Well-researched investment in renewable energy can improve global equity
July 6, 2021 In many low- and lower middle-income countries, great natural wealth contrasts with a desire for economic development. In two recent publications, Dr. Noah Kittner explores the ideal balance of wind, solar and hydropower in Myanmar and discusses financial compensation for solar energy generation in the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.
Study testing how well COVID-19 vaccine prevents spread of SARS-CoV-2 among university students expands to include young adults not in college
July 6, 2021 The Prevent COVID U study, which launched in late March 2021 to evaluate SARS-CoV-2 infection and transmission among university students vaccinated with the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine, has expanded beyond the college setting. The study is now enrolling young adults ages 18 through 29 years — both those who want to be vaccinated and those who choose not to receive a vaccine.
White matter plays a complex role in brain health
July 2, 2021 New research from UNC-Chapel Hill suggests that some diseases affecting white matter may be associated with structural and genetic abnormalities in the brain, which sheds further light on the complex genetic relationship between white matter, brain disease and mental health.
Review shows minimal evidence that dietary supplements lead to weight loss
June 23, 2021 Although Americans spend billions on them, published research shows a lack of strong evidence that dietary supplements and alternative therapies help adults lose weight.
New universal vaccine effectively targets coronaviruses
June 22, 2021 Scientists at the UNC Gillings School have developed a universal vaccine that could protect against COVID-19, its variants — and the next coronavirus pandemic.
Metabolic clues could serve as early predictors of pregnancy complications, inform nutritional intervention
June 18, 2021 A team of Gillings School nutrition researchers recently identified certain changes in a person’s metabolism, that, if found early in a pregnancy, can more accurately predict whether a mother may experience pregnancy-related hypertension or preterm birth than other known risk factors.
Kandrack research honored among ‘best of’ AcademyHealth Annual Research Meeting
June 17, 2021 Recent health policy and management alumnus Dr. Ryan Kandrack has been selected to present an abstract of his research as part of AcademyHealth’s Annual Research Meeting (ARM) “Best of ARM” session.
Study reveals $17.5 billion business of underage drinking
June 10, 2021 A new study has found that underage drinkers consumed $17.5 billion worth of alcoholic drinks sold in 2016. Public health experts, including Dr. Pamela Trangenstein at the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, say alcohol company revenues could be used to help curb underage drinking
Ancestral diversity affects biomarkers of kidney function, study finds
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.
COVID-19 simulation shows importance of continued safety efforts during vaccine distribution
June 2, 2021 A team of researchers, led by a Gillings School alumnus, has produced a mathematical simulation that evaluates how many COVID-19 cases could be avoided in North Carolina if more people get vaccinated and follow mask and physical distancing guidelines.
