Jennifer Abrams, a UTHealth graduate student, has been awarded a three-year fellowship to investigate molecular causes of protein misfolding diseases. Her research aims to understand how cells deal with early stages of these diseases, potentially leading to interventions.
Valentin Dragoi, a UTHealth neuroscientist, has won the prestigious NIH Director's Pioneer Award to study how the brain processes information and develop new technologies to monitor neural activity in naturalistic environments. This award will support his high-impact approach to understanding major challenges in biomedical research.
A researcher is studying a gene that may contribute to aggressive breast cancer. If successful, the study could lead to new treatments for the disease.
Scientists developed a multistage nanovector system to deliver siRNA, significantly lengthening the therapeutic effects of treatment in mouse models of ovarian cancer. The system provides sustained delivery of siRNA for up to three weeks, targeting the EphA2 oncoprotein.
A new genetic link to systemic sclerosis has been identified in a study published in Nature Genetics. The research found that a region of the human genome associated with increased susceptibility to the disease was discovered, which could lead to developing interventions to block its activity.
Researchers at UTHealth are developing new strategies to derive hematopoietic stem cells from pluripotent stem cells, which could potentially treat blood diseases. Additionally, they are exploring gene-corrected induced pluripotent stem cells for treating two pediatric lung diseases, Surfactant Protein B Deficiency and Cystic Fibrosis.
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston will conduct breakthrough research to advance the adoption and meaningful use of health information technology. The NCCD will focus on patient-centered cognitive support to optimize patient outcomes.
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) has been awarded $15.3 million to establish a Health Information Technology Regional Extension Center (REC). RECs will provide technical assistance and guidance to healthcare providers on implementing electronic health records, helping them become meaningful users of e...
A study published in Obesity found that community involvement can significantly reduce childhood obesity rates, with a 8.3% decrease seen in low-income minority schools compared to 1.3% in traditional programs. Researchers emphasize the need for environmental and societal level changes to address this issue.
Researchers at UTHealth have demonstrated that transplanting genetically modified adult stem cells into an injured spinal cord can help restore electrical pathways associated with movement. The new cells, called oligodendrocyte precursor cells, facilitate remyelination and increase behavioral recovery.
The study aims to better understand the cause, diagnosis, and history of preeclampsia and diabetes in pregnant women, particularly those with hypertension or obesity. Researchers hope to develop effective treatments and therapies to save lives, reducing maternal mortality and complications.
A UT professor calls for coordinated oversight to monitor electronic health record systems, citing concerns over patient safety and quality of care. The proposed framework involves a five-stage approach to evaluate system design and implementation issues.
Researchers have successfully developed a new stem cell treatment that can arrest acute lung injury in mice, paving the way for potential treatments of respiratory diseases. The experimental treatment uses transplantable lung cells derived from human embryonic stem cells and has shown promising results in tests on mice with damaged lungs.
Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston are working on cutting-edge projects to protect girls from cervical cancer and develop new approaches for treating colon cancer. The center has received over half of the $61M awarded by CPRIT, with grants totaling $4.5M.
Researchers at UT Health Science Center at Houston identify two new genes implicated in ankylosing spondylitis and pinpoint areas regulating gene activity associated with the condition. The study brings the scientific community closer to understanding AS, a chronic form of arthritis affecting millions worldwide.
Researchers at UT Houston are conducting a Phase II trial using adult human mesenchymal stem cells to treat acute heart attacks. The study shows promising results, with patients experiencing fewer arrhythmias and improved overall condition after receiving the treatment.
Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston have discovered a potential treatment for priapism, a condition characterized by persistent and painful penile erections. The FDA-approved drug PEG-ADA has been shown to relieve symptoms and prevent a major complication in pre-clinical studies.
A consortium led by UT Health Science Center at Houston is establishing a center to conduct innovative cancer research, focusing on transport oncophysics and targeting liver cancers. Researchers aim to develop new approaches to studying cancer processes and exploiting its weaknesses to mount decisive attacks against metastatic disease.
A UT School of Public Health study found a 13 percent decrease in the prevalence of obesity among El Paso 4th graders after implementing several statewide policies and programs. The study demonstrates the importance of community and school health programs in preventing child obesity.
A UT student has received a $10,000 fellowship to investigate the causes and effects of pre-eclampsia, a condition that affects millions of women worldwide every year. Her research aims to find new treatments for this deadly disease, which is responsible for 18% of pregnancy-related maternal deaths annually in the US.
Eric Boerwinkle has received a $26 million federal stimulus grant to identify genetic factors affecting heart, lung and blood diseases. The project will analyze the DNA of approximately 40,000 individuals to pinpoint genetic variants affecting disease risk, aiding in disease detection and treatment selection.
A recent survey by UT Health Science Center at Houston and Zogby International found that Americans would support a healthcare bill with specific amendments, including malpractice reform and a public option. The poll showed majority support for these changes, increasing from 27% to 57%, suggesting broad support may be achievable.
Researchers from UT Houston and Jamaica are launching a two-year, $300,000 study to explore the potential connection between genes and toxic metals in causing autism spectrum disorders. The study aims to identify specific genes that may interact with exposure to toxins like mercury, lead, and arsenic.
Scientists have developed a new antigen that induces protective antibodies capable of blocking infection by genetically-diverse HIV strains. The chemically-activated antigen differs from previous vaccines and stimulates the production of broadly-neutralizing antibodies.
Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston have linked osteopontin to COPD, a potentially novel approach to treatment. Elevated levels of osteopontin were found in people with COPD, suggesting it could serve as both an indicator and therapeutic target.
Healthcare organizations can benefit from a new framework of recommendations created by researchers to ensure safe and effective use of electronic health records. The guidelines, which cover key aspects such as hardware and software, content, user interface, personnel, work flow, organizational characteristics, state and federal rules,...
Valentin Dragoi, a neurobiology expert at UT Medical School at Houston, has been awarded a four-year, $1.2 million grant to study the signals of populations of neurons in different regions of the cerebral cortex. The project aims to understand how neuronal networks operate in both normal and dysfunctional states.
A preclinical study suggests that ancient Chinese herbal formulas have profound nitric oxide bioactivity, which can signal blood vessel relaxation and eliminate clots. The findings offer new hope for cardiovascular disease prevention and treatment.
Researchers at UT Health Science Center at Houston have identified an organism called Klebsiella that may be sparking inflammation and gut issues in colicky infants. The study found a link between the bacterium and gut inflammation in colic sufferers, potentially paving the way for treatment with probiotics.
Dr. Keri Smith has received a Career Development Award from the National Hemophilia Foundation to develop a therapy for people with Hemophilia A. Her approach involves altering chemical signals produced by T cells that trigger immune responses, making individuals more receptive to replacement Factor VIII.
The UT HEADS UP program significantly increases middle school students' interest in science, leading to improved achievement scores and increased confidence. The program, which uses multimedia modules and video interviews with science experts, has shown a 7.2% increase in Stanford Achievement Test scores among participants.
A Phase II trial shows that a low dose of oral interferon alpha preserves beta cell function in patients with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes, delaying the need for insulin. The study found significant improvement in preserving insulin-producing beta cell function compared to placebo, offering hope for managing the disease.
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston has received a two-year, $412,500 federal stimulus grant to support research on developing a therapeutic vaccine for Parkinson's disease. Researchers aim to target alpha-synuclein, a protein associated with the disease, and potentially slow its progression.
Researchers at UT School of Public Health developed +CLICK, a game designed to educate HIV-positive youth on safe behaviors and reduce secondary transmission. The game received high credibiilty ratings from participants and showed promise in reducing risky sexual behaviors.
Researchers found that 75% of children treated for carbon monoxide poisoning were playing video games when generators were used to power electronic gadgets. The study emphasizes the need for generator safety awareness among parents and educators to prevent such incidents.
A new mathematical model developed at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston suggests that tumor growth and invasion can be predicted using biophysical laws. The model, which links molecular and cellular properties to tumor behavior, consistently reproduced patterns of tumor invasion observed in experiments and patien...
A new study confirms the benefits of diuretic drugs in reducing the risk of heart failure and stroke in high blood pressure patients. The research, which analyzed data from multiple clinical trials, found that diuretics work as well or better than other medications in preventing major complications of hypertension.
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston's UT nanomedicine project will be tested in space as part of a nationwide competition. The experiment aims to study the diffusion of micro nanoparticles through tiny microchannels, which could aid in developing implantable devices for controlled drug release.
Researchers at UT Houston have identified a single gene defect that causes thoracic aortic aneurysms, dissections, coronary artery disease, ischemic stroke, and Moyamoya disease. The study found that mutations in the ACTA2 gene can lead to increased smooth muscle cell multiplication, contributing to blocked or enlarged arteries.
Researchers at UT Houston are conducting a Phase I safety trial using patient's own stem cells to treat strokes. The study aims to reduce disability in patients and could be an exciting new therapeutic approach.
A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found a common genetic variant linked to increased ischemic stroke risk in the US, affecting approximately 20% of whites and 10% of blacks. This discovery may lead to new strategies for detecting at-risk individuals and developing targeted treatments.
A recent study found that middle school students as young as 12 are engaging in vaginal, oral, and anal sex, with 1 in 3 sexually active students reporting unprotected sex. The study highlights the need for comprehensive sexual education programs to promote healthy attitudes and skills among young people.
Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston conducted a visual learning study that found viewers can learn about objects in their field of vision without paying attention. This challenges the common belief that attention is necessary for learning from visual stimuli. The study's findings suggest that ignorin...
A new strategy to enhance the BCG vaccine's effectiveness has shown superior protection against tuberculosis in a pre-clinical test. By neutralizing the bacteria's evasive mechanisms, researchers have increased the number of TB organisms killed and duration of protection by threefold.
A UT nanoscientist has developed a targeted new delivery system for breast cancer drugs, aiming to increase the efficiency of drug delivery and reduce side effects. The innovative approach uses nanocarriers engineered to search out and release their payload at tumor sites.
A new four-year grant-funded study will test the effectiveness of combining two research-proven programs, Texas Early Education Model (TEEM) and Play and Learning Strategies (PALS), to prepare children for kindergarten. The program aims to bridge the gap in learning between economically disadvantaged students and their peers.
A study found that one-third of El Paso residents cross the US-Mexico border to purchase medication and healthcare services. The lack of health insurance in El Paso is directly associated with this phenomenon.
Researchers at UT Health Science Center are developing a vaccine targeting alpha-synuclein to prevent Parkinson's disease progression. The vaccine has the potential to slow symptom onset, a current challenge in treatment.
Researchers at UT Houston are launching a Phase I study to treat acute stroke victims with their own stem cells, harvested from bone marrow. The goal is to assess the safety and potential benefits of this treatment in reducing disability.
Researchers used contrast agents in liposomes to determine if they could breach breast tumors. Tumors with better images of the contrast agents showed better therapeutic results when treated with a cancer drug called liposomal doxorubicin.