Drs. Norbert Herzog and David Niesel explore the possibility that unique genes are responsible for our complex vocal communication in their latest Medical Discovery News column.

UTMB’s Dr. Gregory Gray spoke about the threat of bird flu for this story on how the virus is affecting peregrine falcons. Even with vaccines, though, "we may not be able to put out this fire," Gray said. "It appears, to many of us, that these viruses are going to be endemic, or we say 'enzootic,' for a long time."

Dr. Jochen Reiser, president and CEO of UTMB Health, tells the Houston Business Journal that UTMB will need to look for new revenue models to fund research but that cuts “won’t reduce the excitement we have for research.”

There are numerous studies that highlight the benefit of getting morning sunlight, writes Dr. Samuel Mathis in his latest column. Sunlight can affect our mood, immune system and circadian rhythm, Mathis writes.

Becker’s spoke to UTMB’s Nathan Vo, Senior Pharmacy Manager of Revenue Integrity, and Michael Eagon, Senior Pharmacy Manager of Ambulatory Pharmacy, about changing workforce strategies. “At The University of Texas Medical Branch, our workforce is evolving to meet the demands of a more complex and patient-centered healthcare landscape,” Eagon said.

“Being present and mindful of the amazing natural world around us is a sure path to relieving pain, improving mood, immunity and reducing risks of heart disease and cancer,” writes Dr. Victor S. Sierpina in his column for the Daily News.

Dr. Jochen Reiser recently participated in a two-day meeting on brain health that brought together business and policy leaders to discuss brain health initiatives. “Investing in brain capital means protecting our cognitive health, boosting economic growth and securing a future-ready workforce – goals that we believe Texans will rally behind,” Reiser said.

Drug and alcohol references in popular music not only correlate with use, but also provide opportunities for engaging young patients, according to a UTMB study. “Music — it’s part of our daily lives, whether we notice it or not, from hearing a song on the radio and listening to it on the way to work, to scrolling through TikTok and getting that one hook stuck in your head,” Benita Lalani, UTMB student and one of the study authors, told attendees at the recent American Psychiatric Association Annual Meeting.