Pettifor highlights need for stronger adolescent HIV treatment and prevention
October 30, 2019 In a commentary written for The Lancet HIV, Dr. Audrey Pettifor calls for more research into the barriers to care that hinder HIV-positive adolescents from receiving and continuing treatment or even being tested at all.
Rice bran is good for the gut and growth in young children at risk for malnutrition
October 28, 2019 According to new findings from researchers at the Gillings School, rice bran has a positive impact on physical growth and healthy microbiomes for infants.
Solitary confinement linked with increased risk of death after release from prison
October 17, 2019 Incarcerated individuals who were placed in restrictive housing in North Carolina from 2000 to 2015 were 24% more likely to die in the first year after their release, compared to those who were not held in restrictive housing. In addition, people held in restrictive housing were 78% more likely to die from suicide, 54% more likely to die from homicide and 127% more likely to die from an opioid overdose in the first two weeks after their release.
UNC faculty member urges academics to prepare for future of epidemiology
September 20, 2019 Dr. Andrew Olshan feels the best way to implement change in the evolving field of epidemiology is through developing a clear vision for how to train future students.
Less TV, more activity may mean extra years free of heart disease and stroke
September 17, 2019 Past research has shown people who are highly physically active tend to live more years free of cardiovascular disease. But researchers of a study published recently in the Journal of the American Heart Association wanted to look specifically at how TV viewing habits fit into the equation.
Lock-in programs connect patients to drug treatment, but don’t reduce risk of opioid overdose
September 17, 2019 Lock-in programs for individuals at risk for opioid misuse appear to have little effect on overdoses — a finding that points to a need for improved program design.
History of missed medical visits predicts who is most likely to fall out of HIV care
August 20, 2019 HIV patients who missed medical visits within the past year are more likely to be no-shows in the future, according to new research from the Gillings School. This finding offers insight on how providers can proactively identify patients at risk of missing visits and take steps to support their appearance at future appointments.
UNC panel releases report on thyroid cancer trends in NC
August 14, 2019 Something was wrong in Iredell County. From 1995 to 2016, the rate of thyroid cancer was more than double the expected rate for the entire state.
Review underscores health benefits of physical activity during pregnancy
August 12, 2019 “Exercise carries a host of health benefits for both mom and baby, but we are clearly falling short in encouraging pregnant women to stay physically active or in helping them address barriers to doing so,” says Dr. Kelly Evenson.
Aspirin may help some breast cancer survivors live longer, but cause the opposite effect in others
August 12, 2019 Chemical changes in DNA found in blood and breast cancer tumors may modify aspirin’s role in mortality risk.