A new study found no significant link between dairy fats and heart disease or stroke, contradicting long-held dietary guidelines. Certain types of dairy fat may even lower the risk of severe stroke, according to researchers at UTHealth.
Research reveals that young adults are more likely to start smoking and using e-cigarettes than adolescents, challenging traditional social norms. This trend has significant health implications, as young adults are less monitored and more independent, making them prone to carrying on smoking.
A preclinical study found that combining soy lecithin with an NSAID increased anticancer properties and reduced gastrointestinal bleeding. The combination provided superior protection against colorectal cancer without the usual side effects, according to researchers at UTHealth.
Researchers found that obese children who consume at least two servings of cow's milk daily have better blood sugar control and lower fasting insulin levels. In contrast, those consuming less than recommended amounts had higher insulin levels, indicating increased risk of metabolic syndrome.
A new cream containing rapamycin has been shown to significantly reduce disfiguring facial tumors in people with tuberous sclerosis complex, with 80% of patients experiencing a significant improvement. The treatment offers hope for individuals affected by the condition, which affects over 50,000 people in the US.
A study by UTHealth found that simple imaging on a non-contrast CT scan can be sufficient to determine thrombectomy treatment in stroke patients, achieving identical clinical outcomes as advanced imaging. This basic technique may broaden access to life-saving surgery for more patients, especially in remote areas.
A pioneering paper provides a practical guide for infection control in clinics, emphasizing the importance of hand hygiene, injection safety, cleaning, sterilization, and high-level disinfection. The guide promotes a proactive approach to infection prevention and control, empowering patients to hold healthcare providers accountable.
Researchers at UTHealth and Ohio State University combined virotherapy with boosting the natural immune system to fight cancer. The study found that increasing the number of externally added NK cells strengthens the ability to fight cancer.
Researchers at UTHealth will investigate a stem cell therapy using MultiStem in severely injured trauma patients to prevent post-injury organ failure and improve recovery rates. The Phase 2 clinical trial aims to enroll approximately 150 patients and is subject to FDA review and approval.
Researchers at McGovern Medical School are studying how protein deposits in the brain can trigger dementia and stroke. Akihiko Urayama's team is examining the brain's clearance system, while Louise McCullough's team is investigating the gut-brain connection.
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) will use the grant to develop a technology-supported program that integrates care across its clinics. The program aims to expand screening, triage, referral, and behavioral healthcare services for patients with unmet post-Harvey needs.
Rheumatologist Shervin Assassi is developing a blood test to determine which drugs work best for patients with lung disease and scleroderma. The new project aims to create prediction models that identify patients who are likely to respond to immunosuppression.
The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) has published new safety recommendations for energy drink consumption, particularly among children, adolescents, and individuals with cardiovascular conditions. The guidelines warn against excessive caffeine intake and advise against using energy drinks before or after strenuous exercise.
Dr. Jeffrey Actor has been awarded $1.7 million to investigate a novel recombinant lactoferrin for use as a preclinical research tool to alter granuloma pathology in tuberculosis. This could limit development of lung disease and slow transmission of organisms between individuals.
Scientists at UTHealth and UT Health San Antonio are developing an innovative antibody-based drug to stem the spread of breast cancer to bone, linked to reduced survival rates. The goal is to create a less toxic treatment and reduce deaths tied to breast cancer's spread.
Researchers found male virgins can acquire HPV despite never having engaged in penetrative sexual intercourse. Vaccination before first sex is crucial to prevent infection, according to study authors.
Researchers at UTHealth found that individuals with bipolar disorder exhibit accelerated epigenetic aging, which may explain why they are more prone to age-related diseases and have shorter lifespans. The study suggests that lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and substance use can contribute to this premature aging.
Researchers found that omega-3 polyunsaturated fats in fish oil push stem cells towards forming bone cells, rather than fat cells. This fundamental research may provide insight into the connections between dietary fats and various clinical outcomes.
A study by UTHealth researchers found that a 'promiscuous' carbapenemase gene and a bacterial clone carrying an antibiotic-killing gene created the perfect storm for Colombia's antibiotic resistance epidemic. The gene spread horizontally across Gram-negative bacteria, while the clone was introduced via an infected patient from the US.
Vasanthi Jayaraman receives Maximizing Investigators' Research Award to study brain cell communication, developing high-resolution images of glutamate receptors for potential drug targets. Her research aims to enhance learning and memory, treat neurodegenerative conditions like Lou Gehrig's disease.
UTHealth researchers identified a key factor in mid-life cell aging that can predict Alzheimer's disease decades before symptoms appear. The study found that mice lacking IL33 gene experienced dementia at age 68, highlighting the potential of this protein as a biomarker for early detection.
Researchers at UTHealth will investigate how genetic profiles interact with stressors like trauma exposure and HIV infection in cocaine addiction. The five-year study aims to develop more tailored treatments for this chronic public health problem.
UTHealth's Jim Zheng has been awarded a $5.8 million CPRIT grant to analyze cancer data and develop tools for analyzing cancer, with the goal of finding potential cures. The grant will fund the establishment of the Data Science and Informatics Core for Cancer Research at UTHealth.
Neutrophils, white blood cells that can cause damage after a hemorrhagic stroke, can be trained to release beneficial molecules like lactoferrin. This could lead to a new therapeutic approach for reducing brain damage after the injury.
A study has identified a common gene mutation linked to retinitis pigmentosa in Hispanic families from the Southwestern US, with over 70 genes now known to cause the disease. The researchers found that a dominant mutation in the arrestin-1 gene is responsible for 36% of cases, offering hope for future treatments and therapies.
A recent study by UTHealth researchers has identified genetic alterations in children at high risk for bipolar disorder, which can be modulated by stress. The findings suggest that these genetic markers may contribute to the increased risk of developing bipolar disorder in children chronically exposed to stressors.
Researchers at UTHealth School of Public Health found that cold temperatures significantly increase mortality risk in Texas, with a 5% increase in deaths per degree Celsius drop in winter. The study focused on 12 metropolitan areas and found that people with pre-existing heart and respiratory diseases are most vulnerable to cold weather.
A global clinical trial will evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a long-acting injectable HIV prevention drug, cabotegravir, compared to a daily oral pill, Truvada. The study aims to improve adherence and efficacy in high-risk men who have sex with men and transgender women.
A preclinical study found that an antimicrobial protein called EntV reduces the severity of oral thrush in a mouse model, blocking fungal growth and development. This new strategy may lead to the development of a novel antifungal drug that can combat multidrug-resistant yeast strains.
A study published in Pediatrics found that obesity significantly increases the risk of high blood pressure in Hispanic adolescents, with a prevalence rate nearly six times higher than in non-Hispanic peers. Researchers attribute this disparity to lack of data on health risks for Hispanic youth.
UTHealth researchers found that flavored e-cigarettes and marketing are increasing e-cigarette use among youth and young adults. The study also revealed that taste plays a significant role in tobacco products and that advertising can influence e-cigarette uptake among youth.
A team of researchers from UTHealth will increase low vaccination rates among pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students in the Houston Independent School District. The project aims to achieve immunization rates as high as those in major school systems in the US, particularly among children with limited access to medical care.
A UTHealth study has found that a pill form of treatment for Clostridium difficile infection can be as effective as traditional methods, with an 83% cure rate among participants. The pill form uses freeze-dried microbiota and could make treatment more convenient for patients and physicians.
Researchers at UTHealth aim to increase HPV vaccination rates among minority youth in medically underserved areas by launching a three-year project. The initiative includes a parent-focused social marketing campaign and comprehensive school-based vaccination clinics to educate parents and adolescents about the vaccine's importance.
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston has received a $2.4 million grant to create the Healthy Cities Research Hub, exploring drivers of diabetes and other chronic diseases in urban settings. The hub will facilitate knowledge exchange and evaluate community-based interventions aimed at improving public health in cities.
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) is part of a $500 million program to bring whole genome sequencing and other
A new study published in Nicotine & Tobacco Research found a significant link between elevated depressive symptoms and the initiation of e-cigarette use among college students. The research suggests that depression may lead to e-cigarette use as a means of self-medication or stress relief.
Dr. McCullough will investigate the effects of social isolation on stroke damage and recovery using miRNAs. The study aims to develop new therapies reducing disability in patients after a stroke.
A recent UTHealth study found that 78 percent of hospital employees in Houston are overweight or obese. Despite a generally low intake of fruits and vegetables, participants showed significant differences in daily consumption patterns between normal weight, overweight, and obese groups.
A new $1 million NIH-funded study will investigate the effects of phthalates in plastic products used in pediatric intensive care units (NICUs). The study aims to assess the long-term impact of exposure to these chemicals on children's development, particularly premature infants.
Researchers at UTHealth have developed a framework to analyze genome sequences and identify genetic variations that raise or lower disease risk. The study used genomic data from over 3,000 individuals and identified genes related to blood lipid levels, white blood cell count, and heart attack diagnosis.
According to a new report from the USPSTF, nearly a quarter of reproductive-age women have sub-optimal folate levels, highlighting the importance of daily folic acid supplements. The FDA has also announced plans to fortify corn masa flour with folic acid, targeting Hispanic women at higher risk.
Researchers at UTHealth have developed a blood test that can detect Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease with 100% sensitivity and specificity. The test uses a protein misfolding cyclic amplification assay to identify prions, which are infectious proteins responsible for the disease.
Researchers have made significant strides in treating primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) with ocrelizumab, a medication that targets immune cells contributing to the disease. The study, led by UTHealth's Jerry Wolinsky, shows substantial improvement in slowing disability progression and reducing new lesion formation.
Researchers at UTHealth found that industrialization led to a rapid decline in vertebrate populations, with an average decline of 25% every 10 years for endangered species. Preserving ecosystems and habitats is crucial to preventing this decline.
A $3 million NIH grant will help UTHealth researcher Nitin Tandon decode how the brain processes written words into language. The study, using intracranial electroencephalogram (icEEG), aims to understand the mechanisms of reading and its connection to the broader language system.
Researchers detect misfolded alpha-synuclein aggregates in cerebrospinal fluid to diagnose Parkinson's disease. The Protein Misfolding Cyclic Amplification technology detects small amounts of the protein, correlating with disease severity.
A new clinical trial at UTHealth aims to develop more effective treatment strategies tailored to individual responses for patients overcoming cocaine addiction. The study combines motivational incentives with mindfulness skills training to boost abstinence rates and improve patient outcomes.
A recent study published in the journal Stem Cells found that autologous stem cell therapy after traumatic brain injury appears to reduce inflammation and preserve critical brain regions. Researchers used this approach on 25 patients, including those with severe TBI, showing promising results.
A new study from UTHealth found that 15% of sixth-grade students reported perpetrating at least one form of cyber dating abuse. The most common forms of abuse were using a partner's social media account without permission and making them afraid of responding.