“Computers and texting encourage a forward head position and make it harder to maintain good posture,” UTMB’s Dr. Lynne Hughes tells Consumer Reports. Hughes offered tips on how to maintain good posture.

Many crucial questions remain unanswered about the deadly Marburg outbreak in Rwanda, reports the journal Science. Dr. Thomas Geisbert spoke to Science about the outbreak and about the importance of figuring out the genetic sequence of the virus spreading in Rwanda. “They’re obviously all deadly viruses, but the mortality rates are a little different,” Geisbert said.

Dr. Victor Sierpina shares his recent experience learning Spanish and how we can benefit from building our bilingual skills. Those benefits included improved memory, sharper cognitive skills, adaptability in problem-solving, better self-control, and even forestalling dementia.

Drs. Megan Berman and Richard Rupp discuss a recent study that indicates that the shingles vaccine may provide some protection against dementia. “If so, the varicella-zoster virus may play a role in dementia,” they write.

In this health column for the Galveston County Daily News, Dr. Sally Robinson shares helpful tips on helping teenagers with mental illness. “It is not always easy to tell when the normal ups and downs of adolescence are something to worry about,” she writes.

“Chickpeas are packed full of nutrients and are an incredibly healthy food source,” says UTMB’s Dr. Samuel Mathis. Experts agree one of the standout benefits of chickpeas is their protein and fiber content. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues, while fiber helps keep your digestive system running smoothly and can help in maintaining a healthy weight.

The NIH has established a pandemic preparedness research network for research on pathogens that are the most likely to threaten human health. UTMB is one of the institutions selected to participate in the initiative and will receive a grant of approximately $46 million. Find out more about UTMB’s role on the UTMB News page.

A new study has linked moderate caffeine consumption with a lower risk of developing multiple cardiometabolic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, stroke, or coronary heart disease. Researchers have traditionally linked coffee’s benefits to polyphenols, UTMB’s Dr. Samuel Mathis said, but the “interesting aspect of the study is that they have now linked lower cardiometabolic disease risk to the caffeine found in drinks like coffee or tea.”

UTMB was one of 12 health systems recognized by the Emergency Care Research Institute for their exemplary supply chain management.

“In general, my top choice for patients is the one they like the most,” Dr. Samuel Mathis tells The Healthy for a story on protein in meat.