A new study by UTHealth found that Brighter Bites significantly reduced added sugar intake among first-grade children and improved home environments, including increased cooking from scratch at home. Parents also showed improvements in nutrition knowledge and behavior.
Researchers at UTHealth are using geographic information system technology and statistical software to analyze demographic and disease pattern data across Houston. This will help identify areas where mobile clinics could have the highest impact in target communities at the lowest cost.
Researchers at UTHealth have developed a patch made from cryopreserved human umbilical cord that may treat spina bifida in utero. The patch utilizes natural material with regenerative properties to promote local tissue growth, reducing the need for future surgeries.
Researchers at UTHealth will investigate the zoonotic potential of CWD and environmental prion contamination. The team aims to develop efficient detection methods for prion diseases, which are fatal brain disorders with long incubation periods.
A new PCR multiplex method makes lab testing more effective for diagnosing persistent diarrhea caused by bacteria or parasites. Accurate diagnosis is crucial to determine treatment, as antimicrobial therapy can be useful but only for those who test negative for a pathogen.
Dr. Frank G. Moody, a pioneer in weight loss surgery, has been honored by the American Surgical Association for his contributions to advancing surgical care. He was recognized for his work in promoting weight loss surgery and his leadership in developing comprehensive bariatric programs.
A UTHealth study found that middle and high school students exposed to e-cigarette marketing messages were more likely to use e-cigarettes. The study reveals a trend that is not likely to change, with e-cigarette companies following the same marketing strategies as cigarette companies.
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) has received a three-year, $1.55 million grant from the New York Life Foundation to establish the GIFT (Grief-Informed Foundations of Treatment) network. The network will refine, evaluate and validate assessment tools for grieving children to identify appropriate suppo...
Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston found that smartphones can detect 90% of non-melanoma skin cancers and 60% of melanomas, improving diagnosis in remote areas. A DIY smartphone microscope can be made with a ball lens and tape, and additional studies are needed to enhance detection rates.
Research by UTHealth found that hot weather significantly impacts the health of migratory farmworkers, with a higher likelihood of visiting clinics on hot days. The study suggests heat stress may be more significant in Texas due to its hotter summers.
Researchers at UTHealth have developed a targeted liposomal indomethacin, called LIPINDORA, which reduces preterm uterine contractions and premature delivery in near-term pregnant mice. The treatment is being tested in human uterine tissue donated from C-sections to assess its effectiveness.
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) has been awarded nearly $5.7 million in grants to support various cancer research projects and training initiatives. The grants will fund projects that increase breast and cervical cancer screening among Hispanics, as well as raise awareness about the human papillomavi...
A UTHealth study found that children born with cleft lip or palate and spina bifida are at higher risk of maltreatment before age 2, with increased risks of 40% and 58% respectively. Medical complexity may contribute to this increased risk.
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston's medical school has been renamed the John P. and Kathrine G. McGovern Medical School in honor of the largest gift in the university's history. The $75 million donation will provide full scholarships, support scientific discovery and innovation.
Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston found that negative body image significantly increases adolescent obesity risk, regardless of depression status. Participants who perceived themselves as overweight were twice as likely to be obese a year after the survey.
A recent study found that US adults who follow a 'moderation' diet with less dietary diversity are more likely to experience central weight gain and increased risk of Type 2 diabetes. In contrast, those with higher dietary diversity, as measured by dissimilarity, actually experienced worse metabolic health.
Researchers have imaged the structure of IP3R, a calcium ion channel that controls cell function, offering insights into diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and cancer. The discovery could lead to new treatments by enabling drug design venues.
The number of physician-scientists is expected to decline unless steps are taken to increase recruitment and mentoring. Physician-scientists make critical contributions to medical research and discoveries.
Research reveals that healthcare providers' weight loss advice boosts firefighters' weight perception and weight loss attempts. Firefighters who receive weight loss guidance are twice as likely to attempt weight loss and 4.8 times more accurate in their weight perceptions.
A UTHealth researcher has received a $544,329 CDC grant to develop region-specific educational materials and implement outreach on Chagas disease in South Texas. Approximately 20-30% of infected persons will enter the chronic phase, which can manifest as heart disease or gastrointestinal issues.
Research from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston found a slight increase in mortality risk associated with fine particulate matter in the air. The study analyzed PM2.5 components and found that ammonium, nitrate, sulfate, and vanadium were most strongly linked to increased mortality risk, especially during winter ...
Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center have identified a new electrical mechanism that controls molecular switches regulating cell growth. The study focuses on K-Ras mutations found in 20% of human cancers, which can lead to uncontrolled cell division and cancer.
Gerard E. Francisco, a renowned expert in physical medicine and rehabilitation, is being honored by the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPM&R). His research focuses on developing innovative treatments to help stroke survivors regain hand movement and speech.
A study published in the Journal of American Geriatrics Society found that chemotherapy's effectiveness in prolonging life for older adults with most types of cancer is reduced for women over 80 with breast cancer. However, combining chemotherapy with another treatment may improve mortality risk reduction for this age group.
According to UTHealth researchers, children who spend more time with friends tend to engage in physical activity, lowering their obesity rates. Weak school nutrition policies can also be counterproductive if they lead to increased consumption of alternate sugary drinks. Additionally, obesity has immediate consequences for school perfor...
A UTHealth researcher has been awarded a grant to analyze the genetic and social network aspects of HIV transmission clusters. The study, led by Dr. Kayo Fujimoto, will compare social clustering by venue to common viral strains of HIV infection.
Researchers at UTHealth found that mental illness was the most common reason for hospitalizing children ages 10-14, while pregnancy/birth was a leading cause for adolescents. The costs were staggering, with $51 million spent on mental disease-related hospitalizations of teens aged 15-17.
A UTHealth researcher has received a $1.9 million NIH grant to study Clostridium difficile infections, which cause diarrhea and inflammation of the colon. The goal is to prevent toxins from being released and make them inactive in the gut without killing good bacteria.
Zhiqiang An received a grant to research how tumors evade therapy, aiming to develop countermeasures for improved immunotherapy success and reduced mortality. The focus is on a type of leukemia affecting tens of thousands in the US.
Kevin Morano, a microbiologist at UTHealth, has been recognized for his exceptional teaching skills by the Minnie Stevens Piper Foundation. He is one of 10 Piper Professors for 2015 and will receive a $5,000 award.
Researchers found that autologous bone marrow stem cells significantly reduced cranial pressure and therapeutic intensity in TBI patients, decreasing neurointensive care time by nearly 60%.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that moderate caffeine consumption is associated with lower rates of erectile dysfunction. Men who consumed 85-170mg or 171-303mg of caffeine per day were 42% and 39% less likely to report ED, respectively, compared to those who drank zero to seven milligrams.
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston has established a Biosafety and Infectious Disease Training Initiative, partnering with the Nebraska Biocontainment Unit. This program aims to deliver meaningful training to various audiences, including public service employees and waste handlers.
Researchers at UTHealth discovered that grass plants can bind, uptake and transport infectious prions, which can act as carriers of the disease. The study suggests that plants may play an important role in environmental prion contamination and horizontal transmission of diseases like CWD.
A new population genetics model reveals a previously unknown bottleneck in the Finnish population between 10,000 to 20,000 years ago. This event likely reduced the population size significantly and resulted in fewer genetic differences among its offspring.
Carlos Moreno, M.D., M.S.P.H., is recognized for his contributions to family medicine education at UTHealth Medical School. He has been awarded the F. Marian Bishop Leadership Award for his efforts to enhance the credibility of family medicine in academic settings.
UTHealth researchers have sequenced exomes of 8,554 individuals to identify naturally occurring mutations that inactivate certain genes. The study found eight new relationships between genes and diseases, including a link between TXNDC5 and Type 1 Diabetes progression.
Researchers found that highly fit smokers had a 48% lower risk of metabolic syndrome compared to those in low fitness categories. Additionally, moderate fitness levels were associated with reduced risks for elevated fasting blood glucose and abnormal HDL cholesterol levels.
A study published in Preventive Medicine Reports found that younger drivers and females are more likely to use their cell phones while driving. Cell phone use overall decreased over the years, but texting increased by 2 percent from 2011 to 2013.
Researchers at UTHealth successfully enrolled patients from other hospitals into an acute stroke clinical trial using telemedicine. This breakthrough enables the study of stroke treatment on a larger scale, as it was previously limited to large centers with expertise in treating strokes quickly.
Scientists at UTHealth received grants to identify new compounds that may treat lethal cancers by targeting K-Ras protein mutations. The research aims to develop anti-KRas drugs to improve treatment outcomes for millions suffering from these cancers.
A new therapy, TIPSS, developed by Anka Vujanovic aims to treat both post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorders. The study focuses on an integrated treatment that combines elements of standard cognitive-behavioral therapy with a focus on PTSD symptoms.
A clinical trial at UTHealth investigates the use of a physician-monitored app to encourage minority stroke patients to lose weight and manage risk factors. The study aims to close the racial disparities gap in stroke care, with patients randomized to usual care or the app group.
A heat wave in 2011 Houston resulted in significantly more emergency department visits than expected, with elderly individuals experiencing an 8.9% increase in admissions. The study suggests that heat warning systems could help prevent future emergencies.
A new gene, hexokinase 1 (HK1), has been linked to retinitis pigmentosa, an incurable eye disorder affecting millions worldwide. The discovery brings the total number of genes associated with this disease to over 60 and offers potential targets for drug treatments and gene therapy.
A significant portion of state and federal prisoners are not receiving treatment for mental health conditions, with 26% reporting a diagnosis compared to 18% in the general population. The lack of access to adequate mental health services can lead to higher recidivism rates after release.
A study published in JAMA found that the High Risk Children's Clinic reduced serious illnesses by 55% and total costs by $16,523 per child per year compared to usual care. The clinic provided comprehensive care with an emphasis on prompt and effective treatment.
UTHealth School of Biomedical Informatics has received $7.3 million in grants to develop health information technology solutions. Researchers are working on projects to mine medical data, make electronic health records user-friendly, and improve patient safety.
Dr. Weltge received the John A. Rupke Legacy Award for his national leadership in emergency medicine, education, and research. He is a well-recognized leader at UTHealth Medical School, where he joined faculty in 1989 as the first board-certified emergency physician.
Veronica Garcia, a UT graduate student, has been awarded a Robert D. Watkins Graduate Research Fellowship to study the molecular mechanisms of Alzheimer's disease and other disorders. The fellowship aims to increase diversity in microbiological sciences research.