Dr. Qingchun Tong poses for a professional headshot in a black suite and black shirt in front of a gray background.

Stress-related brain cells reveal unexpected link to obesity

Stress can influence how much people eat and how their bodies regulate weight, but how the brain connects stress with obesity has remained unclear. However, new research from McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston is uncovering part of that connection…

Dr. Devin McBride poses for a professional headshot with a black suit, blue shirt, and yellow and blue tie

McBride awarded grant to advance brain aneurysm research

Devin McBride, PhD, associate professor in the Vivian L. Smith Department of Neurosurgery at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston, has received a 2026 research grant from the Brain Aneurysm Foundation to investigate a potentially devastating complication of subarachnoid hemorrhage…

A new generation of scientists took its first steps toward advancing congenital heart disease research this summer as students from across the country explored leading-edge science, engineered living tissues, and gained hands-on laboratory experience through the inaugural Center for Innovation in Congenital Heart Disease Summer Institute. The monthlong program brought together 32 exceptional high school and undergraduate students for an immersive curriculum spanning cardiovascular science, regenerative medicine, and biomedical engineering. The institute was delivered in two phases: a two-week virtual lecture series from June 15-26 that included 27 students, followed by a two-week, hands-on research experience for 13 students from July 1-15 at UTHealth Houston. Participants attended lectures, participated in laboratory workshops, engaged in leading-edge research, and collaborated on team projects under the mentorship of center faculty, trainees, and staff. “It was truly inspiring to see these young scholars immerse themselves in cardiovascular science, 3D bioprinting, and translational research with remarkable enthusiasm and curiosity,” said Vahid Serpooshan, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Pediatrics and director of the Center for Innovation in Congenital Heart Disease. “Beyond the scientific knowledge they gained, the program fostered critical thinking, teamwork, and lasting mentorships.” This year’s institute finished with a research symposium and poster presentation, where participants showcased the innovative projects they developed during the program. Their presentations reflected not only scientific curiosity and creativity, but also the significant growth they achieved throughout the month. “We are incredibly proud of what this year’s scholars accomplished,” Serpooshan said. “Most importantly, these students will continue their journey with our center as Center for Innovation in Congenital Heart Disease Scholars, remaining engaged with our research and educational activities for years to come. In fact, several have already returned to UTHealth Houston as volunteers and visiting student researchers, underscoring the lasting impact of this program and the vibrant community it continues to build.” The Center for Innovation in Congenital Heart Disease’s inaugural institute came to a close in July, capping a month of scientific exploration, mentorship, and hands-on discovery for participants.

Congenital heart disease institute inspires future innovators

A new generation of scientists took its first steps toward advancing congenital heart disease research this summer as students from across the country explored leading-edge science, engineered living tissues, and gained hands-on laboratory experience through the inaugural Center for Innovation…

Dr. Nirav Thosani poses for a professional headshot in a black suit with yellow tie in front of a gray brackground.

UTHealth Houston researchers redefine how to assess reflux disease

Researchers from UTHealth Houston have helped develop a new classification system designed to bring greater consistency and precision to how physicians evaluate one of the body’s most important barriers against acid reflux. The work, led by Nirav Thosani, MD, MHA,…

Dr. Matthew Baker poses for a professional headshot in black suit and white button up in front of a gray background

UTHealth Houston study reveals DNA’s hidden physical language

DNA has long been viewed as life’s instruction manual, with its sequence of genetic letters directing everything from growth to disease. But new research suggests those letters tell only part of the story. New research from Matthew Baker, PhD, assistant…

Close-up of a researcher wearing blue gloves using a microscope while carefully manipulating a specimen on a glass slide with laboratory tools. Blurred laboratory equipment in the foreground emphasizes the biomedical research setting.

Applications for T32 research training program open July 27

Clinical and translational research trainees have an opportunity to receive dedicated funding, advanced training, and mentorship through the Center for Clinical and Translational Sciences T32 Training Program beginning July 27. The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Houston…

Dr. Kevin Morano, left, stands with inaugural Leslie Beckman Award recipient Lierni Ugartemendia, PhD, center, and Leslie Beckman, right, during an outdoor recognition ceremony. Ugartemendia holds her Beckman Award certificate, which honors exceptional service and dedication to the postdoctoral community at UTHealth Houston.

Ugartemendia earns inaugural Beckman Award

Lierni Ugartemendia, PhD, has been named the inaugural recipient of the UTHealth Houston Beckman Award, a new honor established by the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs to recognize exceptional service and leadership within the postdoctoral community. The Beckman Award was created…

Dr. H. Alex Choi poses for a headshot in a gray suite, blue tie, and white shirt in front of a light gray backgroudn.

Researchers seek clues to brain swelling after aneurysm

The rupture of an aneurysm in the brain triggers an immune response that activates white blood cells to produce specific proteins. Overproduction of the protein LRG1 is associated with complications after subarachnoid hemorrhage including more cerebral edema and worse neurological…

UTHealth Houston team members stand beside the newly launched PET/MRI imaging system, a combined positron emission tomography and magnetic resonance imaging platform designed to support precision cancer care, molecular imaging, and clinical research.

University launches advanced PET/MRI imaging service

UTHealth Houston has launched a state-of-the-art PET/MRI imaging service, bringing together two advanced imaging technologies into a single integrated platform designed to enhance precision cancer care, support clinical research, and expand opportunities in molecular imaging. The service combines positron emission…

Drs. Cynthia Ju and Holger Eltzschig in a side by side graphic with the UTHealth Houston tapestry on an orange background

Institute of Perioperative Medicine celebrates first year, advances

Each year, millions of patients survive surgery only to face a different and often overlooked threat: organ failure in the days that follow. Perioperative death remains the third leading cause of death in the United States, behind heart disease and…

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