UTHealth Houston has enrolled the first patient in the Southeastern United States into a national Phase I/II clinical trial testing whether a neural cell therapy product can help inhibit the abnormal electrical activity that leads to an epileptic seizure.
Tag: UTHealth Houston
Avian flu found in wastewater of 10 Texas cities through virome sequencing by researchers at UTHealth Houston and Baylor College of Medicine
Avian influenza A(H5N1) virus, which spread to cattle and infected 14 people this year, was detected using virome sequencing in the wastewater of 10 Texas cities by researchers at UTHealth Houston and Baylor College of Medicine.
Rare genetic variants linked to bicuspid aortic valve disease in young adults identified by UTHealth Houston researchers
Genetic variants linked to a rare form of bicuspid aortic valve disease that affects young adults and can lead to dangerous and potentially life-threatening aortic complications have been identified by researchers at UTHealth Houston.
UTHealth Houston and Baylor College of Medicine collaborate on first CDC Injury Control Research Center in Southwest, established to study injury and violence prevention
The only Injury Control Research Center in Texas has been established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at UTHealth Houston in partnership with Baylor College of Medicine.
Dangerous work, unmet health care needs add up to more deaths, negative health outcomes for Texas shrimpers, according to UTHealth Houston research
A dangerous work environment and limited access to health care are related to higher death rates and negative health outcomes among Texas shrimpers in the Gulf of Mexico, according to a new study from UTHealth Houston.
Weight loss and diabetes management drug linked to increased residual gastric content before anesthesia
Safety concerns for patients undergoing anesthesia who use glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), which are medications approved for diabetes and weight management, were revealed in a UTHealth Houston study published today in JAMA Surgery.
UTHealth Houston welcomes Brian Dean, MBA, MPH, as executive vice president for health affairs
Brian Dean, MBA, MPH, a highly respected health care executive with more than 25 years of experience leading health systems across the country, joins UTHealth Houston as executive vice president for health affairs, effective March 18.
White House Challenge to End Hunger approves UTHealth Houston innovative commitments to Food Is Medicine
Three commitments to improve food security, diet quality, and health outcomes for vulnerable communities, made by UTHealth Houston in partnership with local and national organizations, have been approved as part of the White House Challenge to end Hunger and Build Healthy Communities.
UTHealth Houston named first-ever SCN2A Multidisciplinary Center by FamilieSCN2A Foundation
In recognition of its expertise in treating SCN2A-related neurological disorders, UTHealth Houston has been designated as the first SCN2A Multidisciplinary Center by the FamilieSCN2A Foundation, the largest global advocacy organization for the group of disorders.
Study: Using Nutrition Facts labels linked to healthier eating choices among eighth and 11th grade students
Using the Nutrition Facts labels to make food choices is significantly associated with healthy eating among eighth and 11th grade students in Texas, although the proportion of students using nutrition labels to make their food choices is low, according to research from UTHealth Houston.
UTHealth Houston-developed vaping prevention program now offered in New York City Public Schools
CATCH My Breath, an evidence-based vaping prevention program created by researchers from UTHealth Houston, is now being offered at New York City Public Schools, thanks to a partnership with CATCH Global Foundation and in collaboration with the New York Health Foundation and the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
At the Bedside: Woman with ‘flatback syndrome’ able to stand tall, enjoy life again after 14-hour spinal surgery
Michigan native Ruth Bischoff, 69, had tried everything – multiple spine surgeries, a radiofrequency ablation, acupuncture, a spinal cord stimulator, and more – but she couldn’t find any relief from the shooting pain in her lower back that prevented her from standing up straight and walking.
Alejandro Aballay, Pharm.D., Ph.D., named Dean of MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
Alejandro Aballay, Pharm.D., Ph.D., a national leader in immune signaling and graduate education, has been named dean of the MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, effective Jan. 2, 2024.
New focal therapies at UTHealth Houston make prostate cancer treatment easier on patients
Tissue-sparing treatments using focal therapy, aimed to avoid side effects like urinary incontinence, are becoming available for prostate cancer patients like Morton McPhail of Texas.
EMBARGOED – UTHealth Houston study: Artificial intelligence software improves endovascular thrombectomy treatment times for stroke patients
The implementation of artificial intelligence-powered large vessel occlusion (LVO) detection software for acute stroke triage can improve endovascular thrombectomy treatment times, according to new research from UTHealth Houston.
American Heart Association’s ASA adopts Spanish-language R.A.P.I.D.O. acronym for stroke awareness created by UTHealth Houston
R.Á.P.I.D.O., a culturally relevant acronym created under the leadership of Jennifer Beauchamp, PhD, RN, at Cizik School of Nursing at UTHealth Houston to raise awareness of stroke signs in the Spanish-speaking Hispanic/Latino community and save lives, has been adopted by the American Stroke Association (ASA), the organization announced today.
UTHealth Houston study: Unruptured brain aneurysms may be missed in routine clinical care, but AI-powered algorithm can help
Unruptured cerebral aneurysms of sizes and locations that require attention may be frequently missed in routine clinical care, but a machine learning algorithm could minimize missed care opportunities, according to a new study from UTHealth Houston.
UTHealth Houston researcher to present abstract detailing new mouse model for brain arteriovenous malformations at NIH meeting
An abstract unveiling a new mouse model for brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) developed by UTHealth Houston researchers has been selected for a poster presentation at the second annual National Institutes of Health (NIH) Investigator Meeting for Interoception Research in November.
UTHealth Houston student shares key takeaways from clinical rotation with Houston Texans
After a rare view inside the world of professional sports and orthopedic medicine through a clinical rotation with the Houston Texans this summer, Analisa Narro, a fourth-year student with McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston, brought back key lessons from the enriching experience.
Several vaccines associated with reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease in adults 65 and older
Prior vaccination against tetanus and diphtheria, with or without pertussis (Tdap/Td); herpes zoster (HZ), better known as shingles; and pneumococcus are all associated with a reduced risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease, according to new research from UTHealth Houston.
UTHealth Houston researcher awarded $3.1M NIH grant to study sudden unexpected death in epilepsy
A five-year, $3.1 million grant to study preventive strategies for sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) has been awarded to UTHealth Houston by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
Women less likely to be routed to comprehensive stroke centers for large vessel acute ischemic stroke, according to UTHealth Houston research
Despite having worse stroke symptoms and living within comparable distances to comprehensive stroke centers, women with large vessel occlusion acute ischemic stroke are less likely to be routed to the centers compared to men, according to a new study from UTHealth Houston.
Energy drink researcher and cardiologist available to talk PRIME
The FDA is being asked to investigate the popular energy drink, PRIME, which contains elevated levels of caffeine equivalent to 6 cans of coke. John Higgins, MD, energy drink researcher and cardiologist with UTHealth Houston is availble for interviews to discuss the…
Clinical trial gives woman a new lease on life
Versil Joyles-Stapleton, 76, can’t seem to slow herself down — a drastic change to how she lived her life just 2 years ago.
UTHealth Houston expert available to discuss anti-Alzheimer’s drug Leqembi ahead of FDA decision
The FDA has granted Priority Review to the anti-Alzheimer’s drug Leqembi for the traditional approval application, with required action from the agency by July 6, 2023. Paul E. Schulz, MD, professor of neurology and director of the Neurocognitive Disorders Center with McGovern…
Study: Doing good for others is good for children’s and teens’ mental, physical health
Children and teenagers who volunteer tend to flourish mentally and physically, according to a new study from UTHealth Houston.
UTHealth Houston awarded nearly $13M in grants to study treatments for traumatic brain injury
Nearly $13 million in federal grant funds to study treatments for traumatic brain injury, which kills an average of 190 people and hospitalizes another 600 in the U.S. every day, has been awarded to UTHealth Houston by the Department of Defense’s Office of Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP).
UT Dentists is investing in the future one small smile at a time by expanding dental care at Harris County Resources for Children and Adults
UTHealth Houston pediatric dentists are now part of the Integrated Health Clinic, a program of Harris County Resources for Children and Adults, by providing comprehensive medical, dental, and behavioral health care for children in Harris County who are involved or under the care of Child Protective Services.
Drug significantly reduces chorea symptoms in patients with Huntington’s disease
The drug valbenazine statistically improves chorea, a movement disorder commonly associated with Huntington’s disease, when compared to a placebo, according to a recent international study led by UTHealth Houston researcher Erin Furr Stimming, MD, who served as principal investigator on behalf of the KINECT-HD Huntington Study Group.
EMBARGOED: Two brain networks are activated while reading, study finds
When a person reads a sentence, two distinct networks in the brain are activated, working together to integrate the meanings of the individual words to obtain more complex, higher-order meaning, according to a study at UTHealth Houston.
Study: Misfolded alpha-synuclein protein key to early detection of Parkinson’s disease
The presence of a misfolded alpha-synuclein protein can be used to determine if people have Parkinson’s disease, according to a new study using technology developed by a researcher at UTHealth Houston. This biomarker could pave the way for the development of better diagnostic tools and new treatment options for the disease.
New UTHealth Houston school to train behavioral health workers receives approval from UT System, state
The new UTHealth Houston School of Behavioral Health Sciences has been approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and unanimously by The University of Texas System Board of Regents, moving the university closer to establishing a seventh school.
UTHealth Houston expert available to discuss VA’s coverage of Alzheimer’s drug
Paul E. Schulz, MD, neurologist with UTHealth Houston and Memorial Hermann, is available over the next few days to comment on recent news that the Veterans Health Administration will provide coverage for Leqembi, which recently received accelerated approval from the…
Prenatal exposure to anti-nausea drug in ‘60s, ‘70s tied to increased risk of colorectal cancer
Prenatal exposure to an anti-nausea drug commonly used in the 1960s and 1970s has been shown to increase risk of colorectal cancer in adult offspring, according to a study by researchers at UTHealth Houston.
Study: Seizures can be predicted more than 30 minutes before onset in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy
Seizures can be predicted more than 30 minutes before onset in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy, opening the door to a therapy using electrodes that could be activated to prevent seizures from happening, according to new research from UTHealth Houston.
Review: No proof that indwelling catheters cause more UTIs than intermittent catheterization
The evidence does not support the common belief that indwelling catheters cause more urinary tract infections (UTIs) than intermittent catheterization, according to a systematic review of bladder management and infection risk from UTHealth Houston.
Breakthrough COVID-19 cases occur in 7.5% of vaccinated Texas participants, according to UTHealth Houston survey; subgroups at higher risk identified
Breakthrough COVID-19 infections after vaccination occurred in 7.5% of Texans surveyed and were linked to Hispanic ethnicity, larger household size, rural versus urban living, type of vaccination, and multiple comorbidities, according to findings from UTHealth Houston School of Public Health published today in the Journal of Infectious Diseases.
Hoelscher appointed to serve on national committee to advise the development of the U.S. Dietary Guidelines
Deanna Hoelscher, PhD, John P. McGovern Professor in Health Promotion and campus dean of UTHealth Houston School of Public Health in Austin, has been appointed to the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee. The Committee will be tasked with reviewing the current body of science on key nutrition topics and developing a scientific report that includes its independent assessment of the evidence and recommendations for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Food and Drug Administration as they develop the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (the Guidelines).
EMBARGOED: School garden-based interventions can improve blood sugar, reduce bad cholesterol in children
School garden-based interventions can improve metabolic parameters such as blood sugar and cholesterol in children, according to a new study from UTHealth Houston.
After 20 years of service, School of Dentistry unveils a new Mobile Dental Van
After hundreds of thousands of miles and 20 years of service, UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry has a new set of wheels for its Mobile Dental Van program to continue providing care to underserved communities.
Jayaraman awarded $3.5M grant to study glutamate receptors involved in learning, memory, and other neurological processes
A five-year, nearly $3.5 million grant to study the mechanisms of brain receptors involved in neurological disorders such as learning disabilities has been awarded to Vasanthi Jayaraman, PhD, of UTHealth Houston by the National Institutes of Health.
PET technology more effective than angiogram at determining need for coronary stents, bypass surgery
A new method for determining whether patients with heart disease need coronary stents or bypass surgery is more effective than the angiogram, which is currently used, according to research from UTHealth Houston Heart & Vascular.
Research reveals how a potentially fatal COVID-19 complication damages lung tissue
Mechanisms involved in the rapid, severe progression of fibrosis in the lung tissues of COVID-19 patients, a potentially fatal complication of the virus that damages and scars the lungs, have been uncovered by researchers led by UTHealth Houston.
Residents of assisted living facilities lost significant, concerning weight during the COVID-19 quarantine
Older adults residing in assisted living facilities and quarantined to their rooms during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic lost significant weight, according to gerontology care providers and researchers from McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston.
UTHealth Houston researchers analyze cancer discrepancies among young Black men in the South
Research shows that incidences of Kaposi’s sarcoma among people living with HIV have fallen significantly over the past two decades, but a new evaluation of data led by researchers at UTHealth Houston highlights a significant disparity among one particular demographic – young Black men in the American South.
McCullough honored with 2022 American Heart Association Basic Research Prize
In acknowledgment of her research advancing the field of cardiovascular science, UTHealth Houston’s Louise McCullough, MD, PhD, has been honored with the 2022 American Heart Association Basic Research Prize.
Substantial proportion of ethnically diverse children from low-resource backgrounds report long-term COVID-19 complications
A substantial proportion of ethnically diverse children from low-resource backgrounds with severe COVID-19 illness are reporting long-term complications from the virus, according to research from UTHealth Houston.
Method for detecting waves of COVID-19 infections can shape critical public health decisions during a pandemic
A method that combines case investigation data from local health departments and hospitalizations records from local institutions allows for the objective detection of new waves of infection during a pandemic, according to research from UTHealth Houston.
UTHealth Houston study: Lower cancer screening rates differ by region, tied to social vulnerability
Populations in U.S. counties defined as more vulnerable based on social factors including socioeconomic status and racial/ethnic minority status were significantly less likely to receive timely breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screenings, according to research from UTHealth Houston.
Second patient in the world receives Moderna mRNA trial infusion at UTHealth Houston for glycogen storage disease
Imagine having to drink a solution of cornstarch and water every four hours to survive, and that missing a dose, even by 15 minutes, could lead to seizures and death. This is the reality for Rebecca Tarrence, who has glycogen storage disease type 1a (GSDIa), a rare genetic disease caused by the presence of two genetic changes on the same gene affecting glucose production.