UNC-led, multicenter study to examine Metformin’s impact on infant health
Dr. Sonia Davis of the Department of Biostatistics will co-lead a five-year, multicenter clinical trial titled Medical Optimization and Management of Pregnancies with Overt Type 2 Diabetes (MOMPOD). MOMPOD will examine the impact of combined Metformin and insulin therapy on infant outcomes with mothers experiencing Type 2 diabetes in pregnancy.
JAMA study finds more patients obtain medications when they are prescribed electronically
A recent study published by JAMA Dermatology analyzed possible reasons why some patients do not fill prescriptions for dermatologic medications. Study researchers, including Elizabeth A. Suarez, doctoral student of epidemiology at the Gillings School, found that patients are more likely to obtain medications if they are prescribed in an electronic, rather than paper, format.
Schoenbach honored with APHA’s Lilienfeld Award for excellence in teaching epidemiology
Dr. Victor Schoenbach, associate professor of epidemiology, was selected for the Abraham Lilienfeld Award, given by the American Public Health Association's epidemiology section. Schoenbach accepts the award on Oct. 31, during the APHA’s annual meeting, held in Denver. The award recognizes excellence in the teaching of epidemiology over the course of a career.
Leos to accept Outstanding Student Paper Award from APHA Latino Caucus
Cristina Leos, a student of health behavior, will receive an Outstanding Student Paper Award from the Latino Caucus of the American Public Health Association for her work around the educational experiences of Latino immigrant young men.
Study finds genetic variation may protect against certain oral cancers
A key variation in the genetic region important for regulation of the immune system provides heightened protection against the development of head and neck cancers in people infected with HPV. This is the finding of a new large-scale genetic study co-authored by Dr. Andrew Olshan, chair of the Department of Epidemiology.
Prevalence of drug-resistant staph may be higher in young children of hog workers, study finds
In one rural North Carolina county, young children residing with adults who work in large industrial hog farming operations had a higher prevalence of two types of antibiotic-resistant staph bacteria in their nasal passages than children living with adults who do not work in such operations.
Menachery receives prestigious award from International Cytokine and Interferon Society
Dr. Vineet Menachery is one of four recipients of the Seymour and Vivian Milstein Young Investigator Award for notable contributions to cytokine research, presented by the International Cytokine and Interferon Society.
Study finds daily self-monitoring of weight and activity helps prevent weight gain among breast cancer survivors
A recent study co-authored by Drs. Carmina Valle and Deborah Tate of the Gillings School found that daily self-monitoring of both weight and activity may be a feasible and accessible approach to promote weight gain prevention in breast cancer survivors.
Citing potential heart damage, experts recommend caution before taking calcium supplements
Dr. John Anderson, professor emeritus of nutrition, has co-authored an Oct. 11 article in the Journal of the American Heart Association which reports that taking supplemental calcium may raise the risk of plaque buildup in arteries and cause heart damage. A diet high in calcium-rich foods, however, appears to be protective.
Researchers identify new methodology for examining changes in lung cells after pollution exposure
Hang Nguyen, MS, doctoral student of environmental science and engineering in the Gillings School, is first author of a recent study that provided the initial test of a new methodology for examining the genomic response of lung cells to real-world mixtures of air pollutants.
