The pills to fight COVID-19

January 12, 2022
There are new weapons in the war against COVID-19: antiviral pills that fight the virus before it multiplies and causes major damage.

Study shows COVID-19 vaccines provide lasting protections

January 12, 2022
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine shows that, despite breakthrough infections, COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective at preventing hospitalization and death. The findings support the use of boosters to provide ongoing protection.

Mental health may impact how quickly men connect to HIV care, study in Cameroon finds

January 10, 2022
Research conducted in Cameroon demonstrates that people living with HIV who are initiating care commonly exhibit symptoms of depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. Among men, screening positive for a mental health disorder was associated with entering care with more advanced HIV symptoms — meaning men who are struggling with their mental health may wait longer to get tested for HIV or begin treatment.

Study links fewer steps per day, slower movement with decreased odds of weight gain in Hispanic/Latinos

January 9, 2022
In a new study, UNC researchers found surprising results upon examining relationships between number and speed of steps per day and six-year changes in obesity among participants in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos.

Researchers receive $17M grant to explore links between environmental contaminants and liver cancer

December 15, 2021
Members of the UNC Center for Environmental Health and Susceptibility at the Gillings School will support NCSU researchers in implementing a $17M grant exploring links between contaminants — such as cadmium and PFAS — and Hepatocellular Carcinoma, a type of liver cancer that disproportionally affects racial and ethnic minority populations.

Produce prescriptions can save money. New project asks how much?

December 13, 2021
Food prescription programs provide monthly benefits to help people buy fresh fruits and vegetables, and these programs have already been shown to improve health outcomes. A $765,000 grant from The Duke Endowment will fund research by Dr. Shu Wen Ng, Distinguished Scholar in Public Health Nutrition, to produce evidence related to a new facet of these programs: return on investment in the form of improved health and lower health care costs for individuals and communities.

The Abstract: December 6, 2021

December 6, 2021

Checking in with COVID-19 Gillings Innovation Labs

November 24, 2021
Five of the COVID-19 research projects funded through a special round of Gillings Innovation Laboratory awards (GILs) have now been completed, and the two remaining are expected to wrap in early 2022. Their work has been critical in influencing local and global pandemic response efforts through policy, practice and community engagement.

Baric among 9 to receive 2020-21 North Carolina Awards, state’s highest honor

November 18, 2021
Dr. Ralph Baric has been selected as a recipient of the state’s highest civilian honor, the North Carolina Award. He will receive the 2020 North Carolina Award for Science to recognize his work in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gillings alum receives $3.7m to develop chatbot for new parents

November 18, 2021
Epidemiology alum Quynh Nguyen, PhD, is part of a research team that received a $3.7 million grant from the NIH to develop a tool that will provide information for new parents. The chatbot, named Rosie, is designed to reduce postpartum depression and improve infant health by providing immediate and accurate information that is tailored to the individual.