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University of Houston


COPD as a lung stem cell disease

Abnormal stem cells in COPD patients drive key features of the disease, including mucins that block airways and fibrosis and inflammation. Researchers have identified specific cells responsible for COPD pathology and are screening them against drug libraries to discover new treatments.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalCell·DateApr 15, 2020

New hardware project would boost 5G networks

A University of Houston engineer is developing a system capable of supporting 5G infrastructure, enabling faster speeds and greater bandwidth. The $1.7 million grant-funded project aims to improve radio frequency communication capacity and advance power electronics to support the demands of 5G networks.

New material could turn clothing into a health monitor

Researchers have developed a new material that can be woven into fabric to detect slight changes in body temperature, serving as an early warning system for injury or illness. The material, capable of maintaining a pliable disordered structure, can alert someone monitoring the change to potential need for intervention.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalACS Applied Nano Materials·DateMar 4, 2020

Improved brain chip for precision medicine

The Akay Lab has developed a new microfluidic brain cancer chip that can simultaneously administer multiple drugs and assess their response to glioblastoma cells. The device enables fast drug combination testing in as little as two weeks, potentially improving patient survival rates.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalIEEE Open Journal of Engineering in Medicine and Biology·DateJan 16, 2020

Researchers solve a scientific mystery about evaporation

A team of researchers from the University of Houston has solved a scientific mystery about evaporation, shedding light on its role in industrial processes. The new understanding eliminates a long-standing bottleneck in predicting evaporation rates, enabling more accurate simulations and design of advanced systems.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry C·DateJan 13, 2020

Developing next-generation biologic pacemakers

Researchers have developed biologic pacemaker-like cells using stem cells from fat, offering an alternative treatment for conduction system disorders and cardiac repair after a heart attack. The new cell type can adapt to the body and respond to physiological changes, eliminating the need for regular maintenance by a physician.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalJournal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology·DateDec 16, 2019

Suicide risk factors vary by ethnic group

Researchers found that depression is not a significant predictor of suicide attempts among certain racial and ethnic groups, highlighting the need for tailored risk profiles. Protective factors like religiosity among black adults may also play a role in reducing suicidal thoughts.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalThe Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease·DateSep 17, 2019

Testing new treatment for epilepsy patients

Researchers have developed a new machine learning algorithm that can detect the seizure onset zone in just 10-20 minutes, eliminating the need for prolonged monitoring and reducing risks. This breakthrough could lead to a new treatment approach for epilepsy patients, particularly those with drug-resistant forms of the disease.