UNC researchers to lead 2 centers for $170M NIH Nutrition for Precision Health Consortium
January 31, 2022 Understanding how people differ in both their metabolism and their bodily response to what they eat and drink is critical to tailoring diets for an individual’s optimal health. To that end, Gillings School researchers will direct both a $13 million Nutrition Precision Health Clinical Center and a $19 million Metabolomics and Clinical Assay Center.
COVID-19’s indirect effects are claiming more lives than we realize
January 26, 2022 Social isolation, economic insecurity, barriers to health care access – Gillings epidemiologists have found that these indirect consequences of the pandemic are claiming lives that are not being reported in COVID-19 surveillance data, especially among populations of color and young people.
Energy inequity is an urgent public health issue, as Bronx fire illustrates
January 19, 2022 A new national analysis of United States household energy spending found that 16% of the country lives in energy poverty — defined as spending more than 6% of household income on energy bills. More than 5.2 million households living above the Federal Poverty Line still face energy poverty, and this struggle disproportionately burdens Black, Hispanic and Native American communities.
Provider recommendations boost likelihood of COVID-19 vaccination
January 14, 2022 People who receive COVID-19 vaccine recommendations from their doctor or health care provider are more likely to get vaccinated, according to a report from the CDC that includes research from Dr. Noel Brewer.
The pills to fight COVID-19
January 12, 2022 There are new weapons in the war against COVID-19: antiviral pills that fight the virus before it multiplies and causes major damage.
Study shows COVID-19 vaccines provide lasting protections
January 12, 2022 A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine shows that, despite breakthrough infections, COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective at preventing hospitalization and death. The findings support the use of boosters to provide ongoing protection.
Mental health may impact how quickly men connect to HIV care, study in Cameroon finds
January 10, 2022 Research conducted in Cameroon demonstrates that people living with HIV who are initiating care commonly exhibit symptoms of depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. Among men, screening positive for a mental health disorder was associated with entering care with more advanced HIV symptoms — meaning men who are struggling with their mental health may wait longer to get tested for HIV or begin treatment.
Survival probability is deciding factor in American perceptions of COVID-19 triage
January 4, 2021 Americans believe that scarce beds in hospital intensive care units should be given to COVID-19 patients who have the highest chances of survival, according to new research led by UNC-Chapel Hill.
Mental health crisis among public health professionals requires urgent action
December 21, 2021 Public health workers are facing a mounting mental health crisis as they encounter prolonged challenges in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Responding to this crisis should be a top priority for public health leaders, according to a new article by Drs. John Wiesman and Ed Baker.
Four-year study highlights complexity of diabetes health inequities
December 21, 2021 A recent article published online by the journal Diabetes Care aims to untangle racial and ethnic health disparities that affect youth and young adults with Type 1 diabetes.
