UTMB News Articles

  • People walk in a park under oak trees

    How to fight tree pollen this spring

    If you suffer from seasonal allergy symptoms, avoid exposure as much as you can. There are some steps you can take to help you deal with the yearly pollen scourge.

  • You may need to begin colorectal screening at 45

    Americans born in 1990 have twice the risk of colon cancer and four times the risk of rectal cancer as those born in 1950. People younger than 55 are also more likely to be diagnosed with late-stage colorectal cancer.

  • Man using a laptop computer looks up and smiles

    Are colorectal home tests reliable?

    If you wonder what doctors say about at-home colorectal tests, here is some insight from Dr. Uma Phatak, a colorectal surgeon at UTMB Health.

  • a photo collage of fruits and vegetables

    Take 7 small steps to lose weight

    The good news is you don’t have to figure it all out at once. Small changes make a huge difference in the long run, and it starts with taking that first small step that you can master.

  • Three-Year Anniversary of the Pandemic; Plus, the Origins of COVID-19

    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.

  • Creating a versatile vaccine to take on Covid-19 in its many guises

    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.

  • ‘It’s the wild west’: Texas legislature to decide future of kratom

    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.

  • Texas City students to get a lesson in drunk driving

    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.

  • Focus on the right fatty foods

    “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.

  • What is the effect of religion on your health?

    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.

  • Artificial intelligence says it's not after your job

    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.”

  • Residents near the Jones Road Superfund Site call for more testing

    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.

  • A different way to take the vaccine

    “Most people would love it if vaccinations didn’t involve needles and the ouch that goes with them,” wrote Drs. Norbert Herzog and David Niesel in Medical Discovery News. “But for respiratory infections, vaccinations given into the nose or mouth may be more effective than intramuscular (IM) inoculations.”

  • What is non-sleep deep rest and how to practice it?

    Non-Sleep Deep Rest, also called Yoga Nidra, is a way to help the body relax and replenish dopamine levels. Dr. Samuel Mathis described how to do a simple exercise and offered his personal results after trying it.