Dec

Protein controls blood vessel formation, offers new drug target

CHAPEL HILL - After an injury, the body grows new blood vessels to repair damaged tissue. But sometimes too much growth causes problems, as when new blood vessels in the eyes leak, causing diabetic retinopathy and blindness if not treated.

More youths paying attention to North Carolina anti-smoking ads

CHAPEL HILL - A statewide anti-smoking campaign reached significantly more youths across North Carolina between 2006 and 2007, and most kids are paying attention to the message, according to an evaluation by researchers in the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine.

UNC cardiology researcher receives National Established Investigator Award

Dr. Da-Zhi Wang, an assistant professor in the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, has been selected to receive a National Established Investigator Award from the American Heart Association.

UNC names first Working on Women in Science scholars

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has named the first fellows in the Working on Women in Science program, a campus-wide initiative to foster the advancement of women in science and medicine.

198 UNC physicians listed in The Best Doctors in America 2007-2008

CHAPEL HILL - One hundred and ninety-eight UNC Health Care physicians are included in the latest compilation of The Best Doctors in America database.

Genetically engineered protein useful in treating severe ulcerative colitis

CHAPEL HILL - A genetically engineered protein called visilizumab produced long-lasting clinical benefits for people with the most severe form of ulcerative colitis who took part in a clinical trial led by a University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill researcher.

Hormone may be new drug target for preventing lymphedema, tumor spread

A hormone secreted by cells throughout the body and known to play a role in cardiovascular disease and other cell functions is also critical for proper formation of the lymphatic system in mice, according to research from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine.

Gene variants may predict treatment response to antipsychotic medications; predictive power differs between blacks and whites

A genetic analysis has found that variants of a particular gene might be able to predict how some schizophrenia patients will respond to antipsychotic medications, but the predictive power differs between people of self-reported African and European ancestry.

Digital mammography more cost-effective for younger women under 50

A cost-effectiveness study of digital and film screening mammography showed that digital mammography does not result in sufficient health gains to warrant its increased cost unless its use is limited to younger women under the age of 50.