A preclinical trial found that retinoid X receptor (RXR) enhances the clearance of dead cells and debris in the brain after a stroke, limiting inflammation and improving recovery. RXR activation could lead to discovery of a promising new therapeutic target for improving neurological outcomes.
Researchers have developed a technology that can distinguish between Parkinson's disease and multiple system atrophy with high accuracy. The Protein Misfolding Cyclic Amplification (PMCA) test targets misfolded alpha-synuclein aggregates, allowing doctors to identify the correct disease and pursue timely treatment.
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston has received a $3 million grant to provide child development strategies to infant and toddler specialists and teachers. The training focuses on improving interactions between teachers and children, as well as family engagement strategies to build strong emotional and social skill...
A new study finds that the CATCH My Breath program significantly reduces the likelihood of e-cigarette use among middle school students who complete the curriculum. The program has been shown to be effective in educating students about the dangers of vaping and helping them resist nicotine addiction.
Research highlights negative health effects of climate change on children's health outcomes, including increased mortality, morbidity, and psychological trauma. The crisis can begin while a child is still in utero, due to maternal stress, poor nutrition, and exposure to air pollution.
A multicenter study found that both simple and advanced computed tomography (CT) can accurately predict which stroke patients will benefit from endovascular thrombectomy. Patients with favorable imaging profiles on both CT and CT perfusion had higher odds of receiving endovascular therapy and improved functional independence rates.
A collaborative campaign is launching in El Paso to ensure historically undercounted populations are included in the 2020 census. Community health workers and local organizations will drive outreach efforts to educate and communicate the importance of census participation.
A new study reveals that one dose of the HPV vaccine may prevent infection from the potential cancer-causing virus, with implications for reducing global cancer burden. The current two- or three-dose series may be replaced by a single dose regimen if ongoing clinical trials provide sustained benefits.
Cynthia Ju, a UTHealth scientist, has been awarded $3.6 million in NIH grants to investigate molecules linked to liver injuries. Her research aims to identify potential therapeutic targets to enhance or block the activity of these molecules.
Researchers are developing a non-invasive device that uses transcranial direct current stimulation to desensitize areas tied to knee pain in the brain. Participants wear a cap powered by three AAA batteries and undergo 15, 20-minute sessions over three weeks.
A nationwide nicotine vaping prevention program, CATCH My Breath, will be assessed for its effectiveness in delaying e-cigarette use among sixth to eighth grade students. The study aims to address the growing youth vaping epidemic and its long-term health hazards.
The discovery of LiaX, a secret protein that alerts bacteria to antibiotic and immune system attacks, opens doors for future treatment options against antibiotic-resistant superbugs. The protein's activation causes restructuring of the bacterial cell, preventing antibiotics from destroying it.
Research at University of Texas Health Science Center links concussions in high school students to depression and suicidal thoughts. The study reveals teenage males with concussion history are twice as likely to attempt suicide, while females have greater odds of reporting suicidal ideations.
The Developing Talkers program has been successful, with over 6,000 Texas teachers using the adapted programs in their classrooms. The new grant aims to develop and test a more advanced version of the program with 200 kindergarten teachers and 800 students.
Anal cancer diagnoses and deaths related to human papillomavirus (HPV) have increased dramatically over the last 15 years, according to researchers at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. The study found that anal cancer rates and mortality rates had more than doubled for people in their 50s and 60s.
A new study published in Cancer Research found that excess fat in the liver impairs a tumor-suppressing protein named HNF4α, increasing cancer risk. The research provides potential mechanisms for the growing incidence of liver cancer linked to fatty liver disease.
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston is partnering to enhance Texas Adult Protective Services' financial exploitation investigations and client services. The three-year grant will provide statewide access to forensic accountants and enhanced training for caseworkers to investigate claims of financial exploitation.
Researchers at UTHealth are testing psilocybin to alleviate treatment-resistant depression, a condition that can be challenging to treat. The study aims to explore the therapeutic potential of psilocybin in changing brain perceptions and cognition.
A doctor, who is also the father of a child with type 1 spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), offers a personal perspective on the benefits of the new treatment nusinersen. The medication has shown significant improvement in his son's condition, allowing him to regain motor skills and autonomy.
A new program, Me & You: Building Healthy Relationships, was effective in reducing dating violence perpetration and victimization among early middle school ethnic-minority students. The program uses a life skills decision-making model to teach youth better communication and problem-solving skills.
A study by UTHealth School of Public Health found that an innovative strategy called Teens Against Tobacco Use is a promising model in tobacco prevention. The program, which partners teachers with youth, led to significant reductions in tobacco susceptibility scores among students who received the presentation.
A new machine-learning tool developed by UTHealth can analyze CT angiogram images to identify blockages in cerebral blood vessels, defining the area of brain that has died. This allows neurologists outside major treatment centers to assess whether a patient would benefit from an endovascular procedure.
The survey found significant disparities in health conditions, insurance coverage, and access to care across Harris County neighborhoods. Black residents were more likely to experience economic hardship and face food insecurity, with areas such as Aldine and Settegast reporting the highest percentages of residents living in poor health.
A new imaging study of ancient mummies found that their arteries were more clogged than thought, indicating heart disease was prevalent among human ancestors. The study used near-infrared spectroscopy to detect cholesterol buildup in the arteries, revealing a prevalence of cholesterol-rich plaques even in people at a relatively young age.
CPRIT awards UTHealth $11 million to fund innovative cancer-fighting projects, including targeted treatments and cancer prevention programs. The grants support researchers at McGovern Medical School and UTHealth School of Public Health.
Researchers at UTHealth developed a two-year study focusing on north Pasadena, Texas, where food insecurity is high. The program provided food prescriptions for healthy food and nutrition education, resulting in 71.1% of participants redeeming their prescriptions and 94% reporting healthier eating habits.
A recent study by UTHealth School of Public Health found Texas ranks among the top quarter of US states for its worksite lactation support initiatives. The research identified eight minimum requirements for comprehensive programs, which can help increase breastfeeding rates and provide flexibility for employees.
A recent study published in Stem Cells found that bone marrow cells treated patients showed enhanced recovery compared to those who received conventional treatment. Additionally, serial diffusion tensor imaging revealed the repair of motor nerve tracts in some patients, suggesting potential therapeutic benefits for stroke recovery.
A recent study found that over 70% of US adults are unaware that human papillomavirus (HPV) causes anal, penile, and oral cancers. The study, led by researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, also showed low HPV vaccination rates among eligible individuals.
Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center discovered a neurocircuit in mice that activates when stressed, increasing anxiety and decreasing appetite. This finding could aid treatments for anorexia nervosa, a serious eating disorder with high mortality rate.
The University of Texas System, along with Rice University, is partnering to expand clinical and translational research in Texas, producing better health outcomes for those in Texas and across the nation. The expansion will focus on clinical studies designed to improve medical outcomes for underrepresented populations.
Patients transported by mobile stroke unit receive clot-busting procedure an average of 10 minutes faster than standard ambulance, potentially saving up to 270 million neurons per patient. The quicker treatment can restore blood flow and save neurological function.
A study found that only 1 in 6 teacher questions were considered challenging, with researchers aiming for a ratio of 2 in 5. Teachers can enhance learning by asking open-ended 'why' and 'how' questions. This encourages children to use longer sentences and more complex language.
A new Phase III clinical trial will assess the efficacy and safety of thrombectomy procedure in patients with larger ischemic strokes. The trial aims to determine if thrombectomy is safe and effective for this population, which has limited treatment options.
A six-month pilot study assesses the effectiveness of a telephone-based care program for homebound seniors with dementia, aiming to reduce caregiver burden and prevent hospitalization. The program uses a modified Care Consultation Intervention, which involves assessments and action plans to support unmet needs.
A novel study creates a new metric to illustrate disadvantaged areas nationwide, highlighting the regions with the highest disparity between opioid-related deaths and access to treatment providers. The study found that nearly 32% of US counties lack any treatment programs, while over 19% have a low number of treatment programs per death.
A recent study found that two-thirds of adults dying prematurely from natural causes did not seek medical help in the 30 days leading up to their death. The research identified key factors contributing to premature adult deaths, including alcohol, tobacco, and lack of access to healthcare.
A new study published in JAMA Neurology reveals that a minimally invasive procedure can help identify patients with drug-resistant epilepsy who are suitable for brain surgery. The procedure produces more favorable outcomes among patients, including reduced complications and increased likelihood of seizure freedom.
A new screening tool designed specifically for human trafficking was found to be more effective than a commonly used psychosocial assessment in identifying sexual and labor exploitation of youth. The study found that 44% of youth had been arrested, 35% had a history of foster care, and 71% had been kicked out of their homes.
Researchers at UTHealth found significant underrepresentation of women among neurology conference presenters and abstract authors. Despite racial disparities, the studies suggest a positive trend in increasing female participation in future years. Strong faculty mentors play a crucial role in supporting women's careers in neuroscience.
Two studies reveal pregnant women face a significantly greater risk of hemorrhagic stroke, with some groups facing even higher risks. Women with pre-existing medical conditions and those with abnormal blood vessel tangles in the brain are at particular risk.
The HEROES program, launched in 2018, provides comprehensive treatment for opioid abusers and offers assertive outreach to those struggling with addiction. The program has seen success with nearly 150 patients remaining drug-free for over 30 days.
A study of nearly 60,000 US adolescents found that only 1 in 20 meet national recommendations for sleep, physical activity, and screen time. The research highlights the need for doctors to advise parents on parenting style and home environment to promote healthier lifestyles.
A study by UTHealth researchers identified three high-risk areas in Harris County where SUID cases are most likely to occur. Modifiable risk factors included unsafe co-sleeping, improper sleep position, and tobacco use. The study suggests that following the American Academy of Pediatrics' recommendations can reduce SUID incidence.
Research published in Journal of Adolescent Health found nearly 1 in 5 fifth-graders has received violent injuries, often from guns or knives. Bullies were 41% more likely to be violently injured than other children, highlighting the need for early intervention and prevention strategies.
Scientists at the University of Texas Health Science Center have engineered a novel human stem cell line for skeletal muscle, enabling faster and more efficient generation of muscle stem cells. The breakthrough could lead to disease modeling, gene correction, and potential cell therapy for patients with muscle disorders.
Researchers at UTHealth received grants to study the role of photoreceptors in sight and day/night vision. They aim to develop new therapeutic strategies for degenerative retinal diseases.
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston and the Children's Museum of Houston are exploring ways to create popular programs that engage children and parents in STEM fields. The program, called Teaching Together-STEM, aims to motivate parents to help their children become interested in science and math. The study will in...
A recent editorial suggests that home blood pressure monitoring is more accurate than traditional office assessments, due to the phenomenon of white coat syndrome. This can lead to misdiagnosis and inadequate treatment for patients with high blood pressure.
A preclinical study found that inhibiting liver cancer cell growth can be achieved by manipulating the circadian clock. Fifty percent of liver tumors express a malfunctioning protein that induces circadian dysfunction, and forcing tumor cells to re-express this protein leads to their death.