A new study reveals that Hispanics are increasingly settling in the heartland and Sun Belt regions of the US, attracted by job growth and economic opportunities. The fastest growth occurred in states such as Georgia, Maryland, Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota, and Nevada.
Researchers at UNC-CH and Washington University found that only 3.3% of white patients carry the BRCA1 mutation, significantly lower than previous estimates. The study suggests that widespread screening is not warranted due to high costs and limited interpretability.
Researchers have discovered a gene called ARF that attaches to and disables the MDM2 protein, helping to protect the body against cancer. This natural mechanism may be manipulated to treat cancer more effectively or detect it earlier.
A new study by University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill researchers found that adolescents who participated in a health and physical education program lowered their total fat and LDL cholesterol levels by an average of 7% and 10%, respectively. The study showed that vigorous exercise was more effective in reducing cholesterol levels...
Researchers identified a rare genetic mutation in the Tricho-dento-osseous syndrome, which may hold clues for treating osteoporosis. The study found that people with TDO syndrome have exceptionally dense bones that fracture rarely, offering potential insights into improving bone density treatments.
A study found that many seniors struggle with planning when to stop driving due to health issues or declining abilities. Alternative transportation options are limited, making it difficult for them to give up the keys without proper support.
Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill will study nanotube-based materials with potential applications in energy storage and display technology. The five-year grant aims to understand the chemical, mechanical, and electrical properties of these molecules.
A University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill study suggests that nearly 30% of the US population attend church weekly, contradicting previous head counts. The research found that telephone polls like Gallup overestimate church attendance due to biased respondent demographics.
A new study by UNC-CH researchers finds that Black workers in North Carolina face a 50% higher job fatality rate than white workers, despite similar job types. Direct personal discrimination at the worksite is a possible explanation for this excess risk.
Dr. Frederick O. Mueller has been named the winner of the Dr. Ernst Jokl Sports Medicine Award for his groundbreaking work in collecting information on catastrophic sports injuries and deaths. His statistics led to rule changes that have saved dozens of lives a year in the US, making football a much safer sport.
Chemists directly observed how hydrogen atoms behave and bond to surfaces at high temperatures using a scanning tunneling microscope. They found that dangling bonds on the surface unpaired, re-paired multiple times depending on temperature, showing favorable conditions for growing more silicon.
A major study found that smoking speeds up the hardening of arteries, increasing stroke and heart attack risk. Quitting smoking can slow this process, but may not reverse existing damage.
A new study of 667 children at risk of abuse or neglect found that those with strong social support from family, neighbors, and church were less likely to face developmental problems. Church membership, neighborhood support, and personal perception of support all showed significant correlations.
A new study by Dr. June Stevens of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that excess body weight increases the risk of death from heart disease and other causes up to late life, with optimal weight found at a body mass index (BMI) of 19-22 until age 75.
Children with better-than-20/800 vision showed significant improvements in development compared to those with impaired vision. The study found that a specific range of visual acuity affects children's ability to establish eye contact, bond with parents, and develop social skills.
Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill School of Medicine found that NF-kappa B, a natural protein, teams up with a cancer gene to prevent cell death in tumor cells. The team suggests using new drugs or therapies to turn off or neutralize NF-kappa B to control certain tumors.
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine is establishing a unique clinical trials unit to develop and test new therapies and vaccines for sexually transmitted diseases. The unit will focus on addressing major problems worldwide, including syphilis and gonorrhea, and will be the first of its kind in the US.
Drilling in the Caribbean Basin uncovered evidence of massive volcanic eruptions 55 million years ago, which triggered a dramatic climatic change and rapid ocean water inversion. This led to the release of sea floor methane into the atmosphere, causing global warming and speeding evolution of new species.
A new X-ray technique called defraction-enhanced imaging (DEI) produces sharper images of breast tissue, potentially diagnosing tumors earlier and reducing cancer deaths. The method uses a single-energy X-ray source to reduce scatter and improve contrast, highlighting the edges of structures in cancerous tumors.
Researchers challenge the theory that birds evolved from dinosaurs, citing evidence of finger identity differences between bird and dinosaur embryos. The study found that bird wings correspond to human thumb, index, and middle fingers, while little fingers are lost.
A major European study found that an antioxidant compound called lycopene in tomato sauce appears to have a protective effect against heart attacks. The study showed men with high lycopene consumption had about half the risk of heart attack compared to those with low lycopene consumption.
Researchers at UNC-CH have discovered that carbon nanotubes can bend without breaking and then return to their original shape under large strains. The nanotubes' buckling behavior indicates potential for safer, stronger products, including those used in sports and aerospace materials.
Infants born to mothers imprisoned during pregnancy have healthier birthweights, on average heavier than infants born to mothers jailed at other times. Research suggests that prenatal care, food, and shelter may contribute to this phenomenon, possibly due to reduced domestic and sexual abuse.
Researchers at UNC-CH have invented a process using carbon dioxide to separate liquids, promising a more environmentally friendly alternative to toxic solvents. The new method, described in Nature, has shown success in removing dye from water and could be applied in industries releasing vast amounts of waste water into the environment.
A new study found that adolescents are more likely to disclose sensitive information about smoking, drinking, drug use, sexual behavior, and mental health when doctors assure them of confidentiality. This increases the chances of teens seeking future health care and being honest in their responses.
A new study found that many North Carolina third- and fourth-graders have higher-than-healthy blood pressure and total cholesterol levels, putting them at a higher risk of heart disease or strokes later in life. Additionally, a small but significant number of elementary school children are already smoking.
A national study found that strong family and school connections help protect adolescents from substance abuse, early sexual activity, and other risks. Feeling connected to parents, teachers, and peers is key to avoiding these behaviors.
A new international study has found a significant association between high levels of trans fatty acids and breast cancer in European women. The research suggests that reducing trans fatty acid consumption through dietary changes may help protect against breast cancer development.
Nearly 30% of US workers are employed in non-traditional jobs, such as part-time and contract work, suffering severe wage and benefit penalties. The studies found that women and minorities disproportionately hurt by these arrangements, with limited access to benefits like health insurance and pensions.
Researchers at UNC-CH School of Medicine found a genetic mutation, 5T allele, associated with milder forms of cystic fibrosis and other chronic lung and sinus infections. The study suggests that the 5T allele may be linked to infertility and urological abnormalities in infertile men.
A new vagus nerve stimulator device has been shown to prevent epileptic seizures in over 30% of patients, with some becoming completely seizure-free. The device, which is battery-operated and inserted just below the collarbone, sends electric current to stimulate the vagus nerve without impairing heart rate or cardiac cycles.
A recent study found that five football players died in the 1996 season, with four resulting from brain injuries and one from a blow to the chest. Additionally, nine young men were permanently paralyzed, including six high school players, due to head injuries or heatstroke.
Researchers found that athletes' balance can recover enough from concussions and other head trauma in a minimum of three days, but healing continues for more than a week. The study provides an objective way for team physicians and athletic trainers to determine when athletes can safely return to competition.
A study of state legislators in North Carolina, Texas, and Vermont found that most support stronger measures to prevent tobacco sales to minors. Many lawmakers would also support increased cigarette excise taxes under specific conditions, with revenues going towards helping tobacco farmers diversify their products.
A new UNC-CH study found that an antiretroviral drug reduced HIV transmission in men, suggesting a potential decrease in the probability of transmission. The study showed significant drops in virus levels and undetectable HIV in eight out of 11 subjects.
Researchers found that treating co-infections with sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) significantly reduces the amount of virus shed in semen, making transmission less likely. The study suggests widespread STD screening and therapy could be a crucial step in combating HIV/AIDS globally.
A new study by University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill researchers found that black women are half as likely to report ever having had a mammogram and 17% less likely to have had one in the past year compared to white women. The single strongest predictor of whether a woman undergoes the test was her doctor's recommendation, which ...
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine shows that thalidomide effectively heals mouth ulcers in people infected with HIV, with 90% of treatment group volunteers showing at least partial healing. The drug also reduces pain and boosts patients' ability to eat.
The North Carolina Statewide Infection Control Program has prepared guidelines to prevent and control the spread of antibiotic-resistant infections, specifically MRSA and VRE. The guidelines offer practices designed to reduce transmission between patients in various healthcare settings.
A new UNC-CH study reveals North Carolina's Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) consumer protection is lacking, with the state receiving only 'C-minuses' for its report card. The study highlights the need for enhanced accessibility, understandable written materials, and improved due process requirements.
The Smart Start program has seen significant improvements in child care quality, with a 7% increase in evaluation scores and 11% more centers meeting good standards. The study found that child care quality is related to Smart Start efforts and that the level of quality is improving over time.
Researchers find that the unique island brogue is losing traditional features such as distinct vowel sounds and words like 'pizer' for 'porch.' The dialect's survival largely depends on the island's former isolation from the mainland. Despite its decline, linguists emphasize the importance of preserving languages and cultures.
A University of North Carolina study found that most NC police officers think the state law restricting tobacco sales to adults only should be changed due to its ineffectiveness in preventing youth access. Only a small percentage of officers try to enforce the law, citing barriers such as lack of manpower and poorly written legislation.
Researchers identified three key factors that significantly boost the spread of HIV: having other STDs, multiple sexual relationships, and sex with people newly infected. Increasing STD detection and treatment, and focusing on early HIV infections can help curb the epidemic.
A new American Academy of Pediatrics study reveals that girls in the US are entering puberty earlier than previously thought, with black girls beginning around age 9 and white girls at 10. By their ninth birthday, 48% of black girls and 15% of white girls have begun breast or secondary hair development.
A new study found that people who regularly eat breakfast cereal tend to consume more fiber and calcium, but less fat, compared to those who eat other foods for breakfast. The study analyzed data from the US Department of Agriculture's survey and found that cereal-eaters were also more likely to consume other nutritious foods.
A new study by UNC-CH found that most Hispanics are of Mexican descent and have already become U.S. citizens, with about 60% residing in the urban crescent along Interstate 85. This trend, known as moving down the urban hierarchy, indicates a shift away from rural regions and coastal areas.
A major new study shows that good early child care helps rather than hinders infants' and toddlers' thinking and language development up to age 3. The research found that quality child care matters, even when other family variables are considered.
A study of 100 PSAs found that narratives showing consequences of violence are more appealing to adolescents and effective in reducing violence, unlike PSAs with celebrities simply telling kids not to be violent.
A new University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill study finds that pregnant workers with demanding jobs are more likely to give birth prematurely. Black women appear to be at a greater risk from job strain than white women, with high-strain jobs increasing the risk by about 40%.