Tec de Monterrey and The University of Texas at Austin are launching the OriGen Health Research Center (OHRC), the first research center to utilize Latin America’s largest biobank alongside advanced machine learning tools and a diverse team of experts from both institutions. The center aims to improve the health of millions across the Americas, including approximately 65 million Latinos in the United States.

Latino populations experience higher rates of chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular conditions, and certain cancers. However, the genetic factors contributing to these trends remain largely unknown.

The OHRC will bring together experts from UT’s College of Natural Sciences, Dell Medical School, and College of Pharmacy, along with researchers from Tec de Monterrey’s Institute for Obesity Research and Center for Early Childhood. Using Tec’s extensive oriGen biobank containing genetic, clinical, and epidemiological data collaborative research teams will leverage state-of-the-art artificial intelligence to conduct large-scale analyses. Their goal is to develop predictive models that enhance personalized treatments, advancing the field of precision medicine.

This is an exciting opportunity for our universities to come together, save and improve lives, and exchange knowledge, said Andreas Matouschek, interim dean of the College of Natural Sciences at The University of Texas at Austin. “By combining our efforts and expertise, we can drive scientific innovation and address critical health and economic challenges affecting people throughout the Americas.

Faculty members specializing in genetics, obesity, computer science, human development, and artificial intelligence will collaborate to deepen the understanding of various diseases affecting Latino populations. Their research will guide the development of personalized prevention and intervention strategies, ultimately improving health outcomes for Latinos and communities across the Americas.

With a strong emphasis on research, education, and direct engagement with the Latino community, the OriGen Health Research Center will ensure that proposed solutions are both practical and accessible, said Guillermo Torre-Amione, rector of TecSalud at Tec de Monterrey. “By considering the cultural and social realities of individuals, we can develop impactful solutions that truly make a difference in people’s lives.

Initial OHRC projects include:

An AI-driven study to determine where harmful fat accumulates in Latino individuals and how genetic factors related to ethnicity contribute to this process.
A research initiative examining the effects of psychological stress on Latinos, utilizing biomarkers and clinical data.
A family-centered program designed to improve lifestyle and weight management among Latino adolescents.
By leveraging these resources, OHRC aims to generate data-driven insights and targeted solutions that enhance the understanding of disease patterns in Latino populations and inform effective interventions.

The launch event for the new research center took place today, with key attendees including Guillermo Torre-Amione, Andreas Matouschek, David Garza (president of Tecnológico de Monterrey), David Vanden Bout (UT’s interim provost), Sonia Feigenbaum (UT’s senior vice provost for global engagement and chief international officer), and Ignacio de la Vega (Tec’s vice president of global affairs).

Source: https://cns.utexas.edu/news/announcements/cross-border-university-collaboration-will-expand-research-advance-precision