The University of Texas at Austin (UT) and Mexico-based university Tecnológico (Tec) de Monterrey are launching a new research center on UT’s campus focused on advancing research around Latino health, according to a UT news release.

 

Aiming to advance the health of millions of people living in the Americas, including an estimated 65 million Latinos in the United States, OriGen Health Research Center (OHRC) is the first research center to utilize Latin America’s largest biobank, alongside leading machine learning tools and numerous experts from both universities.

 

“It is an exciting time to bring both of our universities together to save and improve lives and foster the exchange of knowledge,” said Andreas Matouschek, PhD, the interim dean of the College of Natural Sciences at UT, in the release. “By joining efforts and perspectives, the two institutions will promote scientific innovation and help solve major health and economic problems affecting people across the Americas.”

 

Teams made up of experts in genetics, obesity, computer science and artificial intelligence (AI)  will collaborate on projects involving Tec’s large OriGen biobank of genetic, clinical and epidemiological information.

 

Latinos face higher rates of certain chronic diseases, including diabetes, obesity, heart disease and some types of cancer. Research will focus on identifying and understanding the variables affecting illnesses in different Latino and Mexican populations.

 

According to the release, initial OHRC projects include:

 

  • An AI-based study to identify where in the body dangerous fats accumulate most for people in the Latino population and how this is associated with genetic factors linked to ethnicity.
  • An initiative exploring the effect of psychological stress on Latinos, using biomarkers and clinical data.
  • An effort to develop and examine Latino family interventions that lead to improvement in lifestyle and weight management in adolescents.

 

“With a strong focus on research, education and active engagement with the Latino community, OriGen Health Research Center will ensure that the proposed solutions are practical and accessible,” said Guillermo Torre-Amione, MD, PhD, rector of TecSalud at Tec de Monterrey. “They will take into account the cultural and social reality of individuals to offer solutions that impact people’s lives.”

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