Researchers at UTHealth will study the probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri to prevent and ease NEC in animal models. The study aims to decipher the optimal dose and mechanism of action of the probiotic and its effects on intestinal inflammation.
Researchers found that small financial incentives doubled smoking cessation rates among socioeconomically disadvantaged smokers. The study, published in the American Journal of Public Health, suggests that such programs could be a cost-effective solution to reduce smoking-related illnesses.
Jon Tyson, M.D., M.P.H., has won the 2014 APGAR Award for his lifelong contributions to perinatal medicine and education. The award recognizes his efforts to develop improved methods to minimize bias and imprecision in clinical research.
A pilot clinical trial at UTHealth Medical School found that AHCC increased the number and activity of Natural Killer cells, helping fight off infections and tumor growth. Five women achieved negative HPV test results after six months of treatment, with confirmed eradication in three.
Researchers identified a neuronal pathway blocked by cancer drug doxorubicin in snails and rats, which may be responsible for 'chemo brain'. The study suggests that another agent can counteract the effects, paving the way for new treatments to alleviate cognitive deficits in cancer patients.
Researchers at UTHealth will assess the asthma risk in healthcare workers in Texas over the last 10 years. The study aims to determine if changes in hospital practices and awareness have affected the prevalence of asthma among healthcare professionals.
A partial smoking ban at a homeless shelter led to reduced expired carbon monoxide levels, indicating less smoking and/or secondhand smoke exposure. Residents supported the policy change, with most smokers believing it would improve resident health.
Researchers at UTHealth discovered a potential treatment window for pseudoachondroplasia by creating genetically engineered mice with the human COMP gene mutation. They found that administering certain medications at age 2 could reduce damage to chondrocyte cells in the growth plate, offering new hope for this disorder.
UTHealth researchers discovered that hollow-head toothbrushes harbor up to 3,000 times more bacteria than their solid-head counterparts. The study's findings highlight the importance of choosing a solid-head power toothbrush to minimize bacterial growth and prevent disease transmission.
Researchers at UTHealth Medical School have found misfolded prion proteins in the urine of 13 out of 14 patients with variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, providing a new potential diagnostic tool. This breakthrough could lead to the development of non-invasive tests for diagnosis and monitoring.
Researchers identified a genetic switch that stifles blood vessel development and used it to prevent peripheral vascular disease in a mouse model. The study's findings offer hope for new treatments targeting conditions like diabetes and atherosclerosis.
Dr. Bhavani Iyer has been awarded a $164,645 SightFirst grant to provide outreach programs and education for thousands in Harris County with low vision. The program aims to address barriers faced by individuals with low vision and offer resources such as low vision devices and training.
A new study found that nearly half of obese and overweight US firefighters do not receive weight management advice from their healthcare providers. Higher body mass index (BMI) was associated with recommendations to lose weight, while younger firefighters were less likely to receive weight loss advice.
A study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that It's Your Game…Keep it Real significantly reduced dating violence behaviors among minority youth. The program delayed sexual behavior and promoted healthy relationships, resulting in lower rates of physical and emotional victimization and perpetration.
The UTHealth School of Nursing's post-master's emergency/trauma care program has transitioned to an online format thanks to a $1,103,048 grant award. This will enhance the educational experience for registered nurses pursuing advanced degrees or certificates in emergency and trauma care.
Anil Kulkarni, UTHealth professor, awarded Fulbright Fellowship to teach immunonutrition in India. He aims to establish a center promoting immunonutrition education globally.
Children of fathers in technical occupations are more likely to have an autism spectrum disorder, with increased risks associated with engineering, finance, and healthcare jobs. The study suggests that parental occupation may be indicative of autistic-like behaviors and preferences, influencing diagnosis and severity.
Researchers identified a protein called CFIm25, which regulates messenger RNA length and promotes tumor growth. Restoring CFIm25 levels in brain tumors dramatically reduced their growth, providing a potential novel therapeutic strategy.
A new MRSA superbug has been identified in Brazil, with high levels of resistance to vancomycin. The superbug belongs to a genetic lineage commonly found outside hospitals and can affect not only sick individuals but also healthy people, posing a serious public health concern.
Researchers developed antibiotic-containing microspheres to prevent implant-associated bone infections. The study found that coated implants prevented infection in 100% of specimens, while uncoated ones showed a 64% infection rate.
Arthur L. Day, M.D., professor of neurosurgery at UTHealth, received the Founders' Laurel Award for his exceptional service and meritorious accomplishments in medical education. He is recognized internationally for his expertise in cerebrovascular and skull base neurosurgery, particularly in treating pituitary tumors.
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston has been named a regional stroke center by the National Institutes of Health, with a focus on prevention, treatment, and recovery. Researchers are testing new treatments, including stem cell therapies, to improve stroke care.
Researchers successfully demonstrated a technique to boost inhibition in the brain, leading to improved self-control. The method, involving direct electrical stimulation of the prefrontal cortex, shows promise for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and other severe disorders.
A recent UTHealth study found that nursing homes using high-density foam mattresses may not need to turn residents every two hours to prevent pressure ulcers. The study showed no difference in pressure ulcer incidence for residents turned at intervals of two, three, or four hours.
A preclinical study led by UTHealth researchers found that stem cell therapy promotes lasting cognitive improvement after brain injury. The treatment, known as MAPC therapy, was shown to reduce inflammation and improve brain function in mice.
Researchers at UTHealth successfully tested a hands-free ultrasound device combined with clot-busting drug tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) in ischemic stroke patients, showing promising results. The device improved outcomes by 65% and enabled some patients to recover without significant disability.
John Munz, assistant professor of orthopaedic surgery at UTHealth Medical School, has been awarded the Howard Rosen Table Instructor Award. His exceptional teaching skills and devotion to patient care have earned him recognition within the medical community.
Cesar Arias has received the Oswald Avery Award for Early Achievement from the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) for his groundbreaking work on superbugs and antibiotic resistance. His research aims to combat the growing threat of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and has been recognized globally.
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston has received funding to establish a Tobacco Center of Regulatory Science on Youth and Young Adults, which will focus on the marketing of tobacco products and their impact on young people. The center aims to generate research that informs FDA regulations and ultimately reduces the...
Scientists at UTHealth Medical School developed a brown fat detection method that worked in an animal model, providing a new tool to fight obesity. The peptide probe can be used for whole-body imaging and localization of brown fat tissue.
Researchers from UTHealth and Lund University have discovered a genetic variant in the Factor V gene causing an abnormal form of the protein FV-Short, leading to excessive TFPI formation and uncontrolled bleeding. The study provides insight into the clotting process and offers potential treatment possibilities for the rare condition.
Researchers at UTHealth discovered a novel signaling axis that promotes pancreatic cancer growth by activating a transcription factor CREB and an oncogenic miR-373, while suppressing tumor suppressor genes. The findings provide potential mechanistic insights into how a zinc transporter functions in cancer cells.
A multi-institutional team has found a recurrent genetic mutation, PRKG1, linked to thoracic aortic dissections in families with young members. The mutation causes muscle cells in the aorta wall to respond incorrectly to blood flow, leading to aneurysms and acute dissections.
Adults with a disability are more likely to be obese or extremely obese than those without a disability, according to a recent study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine. The study found nearly 42% of American adults with a disability were reported as obese.
A study by UTHealth researchers found that consuming high amounts of glucose can cause stress on the heart, leading to poor pump function and increased risk of heart failure. The study discovered a single molecule, G6P, which can accumulate from excessive sugar intake and induce damage to the heart muscle.
The Institute of Medicine recommends a Whole-of-School approach to strengthen physical activity in schools. This approach targets physical education, active commuting and other opportunities to help children meet the recommended 60 minutes of daily vigorous or moderate intensity physical activity.
Researchers at UTHealth used sea snail nerve cells to demonstrate a strategy for overcoming memory deficits. By retraining the cells with optimized training schedules, they reversed memory loss and restored connection strength.
Vermont's aggressive health care reform initiatives offer valuable lessons for other states, including engaging stakeholders, coordinating implementation efforts, and capitalizing on federal financing opportunities. The state's centralized administrative board has resulted in lower costs by eliminating duplication of efforts.
A rapid laboratory test for pregnant women to detect Group B strep has been developed and is highly valid, identifying GBS colonization in six and a half hours. This new test could help reduce the overuse of resources and minimize bacterial resistance by targeting patients with threatened preterm labor.
Researchers at UTHealth found CCSVI occurs at a low rate in people with multiple sclerosis and non-MS volunteers. The study suggests CCSVI is unlikely to be the cause of MS or contribute to disease worsening.
Researchers at UTHealth found that up to 30 percent of minority youths reported engaging in sexting behaviors, with over 20 percent sending nude photos and more than 30 percent receiving them. The study suggests that this issue has been overlooked among ethnic minority youth.
Researchers at UTHealth found phthalates in 72 commonly consumed food samples, with all products showing some level of phthalate contamination. The discovery raises concerns about exposure to toxic chemicals, particularly given the potential health risks associated with phthalates.
Researchers at UTHealth found that alcohol use can increase smoking and smoking urges in women attempting to quit. Higher, more volatile smoking urges were reported before drinking, suggesting a potential vicious cycle where smoking urges lead to alcohol consumption.
Researchers at UTHealth found American Indians to be significantly more at risk of suicide after acute alcohol intoxication. The study used data from the National Violent Death Reporting System and found that heavier drinkers were more likely to attempt or complete suicide.
The Ebola, Marburg, and Lassa viruses have been around for thousands of years, not emerging as life-threatening diseases. Designating them as emerging diagnoses would aid in diagnosis and prevention by understanding their ecological niches and geographical distribution.
A study at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston aims to enhance ER care by reducing information overload and improving communication among healthcare teams. The researchers will test new electronic health record systems and communication prototypes to help doctors make informed decisions.
Researchers at UTHealth have developed a new technique to test 15 times more bacterial genes than previous years, uncovering potential roles in infection. The study could lead to vaccine candidates, better diagnostic tools, and targeted drug intervention.
A large-scale clinical trial found that PFO closure using the Amplatzer PFO Occluder reduces recurrent ischemic strokes compared to standard medical therapy. The study enrolled 980 patients with documented cryptogenic embolic strokes and followed them for nearly nine years.
Researchers found that only 10% of patients received sedentary behavior counseling, while 53% received physical activity counseling. Sedentary behavior has been linked to increased risk for chronic diseases like obesity and type 2 diabetes.
New research from UTHealth suggests that fat progenitor cells in obese individuals can fuel tumor growth by supporting blood vessel formation. This discovery has the potential to help prevent or slow down cancer progression.