A Phase II intra-arterial stem cell trial has demonstrated the safety of a regenerative therapy in patients with ischemic stroke. The ALD-401 therapy uses patient-derived bone marrow stem cells to promote brain repair after stroke.
A recent study found that Mexican-Americans with an ancestral link to Amerindian tribes have higher insulin resistance levels, a key indicator of several chronic conditions. The research suggests that ethnicity information is crucial in identifying individuals at high risk of disease, and that genetic markers can be used for personaliz...
Researchers from UTHealth and France have discovered a gene defect linked to systemic complications including life-threatening thoracic aortic disease and intracranial aneurysms. The new syndrome is similar to Marfan and Loeys-Dietz syndromes but distinct in its genetic cause.
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston's Translational Medicine Center has received a $20 million renewal grant from the NIH. The center, established in 2006, supports research development and collaboration among institutions.
Dr. Curtis Wray has been awarded a $729,000 grant to study disparities in liver cancer life expectancy among underserved populations. His research aims to identify factors contributing to the lower life expectancy of advanced liver cancer patients in these communities.
A recent UTHealth study found that lack of time and training are among the top barriers to effective physical activity counseling in primary care. The review highlights the need for evidence-based counseling methods and strategies to promote patient behavior change.
Scientists at UTHealth Medical School have made a key discovery in cell signaling relevant to the fight against melanoma skin cancer. They found that BRaf inhibitors, widely used to treat melanomas, can actually enhance abnormal signaling activity when applied to cells with Ras mutations.
A recent study published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders found a joint association between maternal and paternal age and autism risk. Mothers with autistic children were on average 6.5 years older than non-autistic women, while fathers had an average age difference of 5.9 years.
Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston used Aplysia californica sea snails to test an innovative learning strategy that improved memory in the brain. The study identified optimal times for learning and showed a significant increase in memory when sessions were scheduled during these peak periods.
Researchers at UTHealth found evidence that multiple sclerosis affects the thalamus, a brain region controlling cognitive function, sensory processing, and motor skills. The study used MRI scans to compare patients with MS to healthy controls, revealing volume loss in the thalamus related to disease severity.
Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston found that variations in health care spending by Medicare and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas are similar throughout the state. The study compared spending and inpatient admissions across 32 Texas regions, concluding no significant differences between the two.
A UTHealth study reveals that patients who call 911 for heart attacks arrive at hospitals 30 minutes faster but still have higher mortality rates due to being more critically ill. The study found that those who call 911 are three times more likely to die, highlighting the need for improved pre-hospital treatment.
Researchers at UTHealth successfully performed carotid artery stenting on 10 high-risk patients without complications or deaths. The procedure showed promising results, particularly in patients with symptoms of stroke related to their carotid artery disease.
A study by UTHealth suggests that Alzheimer's disease may arise from an infectious process similar to other neurological diseases. Researchers injected brain tissue from a confirmed Alzheimer's patient into mice, which developed plaques and brain alterations typical of the disease.
Researchers at UTHealth are training community health workers, known as promotoras, to disseminate cancer prevention messages through mobile technology. The goal is to impact behavior change related to colorectal and breast cancer in high-need counties.
Jennifer Juarez, a UTHealth doctoral student, has been awarded two research fellowships to study the spread of E. coli, a hard-to-treat bacterium that can lead to food poisoning and fatal disease. Her research focuses on understanding how bacterial cells divide and proliferate, paving the way for novel antibacterial treatments.
A new study by UTHealth and BCM researchers identified a common genetic variant associated with an increased risk of thoracic aortic aneurysms and acute aortic dissections. The variant, located on chromosome 15q21.1, involves the FBN1 gene, which is also linked to Marfan syndrome.
Researchers analyzed the genome of a superbug called vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) to understand its resistance to antibiotics. They identified changes in genes that led to daptomycin resistance, offering insights into developing new drugs to combat this growing health threat.
Researchers at UTHealth report using a patient's own bone marrow stem cells as a safe and feasible treatment for acute stroke. The study, published in Annals of Neurology, showed no severe adverse events among the 10 patients enrolled.
Charles Darkoh, a UTHealth graduate student, has been awarded a prestigious UNCF/Merck fellowship to conduct research on multidrug-resistant Clostridium difficile bacterial infection. His work aims to develop a cost-efficient diagnostic test and novel therapeutic strategies for C. difficile infection.
Researchers advocate for expanded EHR use to address medical errors and improve care quality. Implementing Joint Commission's 2011 National Patient Safety Goals into EHR criteria can help fast-track the use of EHRs for patient safety.
A double-blind clinical trial is underway at UTHealth, studying the safety and efficacy of an innovative stem cell therapy for patients up to 19 days after ischemic stroke. The therapy, developed by Aldagen, uses a patient's own bone marrow stem cells to enhance recovery.
Research identified demographic, clinical, and psychosocial factors contributing to work disability in systemic scleroderma. Findings suggest that retraining and additional support can help individuals with the disease maintain or regain employment.
Researchers used a self-paced walking test to evaluate physical function progress in middle-aged women, finding faster walk times related to weight loss and improved body composition. The 400-meter walk test is a simple and cost-efficient measure of physical function that can be used in medically underserved settings.
Researchers at UTHealth are exploring the link between Adenovirus-36 and obesity, with a focus on firefighters who are more likely to be overweight or obese. The study aims to design health and wellness strategies for this high-risk population.
Researchers at UTHealth have discovered a link between chromosome region 16p13.1 and thoracic aortic disease, finding that patients with duplications are 12 times more likely to develop the condition. The study identified nine genes in this region, which may contribute to the development of aneurysms and dissections.
Scientists at the University of Texas Health Science Center have identified a marker on the surface of adipose stem cells that produce white adipose tissue, a key contributor to obesity. The researchers developed a peptide probe targeting this marker, which may help deliver drugs to slow fat expansion and aid in weight loss efforts.
Researchers at UTHealth found diabetics are three to five times more likely to contract TB than non-diabetics, with 25% of cases attributed to diabetes. Improved diabetes prevention and management, including screening for TB, can benefit both diseases.
A new UTHealth trial aims to help pregnant women quit smoking by testing the safety and efficacy of bupropion, a medication that has been shown to almost double the success rate of smoking cessation in nonpregnant smokers. Pregnant women who smoke are at risk for premature rupture of membranes, low birth weight, and infant mortality.
A Phase I clinical trial at UTHealth demonstrates that bone marrow stem cells are safely used in treating severe traumatic brain injury in children. After six months of follow-up, all children showed significant improvement, with seven out of ten experiencing a good outcome.
Researchers at UTHealth discovered that children with asymptomatic H. pylori infections have lower iron levels compared to those without the infection. The study found that even in healthy children, the bacterium causes a decrease in iron storage, which may have long-term health consequences.
Researchers identified a genetic switch, estrogen-related receptor gamma (ERR gamma), that converts fast twitch fibers into slow twitch fibers with increased blood supply. This discovery offers potential therapeutic avenues for treating critical limb ischemia and other cardiovascular diseases.
A new study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that intravitreal bevacizumab significantly reduces the recurrence rate of retinopathy of prematurity in premature infants. The drug therapy also appears to preserve vision better than conventional laser treatment, with no need for intubation and a faster recovery.
Researchers at UTHealth and Athersys found that MultiStem therapy reduced inflammatory damage in the brain and improved motor skills in rats with ischemic stroke. The study suggests potential benefits of stem cell therapy for treating stroke, with implications for improving recovery outcomes.
Researchers found that private insurance paid for healthcare costs in the under-65 population significantly reduced disparities in per-capita Medicare healthcare spending between McAllen and El Paso. For this age group, inpatient admissions were 89% higher in McAllen than El Paso, but outpatient medical service spending was 22% lower.
Ananth Annapragada, a professor at UTHealth School of Biomedical Informatics, has been inducted into the AIMBE College of Fellows for his innovative research and entrepreneurial endeavors. He is being honored for his work on glucose-sensing technology and contrast agents for medical imaging.
Researchers at UTHealth have identified a fifth gene defect associated with thoracic aortic disease, as well as 47 DNA regions linked to the condition. The findings offer new insights into the role of smooth muscle cells in contracting the aorta and provide potential avenues for blocking or reversing the disease.
Researchers at UTHealth's Center for Neurobehavioral Research on Addiction will use the five-year, $11 million grant to study the behavioral neurobiology of cocaine dependence. The project aims to translate this knowledge into effective pharmacotherapies for the disorder through novel medications and imaging methodologies.
Researchers at UTHealth developed a computer-based sex-education program to tackle high teenage pregnancy rates, receiving a $15 million grant. The 'It's Your Game: Keep It Real' program aims to educate teenagers on risky sexual behavior and encourage abstinence.
A UTHealth researcher has been awarded a three-year grant to develop an early biochemical diagnosis for Alzheimer's disease. The goal is to detect the disease years before symptoms appear, allowing for treatment to begin earlier and potentially preventing death.
A recent study by UTHealth researchers found that flavored and sports beverages are associated with lower levels of healthy behaviors, such as physical activity and eating fruits and vegetables. The study suggests that sugary drinks have minimal nutritional value and can undo the effects of exercise.
Jennifer Abrams, a UTHealth graduate student, has been awarded a three-year fellowship to investigate molecular causes of protein misfolding diseases. Her research aims to understand how cells deal with early stages of these diseases, potentially leading to interventions.
Valentin Dragoi, a UTHealth neuroscientist, has won the prestigious NIH Director's Pioneer Award to study how the brain processes information and develop new technologies to monitor neural activity in naturalistic environments. This award will support his high-impact approach to understanding major challenges in biomedical research.
A researcher is studying a gene that may contribute to aggressive breast cancer. If successful, the study could lead to new treatments for the disease.
Scientists developed a multistage nanovector system to deliver siRNA, significantly lengthening the therapeutic effects of treatment in mouse models of ovarian cancer. The system provides sustained delivery of siRNA for up to three weeks, targeting the EphA2 oncoprotein.
A new genetic link to systemic sclerosis has been identified in a study published in Nature Genetics. The research found that a region of the human genome associated with increased susceptibility to the disease was discovered, which could lead to developing interventions to block its activity.
Researchers at UTHealth are developing new strategies to derive hematopoietic stem cells from pluripotent stem cells, which could potentially treat blood diseases. Additionally, they are exploring gene-corrected induced pluripotent stem cells for treating two pediatric lung diseases, Surfactant Protein B Deficiency and Cystic Fibrosis.
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston will conduct breakthrough research to advance the adoption and meaningful use of health information technology. The NCCD will focus on patient-centered cognitive support to optimize patient outcomes.
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) has been awarded $15.3 million to establish a Health Information Technology Regional Extension Center (REC). RECs will provide technical assistance and guidance to healthcare providers on implementing electronic health records, helping them become meaningful users of e...
A study published in Obesity found that community involvement can significantly reduce childhood obesity rates, with a 8.3% decrease seen in low-income minority schools compared to 1.3% in traditional programs. Researchers emphasize the need for environmental and societal level changes to address this issue.