Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill have developed a device that can deliver chemotherapy drugs directly into tumor tissue, allowing for potential life-saving surgeries and increased life expectancy. The device uses electric fields to target poorly vascularized tumors, which are difficult to treat with standard IV chemotherapy drugs.
A new study recalculates global progress in household water access, highlighting deficits in sanitation. The findings suggest that prioritizing both water and sanitation equally could improve human health outcomes.
Researchers found a strong association between sea turtle nesting sites and subtle shifts in the Earth's magnetic field. Turtles pack themselves along shorter stretches of coastline when magnetic signatures diverge, and lay eggs fewer and farther between.
Researchers suggest that the tumor microenvironment could play a significant role in cancer treatment and delivery of nanoparticle-based drugs. They found varying levels of drug delivery between two triple-negative breast cancer tumors, highlighting the importance of personalized medicine and better profiling of tumors.
A new study reveals that adolescents have dramatic misperceptions about their peers' behaviors, leading to conformity to social norms. Teens overestimate the amount of drug- and alcohol-use and sexual behaviors among their peers, while underestimating the time spent on studying or exercise.
Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill created inhalable vaccines targeting lung diseases by modifying particle surface charge, inducing local and systemic immune responses. This novel approach may lead to improved vaccine accessibility in low-resource areas without refrigeration requirements.
A recent study found that modern monitoring systems in hospitals generate an alarming number of false positives, leading to alarm fatigue. The researchers collected data on 461 adults and discovered 88.8% of arrhythmia alarms were false positives, mostly due to algorithmic errors or non-actionable events.
Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill have developed a genetic strain of mice that accurately reflect human Ebola symptoms. The new mouse model enables rapid development of potential vaccines and treatments, addressing the global public health crisis caused by Ebola.
Two medications, acamprosate and oral naltrexone, have shown promise in reducing return to drinking and improving other drinking outcomes. The study provides additional options for clinicians to address alcohol use disorders, a global concern associated with many health problems.
A new study from the UNC Highway Safety Research Center found that teen drivers are six times more likely to have a serious incident when there's loud conversation in the vehicle. Having multiple passengers in the car also leads to more serious incidents, three times more often than alone.
To predict finish times for nearly 6,000 runners who didn't complete the 2013 Boston Marathon, researchers developed a statistical procedure using pace data up to the last checkpoint. The KNN method proved effective in predicting completion times, and its potential use was expanded to assist with real-time predictions during the race.
A study by UNC Chapel Hill sociologists found that women in mixed-sex startup teams are less likely to hold leadership roles, even when they adopt organizational templates like formal operating agreements. The researchers suggest that cultural expectations and the presence of children at home amplify these inequalities.
Researchers created a synthetic version of low-molecular-weight heparin that can be counteracted by an existing drug and cleared by the liver, not the kidneys. This new form of heparin is safer for patients with poor kidney function, reducing the risk of uncontrolled bleeding.
A recent study found that nearly 22% of Medicare patients require emergency care within 30 days of discharge from a nursing facility, highlighting the need for improved transitions. Factors such as race, diagnosis, and previous hospitalizations are associated with a higher risk of rehospitalization.
Scientists at UNC Chapel Hill have identified a nonflammable alternative to the inherently flammable electrolyte used in current lithium-ion batteries, paving the way for safer and more efficient electric vehicles. The new material, PFPE, exhibits unique properties that make it an ideal replacement, with potential applications in aeros...
A new study found that US consumers changed their eating habits significantly between 2003 and 2011, leading to a decline in calorie consumption. The changes persisted independent of economic conditions, suggesting that public health efforts and increased awareness about healthy eating played a crucial role.
A study by researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that children's fast food consumption is only a small part of a larger problem: poor dietary habits fostered at home. The study highlights the importance of addressing these underlying habits to reduce childhood obesity.
Researchers have built a system that converts the sun's energy into hydrogen fuel and stores it for later use, allowing for nighttime power. The 'solar fuels' system uses natural photosynthesis as inspiration and has the potential to be a major piece of the puzzle for a solar energy future.
A new study finds that heart attack survivors, particularly black and Hispanic women, are less likely to adhere to prescribed medications. The researchers highlight the need for targeted interventions to improve long-term adherence and optimal outcomes.
Recent climate change affects physiological traits in caterpillars, enabling them to feed rapidly at a broader range of temperatures. Modern caterpillars can gain up to 20% body weight in an hour when temperatures are ideal, outperforming their ancestors.
Researchers found that brain dendrites process information and multiply the brain's computing power. They used patch-clamp electrophysiology to demonstrate this, seeing bursts of spikes in dendrites while other parts of the neuron did not.
A study by UNC researchers found that over three-quarters of Hispanic patients in North Carolina aren't performing skin self-exams, highlighting the need for better education and physician guidance on this potentially life-saving practice.
A community-based intervention program in North Carolina found that mothers who completed a mandatory IPV program were less likely to be re-victimized and more likely to leave abusive relationships. The program, MOVE, showed promising results, with a 96.5% reduction in physical abuse and an 84% decrease in psychological abuse.
Researchers found that distracting similarities in testimonials can result in less medically appropriate treatment recommendations. They suggest consumers recognize the potential for 'gut feel' decisions based on credibility rather than accurate data.
Research reveals that burning incense generates indoor air pollutants that cause inflammation in human lung cells, similar to cigarette smoke. The study recommends improving ventilation and using alternative combustion devices to mitigate this health risk.
Human cells respond in healthy ways to eudaimonic well-being but in unhealthy ways to hedonic happiness. Research found a significant decrease in stress-related gene expression profiles for those experiencing eudaimonic well-being, while hedonic well-being was linked to an increase.
Researchers found that adding foods rich in amino and fatty acids, such as leucine and omega-3 fatty acids, may help youth with Type 1 diabetes produce some of their own insulin for up to two years after diagnosis. This approach could benefit the lives of these children by reducing the risk of diabetes complications.
Native predators in the Caribbean cannot control the aggressive lionfish population growth, highlighting the need for human intervention. The study found that lionfish populations were lower in protected reefs due to targeted removal by reef managers.
A recent study found that many obstetrician-gynecologists continue to provide annual cervical-cancer screenings despite updated guidelines. The research suggests less frequent screening every three years can retain most benefits while reducing harms and costs. Experts recommend a more balanced approach to cervical cancer screening.
New research reveals how trees produce particulate matter through the chemical reaction of isoprene with nitrogen oxides. This mechanism helps predict air quality episodes and impacts public health and climate change. Trees' natural defense against oxygen damage plays a surprising role in creating environmental concerns.
New research from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill suggests that genes are a primary factor influencing food neophobia, or aversion to trying new foods, in children. The study found that genetic factors explain 72 percent of the variation in children's tendency to avoid new foods.
A new study by researchers at UNC Chapel Hill and the University of Adelaide found that fluoride in drinking water prevents tooth decay for all adults regardless of age or childhood consumption. Adults living in fluoridated communities had up to 30% less tooth decay.
Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill identified a bacterial enzyme that enables vancomycin resistance to spread among Staphylococcus aureus strains. They also discovered a potential solution by designing a synthetic molecule that blocks the transfer of resistance genes, offering hope for developing effective therapies.
A recent study by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that mothers who were obese and had fussy babies spent more time watching TV with their infants. This finding highlights the growing concern of obesity and inactivity among US children, and suggests a potential solution for mothers to combat these effects
Researchers from UNC Chapel Hill found that adults with mild HIV infections can work longer hours per week and have their children enroll in school at higher rates. The study suggests that early treatment could lead to greater earning potential for those affected by HIV.
Researchers from UNC Chapel Hill have linked coral growth decline on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System to recent seawater temperature increases. The study reveals that corals closest to the open ocean are most vulnerable to global warming.
A new study by UNC Chapel Hill researchers reveals Chinese teenagers have a significantly higher rate of diabetes (1.9%) compared to their US counterparts (0.5%). The study also found high levels of inflammation and cardiometabolic risk factors in Chinese children, with over one-third having at least one risk factor.
A new analysis found that physical activity may reduce breast cancer risk by 30% in women, with moderate activity providing the greatest benefit. Exercise before or after menopause also shows promise in reducing breast cancer risk, particularly for hormone receptor-positive tumors.
A recent study from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has pinpointed indoor air quality risks in the United Arab Emirates as a significant health concern. The research found that residents are exposed to high levels of pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and formaldehyde, which can lead to respiratory iss...
The program is designed for undergraduate nursing students, providing a rigorous curriculum and mentorship to accelerate completion of a Ph.D. in five years. The scholars will examine complex health issues through innovative approaches, aiming to design and implement research that improves patient care.
A new study found that people who consumed diet beverages tended to be less healthy than those who didn't, but had lower risks when paired with a prudent diet. Those who ate a western diet had increased risk of heart disease regardless of diet drink consumption.
African-American men who believe they should respond to stress with emotional control experience more depression symptoms when confronted with racial discrimination. The study found that traditional role norms can amplify the negative effects of discrimination on mental health.
A recent UNC study revealed pockets of high cervical cancer rates in North Carolina, highlighting the need for targeted education, vaccination, and screening programs. The study found that less affluent counties had higher rates and mortality rates were disproportionately high among African American women.
A study of 87,025 postmenopausal women found that those consuming the most trans fats were 39% more likely to have an ischemic stroke. However, regular aspirin use may counteract this risk, with no association found between trans fat consumption and stroke risk among aspirin users.
A study analyzing eBird data finds that rising temperatures are altering bird migration patterns, pushing birds to arrive earlier in the year. This could negatively impact bird populations, especially slow migrators, as they may struggle to adapt to changing conditions and face increased competition for resources.
A University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill study found that substituting noncaloric beverages, such as water or diet soft drinks, can lead to significant weight loss. Participants who switched to calorie-free beverages lost twice as much weight and had lower fasting glucose levels compared to those who did not make a change.
A new study found that adults who participated in high-quality early childhood education programs in the 1970s had significantly more years of education and were four times more likely to have earned college degrees. They also had better employment rates and were less likely to use public assistance.
A new study found that climate change is causing humans to visit national parks earlier, with peak attendance shifting four days earlier than 30 years ago. This shift may serve as a bellwether for more severe human adjustments required to cope with climate change.
A large-scale clinical study has provided insights into the causes of temporomandibular joint disorders, known as TMD, and identified demographic, biological, psychological, and genetic factors associated with chronic cases. The study's findings may lead to new methods of diagnosing facial pain conditions and predicting susceptibility.
A new study by UNC researchers found that postmenopausal women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) report poorer health status, worse quality of life, and physical symptoms such as back pain and memory problems compared to those without the disorder.