A new UNC study finds that Hispanic men become obese 2.5 times faster than U.S. men of European ancestry, while black women become obese more than twice as fast as white women. The study also shows that the prevalence of obesity in U.S. adults doubled over 40 years, with 61% now classified as obese or overweight.
A new study from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that Australian Aboriginals are more susceptible to diabetes due to excess weight. The researchers suggest lowering BMI guidelines to reduce the risk, which could potentially prevent up to 46% of diabetes cases.
The N.C. Health Choice program has expanded health-care coverage to millions of children from working families with incomes too high for Medicaid but too low to afford private insurance. The program's success can be attributed to its competitive payment rates for dental services, resulting in improved access to care for poor children.
Scientists have discovered well-preserved fossil remains of early land plants on Bathurst Island in the Northwest Territories, which are 800 miles from the North Pole. These findings indicate that vascular plants were more complex and developed earlier than previously thought.
Recent Smart Start studies show significant improvement in child-care quality, with more classrooms rated 'good' to 'excellent' and nationally accredited centers increasing. The report also highlights the positive impact on children's health outcomes, including increased vaccinations and developmental screenings.
A national study found that only about a quarter of teachers used evidence-based programs, which emphasize social influences knowledge and refusal skills. The study suggests that teachers need resources and support to adopt and implement these effective programs.
A UNC research team has shed new light on the classic 'lock-and-key' theory of drug action by discovering functional selectivity. The findings reveal that drugs can act as both agonists and antagonists at different receptors, allowing for more targeted treatment options. This breakthrough could lead to improved clinical effects with ex...
Researchers have found that people with depression have a persistent biological abnormality in their serotonin systems, even when not depressed. The study, published in Neuropsychopharmacology, suggests depression reflects a genetic trait and may require longer medication use.
Research from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found significant increases in obesity rates among older children and adolescents in Brazil, China, and the US between 1991 and 2017. The study highlights the growing global burden of nutritional problems and calls for revised nutrition programs to address energy excesses.
A University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill study found that nearly one in four metformin prescriptions were given to patients with contraindications. The study suggests that providers may not be adequately documenting the risks of lactic acidosis and should consider counseling patients on metformin use.
Researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have identified a protein called ATR that senses damaged DNA and triggers the body's natural repair system. This discovery is significant as it highlights a crucial step in maintaining genome stability and preventing mutations that can lead to cancer.
Researchers found that higher energy consumption significantly raises the risk of heart disease and stroke across all age groups. The study also revealed that Americans of all ages are consuming more restaurant food, including fast food, than a generation ago.
Researchers found that showering increased THM levels in blood by a factor of four, suggesting the compounds are getting into the bloodstream through water use. The study investigated THM concentrations in women's blood before and after showering, revealing correlations with local tap water quality.
The Antiphospholipid Syndrome Collaborative Registry aims to enroll 2,000 patients over five years to better understand the disease, its causes, and treatment options. The registry will facilitate research, diagnosis, and development of diagnostic tests and treatments for antiphospholipid syndrome.
A study published in Gastroenterology reveals the top gastrointestinal and liver diseases causing financial burden, with GERD being the most expensive at $9.3 billion annually. The study estimates a total of $36 billion in direct costs and $22.8 billion in indirect costs, affecting millions of Americans.
A UNC scientist found that trauma and human herpesvirus 8 (HHV8) contribute to the development of Kaposi's sarcoma, a cancer linked to HIV. The researcher also discovered that HHV8 can be detected in saliva prior to disease development, suggesting new treatment possibilities for high-risk individuals.
Intrah, a partner of the $35 million Maram project, is responding effectively to severe health-care challenges in the West Bank and Gaza. The organization is focusing on emergency obstetric care, medical equipment aid, and distance learning programs to support frontline care providers.
Researchers found that a network of lay health advisers increased mammography use among rural black women over age 50 by 6 and 11 percent, respectively. The program's effectiveness in boosting breast cancer screening rates was demonstrated through data from the North Carolina Breast Cancer Screening Program.
Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill have found a way to tap into the gene-silencing process RNA interference to identify key parts of its machinery. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new treatments for cancer and other serious illnesses.
A University of North Carolina study found that individually tailored health promotion programs can significantly improve the lives of working women. The program, which included confidential feedback and lay health advisory programs, boosted fruit and vegetable consumption and improved strength and flexibility exercise among participants.
A five-year study will analyze how nursing staffs are organized in 160 US hospitals to improve patient care quality. Researchers will examine nurses' experiences, job satisfaction, and relationships with healthcare professionals.
A University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill geologist proposes the existence of a new supercontinent, Columbia, which existed over 1.5 billion years ago. The supercontinent is thought to have formed when most of the world's continents collided into a single land area.
A 13-year study found that higher-quality child care benefits children's development, with more education and training among staff also contributing to better outcomes. Poor quality care can have negative effects on children's social and intellectual development.
Researchers are recruiting women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) to participate in a study examining hormone levels and stress response. Participants will receive useful information about their illness and potentially contribute to more effective treatment for PMDD.
A study analyzing satellite images of the 1999 hurricane flood area found that over 200 NC livestock operations were flooded, contaminating wells and posing a risk to local residents. The research highlights the need for improved monitoring and regulation of industrial animal farms in flood-prone areas.
A five-year study by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that women with gum disease are more likely to deliver babies prematurely or at a lower than normal weight. The research suggests that germs from mothers' mouths can target the fetus, increasing the risk of pre-term delivery.
A recent study from UNC Chapel Hill found that bright exterior lighting and staffing practices can significantly reduce workplace homicide risk. Eliminating solo work at night is associated with a 70% lower risk of homicide.
Researchers found that Hispanics are increasingly targeted due to language barriers and stereotyping. The team developed educational materials, including a photographic storybook and videos, to educate people about ways to reduce crime victimization.
A new study using powerful DNA-amplification tests found that up to 3% of participants had untreated chlamydia and over 5% had untreated gonorrhea, suggesting a large reservoir of asymptomatic infections. The high prevalence rates in the general public and lack of symptoms emphasize the importance of screening programs and extended acc...
Researchers suggest scopolamine could prevent many deaths from nerve agent attacks by reversing physostigmine toxicity in the brain and central nervous system. Studies show improved survival rates with scopolamine compared to atropine, a standard treatment for nerve agent poisoning.
A new $2.5M NSF grant will enable UNC scientists to conduct interdisciplinary studies and train researchers in comprehensive child development models. The study aims to capture the complexity of children's relationships with families, neighborhoods, cultures, and environments.
Researchers found Pseudomonas aeruginosa thrives in low-oxygen environments of the airways, adapting to remove oxygen and producing protective sugar coatings. This discovery suggests a new strategy to target specific enzymes critical for bacterial survival, offering hope for improved treatment options.
Researchers found that Egfr signaling is essential for intestinal tumor formation in mice, with 90% fewer polyps developing in one group. The study suggests a potential treatment approach using Egfr inhibitors for advanced colorectal cancers.
A University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill study found that new safety regulations adopted in 1996 contributed to a 22% decline in serious injuries at childcare centers and a 31% drop in licensed home injuries. The decline coincided with improved playground safety features and better supervision.
Researchers found that regular use of aspirin cuts coronary heart disease risk by 28% in people at heightened risk. Doctors should discuss pros and cons with patients to determine individualized decision, considering age, habits, and medical histories.
Contrary to previous research, a new study by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that U.S. girls hardly surpass U.S. boys in mathematical ability. The study analyzed data from elementary school through high school and found no significant gender differences until late high school, when the gap was only 1.5 percent.
Researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have discovered that carbon nanotubes can store more energy than conventional graphite electrodes, potentially leading to longer-lasting batteries. The study found that carbon nanotubes can contain roughly twice the energy density of graphite.
A new study by University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill reveals that many poor children live with strong physical and emotional pain due to barriers to dental care. The study found that language is a particular frustration for Latinos and minorities perceive prejudices against them, leading some to give up on seeking dental care.
Researchers found that certain drugs, including alcohol and cocaine, increase beta endorphin levels in the nucleus accumbens, a brain region influencing addiction. This discovery may lead to the development of medications targeting this system to help individuals overcome addiction.
A recent study by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that boating deaths are more closely tied to alcohol consumption than previously thought. The research, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, analyzed data from over 3,900 boaters and 221 boat-related deaths between 1990 and 1998.
A study by Dr. Kathryn Moss and colleagues found that the EEOC has never been funded to thoroughly investigate discrimination complaints, resulting in inconsistent outcomes. The commission's limited resources lead to prioritization issues and variability in benefits among different offices.
Researchers found that nearly half of online cigarette vendors are located in New York State, with many operating in tobacco-producing states. The study highlights the need for stronger regulation and enforcement to prevent underage sales and protect public health.
Researchers found that genetic mutations in people with chronic pancreas inflammation are associated with an increased risk of pancreatitis. The study identified specific mutations in the CF and PSTI genes, which can lead to a 900-fold increase in pancreatitis risk for those with two mutations.
A new UNC research project aims to investigate the connection between osteoarthritis, emotional responses, and coping strategies. The two-year study will analyze data from over 20,000 participants to identify predictors and consequences of emotional distress in people with arthritis.
A US study of 2,481 heart disease patients found that treatment did not lower mortality rates despite reducing depression and boosting social support. Researchers hope to analyze data further to understand why the treatment failed to benefit patients.
A new study by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that only 3.1 percent of North Carolinians are talking on cell phones while driving at any given time. The prevalence rate varied by region, with higher rates in the Piedmont and lower rates in the mountains and coastal plain.
A new pilot study aims to investigate whether treating periodontal disease can reduce the risk of heart attacks. The three-year study will follow approximately 900 patients who have had a heart attack or are at high risk of one, comparing those who receive aggressive treatment for gum disease with those who do not.
A recent deep-sea drilling expedition off Japan has revealed that vast areas of the Pacific Ocean were low in oxygen for periods of up to a million years each. The expedition, which lasted two months, uncovered evidence of global warming events more common than previously thought, with some occurring every thousand years.
The discovery shows that confining hydrogen molecules in small spaces creates measurable magnetic interactions, which could lead to a better understanding of solar cell efficiency. The researchers believe this finding has fundamental implications for the study of nanomaterials and their potential applications.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill researchers have found evidence that alcohol inhibits the actions of key proteins called N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptors in specific regions of the brain. This new interaction affects brain regions involved in memory formation and higher mental functions.