June

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.

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.

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.

Clinical trial of combination hearing aid-cochlear implant device opens at UNC

CHAPEL HILL – The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has opened a national clinical trial of a hearing device that combines hearing aid and cochlear implant technology in the same ear.

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 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Three UNC Health Care specialties rank among America's Best

This year’s U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Hospitals” ranking includes three UNC Health Care medical specialties among the best in the country: The specialties, and their rank, are: Cancer, 37; Kidney, 28; Gynecology, 24.