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Scientists Discover Surprising Details about Xylazine in Combination with Fentanyl

May 16, 2024

The UNC School of Medicine lab of Zoe McElligott, PhD, and colleagues found that the animal tranquilizer xylazine activates opioid receptors in the brain, suggesting a reason why the treatment naloxone triggers a more severe withdrawal response when given to individuals on fentanyl/xylazine and suffering from respiratory depression. Original article can be found here.

Researchers Discover How We Perceive Bitter Taste

April 11, 2024

A new study in the lab of Bryan Roth, MD, PhD, at the UNC School of Medicine, helps us better understand how we perceive bitter taste on a chemical level. The findings may lead to the development of drugs that targeting taste receptors. Full article can be found here.

Researchers Show How Neurochemicals Affect fMRI Readings

March 25, 2024

A landmark study, led by Yen-Yu Ian Shih, PhD, professor of neurology and associate director of UNC’s Biomedical Research Imaging Center, could alter how researchers interpret results from functional magnetic resonance imaging. Original article can be found here.

Two biologists win Chan Zuckerberg Initiative competitive neuroscience grant

February 21, 2024

Biologists Celia Shiau and En Yang at UNC-Chapel Hill have been awarded a competitive Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI) grant to tackle unsolved grand challenges in neurodegenerative diseases and fundamental neuroscience. The awards were announced on Feb. 21. Shiau is an associate professor and Yang is an assistant professor in the department of biology in UNC’s College of Arts … Read more

Protein Accumulation on Fat Droplets Implicated in Late-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease

February 15, 2024

In an effort five years in the making, UNC School of Medicine cell biologist Sarah Cohen, PhD, and Rockefeller University’s Ian Windham, PhD, describe the interplay between fats and proteins in brain cells and how their dysfunction contributes to the development of late-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Full article found here.

Hiroyuki Kato awarded Eagles Autism Funded Project

February 2, 2024

Eagles Autism Foundation contributes $6.2 million to fund 34 research and community projects. The Eagles Autism Foundation has announced that 34 projects specializing in cutting-edge autism research and care will receive $6.2 million in funding. The grants are a direct result of the proceeds raised by participants from the 2023 Eagles Autism Challenge, in addition to other … Read more

Wireless Drug Patch Shows Promise as Chronic Disease Treatment Delivery System

January 19, 2024

Led by Juan Song, PhD, at the UNC School of Medicine, and Wubin Bai, PhD, at the UNC College of Arts and Sciences, research suggests that a wearable patch featuring electrically triggered microneedles for on-demand drug delivery could be the next frontier in treatment of neurodegenerative disorders and neurological injuries. Full article found here.