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.
Applications soar, admissions boost diversity at UNC Gillings School
May 25, 2021 In the last year, graduate program applications to the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health grew by 20%. Among those who identify as Black, Hispanic/Latinx or American Indian, the increase was 69%; this was accompanied by a 63% increase in admissions and a 129% increase in student deposits.
Helping Durham get ‘Back on the Bull’ during COVID-19
May 24, 2021 In Durham, North Carolina — less than 15 miles from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill — a public health campaign called “Back on the Bull” has been supporting local businesses throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The Gillings School became involved when the Mayor of Durham invited faculty members to manage a community health ambassador program with the goal of helping small businesses in Durham County reopen safely following lockdown.
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.
Taking more steps daily may lead to a longer life
May 20, 2021 Taking more steps per day, either all at once or in shorter spurts, may help you live longer, according to preliminary research to be presented at the American Heart Association’s Epidemiology, Prevention, Lifestyle & Cardiometabolic Health Conference 2021.
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.
Student volunteer creates data dashboard for COVID-19
May 6, 2021 Kelsey Sumner, who is graduating with the Gillings School Class of 2021, created a data dashboard to inform residents of Granville and Vance Counties about COVID-19 case numbers in the area.
Gillings students among 2021 E(I) Lab entrepreneurship and innovation award winners
May 4, 2021 Five Master of Public Health students were among the E(I) Lab's sixth cohort, recently honored for innovation, entrepreneurship and interdisciplinary collaboration to solve challenges in health care.
In the face of emergency, Gillings trains students to prepare and respond
May 3, 2021 When leadership at the Gillings School made plans in 2019 to launch a learning program in disaster preparedness and relief, they didn’t anticipate rolling it out in the middle of a global pandemic. But when Gillings on the Ground kicked off in October 2020, participants found that it couldn’t have been more timely.
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.
