A new study coauthored by UTMB researchers Dr. Scott Weaver and Dr. Nikos Vasilakis says yellow fever could be the next big global health scare—especially in Asia. A century after public health pioneer H.R. Carter first warned of yellow fever spreading to Asia, this recent study published in Nature, outlines how rapid urbanization, low vaccination rates, and global travel could set the stage for a yellow fever outbreak in the Asia-Pacific region.

A newly published study by researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch offers fresh insights into a critical public health concern: why Americans live shorter lives compared to people in other wealthy nations.

Despite growing legalization and widespread use, marijuana has been shown to cause changes in the human epigenome—chemical modifications to DNA that can influence gene activity and be passed down through generations. In this week’s Medical Discovery News column, Drs. Norbert Herzog and David Niesel explain recent findings on how cannabis use can alter the human epigenome—chemical changes to DNA that may impact health and be passed to future generations.

The University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston is named No. 5 best Doctor of Nursing Practice program in Texas: No. 76 nationally. U.S. News & World Report published its annual national "Best Graduate Schools" rankings on April 8. They look at several programs including business, education, engineering, fine arts, health, and many others. Several graduate programs also appeared among the top 10 in a Texas-wide comparison.

Think you’re done with Covid vaccines? Think again, write Drs. Richard Rupp and Megan Berman. There is moderate Covid activity in the South and now is a good time for those 65 or older or people who are moderately to severely immunocompromised to get a booster.

As chronic diseases surge across the country, it’s worth asking: Could this deep-rooted dependency on petrochemicals be a silent contributor, asks Dr. Hasan Yasin in this column for the Daily News.

The University of Texas Medical Branch’s Antimicrobial Stewardship Program has been designated as a Center of Excellence by the Infectious Diseases Society of America.

At UTMB Health, Dr. Baijing Qin, a plastic surgeon specializing in hand and wrist surgery, is dedicated to restoring and revitalizing hand and wrist health. Her expertise spans a wide range of conditions, offering patients comprehensive solutions for both functional restoration and aesthetic needs.

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.

“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.

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.

University of Texas Medical Branch MD/MPH student Leonard Wang has been selected as a 2025 Medical Fellow for the Fellowships at Auschwitz for the Study of Professional Ethics, joining a distinguished cohort of medical, clergy, and journalism professionals for an intensive summer program in Germany and Poland.

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.

Four University of Texas Medical Branch graduate programs have earned “Best Graduate School” honors from U.S. News & World Report.

Scientists are close to bioengineering mirror-image bacterium, write Drs. Norbert Herzog and David Niesel in their weekly Medical Discovery News column. These are bacteria that are not seen in nature and raise many questions about how they would act and react to the world around them.

The acidity of lemon juice can stimulate digestive enzymes, which can aid in digestion and nutrient absorption, indirectly supporting liver function, says UTMB’s Dr. Samuel Mathis in this report on liver health.