This session, the Texas legislature will look at two bills related to regulating kratom products – an herbal substance that can produce opioid-and-stimulant-like effects Despite its growing relevance, research on the substance is still in its nascent phases, said Dr. Kathryn Cunningham, director of the Center for Addiction Research at the University of Texas Medical Branch.

Public school students will see a gruesome depiction of the effects of drunken and drugged driving during an interactive presentation March 10. Texas City ISD, with the help of the University of Texas Medical Branch, will stage a live production to vividly portray the devastating effects of the common occurrence, officials said.

The major allergen that triggers allergies to cats has been identified, wrote Drs. Norbert Herzog and David Niesel in Medical Discovery News. Scientists have developed alternative ways to lessen its effects.

“It may come as a surprise for some that fat is an essential food,” wrote Dr. Sally Robinson in her column. Healthy fat is critical for a child’s growth and brain development.

Maybe, wrote Drs. Megan Berman and Richard Rupp in Vaccine Smarts. “Should we worry? No, but researchers and our government need to keep an eye on the situation.”

Numerous studies show how religious involvement affects our coping skills, improves the quality of life, decreases anxiety and depression symptoms, lowers suicide risk and can even add years to your life, Dr. Samuel Mathis wrote in his column.

Dr. Cody Dodd, a child psychologist who works in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Texas Medical Branch, spoke to The Galveston County Daily News about the pros and cons of artificial intelligence. “What we know is if you get good treatment that’s great, but what’s better is getting treatment from somebody that you feel understands you. Until we can get to the point where people can form relationships with AI, this is going to be very tough for AI to take a therapist’s job.”

Local environmental group THEA has partnered with researchers from the University of Texas Medical Branch in the area both inside and outside the EPA's official boundary. “The purpose of whatever we find whether good or bad is for them to be able to utilize that in requesting any additional services from EPA if necessary,” Dr. Lance Hallberg with UTMB previously told Houston Public Media.

The article mentioned that Dr. Kathryn Cunningham, director of the University of Texas Medical Branch’s Center for Addiction Research, said Galveston County and Texas are in a fentanyl crisis and there’s no clear evidence the problem is improving.

Once a week, UTMB physical therapy student Kelcee Heflin heads to Galveston Central United Methodist Church as part of her rotations. As she gives foot baths, she collects medical histories.