Health & Medicine

Zinc, folic acid supplements fail to enhance male fertility

Zinc and folic acid, a pair of dietary supplements long touted as an effective treatment for male infertility, failed to improve pregnancy rates, sperm counts and sperm potency in a new study conducted at University of Utah Health and other medical centers in conjunction with the National Institutes of Health. According to the researchers, the finding presents […]


NIH grant could lead to better understanding of how air pollutants aggravate asthma in children

A multidisciplinary team of University of Utah Health scientists has received a five-year, $3 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to investigate how variations in pollutant-sensing genes in the lungs could influence air pollution’s effects on children who have asthma. The researchers say the newly funded effort could potentially lead to the development […]


“Seeing others suffer is too stressful”: Why people buy, trade, donate medications on the black market

Altruism and a lack of access and affordability are three reasons why people with chronic illnesses turn to the “black market” for medicines and supplies, new research shows. Scientists at University of Utah Health and University of Colorado ran surveys to understand why individuals look beyond pharmacies and medical equipment companies to meet essential needs. […]


U chemist and pediatrician named fellows of the National Academy of Inventors

University of Utah distinguished professor of chemistry Peter Stang and professor of pediatrics Anne Blaschke were two of 168 academic inventors named as Fellows of the National Academy of Inventors for 2019. Stang opened pathways in organic chemistry reactions and now explores ways to form molecules into self-assembled geometric shapes. Blaschke played key roles in […]


Launch of Primary Children’s Center for Personalized Medicine

Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital, University of Utah Health and Intermountain Precision Genomics are launching an exciting new program to improve health care for children throughout the Intermountain West—a Center for Personalized Medicine that will bring next-generation care to children today, using advanced technologies to understand a child’s unique genetic makeup and offer tailored treatments. The […]


One-third of reproductive-age women have health conditions that may complicate pregnancy

One in three women of reproductive age have at least one chronic condition that could compromise their health or lead to adverse outcomes during pregnancy, according to University of Utah Health scientists. Yet few of these women are using the most effective forms of contraception to prevent unplanned pregnancies. The researchers say this could be […]


U economists tally societal cost of preterm birth

This release includes material produced by March of Dimes. In the United States, 1 in 10 babies is born preterm, or at a gestational age of less than 37 weeks. The causes of preterm birth are complicated but the effects are clear: Preterm birth has lasting consequences for the child and their family. The 2019 […]


$150 million commitment from Huntsman family will establish mental health institute at the University of Utah

Historic gift will establish the Huntsman Mental Health Institute with an initial focus on advancing knowledge and relieving suffering through research-informed treatment of mental illness with a strong focus on improving mental health services for college-age adults, increasing access to mental health services in rural communities across Utah and identifying the genetic underpinnings of mental […]


In the wake of mass shootings, a reluctance to talk about gun safety

At a time when discussions about access to firearms and gun safety are paramount, trusted professionals find it difficult to have those conversations. A new study shows that in the months immediately following mass shootings, doctors are less likely to ask routine questions about gun safety in the home. Scientists at University of Utah Health […]


Scientists discover link between unique brain cells and OCD and anxiety

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 1 in 3 people experience debilitating anxiety—the kind that prevents someone from going about their normal life. Women are also more at risk to suffer from anxiety. Yet the roots of anxiety and other anxiety-related diseases, such as Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), are still unclear. In a […]