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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
April 5, 2021 In a new commentary, Gillings School epidemiologists call for an approach to monitoring COVID-19 data that compares risks across racial and ethnic demographics in order to create a more equitable response to the pandemic.
March 29, 2021 A clinical trial at U.S. college campuses, co-led by Dr. Audrey Pettifor, will test if COVID-19 vaccines prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2.
March 18, 2021 As part of The Lancet’s Commission on COVID-19 Vaccines and Therapeutics Task Force, Dr. Timothy Sheahan has contributed to a new primer for health care providers addressing common misinformation about COVID-19 vaccines.
