UTMB News

  • UTMB to test drug that could help people with coronaviruses

    UTMB will be testing a new drug developed by a Houston biotech company that may be useful for those infected with coronaviruses. Initially evaluated for cancer, the company now believes it could prove useful against viruses. “This is something that we’re going to be trying on the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 as soon as possible,” said UTMB’s Mark Emmett.

  • Texas beaches remain a refuge as coronavirus forces people inside

    In the face of business closures, and an order from the governor banning gatherings or more than 10 people, Galveston beaches are still seeing beachgoers gather for some time outside. While people were on the local beaches, they have not been as crowded as those in other states. UTMB’s Scott Weaver said beachgoers should continue to practice social distancing of 6 feet or more, but noted that the breeze and ultraviolet sun rays should keep the risk infection to a minimum.

  • Inside UTMB

    The Galveston County Daily News, March 18, 2020 - The latest coronavirus updates - Volunteers needed for HPV vaccine study

  • Much remains unknown about COVID-19

    The Houston Health Museum recently hosted a COVID-19 question and answer session that included UTMB’s Scott Weaver. Panel participants explained that COVID-19 is difficult to deal with because it is hard to trace contacts and patterns of spread when there are asymptomatic people. The session was livestreamed on the museum’s Facebook page.

  • How to talk to kids about coronavirus

    Many are asking how a person can explain to young children the current situation with coronavirus. UTMB’s Jeff Temple provides advice for listeners for Texas Public Radio. The Texas Standard and KUT 90.5 Austin also shared Temple’s advice.

  • Despite a raging coronavirus crisis, it's been mostly a typical spring break in Galveston

    Despite the ongoing coronavirus crisis, this Houston reporter found crowds still gathering to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day seemingly oblivious to health officials calls for social distancing. “The social distancing, all the news that is coming from all public health officials, I think it is important that we should listen to those messages,” said UTMB’s Gulshan Sharma.

  • Why coronaviruses hit older adults hardest

    As cases of COVID-19 continue to rise, older adults remain particularly susceptible to the illness. UTMB’s Vineet Menachery says this is typical of coronaviruses. “Age and your condition in life will really drive your susceptibility. You may be in your 40s, but if you have these chronic health conditions, you’re going to be more susceptible, just like you see with flu,” said Menachery.

  • Listener's COVID-19 questions answered

    UTMB’s Susan McLellan recently took time to answer listener’s questions on Houston Public Media. McLellan, sharing information about the importance of social distancing to dampen the spread of coronavirus.

  • Coronavirus is mysteriously sparing kids and killing the elderly. Understanding why may help defeat the virus

    Researchers are working to understand why the novel coronavirus leaves young children virtually untouched, which they say may hold vital clues as to how the virus works. “With respiratory infections like this, we usually see a U-shaped curve on who gets hit the hardest. Young children at one end of the U because their immune systems aren’t developed and old people at the other end because their immune systems grow weaker,” said UTMB’s Vineet Menachery. “With this virus, one side of the U is just completely missing,” MSN News and Democratic Underground also published this story.

  • Is cauliflower the new kale?

    If you are looking to improve your health, UTMB’s Victor Sierpina recommends that you consider adding cauliflower to your diet. Among the vegetable’s many benefits, it contains multiple antioxidants, B vitamins and minerals that promote health as well as two grams of protein per cup.

  • Why the new coronavirus is so hard to cure

    Information provided by UTMB’s Pei-Yong Shi is included in this story explaining why treating the novel coronavirus is so difficult. According to Shi, antiviral drugs are one approach to slowing down viruses like COVID-19.

  • Inside UTMB

    The Galveston County Daily News, March 11, 2020 - School of Nursing celebrates 130th anniversary - Osler Club to set to meet - Volunteers needed

  • This man can breathe again through the use of 3D printing technology and a good surgeon

    UTMB’s Gal Levy used 3D printing technology to help a patient unable to breathe right for more than a year after a cardiac bypass surgery performed at another hospital did not allow his sternum to heal properly. Levy used the 3D printed ribcage to pre-place surgical plates days before the patient was in the operating room, cutting down on surgery and recovery time.

  • Can the zero-waste movement survive the coronavirus?

    Many have become concerned that reusable products may promote the spread of coronavirus and other illnesses. However, many experts point out that even minor cleaning of reusable products will actually help dissolve or destroy the virus. “If you are regularly cleaning stuff, you should be fine,” said UTMB’s Vineet Menachery. This story originally appeared in Grist.

  • 5M Texans lack health insurance. Here's how that complicates the coronavirus response

    Texas has the highest share of uninsured residents of any state, which could complicate efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19. Often people without insurance may forego seeing a physician or taking off from work, even if they are sick. “Those are patients that are likely to have a lower-paying job and might have other economic stressors at home, they have kids they to get food on the table for,” said UTMB internal medicine resident Patrik Hornak. The Houston Chronicle, The College Station Eagle, KAMR Amarillo, Houston Public Media and San Antonio Express-News also published this story.