Ancestral diversity affects biomarkers of kidney function, study finds
June 3, 2021 DNA methylation (DNAm) is known to be linked with kidney function, but earlier research had not revealed whether human diversity affects this association. Now, a study has reported several new trans-ethnic and ethnic-specific DNAm associations with kidney function. This is an important finding for public health because it informs future steps to understand and address epigenomic diversity.
Expertscape recognizes several Gillings faculty as top-rated in their fields
May 27, 2021 Expertscape, an online database that assesses and ranks the expertise and contributions of physicians and medical institutions worldwide, rated multiple UNC biomedical researchers as top-rated experts in their fields for its 2021 rankings.
Taking more steps daily may lead to a longer life
May 20, 2021 Taking more steps per day, either all at once or in shorter spurts, may help you live longer, according to preliminary research to be presented at the American Heart Association’s Epidemiology, Prevention, Lifestyle & Cardiometabolic Health Conference 2021.
Obesity may slow progress against cancer deaths
May 12, 2021 Cancer death rates have fallen dramatically in the United States. Factor in obesity, however — as Gillings School researchers did, and the picture changes. A study published May 10 in JAMA Network Open reports that obesity-related cancer deaths are improving, but at a slowing pace.
Findings from Kenya: Male circumcision reduces HPV infections
May 10, 2021 It’s well-established that male circumcision reduces the risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in men. A recent study from Kenya, published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, finds that male circumcision also reduces men’s risk of infection with human papillomavirus (HPV).
Untethering mothers: Soft, comfortable sensors are first to comprehensively monitor pregnant women and their babies without wires
May 10, 2021 The first technology to link a birthing parent’s physical position during labor with vital signs is comprised of three soft, flexible wireless sensors that allow for greater movement. The devices were tested alongside traditional monitoring systems in both high- and low-resource settings, and researchers report, "Our wireless devices actually exceed the capabilities of monitoring systems currently used in top hospitals." The technology also could be used for remote monitoring between in-person appointments.
Student volunteer creates data dashboard for COVID-19
May 6, 2021 Kelsey Sumner, who is graduating with the Gillings School Class of 2021, created a data dashboard to inform residents of Granville and Vance Counties about COVID-19 case numbers in the area.
Baric among UNC-Chapel Hill faculty named to National Academy of Sciences
April 27, 2021 Dr. Ralph Baric is one of four professors at UNC-Chapel Hill newly inducted into the National Academy of Sciences — one of the highest distinctions for a scientist or engineer in the United States.
Seven faculty members win 2021 Teaching Innovation Awards
April 21, 2021 Students at the Gillings School voted recently to select seven of the School’s most innovative classroom teachers for the annual Teaching Excellence and Innovation Awards.
What do we know about women and HIV in the United States?
April 20, 2021 While the United States is the world’s biggest funder of AIDS research and programs, it is also the only high-income member of the top 10 most HIV-affected countries. With this in mind, Dr. Adaora Adimora and co-authors have highlighted important recent developments concerning HIV epidemiology, comorbidities, treatment and prevention among women in the U.S.
