Dr. Pei-Yong Shi, professor at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, explained the work his team did that contributed to the rapid development of the first COVID-19 vaccine in humans, the research done to understand the variants and the future strategy of the vaccine.

Collaborators at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston carried out experiments that showed a strong immune response in mice given the vaccine. The mice in this experiment did not die but were “humanized,” meaning that they had an HLA molecule found in human cells.

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.”