By UTMB COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT
The University of Texas Medical Branch is offering a free skin cancer screening from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at the dermatology clinic, 2785 Gulf Freeway S., Suite 165, in League City. No appointment is necessary. The incidence of melanoma nearly tripled between 1975 and 2010. Early diagnosis of melanoma is critical in the battle against this deadly disease, with a 98 percent 5-year survival rate if it is diagnosed and treated at an early minimally invasive stage. The free clinic is a service of UTMB’s department of dermatology in conjunction with the Houston Dermatological Society and the American Academy of Dermatology.
Hankins to study impact of drug on early delivery
Dr. Gary Hankins, chairman of obstetrics and gynecology at UTMB, received $1.88 million from the National Institutes of Health to study the impact of indomethacin, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, in delaying delivery and prolonging pregnancy in women who are at risk of early delivery.
Steblein honored for conservation efforts
Ken Steblein, who started the first Earth Day celebration at UTMB 23 years ago with a couple of tables in John Sealy Hospital, was honored recently for leading UTMB’s recycling and energy conservation initiatives and helping the institution become nationally recognized for its efforts. The Earth Day celebration this year at Moody Plaza featured 30 suppliers, more than 100 volunteers and a fashion show where participants modeled outfits made from recycled materials.
Center for Addiction Research accomplishments
UTMB doctoral students Elizabeth Crofton and Yafang Zhang recently received awards during the National Student Research Forum dinner at The Hotel Galvez in Galveston. Crofton received a total of three awards: Outstanding Poster Presentation, Best Presentation in Pharmacology and Toxicology, and the Excellence in Translational Science Award. Zhang received the Frances Adoue Lynch Addiction Research Fund Award and Best Poster Presentation in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
Geisbert to speak at his alma mater
Thomas Geisbert, professor of microbiology and immunology, will be the commencement speaker at his alma mater, The Graduate School at Hood College in Frederick, Md. Geisbert, a 1988 graduate of Hood, was one of the featured Ebola fighters in Time magazine’s 2014 person of the year issue. Geisbert will also receive an honorary degree from the school.
Moving to new digs
Some UTMB departments have started moving into the new Clinical Services Wing that will house services such as the blood bank, sterile processing, patient transportation, respiratory services and the pharmacy. The new building is adjacent to the Jennie Sealy Hospital which is expected to be completed later this year.
Cornforth gets NASA grant to study deep space radiation
Michael Cornforth, professor of radiation oncology in the department of biochemistry and molecular biology, received $1.2 million from NASA’s Johnson Space Center to study the impact of radiation exposure on the human genome. The grant will allow researchers to safely investigate the effects of deep space radiation on astronauts.
Inside UTMB is compiled by the communications department at the University of Texas Medical Branch.