“Being one of the first members of this program, it is rewarding to have all the hard work and accomplishments of our antimicrobial stewardship program recognized as a Center of Excellence,” said UTMB’s Scott Ferren, Antimicrobial Stewardship Program Pharmacy Leader. UTMB’s Antimicrobial Stewardship Program won national recognition for its work.

A new vaccine is being tested to treat lung cancer not involving infectious agents., write Drs. Norbert Herzog and David Niesel in their weekly Medical Discovery News column. The new vaccine teaches the immune system to recognize and attack lung cancer cells.

The virus responsible for herpes can potentially increasing the risk of dementia, reported Australia’s Herald Sun. Dr. Giulio Taglialatela spoke to the Herald Sun about a recent UTMB study on the topic and emphasized the need for more research.

Dr. Susan McLellan spoke to the Dallas Morning News about the long-term health risks of measles. After a measles infection, McLellan said, the body is at risk for severe infections from bacteria and viruses such as streptococcus; Haemophilus influenza type b, which primarily affect children age five and younger; and adenoviruses, which typically cause respiratory illnesses like the common cold. This news was also shared by the Seattle Times.

Dr. Alfredo Torres spoke to Parade about keeping shower curtains free of mold and other microorganisms and when to change the shower curtain out. "When the plastic liner is pink and moldy, it is time to replace it," he says.

“It is very understandable that people want to grasp onto a hopeful remedy,” Dr. Susan McLellan tells NBC News for this story on misinformation about how to prevent and treat measles. “It is unfortunate when trusted providers of advice, such as those in higher levels of our government, are not very clearly stating what is upheld by scientific evidence and what is not.”

UTMB was among 168 health systems and medical centers named to Optum’s Centers of Excellence network. UTMB was chosen as an ‘excellent’ option for kidney transplants.

“While lavender is typically touted for its scent and used in soaps, candles, lotions and diffusers, it actually has some wonderful health benefits as well,” writes Dr. Samuel Mathis in his latest column. From helping reduce stress and anxiety to sleep benefits and even pain reduction, lavender has numerous uses, Mathis writes.