The University of Texas at El Paso has been awarded a $5.3M grant from the Air Force Research Laboratory to enhance digital engineering training programs. The project will provide pre-professional experiences to 200 students and offer courses in digital engineering.
The University of Texas at El Paso researchers Laura Alvarez and Deepak K. Tosh have been awarded $550,000 and $492,000 NSF CAREER grants for their research on river landscapes and cyber resiliency.
A new study on over 40,000 Canadians found that extroverts were 18% more likely to refuse COVID-19 vaccination. In contrast, people with high openness and agreeability were more likely to get vaccinated. The findings can help inform future public health messaging strategies.
Scientists have developed a new supercapacitor with a carbon nano-onion core structure, achieving the highest level of energy storage ever recorded. This breakthrough could lead to significantly lighter and faster-charging energy storage devices.
Hispanics along the US-Mexico border are 17% less likely to receive mental health treatment due to stigmatization and mistrust of services. Researchers have identified barriers such as long waitlists, provider turnover, and lack of follow-up support.
Researchers at the University of Texas at El Paso have developed an autonomous boat that can carry out bathymetric surveys with unprecedented ease. The robotic vessel uses a multibeam echosounder to measure water depth and detect material types on the seafloor, enabling scientists to create accurate maps of underwater terrain.
The Carbon SMART project trains farmers to monitor carbon levels in soil and practice climate-smart conservation practices, increasing soil health. The team will primarily work with farmers from underserved communities, monitoring the success of various conservation methods.
Researchers from UTEP School of Pharmacy are exploring a new treatment for vascular dementia using the NIH grant to study the biological triggers behind the condition and test the effectiveness of candidate drug ZT-1a. The treatment aims to prevent cognitive impairments in dementia patients.
A 13-year study led by UTEP professor Arshad M. Khan mapped specific cell populations in the brain responsive to rapid changes in blood sugar. The discovery could lead to more targeted therapies for individuals with Type I and Type II diabetes.
Researchers at the University of Texas at El Paso have developed a nickel-based material that can split water into hydrogen gas more cheaply and efficiently. The material is designed to mimic the shape of the prickly pear cactus, which has an extensive surface area suitable for absorbing moisture and surviving in extreme environments.
The University of Texas at El Paso has received multiple grants from NASA to support its space research efforts. Researchers will examine planetary bedrock and prepare astronauts for the Artemis lunar mission. The grants aim to provide valuable insights into constructing infrastructure on other planets and identify lunar resources.
A UTEP researcher has received a prestigious NSF grant to support his research on the neural mechanisms of decision-making. The award will also fund educational components and undergraduate/graduate courses focused on computational and biological science.
The University of Texas at El Paso will study the role of obesity and inflammation in pancreatic cancer development, a disease with high mortality rates. The grant aims to develop targeted treatments and preventives, potentially transforming understanding of pancreatic cancer.
The University of Texas at El Paso has joined a $2.5 million NASA-led project to develop 3D-printed rechargeable batteries using lunar and Martian regolith. Researchers will utilize additive manufacturing processes, such as material extrusion and vat photopolymerization, to produce shape-conformable batteries for space applications.
The University of Texas at El Paso has received a $1.25 million grant from the US Department of Energy to create a pipeline of scientists and engineers from underrepresented groups with expertise in modeling and simulation. The project aims to recruit, train, and develop diverse talent for advanced research and development in M&S.
The University of Texas at El Paso has received a $5 million grant from the National Science Foundation to provide financial support and professional development experiences to talented computer science students. The program will fund partial scholarships for 26 UTEP students and 15 EPCC students.
The University of Texas at El Paso will establish a national Center for Collective Impact in Earthquake Science, addressing low-probability but high-impact earthquake risk and community needs. Researchers aim to develop leading-edge earthquake research projects and integrate diversity into their work.
The UTEP-led Computing Alliance will receive $4.8M from Google to improve diversity in computer science fields. The project aims to attract, prepare and support Hispanic students for graduate degrees, with initiatives including lab design, financial support and research collaborations.
The University of Texas at El Paso will provide scholarships, stipends, and research opportunities to underrepresented students as part of a $5M DOE grant. The program aims to develop electronics for extreme environments and increase the electrical engineering workforce.
A nationwide study by UTEP researchers found that public housing residents experience higher levels of fine particulate matter, disproportionately affecting Black, Hispanic, disabled, and low-income populations. The study highlights the need for environmental, public health, and housing policies to address air pollution disparities.
The University of Texas at El Paso has received a $5M NIH grant to build an imaging and behavioral neuroscience facility focused on addressing Hispanic health disparities. The new facility will enable researchers to study the mechanisms contributing to cancer and neurological disorders in Hispanic populations.
The University of Texas at El Paso establishes a new Systems Modeling and Simulation concentration, enhancing students' skills in data analytics, computer simulation, and machine learning. The program aims to train students for innovative industries with rapidly changing environments.
The University of Texas at El Paso Aerospace Center will engage in nuclear materials technology research with a five-year, $5 million grant from the US Department of Energy. This partnership aims to transform national nuclear security through nuclear material science applications and provide opportunities for underrepresented students.
The University of Texas at El Paso is implementing a multi-phased plan to re-enroll students who have dropped out for a semester or longer. The grant will help address financial, academic, and personal issues that prevent students from completing their degrees.
A UTEP research team found SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies in over a third of Texas deer blood samples, indicating widespread infection among white-tailed deer. The study suggests that deer should not be neglected as a possible source of human infection.
The University of Texas at El Paso has received a $4 million grant from the National Science Foundation and Department of Homeland Security to support highly qualified computer science students. The program aims to enhance the regional and national cybersecurity workforce with an emphasis on Hispanic and female students.
The University of Texas at El Paso has received a $917,000 grant from the Air Force Office of Scientific Research to develop advanced materials for national defense, power electronics, and security. UTEP students will perform cutting-edge research on gallium oxide-based semiconductors.
Researchers will test four interventions to determine which combinations are most effective at helping people who inject drugs and who are HIV positive to suppress their viral load. Strategies include patient navigators, psychological therapy, methadone treatment, and educational sessions.
A UTEP study published in Perceptual and Motor Skills found that children with autism exhibit highly individualized responses to live animation biofeedback when learning motor skills. The results suggest that each child with autism requires tailored instruction to overcome their unique motor learning characteristics.
A UTEP professor's study discovered a specific area of the brain linked to recollection and desire for food, which could inhibit overeating. The research found that regulating this brain region reduced animal subjects' consumption of treats.
The University of Texas at El Paso received a $1 million National Nuclear Security Administration grant to train underrepresented students in the energy industry. Through this program, UTEP students will gain skills and training to compete for jobs in nuclear energy, with opportunities for internships and research projects.
Dr. Chu-Young Kim's research team is working on modifying existing antibiotic molecules using microorganisms that naturally synthesize them. This approach aims to overcome resistance and provide affordable treatment options for patients. The goal is to engineer bacteria to produce modified antibiotics via fermentation.
Researchers from UTEP and Howard University discovered valuable data comparing fundamental mechanisms of SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 to better understand how these viruses attack the human body. They found that mutations make SARS-CoV-2 significantly more contagious and prone to cause serious infections.
A study published in Science finds that cold environments like deserts and mountaintops are more likely to host new species than tropical regions like the Amazon rainforest. This discovery challenges the long-held assumption that diversity hotspots exist in warm, humid areas.
UTEP researchers will use 3D bioprinting to study the progression of diabetes and its effects on the heart, aiming to develop targeted treatments for cardiomyopathy. The project also aims to screen cardiac toxicity in common drugs used by patients with type 2 diabetes.
A UTEP researcher is developing an animal model to investigate the effects of nicotine vapor exposure on adolescent behavior. The study aims to understand how nicotine affects impulse and risk-taking decisions in teens.
The University of Texas at El Paso has received a $1.18 million grant from the National Science Foundation to study abiotic carbon dioxide (CO2) dynamics in dryland systems through irrigated pecan orchards. The project aims to understand the conditions that enhance CO2 production and develop methods to model and predict its impact.
A team from UTEP has been awarded a $1.5 million NSF grant to develop strategies for seniors to learn and adopt technology, addressing social isolation due to age-related barriers. The project aims to create informed approaches to increase meaningful social connectedness among seniors, promoting their health and welfare.
The University of Texas at El Paso has received a $1.35 million NIH Science Education Partnership Award to attract high school students from economically disadvantaged communities to pursue undergraduate degrees in engineering and biomedical sciences. The project, Project ACE, will provide research-focused curriculum, mentors, and oppo...
A UTEP-led research team will investigate the adaptive consequences of hybridization between wild and domesticated animal populations using the mallard duck as a model organism. The project aims to understand the genetic and adaptive implications of interbreeding, which can lead to non-adaptive traits in the wild.
The University of Texas at El Paso has been awarded $1.3 million to investigate how neural circuits regulate specific cognitive functions in humans. The research, led by Dr. Manuel Miranda-Arango, aims to identify and characterize glycinergic neurons in the basal ganglia and their connections to other brain areas.
UTEP research reveals a new target for tuberculosis drug development by investigating the mechanisms of Mtb pathogenesis and discovering that Nα-acetylation of EsxA drastically affects the course of infection. The study provides a beautiful story in the prestigious Journal of Biological Chemistry.
Researchers from UTEP have successfully utilized carbon quantum dots to combat neurological disorders, demonstrating their potential in preventing and treating neurodegenerative diseases. The study provides a roadmap for safe use of CQDs in biomedical applications.
A UTEP study found that active coping, denial, emotional support, humor, and religion are effective coping strategies for individuals with chronic conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research aimed to understand how these individuals perceive the pandemic and how their coping mechanisms relate to their well-being.
Researchers at UTEP have created a nanohybrid vehicle that can selectively deliver polyphenol ellagic acid into the brain to mitigate neurodegenerative disorders. The vehicle reduces cytotoxicity while enhancing anti-oxidant properties, allowing for extended drug release.
The University of Texas at El Paso has been awarded a $1 million grant from the National Science Foundation to establish engineering leadership academies. The program aims to improve undergraduate STEM education, particularly at Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), by supporting non-tenure-eligible Engineering Instructional Faculty.
The University of Texas at El Paso's Border Biomedical Research Center will use the grant to understand molecular mechanisms and environmental factors contributing to cancer health disparities in Hispanics. Researchers aim to develop novel treatments using a comprehensive Cancer Tissue Biorepository for this population.
The NIH awarded UTEP's BUILDing SCHOLARS program a $15.2 million grant to train the next generation of biomedical researchers in the US Southwest, focusing on cancer, addiction, environmental health, and more. The program aims to increase diversity in the biomedical research workforce.
Researchers will examine biomarkers and chemicals in thirdhand smoke to understand its impact on cardiovascular health. The five-year study aims to design better therapies for thirdhand smoke-induced cardiovascular disease.
Researchers at UTEP are studying Cryptococcus neoformans, a fungus that causes life-threatening meningitis in AIDS patients. The team aims to understand the fungus's entry into the brain and develop therapeutics to block this process and stimulate immune cells.