A study by Yale University found that older adults' disability scores worsen by 11.2% for every month of curtailed activity. The association between restricted activity and functional decline differs significantly in risk groups, with adjusted disability scores increasing by 18.7% and 7.5% for low- and intermediate-risk groups, respect...
A study by University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill researchers found that overall reported sadness returned to pre-incident levels within four to six weeks, while increased trust in national, state and local governments persisted. Young adults between 18 and 26 were more likely to report religious feelings and higher psychological ...
A recent study found that nearly 20% of North Carolina children experience un-diagnosed asthma symptoms, leading to missed school days and limited activities. The condition affects not only physical health but also sleep patterns, cognitive function, and learning ability.
Paerl was recognized for his work on understanding aquatic microbial processes, documenting linkages between atmospheric deposition of nitrogen and harmful algal blooms. He has made significant contributions to knowledge in freshwater, estuarine, and marine ecosystems, promising a continuing legacy of scientific excellence.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that rapid MRI did not improve clinical outcomes or save money for patients with low back pain. In fact, it may increase costs due to an increased risk of surgical interventions.
The STAT program uses a combination of antibody tests and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect acute HIV infections, which are often missed by routine testing. The approach has resulted in a 4% increase in new HIV diagnoses in North Carolina and has shown promise for reducing transmission and saving lives.
A new class of anti-HIV medication, developed by Trimeris, has shown significant improvement in virologic and immunologic responses in patients with drug-resistant HIV. Enfuvirtide (T-20) works by blocking HIV entry into CD4 + lymphocytes and can benefit patients who already have HIV resistant to current therapy.
A new study published in the Journal of Perinatology reveals a growing incidence of gastroschisis in the U.S., particularly among mothers under 20 years old. Gastroschisis is a birth defect where the intestines develop outside the womb, and its mortality rate ranges from 3-8 percent.
A four-week study of adults with ADHD found that extended-release mixed-salts amphetamine medication significantly improved symptoms and functioning. The treatment was well-tolerated and showed no evidence of drug tolerance, according to the researchers.
Researchers discovered that 29% of individuals were completely resistant to the Norwalk virus, with those lacking the FUT2 gene showing no signs of infection. The study suggests that vaccination may be effective in reducing disease burden and offers new hope for developing vaccines.
Researchers have identified two distinct forms of chromatin, a previously unrecognized level of genomic organization. This discovery has broad potential applications in cancer diagnosis and assigning functions to genome subsections.
Improving patient-physician communication is crucial to overcoming the barriers of low health literacy, according to Dr. Darren A. DeWalt. Studies have shown that patients recall only half of what healthcare providers tell them, and factors like anxiety and severe illness can further impede this process.
A study found that 40% of children with ADHD responded well to lower doses of medication paired with a placebo, showing equal control over symptoms and fewer side effects. The researchers aim to explore mechanisms and establish clinical applications for this treatment approach.
A study of US women's suicides found that white women are three times more likely to die by suicide than black women. The key findings suggest the need for targeted prevention programs and better data collection on suicidal behaviors.
Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill found a third transporter, the serotonin system, plays a role in cocaine's effects on the brain. The discovery brings medical science closer to effective therapies for treating cocaine addiction.
Researchers found that dopamine levels increased significantly before laboratory rats chose to get more cocaine, paralleling human addictive behavior. The findings suggest that real-time increases in dopamine may control drug-taking behaviors and inform treatment for cocaine addiction.
A recent study by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that drivers using cell phones are twice as likely to cause rear-end collisions. The study, which analyzed data from over 500 cell phone users and 452 crash incidents, estimates that cell phones are responsible for at least 1,500 motor vehicle crashes per year.
Researchers have found that scopolamine and donezepil may be effective in treating nerve agent toxicity by blocking acetylcholine levels. These findings could provide a protective effect against nerve agents like sarin and VX, which cause seizures and death.
A new study estimates that at least 85 newborns are killed or left to die each year by their parents, with the majority being females. The research, led by Dr. Marcia Herman-Giddens, found that 34 cases were reported in North Carolina over a 16-year period, representing 2.1 deaths per 100,000 newborns.
A study published in Arthritis & Rheumatism reveals that cartilage oligometic matrix protein (COMP) is present in blacks, with average levels higher in patients and men than in whites. COMP may serve as a biomarker for osteoarthritis progression.
A major study shows that taking 325 milligrams of aspirin daily can reduce the risk of developing polyps in the colon by 35%, a significant step towards preventing colorectal cancer. The study involved over 100 medical centers and clinics across the US, with patients who had previously suffered from colorectal cancer.
A study conducted in the Artibonite region of Haiti shows that decentralizing prenatal syphilis screening from a regional hospital to community dispensaries has led to a significant reduction in congenital syphilis rates. By implementing on-site blood testing and treatment, the program has cut syphilis cases by 75%.
A recent study found that 78% of HIV-positive N.C. men and women prisoners had unprotected sex with their main partner in the year before imprisonment. Upon release, 26% admitted to having sex without condoms with that same person within a day or two.
Study reveals floodplains have significantly higher diversity of native and exotic plants due to flooding, which washes away existing plants and transports seeds. This creates opportunities for invasive species to establish themselves, posing a threat to native plant populations.
A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that faceguards reduced facial injuries by 35% and safety balls cut ball-related injuries by 29%. The research analyzed over 6.7 million player-seasons of Little League participation, making it the largest and most comprehensive study of its kind.
Research confirms that US food portion sizes have increased significantly over the past two decades, leading to a growing health threat of obesity and related diseases. The study analyzed data from 63,380 people aged 2 and older, revealing large increases in portion sizes for certain foods, particularly at fast-food establishments.
A new study by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that socioeconomic factors do not equally impact child obesity rates among different ethnic groups. The research suggests that focusing on social and environmental factors can lead to more effective weight management, particularly in minority populations.
Scientists at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have discovered a new role for the BLM gene in repairing DNA breaks, which can lead to cancer. The study found that the BLM gene is essential for maintaining genome stability and preventing chromosome rearrangements similar to those seen in follicular lymphoma.
A new study suggests that living longer will not lead to significantly increased healthcare costs, especially after age 85. The research found that average monthly health-care expenditures decrease for those who survive into their mid-80s or beyond. In contrast, the last two years of life often see steeper rises in health-related costs...
A study found that White Americans' fruit and vegetable consumption rose by 11 percent when a supermarket was nearby, whereas black Americans showed a smaller increase. The research highlights the importance of environmental factors in shaping dietary habits.
Researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have discovered an acid-catalyzed process that brings about secondary organic aerosol formation, potentially generating five to 10 times more aerosol in the atmosphere. The study's findings appear to explain various phenomena leading to aerosol formation and have important ...
A study of 28 young women found that consuming isoflavone-enriched soy protein supplements for a year did not increase bone mineral density. The researchers assessed the bone mineral content and density of each subject using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometric measurements.
A new study published in Obesity Research reveals that shedding excess pounds decreases activity of the ACE enzyme, a key player in high blood pressure regulation. By losing weight, individuals can lower their risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and kidney disease, as well as experience significant improvements in blood pressure.
Scientists have identified a potential new target in the brain for anxiety-reducing medications, which may provide less disruptive alternatives to existing sedatives. By inhibiting a specific enzyme protein kinase C (PKC-epsilon), researchers hope to develop new treatments that can modulate GABA function without addictive side effects.
A study found that a pharmacists' care program improved patients' lung function only slightly, and resulted in more hospital and ER visits. Despite the boost in patient satisfaction with their pharmacists, the modest effect on medical conditions and quality of life was disappointing.
Experts will share insights on developing and marketing natural medicinal products for economic feasibility and public health. The summit aims to draft a consensus statement on the safety and effectiveness of these products, which have gained popularity with numerous claims but lack research support.
NASA awards consortium of research institutions $30 million to create self-healing materials inspired by nature. The Institute for Biologically Inspired Materials will investigate repair mechanisms used by plants, animals and other organisms.
Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill used nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to study the effects of crowded environments on protein shape. They found that intrinsically unstructured proteins exhibit a definite folded-up shape when inside cells, unlike their apparent lack of structure in water solutions.
A five-year project will study the effects of rural life on children's development, focusing on competence, family factors, and community characteristics. The study will follow over 1,400 subjects from selected rural counties in North Carolina and Pennsylvania.
A recent survey of homebuyers in Raleigh and Wake County found that the Internet has had a limited impact on housing search patterns, with half of respondents using it. However, those who used the Internet visited more houses in person than non-users, possibly due to younger age or higher energy levels.
Smithies' groundbreaking work on gene targeting has led to thousands of mouse models simulating human diseases, enabling rapid advances in diagnosis and treatment. His research using genetically altered mice has also shed light on high blood pressure, a major human problem.
A new study reveals that six to 10 minutes of vigorous exercise per class can significantly improve adolescents' risk profiles, with drops in systolic and diastolic pressures. The study found that exercise-only groups had lower body fat and blood pressure than control groups.
The study found that 6 deaths resulted from brain injuries, while 8 players died from heatstroke in 1970. Dr. Frederick Mueller recommends practices with regular cooling-off breaks and pre-practice physical examinations to prevent such fatalities.
A national study on estrogen for postmenopausal women was halted after five years, showing a 26% increased risk of breast cancer and no significant cardiovascular benefits. The study found moderate reductions in fracture and colorectal cancer risk, but the risks outweighed the benefits.
Researchers found that nucleic acid testing can identify acute HIV infection in people who are most contagious, missing routine antibody tests. This can help prevent further transmission and improve long-term prognosis for those diagnosed early.
A new study found that DEET-based insect repellents were significantly more effective than plant-based alternatives in preventing mosquito bites. The study tested 16 representative products and found that DEET-based products provided the longest-lasting protection, with some lasting up to five hours.
Researchers have successfully generated intense electron beams from carbon nanotubes to produce high-quality X-rays. The technology offers advantages such as reduced heat generation, increased resolution and cost-effectiveness.
A new study suggests that medications like tamoxifen and raloxifene could potentially lower the risk of breast cancer in women at high risk. These drugs have shown to decrease the likelihood of breast cancer by up to 50% in some cases, but they also carry side effects such as blood clots and hot flashes.
A new project at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is using an innovative 'soap opera' format to teach Spanish to health professionals. The program, called "A su salud!", combines language development and cultural awareness with health content focusing on Spanish-speaking immigrants.
Researchers found less racial variation in female preventive services than expected, with some disparities closing and disappearing. Having a usual source of care significantly boosted the chances of receiving screening for conditions like breast cancer and cervical cancer.