Medical University Of South Carolina

This early study tests a new surgical device called the Microtable® Stereotactic System for cochlear implants. The device uses a custom-made frame to guide a drill precisely to the inner ear, potentially making surgery faster, less painful, and better at preserving taste. The stu…

This study tests whether a natural molecule called oleoylethanolamide (OEA) can reduce inflammation, improve thinking, and lower alcohol use in young adults aged 18–25 with alcohol use disorder. Participants will take OEA or a placebo daily for 6 weeks and provide blood, saliva, …

This study tests whether taking progesterone early in pregnancy can prevent preeclampsia, a condition that causes high blood pressure and organ damage. Over 600 low-risk pregnant women will either receive nightly vaginal progesterone or standard care. Researchers will track who d…

This study tests a technology-enhanced version of SafeCare, a home visiting program that helps parents keep children safe. Researchers will work with 12 providers and 40 caregivers to see if a mix of in-person and virtual sessions can reach more families and improve parenting ski…

This study tests whether transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) can reduce chronic scrotal pain in men who have had pain for at least 6 months. Fifty men will receive TMS over the left prefrontal cortex in an open-label design. The main goal is to see if daily pain scores improv…

This study tests a group therapy program called LiveWell mBC for women with metastatic breast cancer who are feeling distressed. The program uses adapted Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) skills to help manage emotions and uncertainty. 48 women will be randomly assigned to eit…

This study tests a program called LiveWell, which teaches emotional coping skills to people with metastatic lung cancer who are feeling anxious or depressed. About 80 participants will either take the program or receive usual care. The goal is to see if the program is practical, …

This pilot study will test a stepped-care approach for depression in 40 adults from primary care clinics. Participants will either use a mood-tracking app (Moodivate) alone, receive telehealth therapy, or start with the app and step up to therapy if needed. The main goal is to se…

This early-stage study tests whether a non-invasive ultrasound device aimed at a deep brain region can safely improve social skills in people with autism. Twenty participants aged 13 to 25 will receive the treatment and be monitored with brain scans and behavior tests. The goal i…

This pilot study tests whether cold-water immersion, sauna use, or a combination of both can improve sleep quality in 45 military cadets. Participants will do 14 daily sessions of one of the therapies while wearing an Oura Ring to track sleep. The goal is to see if these temperat…

This early-phase trial tests a probiotic capsule containing five bacterial strains to treat moderate to severe acne in 34 adults aged 18 to 45. The idea is that improving gut health and reducing inflammation may calm acne breakouts. Researchers will also track blood sugar spikes …

This study tests whether taking steroids (dexamethasone) for a few days after sleep surgery helps reduce pain, allows patients to eat solid food sooner, and lowers the need for strong painkillers. About 120 adults with obstructive sleep apnea will receive either the steroid or a …

This study tests a medicated foam (AMZEEQ®) on a rare skin condition called CARP, which causes brown, scaly patches. About 35 people aged 9 and older will apply the foam to one side of their body and a plain moisturizer to the other for 5 weeks. The goal is to see if the foam is …

This study will use EEG and fMRI brain scans to watch how healthy older adults' brains maintain memories while they perform a computer-based learning task. Researchers aim to identify patterns that show when the brain is working efficiently versus struggling. The findings could h…

This early-stage study tests whether low-intensity focused ultrasound can temporarily change how healthy adults perceive pleasant or unpleasant smells. Twenty-eight volunteers will receive both real and sham ultrasound targeting brain areas linked to smell and emotion. The goal i…

This study follows 500 adults aged 50 and older to better understand why smell declines with age. Participants complete smell tests, cognitive assessments, nasal exams, and some undergo MRI scans. The goal is to identify different types of smell loss and how they affect quality o…

This study will use focused ultrasound to stimulate the part of the brain that controls movement. Researchers will measure changes in brain signals and chemical levels in 25 healthy adults. The goal is to understand how ultrasound affects brain activity, which could guide future …

This study tests a web-based toolkit that helps healthcare providers screen for intimate partner violence and mental health issues in patients receiving treatment for opioid use disorder. About 792 patients and their providers will use the toolkit during routine care to see if it…

This study examines how 180 adolescents aged 14-18 with trauma-related symptoms react to stress and strong emotions. Researchers will measure brain activity, heart rate, and anxiety while teens repeatedly imagine details of their own traumatic event. The goal is to understand whi…