Health & Medicine

Scientists restore youthful plasticity to the brains of adult mice

Like much of the rest of the body, the brain loses flexibility with age, impacting the ability to learn, remember and adapt. Now, scientists at University of Utah Health report they can rejuvenate the plasticity of the mouse brain, specifically in the visual cortex, increasing its ability to change in response to experience. Manipulating a […]


Researchers Propose New Approach to Identify Genetic Mutations in Men with Prostate Cancer

Scientists have had limited success at identifying specific inherited genes associated with prostate cancer, despite the fact that it is one of the most common non-skin cancers among men. Researchers at University of Utah Health studied prostate cancer patients with multiple cancer diagnoses, many who would not be recommended for genetic tests following current guidelines, […]


From DNA to decision-making: University of Utah Health awarded $4M for comprehensive approach to heart birth defects

The American Heart Association (AHA) awarded investigators at University of Utah Health $3.7 million to conduct collaborative research to prevent and treat congenital heart disease. U of U Health is one of four groups across the country to join the AHA’s Strategically Focused Research Network (SFRN) for children. Martin Tristani-Firouzi, a clinican-scientist at U of […]


Yarraman flu or horse flu? Words and graphics influence willingness to vaccinate

“Yarraman flu is a virus quickly infecting the U.S. …” The mock announcement was enough to make readers worry. But when the name of the hypothetical illness was changed to “horse flu,” the news elicited a different reaction. Readers were not as concerned, and reported being less motivated to get a vaccine that would prevent […]


Finding the Perfect Match: A New Approach to Battle Drug-Resistant Bacteria

Antibiotics were the wonder drug of the 20th century, but persistent use and over-prescription have opened the door that has allowed bacteria to evolve resistance. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than two million people in the United States develop bacterial infections that are resistant to multiple antibiotics every year. Previous […]


U launches new Center on Mindfulness and Integrative Health

The University of Utah has launched a new center dedicated to providing a transformative influence on health care by unifying research on mindfulness and other integrative behavioral health interventions. Eric Garland, associate dean for research at the U’s College of Social Work, will serve as director of the new Center on Mindfulness and Integrative Health […]


Wesley I. Sundquist receives 2017 Rosenblatt Prize

Wesley I. Sundquist, distinguished professor of biochemistry at the University of Utah, was honored with the Rosenblatt Prize for Excellence, the U’s most prestigious faculty award. The $40,000 gift is presented annually to a faculty member who displays excellence in teaching, research and administrative efforts. The Rosenblatt Prize Committee, a group of distinguished faculty members, […]


University of Utah biochemist Dana Carroll elected to National Academy of Sciences

Distinguished professor of biochemistry Dana Carroll, who has devoted much of his career to developing precise genome editing platforms, received one of the highest honors in science today when he was elected to the prestigious National Academy of Sciences. Carroll is among 84 U.S. scientist-scholars and 21 foreign associates elected by the academy in 2017, […]


Get Ready: Your Future Surgery May Use an Automated, Robotic Drill

A computer-driven automated drill, similar to those used to machine auto parts, could play a pivotal role in future surgical procedures. The new machine can make one type of complex cranial surgery 50 times faster than standard procedures, decreasing from two hours to two and a half minutes. Researchers at the University of Utah developed […]


Randall (Randy) J. Arvay, chief information security officer (CISO).

New U chief information security officer named

The University of Utah has hired Randall (Randy) J. Arvay, chief information security officer (CISO) at Mississippi Medical Center, as the school’s new CISO, effective May 22, 2017. Prior to his role at the University of Mississippi, he was chief of the cybersecurity and quality assurance in the Joint Spectrum Center for the Defense Information […]