June

Study: Autism drug citalopram is ineffective, causes significant side effects

A drug commonly given to autistic children to reduce repetitive behaviors is ineffective compared to placebo and, in some children, may actually increase repetitive behaviors, the largest study of autistic children to date has found.

UNC scientists identify growth factor as possible cancer drug target

Scientists at the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center report finding a new angiogenesis protein, SFRP2, found in the blood vessels of numerous tumor sites, including breast prostate, lung, pancreas, ovarian, colon, kidney tumors, and angiosarcomas.

Hearing things differently now

Cochlear implants are nothing new. They have been around since the 1980s. However, the implant is helping to change the lives of millions of Americans that are hard of hearing; some of them hearing for the first time in a long time.

New drug taken once daily shows promise for type 2 diabetes

Liraglutide is a GLP-1 agonist, a new class of drugs that is fairly unique in diabetes as it is not only associated with glucose lowering but also weight loss.

Just in time for Father's Day: Five tips for first-time fathers

A program at the N.C. Women's Hospital in Chapel Hill, called "Boot Camp for New Dads," helps future fathers address their fears, ask questions, get advice and interact with new dads and their newborns.

Study suggests new approach to common cause of blindness

Researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine in collaboration with lead investigators at the University of Kentucky have identified a new target for the diagnosis and treatment of age-related macular degeneration, the most common cause of blindness in older Americans.

Test detects molecular marker of aging in humans

A team of UNC researchers has proven that a key protein is present in human blood and is strongly correlated both with chronological age and with certain behaviors such as tobacco use and physical inactivity, which are known to accelerate the aging process.

Family House Diaries: House fire yields gratitude of life-changing magnitude

This is the second in a new series from UNC Health Care that focuses on the stories of UNC Hospitals patients and their families who live in the SECU Family House at UNC Hospitals while receiving or awaiting treatment.

Research uncovers clues to virus-cancer link

In a series of recently-published articles, a research team from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center has uncovered clues to the development of cancers in AIDS patients.

N.C. Children's Hospital ranked as one of the best in the nation

U.S. News Media Group's 2009 edition of America's Best Children's Hospitals ranks N.C. Children's Hospital as No. 11 in the nation among those caring for children with respiratory disorders.

Fireworks safety: Tips for a happy and healthy Independence Day

According to a 2007 report from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 11 people died and approximately 9,200 were treated in emergency departments for fireworks-related injuries in 2006. About five percent of the injured required admission to the hospital.

UNC scientists tackle viral mysteries

A recent study led by Blossom Damania, Ph.D., associate professor of microbiology and immunology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, focuses on the intersection of these two scientific puzzles, resulting in new discoveries about how one herpesvirus known to cause cancer may reactivate when the infected cell senses another type of virus entering it.

UNC neurosurgeon uses through-the-nose approach to clip ruptured brain aneurysm

A neurosurgeon at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine recently performed what is believed to be the first reported clipping of a ruptured brain aneurysm through a patient's nose.

UNC study: Aerobic activity may keep the brain young

In the UNC study, to be published July 9 in the American Journal of Neuroradiology, physically active elderly people showed healthier cerebral blood vessels than those who are not active.