Study finds behavioral changes insufficient to prevent early childhood obesity
August 16, 2018 Results from the longest and largest obesity prevention intervention ever tested in young children showed that children and their families in low-income communities were able to make some sustainable behavioral changes to their diet and activity level. In the end, however, rates of early childhood obesity were unchanged.
Diabetes drug therapy found to be easier on eyes than previously suspected
August 2, 2018 New research on the impact of incretin-based therapies (IBTs) in older adults with diabetes shows this type of therapy may not increase the risk for diabetic retinopathy, a complication of diabetes that threatens sight.
Researchers conduct most diverse genetic study of female reproductive milestones to date
July 25, 2018 A new study is the first to examine multiple genes that influence the age at which a woman starts her period and experiences menopause among a large sample of United States women of diverse ancestries. The findings highlight the benefits of including diverse populations in studies of the genetics of female growth and development.
Former inmates at high risk for opioid overdose following prison release
July 19, 2018 A recent study in North Carolina found that, in the first two weeks after being released from prison, former inmates were 40 times more likely to die of an opioid overdose than someone in the general population.
Gillings researchers fight emerging diseases
July 5, 2018 Utilizing the expertise of the Baric Lab at the UNC Gillings School, Gilead Sciences is making breakthroughs in developing drugs to fight some of the world’s deadliest viruses. The Gilead broad-spectrum treatment that was tested and proven in the Baric Lab, now known as Remdesivir, was deployed for use in the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Study clarifies how genetic variants linked with African ancestry impact heart disease
July 3, 2018 A recent study co-authored by researchers in the Gillings School examined APOL1 genotypes, which are associated with chronic kidney disease in African-Americans. The goal was to clarify earlier, inconsistent findings that the gene’s variants also could influence cardiovascular disease and mortality risk.
UNC, RTI International researchers assess US travelers’ knowledge of Zika virus, willingness to take hypothetical vaccine
July 2, 2018 A collaboration between researchers at the Gillings School, RTI International and UNC's School of Medicine has resulted in the first study to assess and compare United States travelers’ knowledge levels about the Zika virus across three regions, as well as their willingness to take a prophylactic Zika vaccine that currently is in development.
Study examines the state of health research as seen in social media
June 19, 2018 The increasing use of social media has altered the landscape of news, including reports about health-related research. A team of researchers, many from the Gillings School, examines the ways health research is viewed through social media. Photo by Jason Howie.
Study indicates potential for bat caliciviruses to cross species barriers, potentially to humans
June 7, 2018 Results from a recent study suggest that human and bat caliciviruses may have evolutionarily descended from a common ancestor, indicating a potential for the bat viruses to cross species barriers and infect humans.
Study examines sustained effects of NC’s Medicaid ‘lock-in’ program on prescription drugs
May 17, 2018 A study led by Dr. Rebecca Naumann and other Gillings School faculty members has reviewed North Carolina’s Medicaid “lock-in” program and the program’s impact upon the number of opioid prescriptions obtained. Photo by Virginia Commonwealth University Capital News Service.
