May
Brain enlargement in autism due to brain changes occurring before age 2
A study by UNC researchers finds that children with autism who had enlarged brains at age 2 continued to have enlarged brains at ages 4 and 5. However, this increased brain growth did not continue beyond age 2.
real doctors, real people - John Steege
Dr. John Steege, professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at UNC and Director of the Division of Advanced Laparoscopy and Pelvic Pain, is learning to use his skilled surgeon's hands in a different way: traditional woodworking.
UNC scientist receives grant to address lung cancer disparities
Samuel Cykert, MD, has received a $1.8 million five-year grant from the American Cancer Society (ACS) to study “Lung Cancer Surgery: Decisions Against Life Saving Care.”
Normal stem cells made to look and act like cancer stem cells
Researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, after isolating normal stem cells that form the developing placenta, have given them the same properties of stem cells associated with an aggressive type of breast cancer.
Test for colon cancer screening beneficial for some seniors, but not for many others
A new study of U.S. veterans ages 70 and older finds that the healthiest get the most benefit from current colon cancer screening methods. However, for many less healthy veterans the burdens of screening may outweigh the benefits.
UNC research highlights at 2011 Digestive Disease Week
Digestive Disease Week (DDW) is the largest international gathering of physicians, researchers and academics in the fields of gastroenterology, hepatology, endoscopy and gastrointestinal surgery.
Team pinpoints role of key protein in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
A team based at North Carolina Central University (NCCU) and UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center has established a connection between a known cancer gene called KRAS and a protein called Pim-1 kinase.
The skinny on fat: Debate rages on pros, cons of low-fat diet
In recent years a fierce debate has raged among nutrition experts over the wisdom of prevailing dietary guidelines that emphasize eating less saturated fat. Two experts from the UNC Department of Nutrition cut through the chatter and explain what you can do to eat healthy.
UNC-led international study shows early treatment with antiretroviral therapy prevents HIV transmission
A research study led by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has made a major discovery in the effort to halt the spread of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.
Family House Diaries: A New Heart + A New Kidney = A New Life
A new heart and a new kidney give a 28-year-old Wilson woman, unwell since age 7, a second chance at life. Crystal Sharpe becomes the 11th recipient of a heart and kidney transplant at UNC Hospitals.
Cell rigidity linked to activity in proteins associated with cancer
An unusual collaboration between cell and developmental biologists and physicists at UNC-Chapel Hill is providing insights into the relationship between the physical properties of cells and the signals that influence cell behavior.
Resolution of the Board of Directors - The UNC Health Care System
On Monday, May 16, 2011, UNC Health Care's Board of Directors adopted a resolution stating: "In our initial review of the correspondence received from WakeMed, this Board is of the preliminary opinion that it is not in the best interest of the citizens of the State or of Wake County for the Health Care System to sell its interest in Rex."
N.C. Children's Hospital ranked as one of the nation’s best
North Carolina Children’s Hospital at UNC Hospitals has been ranked in six of 10 U.S. News Media Group’s “America’s Best Children’s Hospitals” ranking categories, including a Top 10 ranking in pulmonology — the only top 10 ranking achieved by any children’s hospital in North Carolina.
UNC Health Care videos win seven Telly Awards
Our real doctors, real people video about Dr. Deepak Raj Dugar won four bronze Telly Awards, and our Family House Diaries video about Ted and Mary Scercy won three bronze Telly Awards.
Preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS with humanized BLT mice
A new study from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine further validates the use of humanized BLT mice in the fight to block HIV transmission.
Consortium identifies genome regions that could influence severity of cystic fibrosis
A team of researchers, including a number from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, have pinpointed regions of the genome that contribute to the debilitating lung disease that is the hallmark of cystic fibrosis.
UNC study examines NC cancer patient emergency department visits
The UNC team used a statewide database to collect information on over 35,000 Emergency department (ED) visits. They learned that the top three problems that brought patients to the ED were related to pain, respiratory distress, and gastrointestinal issues (mostly nausea and vomiting).
UNC study: Pelvic widening continues throughout a person's lifetime
A study by UNC researchers finds surprising evidence that the pelvis continues to grow wider even after people stop growing taller. This increase in pelvic width may account for a significant portion of the weight gain that many people experience as they get older.
Common transplant drug inhibits breast cancer growth, UNC laboratory study shows
Tacrolimus, a drug that is commonly used to prevent organ transplantation rejection, inhibits breast cancer growth in pre-clinical studies. The finding from UNC scientists was reported in the May 26 Public Library of Science.
Of Mice and Men: UNC-led team solves mouse genome dilemma
Thanks to an in-depth analysis by a team led by Fernando Pardo-Manuel de Villena, PhD, in the UNC Department of Genetics and Gary Churchill, PhD, at The Jackson Laboratory in Bar Harbor, Maine, researchers will be able to use an online resource dubbed the Mouse Phylogeny Viewer to select from among 162 strains of laboratory mice for which the entire genome has been characterized.