Researchers studied how average people with high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and other common conditions performed during simulated flight. They found that nearly everyone tolerated the stresses of commercial spaceflight without problems.
Researchers analyze 13 wearable activity monitors to determine their effectiveness in promoting healthy behaviors. While many apps are in line with health community recommendations, some lack key features such as action planning and problem-solving tools.
A blend of three monoclonal antibodies has been shown to protect monkeys against a lethal dose of Ebola virus for up to 5 days after infection. This treatment, ZMAPP, was found to be effective in a study published in Nature.
Researchers at UTMB have developed a treatment effective against the lethal Marburg virus, which has a mortality rate of up to 90%. The treatment protected nonhuman primates from the virus when started three days after infection, showing promise for post-exposure treatment.
A nationwide analysis of over 8,000 patients with COPD found that modifiable factors such as prescription adherence and follow-up care can reduce early readmissions. The study suggests that strategies to reduce hospital readmissions extend beyond quality of COPD-specific care.
The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston has received over $6 million to develop experimental drugs against Ebola and Marburg viruses. The research aims to understand how these viruses disable the immune system and create effective treatments for patients infected with filoviruses.
Researchers found that people with higher levels of brown fat have better blood sugar control, higher insulin sensitivity, and improved metabolism. Brown fat's ability to regulate blood sugar makes it an important anti-diabetic tissue.
A new US-based study of over 25,000 older men shows that testosterone therapy is not associated with an increased risk of heart attack. In fact, men with cardiovascular problems who used testosterone had a lower rate of heart attacks compared to those who did not.
Researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch have developed a human monoclonal antibody, m102.4, that protects nonhuman primates from Nipah virus disease even five days after infection. This breakthrough could lead to the development of a therapeutic treatment for people infected with the deadly virus.
Researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch have identified a new mutation in the chikungunya virus that could lead to more efficient transmission and infection. The mutation, which emerged in the Indian Ocean Basin, has the potential to spread to temperate regions where the Asian tiger mosquito thrives.
A large, multi-site clinical trial will test new patient-centered strategies to prevent fall-related injuries. The trial aims to develop and implement individualized care plans for adults at high risk of falling.
Dr. Herndon has made significant contributions to burn care, including discoveries related to metabolic responses and increased caloric needs after burns. He is recognized as one of the elite surgeons globally, with numerous publications and a prestigious award from the International Burn Foundation.
Researchers found that better access to healthcare can offset the natural decrease in mammogram use as a woman's life expectancy grows smaller. Women with limited life expectancy who live in areas with greater access to healthcare are more likely to be screened for mammograms.
A study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that consuming protein at each meal can promote optimal muscle growth and maintenance. Researchers discovered that evenly distributing protein throughout the day is crucial for maximizing muscle synthesis rates, whereas a skewed distribution pattern may lead to suboptimal results.
A new study by UTMB researchers discovered that exposure to oxidative stress, triggered by cigarette smoke, leads to premature aging of the placenta. This can result in preterm birth, a condition affecting millions worldwide. The findings suggest alternative strategies may be needed to prevent preterm births beyond current interventions.
Researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch are working on a universal flu vaccine that could eliminate the need for annual flu shots. With a $4.4 million grant, they plan to test a vaccine containing antigens from A and B strains of influenza, aiming for approval within five years.
The center will investigate mechanisms underlying addiction and discover new treatments, focusing on the serotonin system. It will prioritize individuals with impulsivity traits, which are associated with higher relapse rates.
A study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology found that a soy-dairy protein blend prolongs amino acid delivery to muscles for an hour longer than whey alone. The blend also sustained a greater positive net amino acid balance, suggesting less muscle protein breakdown.
Researchers identified a link between fetal growth and the risk of stillbirth, finding that fetuses with restricted or excessive growth had a higher risk. The study suggests that obstetricians should focus on identifying fetuses at the extremes of growth for prevention strategies.
Researchers found that women treated with radiation for cervical cancer were at higher risk of developing colon and rectal cancers, with some cases appearing up to 35 years after initial diagnosis. The study suggests new screening guidelines for young survivors, starting eight years after diagnosis.
International research group recognizes UTMB professors Frederick A. Murphy and Thomas G. Ksiazek for their groundbreaking work on filoviruses, including Ebola and Marburg viruses. The award acknowledges their decades-long efforts to develop vaccines and treatments for these deadly diseases.
A new method for studying the relationship between skin cells and good bacteria was developed, revealing certain bacterial communities alter HIV's ability to infect. The discovery has potential applications in understanding how vaginal products interact with good and bad bacteria.
Researchers at UTMB have discovered a way to remove the toxic oligomeric tau protein, which can slow down the progression of dementia caused by Alzheimer's disease. The treatment, TOMA antibody, protects brain cells from tau toxic aggregates and improves cognitive function.
The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) has received $3.2 million from the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) to continue its collaborative cancer research program in Texas. CERCIT researchers are studying cancer treatment outcomes, access to care, and patient survival rates.
Researchers will develop and test new vaccines and broad-spectrum treatments for Ebola and Marburg, which are considered high-risk bioterrorist pathogens. The grant aims to address the critical problem of no approved treatments or vaccines for these deadly viruses, with potential applications in post-exposure treatment.
The study found higher readmission rates for men, non-Hispanic blacks, and those with longer lengths of stay. The research also identified potential targets for early intervention to reduce readmission rates, such as diagnosis-related groups like kidney and urinary tract infections.
Researchers at UTMB have discovered a way to block disease pathways that could defeat devastating human infections. A new candidate drug inhibiting Epac has been shown to protect normal mice from fatal rickettsial infection and may also be effective against some viral infections.
Researchers found a sharp downward trend in ear infection visits between 2004 and 2011, coinciding with the advent of PCV-13 vaccine in 2010. This trend was most pronounced in children under 2 years old. The study suggests that medical interventions, especially vaccines, have reduced the burden of otitis media in US children.
The UTMB project aims to develop new treatments for TBI by understanding its progressive effects and using adult circulating mesenchymal cells. Researchers hope to learn how these cells can be programmed to protect brain cells, counter inflammation or replace damaged ones.
Researchers at UTMB have discovered that PKC activation leads to alternative splicing events in the heart, causing developmental shift and preventing correct functioning. This finding could help lead to prevention and treatment of heart failure in diabetics.
The study found that HPV vaccine initiation and completion rates were consistently lowest in the South, with 14% and 6% of women completing the series, respectively. The researchers believe regional disparities may be due to factors such as income, education, and insurance coverage.
A study from University of Texas Medical Branch found that more than 40% of men over 75 undergo PSA screening, despite no medical organization recommending it for this age group. The researchers suggest that decision-making by primary care physicians is a major reason for the continued high PSA rate.
Cancer is the leading cause of death among Hispanic Texans under 76, with lower rates of breast and colon cancer screenings. Despite advanced cancer stages at diagnosis, Hispanics experience higher survival rates than non-Hispanic whites.
A significant outbreak of eastern equine encephalitis occurred in Panama in 2010, marking a change in the virus's behavior in Latin America. The outbreak confirmed 13 human cases and one dual infection case, with a low case-fatality rate compared to US standards.
Scientists have created a novel system to safely study the transmission of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus through ticks. By carefully tracking each tick's movement and feeding pattern, researchers can examine the complete cycle of virus transmission between infected animals and uninfected ticks.
Neuropathic pain is a daily reality for millions of Americans, but researchers have found a way to protect GABA neurons from oxidative stress, which may help alleviate the condition. By using an antioxidant compound, scientists were able to lower pain behavior and preserve GABA neuron populations.
University of Texas Medical Branch researchers have figured out how mammalian cells repair damaged bases in the single-stranded genome. The 'cowcatcher' enzyme, NEIL1, rides in front of the replication complex to scout for damage and stalls machinery until it's repaired.
Researchers found that chlorinated BPA and modified forms of the chemical produced similar but distinct effects on hormone signaling pathways. The modified BPA worked through membrane estrogen receptors to deactivate key signaling enzymes, potentially leading to cell signaling disruptions.
A study by the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston found that states with fewer nurse practitioner regulations had more patients receiving primary care from nurse practitioners. States with less restrictive regulations saw a 2.5 times increase in primary care patients, compared to the most restrictive states.
Researchers at UTMB found that colon cancer cells produce large amounts of hydrogen sulfide, which they use to make energy and grow. Blocking the production of this compound, CBS, was shown to curb tumor growth in mice.
A study found that testosterone therapy prescriptions increased significantly over 10 years, with 2.29% of men in their 40s and 3.75% of men in their 60s taking some form of testosterone therapy. The trend is driven by direct-to-consumer marketing campaigns and the expansion of low-T centers.
Traumatic brain injuries generate toxic tau oligomers that cause nerve cells to clump together and spread to other parts of the brain. These damaging protein assemblages can contribute to memory deficits, seizures, and disruptions in the sleep-wake cycle.
Researchers at UTMB are using gene therapy to target the serotonin 2C receptor in the amygdala to prevent abnormal pain generation and treatment resistance. They aim to develop a permanent solution to neuropathic pain, which affects millions of Americans.
A study published in Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that 35% of Texas women diagnosed with a breast mass between 2000 and 2008 underwent unnecessary surgical biopsies. This represents thousands of women who had surgery unnecessarily, while also driving up healthcare costs.
Scientists at UTMB discovered that Ebola short-circuits the immune system using proteins that shut down cellular signaling related to interferon, preventing dendritic cell maturation and generating an ineffective adaptive immune response. The researchers found that specific regions of two different proteins are crucial for this mechanism.
University of Texas Medical Branch researchers have identified a protein called Epac1 that blocks leptin's activity in the brain. Blocking this protein can increase leptin sensitivity and lead to lower body weight, body fat percentage, blood plasma leptin levels, and improved glucose tolerance.
A large study shows IUDs have complication rates similar to adults, and hormonal IUDs are safer than copper ones in all age groups. The research opens doors for more teens to benefit from long-lasting contraception.
A Texas physician has successfully performed a groundbreaking robotic laparoscopic procedure to tighten a pregnant patient's incompetent cervix. The innovative technique, which utilizes the da Vinci Si robotic surgical system, allowed for precise stitching with minimal scars.
A study by University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston researchers found that combining low doses of multiple xenoestrogens can have a dramatically greater effect on hormone signaling than any one compound alone. The combination of bisphenol A, bisphenol S and nonylphenol was found to gang up on estradiol and thwart its response.
Researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch have developed a safe and simple Chagas disease vaccine candidate, TcVac3, which shows over 90 percent protection against chronic infection in mice. The potential vaccine could be approved in as few as five years for use in canines, who are reservoir hosts of the disease.