Researchers found that 78% of children's toys in the El Paso-Ciudad Juárez region contain at least one toxic element, with nickel being the most common cause of allergic reactions. The study, led by the University of Texas at El Paso, highlights the need for harmonized safety standards and better labeling to protect children from poten...
A new study by UTEP researchers found that early nicotine vapor exposure increases nicotine seeking behavior in adult male rats, even after long periods of abstinence. The study suggests that early exposure to nicotine vapor can lead to durable changes in the brain's reward system, driving nicotine-seeking behavior into adulthood.
A UTEP researcher has developed a simple, low-dose leaf spray that can substantially reverse the damage caused by salty soil on tomato plants. The treatment pairs manganese oxide nanoparticles with chitosan and has been shown to increase shoot weight, root growth, and antioxidant enzyme activity in stressed plants.
Physicists at UTEP have discovered a new type of manganese ferrite nanoparticle that can deliver targeted heat treatment to tumors, potentially improving cancer therapies. The nanoparticles were found to produce a stronger heating response than other materials, making them a promising building block for future treatments.
A team of UTEP researchers has created a printable gel polymer electrolyte that can be 3D-printed in any shape. The material performed similarly to conventional electrolytes and showed optimal performance at a specific recipe ratio, paving the way for flexible battery design.
Researchers at UTEP discovered that the complexity and time required for assembly, donning, and disassembling exoskeletons are major barriers to widespread adoption. The study found that simpler devices take significantly less time to set up and have fewer usability issues.
A new UTEP study found that patients taking weight loss medications like Ozempic and GLP-1s have a lower risk of developing alcohol, opioid, nicotine, and cocaine use disorders. The study's findings suggest these medications may influence dopamine signaling and other neural pathways involved in cravings.
A new study by UTEP researchers found that photovoltaic panels in Alamogordo, New Mexico, lose only 2-3% of their power output to dust accumulation, significantly lower than comparable desert regions worldwide. This suggests that the region's wind patterns and responsiveness to rain make it an ideal location for solar energy facilities.
Researchers at UTEP found strong connections between Valley fever and extreme weather, wind, and airborne dust, with the disease risk anticipated based on environmental signals. The study identified seasonal patterns, with peak cases in summer months.
A UTEP study reveals that six weeks of boxing training can reduce blood pressure and improve vascular function in young adults with elevated blood pressure or Stage 1 hypertension. The results show significant reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, comparable to those achieved through medication.
Researchers engineered a 3D-printed robotic rattlesnake to test how 38 zoo animals responded to rattling behavior. The study found that the rattling display functions as an effective deterrent, with species sharing natural geographic range with rattlesnakes exhibiting stronger fear responses.
A UTEP study has discovered a significant increase in parasitic infection rates among kissing bugs in the Borderlands, raising concerns about local transmission of Chagas disease. The research suggests that the disease is becoming an increasingly public health issue for the Southwest, affecting approximately 6 million people worldwide.
A UTEP research team found that Claudin-4, a protein increasing in ovarian cancer, may help tumors survive and hide from the immune system. Targeting Claudin-4 with a peptide and PARP inhibitor slows tumor growth and enhances the immune system's ability to fight cancer.
A UTEP researcher discovered fossils of the plant-eating dinosaur Tenontosaurus in West Texas, extending its known geographic range. The discovery adds to our understanding of how dinosaurs dispersed across North America and adapted to diverse environments.
A new UTEP study found that postseason NFL officiating from 2015-2023 consistently favored the Kansas City Chiefs, coinciding with their rise as a marketable franchise. This phenomenon, known as regulatory capture, suggests that financial incentives can subtly shape rule enforcement.
A UTEP geologist is part of a team mapping the moon using state-of-the-art data and AI. The goal is to create accurate maps for NASA's Artemis missions, which aim to send astronauts to the south pole for the first time.
Researchers are using bird flight insights to create drone systems that can save energy and fly more efficiently. The goal is to develop technology that can dramatically reduce the amount of energy required for uncrewed aircraft, enabling longer flights.
A UTEP study found that drinking coffee at night increases impulsive behavior in fruit flies, particularly females. The researchers discovered that caffeine consumed after dark led to reckless flying despite aversive conditions, suggesting potential negative implications for shift workers and others who consume coffee late.
A UTEP study reveals that acute alcohol consumption profoundly affects male rats' decision-making, leading them to choose higher concentrations of alcohol. In contrast, female rats hold true to their original decisions made soberly. The findings suggest a gender-specific vulnerability to alcohol's effects.
A new study from the University of Texas at El Paso finds that adolescent antidepressant use, particularly Prozac, may contribute to increased pain sensitivity in adulthood. The research suggests that early exposure to these medications can disrupt brain development and increase inflammatory markers, leading to heightened pain perception.
The University of Texas at El Paso has launched the AI Institute for Community-Engaged Research (AI-ICER), an interdisciplinary think tank leveraging artificial intelligence technologies to address pressing regional challenges. The institute aims to foster collaboration between researchers, public and private sector groups, and industr...
UTEP researchers have developed a new diagnostic method that significantly enhances the sensitivity of parasite detection in blood samples, making it a more reliable indicator of parasites in the blood. The method uses magnetic beads to extract parasitic DNA from blood samples, outperforming traditional silica columns.
Researchers at the University of Texas at El Paso have developed a portable, blood-based device that can detect colon cancer using a biomarker called CCSP-2. The device has the potential to provide early detection and treatment options for this second-deadliest US cancer, making it a significant advancement in colorectal cancer screening.
Researchers at UTEP secured a patent for anti-malarial drug pyronaridine, which slows cancer cell growth and induces programmed cell death, sparing healthy cells.
A new study estimates the societal costs of blowing dust and wind erosion at approximately $154 billion per year across the United States. Dust can exacerbate asthma and other respiratory illnesses, causing significant medical costs, while also damaging homes and landscaping, transportation systems, and agricultural productivity.
Researchers at the University of Texas at El Paso developed a novel method to measure load demand on the electrical grid for electric vehicles charging while in motion. The model, called modified Toeplitz convolution or mCONV, accounts for varying vehicle sizes, road lengths, and traffic flow.
Dr. Emre Umucu, a UTEP researcher, has received the Roger G. Barker Distinguished Research Contribution Award from the American Psychological Association. His research focuses on improving health and wellbeing for veterans with chronic conditions through employment, education, and psychology.
Researchers at UTEP aim to understand how drugs impact decision-making processes and drive costly behaviors. The study will use animal models and computational neurobiology to simulate neural activity and test hypotheses about the relationship between drug use, decision-making, and brain activity.
A new meta-analysis published in the European Journal of Applied Physiology found that using neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) while doing resistance training increases muscle mass and strength compared to resistance training alone. The analysis reviewed over a dozen studies and showed that longer training periods yielded bet...
A new study found that rats' responses to cocaine paired with aversive quinine reveal individual susceptibility to addiction. The research suggests that people's reactions to the unpleasant aspects of drug consumption can play a crucial role in determining their risk of developing substance use disorders.
Geology researchers from UTEP are partnering with Bhutanese scientists to better understand and mitigate the impact of glacial floods on rural mountain villages. The project aims to use geophysical methods to identify changes in water levels and sediment transport, potentially helping vulnerable villages create early warning systems.
A UTEP research team will investigate the impact of climate change on pecan orchards in the US and Mexico, focusing on drought, heat waves, and soil management. The study aims to develop insights for farmers and policymakers on improving water use efficiency and carbon sequestration.
A UTEP student has developed an innovative method to desalinate water, which converts over 90% of salt water to fresh water. The new technique, called salt-free electrodialysis metathesis, uses ion exchange membranes and electrical currents to separate salt from water.
UTEP researchers developed a portable device that can detect colorectal and prostate cancer quickly and accurately, reducing the need for costly instruments. The device is low-cost, sensitive, and analyzes samples in just an hour.
A UTEP study found that zooplankton do not effectively clean feces-contaminated water, contradicting the assumption that they can naturally inactivate pathogen-contaminated waters. The research highlights the limitations of zooplankton as a natural treatment option for polluted bodies of water.
Researchers at UTEP will investigate how stress from nicotine withdrawal is intensified by ovarian hormones in women, aiming to develop more effective treatments for women experiencing severe nicotine withdrawal symptoms. The five-year study will also explore the impact of e-cigarette use on adolescent females.
A UTEP study using fruit flies reveals that social settings enhance the stimulant effect of ethanol, linked to increased activity in the D1 dopamine receptor. This finding may lead to a better understanding of Alcohol Use Disorder and its vulnerability to social influences.
The UTEP research team found that nanoplastics and PFAS can alter proteins in human breast milk, infant formulas, and affect oxygen storage. This could lead to developmental defects, compromised immunity, and reduced mineral absorption.
A UTEP study found that employed veterans experience lower levels of depression, stress, and higher positive emotion compared to unemployed veterans. Employment is a critical public health intervention that enhances emotional well-being and quality of life for veterans with disabilities.
Researchers at UTEP have developed a new therapeutic approach to treat skin and lung fibrosis by targeting and rehabilitating cells responsible for the disease. The nanoparticles successfully modified the cells to stop producing excess collagen, offering hope for improved treatments and enhanced quality of life.
Researchers at the University of Texas at El Paso have identified a novel approach using bacteriophages, viruses that target specific bacteria, to treat produced water generated by fracking. This method has shown promise in laboratory settings, achieving the inactivation of two prominent bacteria found in wastewater, Pseudomonas aerugi...
Researchers at UTEP used prairie voles to study depression, finding they exhibit changes in behavior similar to humans, including weight loss and anhedonia. The study suggests that social defeat stress can activate the voles' stress response and lead to symptoms of depression.
Researchers at UTEP are developing a movement-based training program to help healthcare providers manage burnout and improve patient outcomes. The program combines elements of art and science, using exercises like breathing techniques and somatic strategies to promote mindful movement and holistic wellbeing.
A UTEP clinical trial will enroll local school district employees in a program challenging them to walk at least 50K steps per week. The study aims to improve health equity and measure the effectiveness of group fitness challenges in Hispanic populations.
A new study from the University of Texas at El Paso found that incarcerated women are disproportionately punished for minor infractions like defiance. Women were 40% more likely to receive defiance infractions and accrue them faster than men.
The University of Texas at El Paso is leading a research effort to detect and study Unresolved Resident Space Objects (URSOs) using spectroscopy. The team aims to extract properties such as material composition and structural health to monitor the health of government-owned and commercial space assets.
UTEP researchers develop a therapy based on caffeic-acid derived from spent coffee grounds to protect brain cells from damage. The treatment has potential to prevent neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's by removing free radicals and inhibiting amyloid protein aggregation.
A new study published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases found that adding small quantities of liquid soap to some classes of pesticides can boost their potency by more than ten-fold. This discovery is promising news as malaria-carrying mosquitoes display an increasing resistance to current insecticides.
The University of Texas at El Paso has received a $7 million grant from the National Science Foundation to establish the first full portrait of the effectiveness of all grants funded by the NSF HSI program. The grant will develop evaluation and research approaches to assess how past, current, and future programs are serving Hispanic an...
Historians studied the French Revolution to understand hyperinflation, finding that political instability and shifting public expectations led to extreme price increases. The study offers valuable lessons on sound fiscal housekeeping and stable prices.