May

International study CHAVI gets under way to investigate the early biology of HIV infection

CHAPEL HILL - In July 2005, the race to find a vaccine that would stem the worldwide rate of 13,000 new cases of HIV infection each day moved from competition among research institutions to a strategy of cooperation.

Low-intensity therapy plus medication may provide more accessible treatment for alcoholism: study

CHAPEL HILL - Low-intensity therapy offered by medical doctors, combined with either medication or specialized behavior therapy, can effectively treat alcoholism, making treatment more readily available to people who need it, according to a study conducted by researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and numerous other sites nationwide.

Two of four disinfectants recommended for cleaning eye exam equipment are ineffective, UNC Health Care study concludes

CHAPEL HILL -- Many people who have had eye exams are familiar with the applanation tonometer, a medical instrument that is used to check the pressure in your eyes.

Vaccine shown effective against chancroid could reduce HIV transmission: study

CHAPEL HILL -- HIV plagues more than 25 million people in sub-Saharan Africa, according to the World Health Organization, and efforts to develop a vaccine against the virus have achieved limited success.

Novel enzyme offers new look at male hormone regulation; UNC scientists' findings have implications for prostate cancer

CHAPEL HILL -- For the second time in less than a year, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill scientists have purified a novel protein and have shown it can alter gene activity by reversing a molecular modification previously thought permanent.

UNC partners with Hispanic youth to launch Spanish-language radio show

CHAPEL HILL -- A grassroots radio program produced by Hispanic youth for the Hispanic community is set to launch June 2, and faculty at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill are a part of the action.

Study identifies substances in grapefruit juice that interact dangerously with some drugs

CHAPEL HILL -- New research from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has identified and established the substance in grapefruit juice that causes potentially dangerous interactions with certain medications.

Peterson-Carmichael awarded grant for pediatric respiratory research

CHAPEL HILL -- Dr. Stacey-Peterson-Carmichael, a fellow in pediatric pulmonology and pediatric critical care medicine at UNC Health Care, has been awarded $35,000 for pediatric respiratory research.

UNC leads new study of rare genetic airways disorders; heads NIH Rare Diseases Clinical Research Network consortium

CHAPEL HILL - The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is the lead institution in a new study of rare genetic airways disorders, such as cystic fibrosis and primary ciliary dyskinesia, that is being launched as part of the National Institute of Health's Rare Diseases Clinical Research Network (RDCRN).

Study: Neural stem cell gene plays crucial role in eye development

CHAPEL HILL - Scientists at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have demonstrated that normal development of the eye requires the right amount of a neural stem cell gene be expressed at the right time and place. Neural stem cells are cells that can differentiate into different cell types in the nervous system. In the developing eye, retinal neural stem cells differentiate to form the neurons of the adult eye and form the optic nerve.

$22.6 million Gates foundation grant targets new treatment for African sleeping sickness

CHAPEL HILL -- The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has received a $22.6 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to support a pivotal clinical trial of a promising new oral drug for treating African sleeping sickness.