Promote Healthy People, Healthy Planet and Improve Care for All

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.

At inaugural symposium, UNC experts seek to improve research on causes of obesity

June 1, 2021
To understand and improve the science used to develop multi-faceted treatment strategies for obesity, experts at UNC convened the first annual Interdisciplinary Nutrition Sciences Symposium in 2019. They have recently published their findings from this conference in Advances in Nutrition.

In South Africa, a tax on unhealthy beverages is changing what people drink

May 27, 2021
A UNC-Chapel Hill study of beverage consumption in a South African township shows that a country-wide tax on sugary beverages has worked to influence more healthy personal choices, with individuals reporting a reduction in the amount of sugar they drink.

For Black Americans, strong family bonds are instrumental to increasing breastfeeding rates

May 20, 2021
To improve breastfeeding rates among Black Americans, Dr. Alexis Woods Barr and graduate student Jacquana Smith have co-authored studies examining the role intergenerational family support networks have in infant feeding practices. This understanding can help shape more empathetic and culturally mindful approaches to public health messaging.

Could nutrient cocktails play a role in diminishing addiction, reducing adverse effects of substance abuse?

May 19, 2021
Using illicit drugs can disrupt a person’s metabolism and impact neurological and behavioral function. Experts at the UNC Nutrition Research Institute have shed new light on this link, and the biological clues they’ve uncovered could lead to the development of nutrition therapies that could diminish addiction and reduce the harmful effects of substance abuse.

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).

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.