January
Scientists link protein to the insulation of the nervous system’s wiring
Thu, Jan 27, 2011 — 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.
Membrane molecule keeps nerve impulses hopping
Wed, Jan 26, 2011 — 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.
Health E NC projects to improve cancer prevention, outcomes
Tue, Jan 25, 2011 — 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.
Family House Diaries – How serious illness binds strangers in life-enriching ways
Tue, Jan 25, 2011 — 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.
Biomarker test shows promise for melanoma diagnosis
Mon, Jan 24, 2011 — 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.
Free February 23 Melanoma Patient Day Symposium Features Updates and Support
Mon, Jan 24, 2011 — 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'
Fri, Jan 21, 2011 — 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."
Roundworm unlocks pancreatic cancer pathway
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 — In a study published today in the Cell Press journal Developmental Cell, a team of researchers led by Channing Der, PhD, Distinguished Professor of Pharmacology at UNC-Chapel Hill, took a step back to a simpler organism – a common roundworm – and made a discovery about how the Ras oncogene chooses a signaling pathway and how the consequences of that choice play out in cellular development – a key issue in cancer, which is characterized by uncontrolled cell growth.
Creating an 'Alzheimer’s-friendly' home for your loved one
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 — 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.
Molecular battle in cancer cells offers clues for treatment
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 — 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. Helping the “good guys” win that battle could yield new approaches for treatment.
New molecule could save brain cells from neurodegeneration, stroke
Tue, Jan 18, 2011 — This molecule, a tiny strand of nucleotides called microRNA-29 or miR-29, has already been shown to be in short supply in certain neurodegenerative illnesses such as Alzheimer’s disease and Huntington’s disease. Thus, the discovery could herald a new treatment to prompt brain cells to survive in the wake of neurodegeneration or acute injury like stroke.
UNC surgeons pioneer new approach to aneurysms: Go through the nose
Thu, Jan 13, 2011 — 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
Wed, Jan 12, 2011 — 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.
Sullivan among six faculty elected fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science
Wed, Jan 12, 2011 — 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.
UNC researchers inch closer to unlocking potential of synthetic blood
Mon, Jan 10, 2011 — A team of scientists has created particles that closely mirror some of the key properties of red blood cells, potentially helping pave the way for the development of synthetic blood.
UNC study provides further insight into racial disparities in breast cancer
Mon, Jan 10, 2011 — 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.
Rifaximin provides significant relief of irritable bowel syndrome symptoms
Wed, Jan 5, 2011 — 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.
real doctors, real people - David Tate
Wed, Jan 5, 2011 — 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.
Duke, UNC study: Light is accurate way to identify pre-cancerous cells in esophagus
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 — 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
Tue, Jan 4, 2010 — 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.
UNC physicians receive grant to train specialists in geriatric care
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 — 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).
