Three researchers pose together in a laboratory, with two wearing white lab coats and laboratory equipment and supplies visible in the background.

UTHealth Houston team reverses nerve pain in diabetic mice

A team of UTHealth Houston researchers slowed and even reversed diabetic nerve damage in mice, bringing researchers one step closer to developing a treatment for humans. The research was published recently in Science Translational Medicine (external link). Diabetic peripheral neuropathy…

Faraz Bishehsari, MD, PhD

Study targets overlooked barrier in pancreatic cancer

Researchers at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston are collaborating on a National Institutes of Health-funded study investigating whether a protein best known for its role in blood clotting could help explain why pancreatic cancer is so resistant to immunotherapy….

Yizhou “Cherry” Ma, PhD; Peter Kochunov, PhD; Cesar Soutullo, MD, PhD; and Elliot Hong, MD, stand together on a staircase at McGovern Medical School.

Early therapy aims to reduce schizophrenia risk

A team of UTHealth Houston researchers has been awarded a five-year, $3.8 million grant from the National Institute of Mental Health to create an individualized, biomarker-guided therapy program that aims to mitigate the risk factors of schizophrenia among children who…

Test tube vials containing blood samples are ready for research

UTHealth Houston researchers to collaborate on $9.3M AIDS Research grant

A new five-year $9.3 million grant from the National Institutes of Health will advance the Texas Center for AIDS Research from a developmental center to a full center, strengthening HIV research, investigator training, and community partnerships across Texas. Established in…

Dr. Peter Doris poses for a professional headshot in a purple button up shirt in front of a gray background

Researchers create the most complete DNA profile of the brown rat to date

Researchers have created the most complete genetic profile of the brown rat to date, according to a UTHealth Houston-led team, paving the way for scientists to more accurately research the genetic links to conditions like heart disease, kidney disease, high…

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…

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