A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that aggressive phototherapy reduced the risk of severe neurodevelopmental impairments in premature infants. The treatment, which involves starting phototherapy early and maintaining it until bilirubin levels are low, showed a 14% reduction in impaired outcomes.
Researchers will conduct a two-year clinical trial at multiple trauma centers to analyze data on vital signs, blood transfusions, and medications. The goal is to improve mortality rates and develop standards for transfusion ratios.
The National Children's Study will follow 100,000 children across the US to identify genetic and environmental factors contributing to health disorders. The UT Health Science Center at Houston will participate in the study, assessing women and children in Harris County.
A recent study published in the Journal of Robotic Surgery found that robotic surgery can significantly lower the risk of a rare but serious complication in patients who undergo gastric bypass surgery. The robotic-assisted procedure resulted in zero gastrointestinal leaks, compared to six leaks in the laparoscopic group.
Researchers will examine genomes of 4,000 participants in the CARDIA Study to determine how genes influence rising blood pressure with age. The study aims to discover pathways for targeted therapeutic intervention and could lead to new treatments for cardiovascular disease.
Researchers at UT Health Science Center aim to identify genetic clues to scleroderma by studying the genes of 1,500 patients and 3,000 controls. The goal is to develop better treatments and improve symptoms for those affected by this chronic disease.
A consortium of researchers is undertaking a five-year initiative to improve diagnosis and treatment of mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI). The Department of Defense has awarded $35 million to support the project, which aims to develop innovative methods for diagnosing and treating MTBI. The research will focus on basic and clinical st...
Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center have successfully manipulated flavor enzymes in plants, opening up possibilities for fine-tuning fruit flavors. The breakthrough could also lead to novel pest control methods using green leaf volatiles and jasmonates.
Researchers Tao Lin and Steven J. Norris will investigate conflicting reports on the infectious nature of Southern-Tick Associated Rash Illness (STARI) in Texas. They aim to identify the causative agent using innovative approaches such as DNA amplification and high-throughput sequencing.
A study of 439 Latinas found elevated levels of depression among those more 'Americanized', with being single and pregnant also associated with depression. Screening during pregnancy is crucial for this population, particularly acculturated U.S.-born Latinas.
A two-year study by UT Houston researchers found that 53% of women who tested positive for GBS during their first pregnancy were also positive during their second. The study suggests that retesting women in subsequent pregnancies may not be cost-effective due to the high recurrence rate.
Researchers are surveying 1,500 Mexican-American males living on the U.S.-Mexico border to examine their alcohol consumption and behavior. The study aims to understand how acculturation, religious affiliation, cultural influences, and cost affect drinking habits in this population.
Biochemists at the University of Texas Medical School have found evidence that pre-eclampsia may be an autoimmune disease, with autoantibodies activating an angiotensin receptor that causes artery constriction. This could lead to novel diagnostic and therapeutic possibilities for the condition.
Researchers at UT Medical School have pinpointed the Achilles heel of HIV in the envelope protein gp120, a region essential for viral attachment to host cells. Engineered antibodies with enzymatic activity, or abzymes, can attack this weak spot, offering new hope for therapeutic intervention and prevention.
Scientists have discovered a novel compound that targets acute secretory diarrhea caused by E. coli and other enterotoxigenic strains of bacteria, reducing fluid secretion without apparent toxicity. The compound could be an inexpensive, easy-to-take treatment for debilitating illnesses leading to child deaths in developing countries.
Researchers at UT School of Public Health found that patients given the travelers' diarrhea vaccine were significantly less likely to suffer from clinically significant diarrhea. The study showed only three cases of moderate or severe diarrhea among vaccinated individuals, compared to two dozen in those who received a placebo.
Researchers have developed a chemically modified protein that neutralizes inhibitor antibodies in people with Hemophilia A, offering a potential new treatment option. The modified protein, called electrophilic FVIII analog (E-FVIII), permanently inactivates these antibodies, paving the way for more effective blood clotting correction.
Researchers at UT Medical School in Houston found that knowing a blood relative with shingles doubles one's risk of getting the condition. The study recommends vaccination for individuals with family history to prevent shingles outbreaks.
The Center for Translational Injury Research will focus on new medical technologies to improve diagnosis, care, and survival of trauma victims. Researchers aim to tackle pressing issues like brain injuries, bleeding patients, and regenerative medicine in skin replacement therapy.
A study by UT researchers found a strong dose-response relationship between exposure to tobacco advertising and promotions and tobacco use among Indian youth. The study revealed that 37% of youth had seen tobacco advertising in more than four places, with those exposed being more likely to have ever used or be currently using tobacco.
A study published in New England Journal of Medicine found that female sex, antenatal corticosteroid treatment, singleton birth, and higher birth weight are equally important as gestational age in determining the care needs of these infants. The research involved nearly 4,500 infants born between 22-25 weeks gestation.
A recent study found that adolescents with chronic insomnia are more likely to experience drug use, depression, and school work difficulties. The study, which involved over 3,000 teenagers, also suggests that primary care settings may be an effective venue for screening and early intervention of adolescent insomnia.
Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston conducted the first empirical study on how populations of nerve cells in visual cortex adapt to changing images. The study's findings could lead to improved visual function following trauma or stroke.
Researchers developed a multistage delivery system to improve injectable drug efficacy, targeting diseased cells and releasing therapeutics in a controlled manner. The system uses mesoporous silicon particles to circumvent biobarriers and deliver diagnostic agents or therapeutic agents.
A large-scale drug comparison trial involving 23,077 people with both high blood pressure and metabolic syndrome found that diuretics significantly reduced the risk of heart disease. Diuretics were particularly effective in reducing cardiovascular disease in black patients, who have a higher incidence of hypertension.
Researchers have identified specific protein markers in human saliva that can provide an early, non-invasive diagnosis of breast cancer. The study found 49 proteins that differentiated healthy patients from those with benign and malignant breast tumors.
Researchers at UT-Houston have discovered an association between genes regulating glucose metabolism and spina bifida, a birth defect that affects the spine. The study found variants in three glucose metabolism genes were linked to an increased risk of spina bifida.
A preclinical study found that mice fed extra nitrite and nitrate had 48% less cell death in the heart following a heart attack. Nitrite/nitrate-rich diets may improve outcome following a heart attack by forming nitric oxide gas, which reopens closed or clogged arteries.
UT-Houston researchers have identified a defective gene mutation in smooth muscle alpha-actin (ACTA2) that affects vascular smooth-muscle cells, leading to thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections. The study suggests that contraction of the smooth muscle cells in the aorta is crucial in maintaining its health.
Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston have identified two genes, ARTS1 and IL23R, that contribute to the development of ankylosing spondylitis, a chronic and disabling form of arthritis. This discovery is expected to lead to new therapies and potentially allow for early identification of patients at risk.
Researchers at UT Health Science Center have developed a smart particle insulin release system that detects blood sugar spikes and releases insulin to counteract them. The system, which consists of a blood sugar sensing protein and liposomes loaded with insulin, stabilized blood sugar levels in animal models for up to six hours.
A UT study found that cardiac PET-CT scanners incorrectly indicate coronary artery disease in up to 40% of patients due to software flaws. The researchers developed a solution to address the issue, resulting in accurate images of blood flow in the heart.
Researchers at UT-Houston's Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine have developed a new procedure to differentiate human embryonic stem cells into alveolar epithelial type II cells, also known as the 'stem cells of the lungs'. These cells can potentially be used to treat pulmonary genetic diseases and lung trauma.
A new public information campaign is launched to educate patients and doctors about the benefits of diuretics in controlling hypertension. The campaign aims to reduce serious illnesses such as heart attacks, strokes, and kidney failure by promoting lifestyle changes and diuretic use.
A study by the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston has identified 5'-AMP as a key molecular mediator that switches mice from burning glucose to burning fat in response to darkness. This switch is also observed in active mammals, such as bears and humans, and may lead to new therapies for obesity and type 2 diabetes.
A Phase I clinical trial is underway to test the safety and potential of using child's own bone marrow stem cells to treat traumatic brain injury. The study aims to establish the safety of the procedure and observe possible therapeutic effects.
A study published in Archives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery found that toddlers with sleep apnea are more likely to experience respiratory problems when sleeping on their backs. The research contradicts previous findings, suggesting that body position may play a role in the severity of OSAS in young children.
Researchers found that certain carbon nanoparticles activate human platelets and stimulate blood clotting, leading to increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The study also revealed that some nanoparticles mimic molecular bridges involved in platelet interactions.
Scientists generate 3D image of coproporphyrinogen oxidase (CPO) at atomic level, shedding light on mutations causing hereditary coproporphyria. The study provides insights into the heme biosynthesis pathway and its role in rare diseases.
A new study found that human fat cells produce C-reactive protein, a molecule linked to cardiovascular events. Aspirin and statin drugs effectively dampen production of CRP from fat cells.
A recent study found that circulating stem cells contribute less than 1% to lung repair, while most contributions come from lung-resident stem cells. The study also suggests a link between the number of Y-chromosome containing pneumocytes and acute cellular rejection in lung tissue.
Researchers have identified gene mutations that cause life-threatening aortic aneurysms and dissections, providing a new molecular pathway for therapy development and early warning signs. The study found four families with variations in the TGFBR2 gene, which alters protein structure and sends incorrect signals.
Researchers have discovered that phospholipids, a crucial component of cell membranes, directly influence the folding of membrane proteins. The absence of phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) led to misfolding and reduced protein activity in E. coli bacteria.
A clinical trial found rifaximin effective in preventing travelers' diarrhea, with only 14.74% of participants experiencing symptoms after two weeks of daily dosing. The antibiotic lacks side effects and does not stimulate resistance in bacteria, making it a promising preventive measure.
The ALLHAT study confirms diuretics are superior to newer drugs in lowering blood pressure and preventing complications. Diuretics were also found to be more effective in reducing high blood pressure and preventing stroke in black patients.
A recent study found that removing a specific protein from mice with chronic lung disease led to increased inflammation and damage. The discovery contradicts previous theories suggesting the protein's potential benefits in treating asthma.
Researchers found that ultrasound therapy increased clot clearance by 26% compared to tPA alone, with 70% of patients experiencing complete or partial clearance. The study used a hand-held extracranial ultrasound device to deliver heavy doses of the clot-busting drug tPA directly to blood clots.
Researchers will pinpoint the genetic cause of Thiel-Behnke, a rare corneal dystrophy, using a $1.1 million NEI grant. The study aims to improve diagnosis and treatment options for other types of corneal dystrophies.
Researchers have found that fat buildup in the heart muscle, called lipotoxicity, is associated with metabolic irregularities and insulin resistance in obese and diabetic patients. Gene expression and protein findings provide potential long-term targets for treating heart failure, which affects 5 million US patients annually.
The study reveals how botulism-causing Clostridium botulinum detects nitric oxide, shedding light on its role in human cardiovascular, neurological, and immunological systems. The research also provides insights into the structural details of soluble guanylyl cyclase, a protein difficult to crystallize for analysis.