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.
Tag: UTHealth Houston
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.
Despite flexibility, gig work and insecure income prove harmful to U.S. workers, according to UTHealth School of Public Health
Insecure income associated with nontraditional employment known as “gig work” has a negative impact on the overall health and well-being of U.S. workers, according to a new article by researchers from UTHealth Houston.
Anti-inflammatory compound shows potential in treating patients with severe COVID-19
An anti-inflammatory compound may have the potential to treat systemic inflammation and brain injury in patients with severe COVID-19 and significantly reduce their chances of death, according to a new study from UTHealth Houston and other institutions.
A healthy lifestyle can offset a high genetic risk for stroke, according to new research by UTHealth Houston
People who are genetically at higher risk for stroke can lower that risk by as much as 43% by adopting a healthy cardiovascular lifestyle, according to new research led by UTHealth Houston, which was published today in the Journal of the American Heart Association.
Whole blood exchange could offer disease-modifying therapy for Alzheimer’s disease, study finds
A novel, disease-modifying therapy for Alzheimer’s disease may involve the whole exchange of blood, which effectively decreased the formation of amyloid plaque in the brains of mice, according to a new study from UTHealth Houston.
Doctors with Texas Comprehensive Epilepsy Program lead 22-year-old Tyler resident to seizure freedom
Elisabeth Gentry had experienced auras ever since she was a toddler, but she didn’t learn that the occasional strange tastes in her mouth and feelings of impending doom were epilepsy until 2015, when she was 15 years old and suffered a grand mal seizure.

Awake prone positioning does not offer benefit in reducing intubation for COVID-19 induced acute respiratory failure
A large multicenter, randomized clinical trial revealed no difference in the risk of endotracheal intubation requirement at 30 days between awake prone positioning and standard positioning for patients with COVID-19 who suffered from acute hypoxemic respiratory failure, according to research published in JAMA by researchers at UTHealth Houston.
Eligible younger U.S. adults less likely to meet recommended colorectal cancer screening guidelines and face greater disparities
Younger adults living in the U.S. are less likely to be screened for colorectal cancer than older U.S. adults, despite now being eligible under new screening guidelines, and face greater disparities than older U.S. adults who are eligible for screening, according to research from UTHealth Houston.
UTHealth Houston study: Flu vaccination linked to 40% reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease
People who received at least one influenza vaccine were 40% less likely than their non-vaccinated peers to develop Alzheimer’s disease over the course of four years, according to a new study from UTHealth Houston.

Family raises money for Papanna’s lab after he saves their daughter’s life
Anne Briggs always longed to be a mom.
But after having no menstrual cycle for over a decade, she knew when she married her husband Mark in 2020 that conceiving a child naturally would be unlikely.
Patients with past cancer history not associated with higher risk of COVID-19-related death or hospitalization
Patients diagnosed with cancer more than one year ago and those not receiving active treatment were no more vulnerable to worse COVID-19 outcomes than patients without cancer, according to a new study led by UTHealth Houston.
UTHealth Houston’s UTMOVE program receives distinguished Edmond J. Safra Fellowship in Movement Disorders
UTHealth Houston’s Movement Disorders and Neurodegenerative Diseases Fellowship Training Program (UTMOVE fellowship program) has been chosen by The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF) as one of eight international academic centers to train a new movement disorder clinician-researcher — a neurologist with additional training and expertise in diagnosing and treating Parkinson’s and related diseases — as part of the Edmond J. Safra Fellowship in Movement Disorders Class of 2025.
Natural COVID-19 antibodies lasts seven months for children, according to new study
Children previously infected with COVID-19 develop natural circulating antibodies that last for at least seven months, according to a new study led by researchers at UTHealth Houston.