Researchers at UTMB have developed a single-dose vaccine against the Andes hantavirus that provides full protection in animal testing. The vaccine's powerful immune response creates protective antibodies in as little as 14 days, making it a potential emergency tool for high-risk contacts during outbreaks.
A team of researchers developed an MRI-guided approach to treat depression, resulting in a doubled initial success rate. By assessing brain function, clinicians can make more informed treatment decisions, similar to cancer treatment.
Researchers at UTMB have identified the ATR enzyme's role in preventing chromosome breaks during DNA copying. Without ATR, replication machinery falls apart, leading to increased chromosome breaks and potential risks for healthy tissue.
Researchers have developed an integrated reiterative pipeline that uses machine learning and structural biology to identify promising vaccine targets across multiple related viruses simultaneously. The system evaluates viral proteins to identify short fragments called epitopes that can trigger a strong immune response.
The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) has launched a new track of its Master of Science in Aerospace Medicine program, expanding access to specialized health science education. The 12-month graduate program prepares multidisciplinary specialists to support the rapidly growing aviation and commercial space industries.
Researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch have identified a possible treatment for Lassa fever, a highly infectious and often fatal disease. A new monoclonal antibody cocktail, Arevirumab-3, was shown to successfully treat cynomolgus monkeys infected with the virus in advanced stages.
A new recombinant VSV-vectored vaccine developed at UTMB provides rapid protection against lethal Lassa fever, a pathogen causing severe symptoms and high mortality rates. The vaccine was found to be effective against different strains of the virus, critical for outbreak scenarios.
The UTMB-Novartis Alliance for Pandemic Preparedness will focus on coronaviruses, flaviviruses, and henipaviruses with pandemic potential. The partnership aims to develop safe and effective antiviral drugs against emerging pathogens like SARS-CoV-2.
A recent study found that the US has a higher heart attack mortality rate compared to other high-income countries, including Taiwan. The study, published in The BMJ, analyzed data from six countries and found that the US had lower revascularization rates despite having advanced medical technology.
Researchers at UTMB confirmed the presence of neutralizing antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in a commonly used immunoglobulin product, providing protective benefits to immunocompromised patients. The study's findings have value for future immunoglobulin-based modalities and reduce anxiety about infection or exposure to the virus.
A third dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine significantly increased neutralizing antibody levels against SARS-CoV-2. The booster dose also improved the ability to inhibit variants, including Beta and Delta strains.
A new study published in Science Translational Medicine reports on the protection offered by Ebola vaccines. The research found that different vaccine platforms conferred varying levels of protection, with RBD-specific antibodies and Fc-mediated immune functions playing key roles.
A new study found that SARS-CoV-2 can infect the testes of infected hamsters, a finding with implications for men's health. The virus was detected in the testes of all infected hamsters during the first week but tapered off over time.
Researchers at UTMB will investigate Ebola infections in human cell culture and nonhuman primates, with the goal of developing new insights into prevention and treatment. The $11.3M grant will also support the development of sophisticated models using 'big data' to predict infection outcomes.
The study analyzed 412 high-risk NMIBC patients treated with BCG therapy and found significant differences in outcomes according to specific features of the disease. Total median costs at one, two, and five years from start of BCG induction were $29,459, $55,267, and $117,361, respectively.
A new study published in Nature Communications shows that combining monoclonal antibodies and remdesivir is effective in treating advanced Marburg virus disease. The combination therapy demonstrated an 80% protection rate against the lethal virus, offering promise for treatment of advanced infections.
A new study published in Psychopharmacology found that frustration is a significant contributor to addiction. Researchers at UTMB used a rat model to demonstrate how frustration can lead to increased drug intake and escalation of opioid use disorder.
Researchers at UTMB successfully tested a bioengineered exosome delivery system that slows the migration of fetal immune cells and delays pre-term labor. The study's findings have significant implications for reducing pre-term birth rates and treating underlying causes of inflammation in fetuses.
A new study reveals that bats can host the Ebola virus without contracting the deadly disease, thanks to their unique cell structure. The research found that bat cells induce changes in the virus that make it less capable of harm, allowing it to coexist with its natural reservoir.
A multidisciplinary team from UTMB discovered a Zika virus mutation that may have contributed to the 2015/2016 epidemic and microcephaly cases. The study found that this mutation enhances mother-to-baby transmission, neurological disease, and lethality in newborn mice.
A multidisciplinary team from UTMB has uncovered a new mechanism for designing antiviral drugs for dengue virus. The co-crystal structure of the dengue capsid protein in complex with an inhibitor provides atomic details of how the inhibitor blocks viral infection.
Researchers uncovered novel mechanisms of protective antibodies against Marburg virus infection through a study of monoclonal antibodies from a survivor. The findings suggest that these antibodies recruit immune cells to kill infected cells and strengthen the protective effect by rearranging the viral glycoprotein. This research provid...
Researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch have created a reverse genetic system for SARS coronavirus 2, allowing for quick development and evaluation of vaccines and diagnosis of infected patients. The system enables high-throughput testing in 12 hours, significantly reducing turnaround time compared to conventional methods.
Researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch have discovered that traumatic brain injuries can lead to a cascade of health issues, including fatigue, depression, and memory problems. Growth hormone replacement therapy has been shown to improve symptoms, but the mechanisms behind its effectiveness are still not fully understood.
Researchers developed a Zika vaccine that safely protects both mother and fetus from the virus. However, pregnancy weakens the immune response, requiring a higher dose of vaccination to be effective.
Patients qualifying for Medicare due to disability have the highest rates of opioid overdose deaths. The majority of these deaths occur among individuals with substance misuse or psychiatric diseases, highlighting the need for targeted treatment programs.
A new study investigates the dynamics among strains of Aeromonas hydrophila, which can lead to life-threatening infections. Researchers hope that understanding these interactions will enable the development of new therapeutic interventions.
Researchers discovered that Ebola virus targets and disables T cells, a crucial line of defense, rendering infected individuals less able to combat the infection. This understanding could lead to new insights into immunosuppression and disease development in general.
A new study found that only a small percentage of men taking long-term opioids were screened for and treated for low testosterone. The research suggests a widespread underscreening for this condition, which can have significant effects on men's health and quality of life.
Researchers at University of Texas Medical Branch developed a new medication that works with the human body to further suppress HIV, potentially leading to HIV remission. The treatment targets dormant HIV genes by programming a protein called BRD4 to silence the virus.
A new study from UTMB has identified biomarkers that predict individual susceptibility to muscle function decline and found effective exercise and hormone treatments to combat atrophy. The findings may allow scientists to personalize space medicine by designing specific programs for each astronaut before long-term missions.
Researchers found that states with strict cannabis laws had lower opioid prescription rates in people aged 18 to 54. Opioid prescriptions increased with age, but this trend was reversed in states with stricter cannabis laws. The study suggests a potential public health benefit of medical cannabis laws
Long-term opiate therapy rates persistently high for at least five years in cancer survivors, increasing over time. Cancer survivors diagnosed later had higher opioid prescribing rates than those diagnosed earlier.
Researchers have discovered a significant link between insulin resistance and fibromyalgia, enabling the use of metformin medication to reduce pain levels. The study found that most patients with fibromyalgia can be identified by their A1c levels, which reflect average blood sugar levels over two to three months.
A potent and safe vaccine protects against MERS, a viral infection with a 35% mortality rate in 27 countries. The new vaccine platform targets specific cells without causing lung damage, offering a promising strategy for enhancing vaccine safety and potency.
Researchers at UTMB are developing rapid-acting vaccines and broad-spectrum treatments for Ebola and Marburg, two highly-lethal hemorrhagic fever viruses considered Tier 1 pathogens. The $35M NIH grant will support the creation of new vaccines and treatments to address high mortality rates ranging from 50-90%.
Researchers from University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston developed a laser treatment that selectively destroys cancerous prostate tissue while preserving erectile and urinary functions. This technique is shown to be as effective as complete removal or radiation therapy with improved quality of life.
Researchers at UTMB have developed a promising drug that significantly increases muscle size, strength and metabolic state in aged mice. The study found that the drug resets muscle stem cells to a more youthful state, rejuvenating them to effectively repair muscle tissues.
Researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch have gained new insight into the triggers for preterm birth. The study found that exosomes, a type of cell-to-cell communication, play a crucial role in labor and delivery timing.
A new study by researchers at The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston found that individuals with access to guns were approximately 18 times more likely to have threatened someone with a gun, while most mental health symptoms were unrelated to gun violence. Limiting access to guns is key to reducing gun violence.
Researchers have developed a two-antibody cocktail that protects nonhuman primates and ferrets against lethal Ebola virus infections of multiple strains. The breakthrough offers potential for a single-dose treatment to reduce healthcare worker burden during outbreaks.
Researchers have found that wild monkeys in the Americas are transmitting the Zika virus to humans via mosquitoes, changing our understanding of the ecology and transmission of Zika virus in the region. This natural transmission cycle involving local mosquitoes and wild primates makes complete eradication of the virus highly unlikely.
Researchers at UTMB create DNA-based vaccine that cuts production costs and storage needs by up to 80%. The new platform has potential to serve as a universal platform for developing live-attenuated vaccines for many viral pathogens.
Researchers at UTMB successfully adapted a Zika virus vaccine to target and kill glioblastoma, the deadliest form of brain tumor. The altered vaccine effectively destroyed cancerous brain cells in mice without harming healthy ones.
A new study from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston found that wearing a physician's white coat does not affect patient satisfaction or communication. Researchers discovered that patients were often unable to remember if their physicians were wearing white coats, with 40% reporting they couldn't recall.
A new national study has found that inducing labor in first-time mothers at 39 weeks can lower respiratory problems and potentially decrease cesarean rates and hypertension. Researchers suggest discussing induction with healthcare providers to inform the decision, as it may lead to significant changes in pregnancy management.
Researchers at UTMB have developed a method to bioengineer human lungs in a lab, without any medical complications. The study used a support scaffold made from lung proteins and successfully transplanted them into adult pigs, with the animals surviving for several months post-transplant.
US testosterone prescriptions dropped significantly following reports linking use to cardiovascular events. Between 2013-2016, new users saw a 62% decrease, while established users saw a 48% drop, according to the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston study.
Researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch developed a treatment that reduces drug-seeking behaviors in rats by restoring serotonin signaling. This finding offers new hope for treating drug addiction and related health issues such as depression and schizophrenia.
Researchers found that 3'UTR shortening in tumors causes tumor-suppressing genes to be turned off, promoting cancer growth. This discovery could change medical science's approach to tumor formation.