Obesity may slow progress against cancer deaths
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.
Findings from Kenya: Male circumcision reduces HPV infections
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).
NIH to extend funding for nutrition and obesity research at UNC through 2026
May 10, 2021 The UNC Nutrition Obesity Research Center has received a grant from the National Institutes of Health to fund another five years of work providing support and expertise to scientists studying the role of nutrition and obesity in public health.
Untethering mothers: Soft, comfortable sensors are first to comprehensively monitor pregnant women and their babies without wires
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.
Researchers develop method for evaluating long-term COVID-19 vaccine efficacy
April 27, 2021 The large-scale deployment of effective vaccines is globally recognized as the best way to end the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the high efficacy reported for vaccines currently in use — like Pfizer and Moderna — is based on an average follow-up time of only about two months after the second dose. The question remains: Will people need booster vaccinations?
Baric among UNC-Chapel Hill faculty named to National Academy of Sciences
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.
Mobile gaming app enhances HIV care
April 27, 2021 Gaming features that can drive airline loyalty and inspire people to take more steps during the day have now been integrated into a mobile phone application to enhance HIV care.
Little known about needs of people who experience menopause while incarcerated
April 26, 2021 Without necessary care and support, those who experience menopause while incarcerated face significant challenges that can contribute to increased distress and compound existing systems of injustice, according to the results of a pilot study led by maternal child and health alumna Elana Jaffe.
What do we know about women and HIV 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.
Enhanced primary care for people with mental illness could improve service use and quality
April 19, 2021 Research from the Department of Health Policy and Management suggests that a new enhanced primary care model shows promise to improve the quality of health services provided to people with serious mental illness and reduce their hospital visits.
