Plugged-In 212

• Views: 542 No need for needles: A better way for diabetics to check their sugar

  Currently the method for measuring blood sugar (glucose) levels in people with diabetes, is to draw blood by pricking a finger. With 15 million diabetics in the US testing glucose levels each day, there must be a better way – and there is. The Glucose Eye Scanner, developed at UT is a non-invasive and easy-to-use scanner that looks at the liquid between the lens and cornea to give an instant read-out. Roquel Cunningham talks to the developer of the scanner, and experts from UT's College of Business Administration to explain the path from lab to store shelf.

• Views: 369 Heavy Burden

  Pediatrician Joan Griffith wrote a paper when at Harvard, and continues her research at UTMC, about the factors that lead to obesity in kids today.   UTMC pre-doctoral fellow, Terry Hinds, is running a study with the National Institute of Health to study genetic factors of obesity

• Views: 586 Exercise Your Mind: Computers Enhance Cognitive Ability

  As we age, our brains have less cognitive ability, which can lead to other problems including emotional distress, family and financial challenges.  Researchers are devising computer simulation programs that can help increase and improve cognitive function amongst older adults.  Paired with physical activity, the simulations are showing remarkable results. 

• Views: 609 Hunting Hypertension

  Blood Pressure Regulation may have a genetic marker and Dr. Bina Joe is looking for it.  Her Genomics Lab at UTMC has identified 16 genome regions for study and is getting closer to a discovery.  Amanda Patton explains genetic mapping and markers that pre-dispose some people to certain disorders and maladies.  How does identifying these markers lead to treatment that can turn around high blood pressure?