January
UNC physicians receive grant to train specialists in geriatric care
This grant will expand geriatrics training to five medical specialties and subspecialties training faculty, residents and fellows through the Alliance for Geriatric Education in Specialties (AGES).
Rifaximin provides significant relief of irritable bowel syndrome symptoms
Two studies, conducted in part at the UNC School of Medicine, found that the benefits of treatment with rifaximin persisted for 10 weeks after patients stopped taking the broad-spectrum antibiotic.
Duke, UNC study: Light is accurate way to identify pre-cancerous cells in esophagus
A device developed by biomedical engineers at Duke University and successfully tested on patients during a clinical trial led by UNC-Chapel Hill holds the promise of being a less invasive method for testing patients suspected of having Barrett’s esophagus.
Cynthia Powell, MD elected President-Elect of American Board of Medical Genetics
The American Board of Medical Genetics (ABMG) is one of 24 medical specialty boards that make up the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). Dr. Powell will assume the position of President of the Board in 2012.
real doctors, real people - David Tate
Dr. David Tate, a cardiologist at UNC and a musician, has been known to leave his banjo in a patient’s room for ready access during rounds. For Tate, music is one way he can connect with his patients, and allow them to feel more real and more human, despite the needles and wires that connect them to all kinds of mechanical devices.
UNC surgeons pioneer new approach to aneurysms: Go through the nose
Dr. Anand V. Germanwala and Dr. Adam M. Zanation have published a paper describing a surgery they performed that is believed to be the first reported clipping of a ruptured brain aneurysm through a patient's nose.
UNC researchers investigate estrogen replacement therapy to prevent depression and cardiovascular disease
The study, which began in August 2010 and will be conducted entirely at UNC, seeks to enroll a total of 320 women ages 45 to 55 who are in the menopause transition. All will be randomized to receive treatment with estradiol (estrogen replacement) skin patches or placebo.
UNC study provides further insight into racial disparities in breast cancer
The results show that basal-like breast cancer is equally aggressive in African American and white women, and that African American women had worse outcomes no matter what kind of breast cancer they developed.
BCBSNC, UNC Health Care Announce Partnership to Launch Novel Patient-Centered Practice
The first-of-its-kind medical practice in North Carolina aims to improve health, increase satisfaction, and reduce health care costs for patients. This venture would be the first product of what Blue Cross and Blue Shield and UNC Health Care expect will be an ongoing collaboration in which they work together to enhance health care quality, improve efficiency and effectiveness, and reduce health care costs.
Sullivan among six faculty elected fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science
Patrick F. Sullivan, MD, Ray M. Hayworth and Family Distinguished Professor of Psychiatry and professor of genetics in the UNC School of Medicine, is among six UNC faculty members who have been named fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
Creating an "Alzheimer's friendly" home for your loved one
Susan Coppola, an associate professor of occupational therapy at the UNC School of Medicine, explains how making simple changes at home can help an Alzheimer's patient stay healthier, happier and more independent.
New molecule could save brain cells from neurodegeneration, stroke
This discovery could herald a new treatment to prompt brain cells to survive in the wake of neurodegeneration or acute injury like stroke.
Membrane molecule keeps nerve impulses hopping
New research from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine describes a key molecular mechanism in nerve fibers that ensures the rapid conductance of nervous system impulses.
Molecular battle in cancer cells offers clues for treatment
Researchers investigating a genetic mutation in brain cancer and leukemia patients have discovered how one cancer metabolite battles another normal metabolite to contribute cancer development.
Roundworm unlocks pancreatic cancer pathway
A team of researchers led by Channing Der, PhD, has made a discovery about how the Ras oncogene chooses a signaling pathway and how the consequences of that choice play out in cellular development.
Chaperone enzyme provides new target for cancer treatments
The enzyme, known as Rad18, detects a protein called DNA polymerase eta (Pol eta) and accompanies it to the sites of sunlight-induced DNA damage, enabling accurate repair. When Pol eta is not present, alternative error-prone polymerases take its place – a process that leads to DNA mutations often found in cancer cells.
Free February 23 Melanoma Patient Day Symposium Features Updates and Support
The program will feature talks by physician/scientists and a patient’s parents on topics ranging from indoor tanning to clinical trials and from genetic testing to psychosocial support for melanoma patients.
UNC YOUR HEALTH radio program launches new show on 'Health and Healing'
The first guest in the Health and Healing series is Kelly Bruno, a second-year medical student at UNC who is also an amputee, an Ironman triathlete and a former contestant on "Survivor: Nicaragua."
Biomarker test shows promise for melanoma diagnosis
A new study shows that a test of biomarkers for DNA methylation is technically feasible and could aid in earlier, more precise diagnosis of melanoma.
Viral protein mimic keeps immune system quiet
A team of researchers led by Blossom Damania, PhD, has shown for the first time that the Kaposi sarcoma virus has a decoy protein that impedes a key molecule involved in the human immune response.
Family House Diaries - How Serious Illness Binds Strangers in Life-enriching Ways
Serious illness most often brings devastating hardship, but it also has the potential to bring blessings with positive impact. Two couples from eastern North Carolina are living proof of how serious illness binds strangers in life-enriching ways.
Health E NC Projects to Improve Cancer Prevention, Outcomes
The projects focus on areas of the state where cancers, and in particular breast, lung and colorectal cancers, are common and place a burden on the health of North Carolinians.
Radio host Delilah joins Together for Kids in raising money and awareness for N.C. Children’s Hospital
As a spokesperson for Together for Kids, a national alliance of children’s hospitals including North Carolina Children’s Hospital at UNC Chapel Hill, the syndicated radio host will help raise money and awareness for this and other Together for Kids hospitals nationwide.
Scientists link protein to the insulation of the nervous system’s wiring
This finding has particular importance because several neurodevelopmental disorders have recently been linked to genetic mutations in the complex developmental cascade containing Erk and its sister proteins.
