenes reproduction in both light and dark conditions, offering a potential solution for controlling bacterial contamination in food products.
Researchers create a roadmap to better multivalent batteries
Multivalent metal-ion batteries using magnesium, calcium, zinc, and aluminum show great promise but face steep challenges. Researchers provide a roadmap for future work, highlighting key strengths and common misconceptions.
Next-gen micro-CT scan can lower radiation, offer better pictures
The new micro-CT imaging technology has the potential to transform the landscape of imaging by lowering radiation doses and improving image resolution. The system detects how X-rays bend and measure absorption and phase changes for high contrast visibility.
Insufficient sleep harms children's mental health
A University of Houston study found that insufficient sleep alters children's emotional health, particularly in response to positive emotions. The research highlights the importance of assessing and prioritizing healthy sleep habits for emotionally vulnerable children.
Researchers create air filter that can kill the coronavirus
Researchers designed an air filter that can trap and kill the coronavirus and other pathogens, with a 99.8% kill rate in a single pass. The filter uses nickel foam heated to 392 degrees Fahrenheit, eliminating the need for external heating sources and minimizing strain on HVAC systems.
$10 million grant to move middle and high school instruction beyond language
A national research and development center will focus on weaving topics into the full curriculum, using real-world examples that are engaging and directly relevant to students of this age. The center aims to develop and test interventions that leverage transdisciplinary approaches to improve instruction for English Learners.
Examining media coverage of protests worldwide
A new study examines how mainstream media covers protests, finding that negative coverage is often more prevalent in anti-status quo events. The research suggests that journalists should focus on the substance of a protest rather than its violence or spectacle.
Cloning stem cells to find a cure for Crohn's disease
Researchers at the University of Houston have identified three different stem cell types in Crohn's biopsies, with two variants contributing to inflammation and fibrosis. The team is developing new drug therapies to selectively destroy these rogue cells and create new treatments for pediatric and adult Crohn's disease.
New material, modeling methods promise advances in energy storage
Researchers from the University of Houston have reported a structural supercapacitor electrode made from reduced graphene oxide and aramid nanofiber that is stronger and more versatile than conventional carbon-based electrodes. The new material offers promise for longer battery life and higher energy at a lighter weight.
Researchers take a cue from nature to create bulletproof coatings
Engineers produce high-impact multilayered coatings using chitin from shrimp, mushrooms, and other organisms, which can protect against bullets, lasers, toxic gas, and other dangers. The coatings aim to be biodegradable by design, reducing environmental impact.
Can interactive technology ease urban traffic jams?
Researchers found that using Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) can reduce travel time and fuel consumption, saving cities over $4.7 billion annually. Cities like Houston, which uses technology to manage traffic flow, have seen significant reductions in congestion and emissions.
Continuously tracking fear response could improve mental health treatment
A new algorithm can continuously monitor a person's sympathetic nervous system activation using skin conductance and heart rate measurements, aiding in the development of wearable monitors for anxiety disorders.
Multitasking in the workplace can lead to negative emotions
A study by University of Houston found that constant email interruptions can create sadness and fear among office workers, negatively impacting work environment. The researchers suggest email batching as a solution to mitigate these effects.
University of Houston researcher developing device to treat babies with blood disorders
A new device using controlled incremental filtration is being developed to safely and effectively separate white blood cells from blood in pediatric patients. This technology aims to increase access to cell-based therapies for children worldwide, providing a potentially transformative impact on their health and well-being.
Race-specific lupus nephritis biomarkers
A study published in Nature Communications reveals distinct urinary biomarker proteins for lupus nephritis in African American patients. The findings suggest that the ALCAM protein may be a promising therapeutic target. Researchers plan to conduct a longitudinal study to predict disease flares and improve treatment options.
Project will expand use of metal catalysts for drug discovery
Researchers are developing new metal catalysts for drug discovery, potentially offering lower therapeutic dosages and fewer side effects. The project aims to create synthetic forms of biological macromolecules that detoxify aldehydes, addressing biochemical imbalance and disease development.
Making a 'strange' discovery
Physicists led by Rene Bellwied aim to understand the role of 'dark' matter in the universe's evolution. The team will analyze data from international experiments STAR and ALICE to study the transition from quark-gluon plasma to existing particles.
Does cannabis use amplify the effect of prenatal alcohol exposure and vice versa?
Research focuses on simultaneous cannabis and alcohol use's impact on fetal brain development, nerve growth, and blood vessels. The study aims to understand the combined effects of SAC on developing offspring.
Harnessing the power of gallium nitride and machine learning
The $2.5 million project aims to create compact electronic power systems for military installations, utilizing gallium nitride devices for efficient energy storage and discharging. Machine learning will be used to predict the lifespan of GaN devices and circuits.
Searchable atlases of 3D images will offer new tool for researchers, clinicians
A new software platform is being developed to produce searchable digital atlases of whole organs at the cellular level, offering a Google Maps-style tool for high-resolution 3D images. This platform will allow researchers to easily search normal and diseased organs to track change over time.
Researchers are improving resolution in 3D data collected by drones
Developing new algorithms to accurately align disparate drone-collected datasets, enabling reliable change detection and monitoring of natural disasters. The tools will aid in mapping flood damage after hurricanes and storms.