University Of Illinois At Chicago

This study tested whether a mobile phone app featuring a friendly, talking avatar could help young Black men living with HIV. The avatar provided private, empathetic support to encourage taking medication and keeping doctor's appointments. Researchers compared the app's effective…

This study tested whether smokers could reduce or quit regular cigarettes by switching to a specific type of research e-cigarette. Over 12 weeks, 63 adult smokers tried using the e-cigarettes instead, with support and check-ins from researchers. The goal was to see if this switch…

This early study tested the safety of a new type of eye drop made from secretions of stem cells. The drops were given to 9 adults with chronic damage to the surface of their eye (cornea) that hadn't improved with standard treatments. Researchers wanted to find the highest safe do…

This study explored whether a time-restricted eating plan, where all food is consumed within an 8-hour window each day, could help young adults who survived childhood cancer manage their weight and reduce future health risks. Researchers tested the plan with and without a fiber s…

This study compared two diets for adults with type 1 diabetes and obesity. Researchers tested if eating all meals within a 6-8 hour window each day (time-restricted eating) works better for weight loss and blood sugar control than traditional daily calorie counting. The goal was …

This study tested whether a special breathing exercise program could improve blood vessel health in people recovering from heart surgery. Eleven patients who had coronary artery bypass surgery were randomly assigned to do either real or pretend breathing exercises for four weeks.…

This early-stage study tested the safety and best dose of a two-drug combination (venetoclax and omacetaxine) for adults with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The trial was for patients whose cancer had returned or stopped responding to a previous treatment that included venetoclax.…

This study tested whether a lifestyle program combining alternate-day fasting with exercise could be an effective, drug-free way to treat non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). It involved 80 adults with obesity and NAFLD, comparing changes in liver fat measured by MRI. The g…

This study tested whether a one-month meditation app could be a practical tool for youth on probation. Researchers wanted to see if teens would use the app regularly and if they could collect data on their cannabis use, sexual health, and mental health remotely. The goal was to e…

This small study tested whether taking a daily supplement called bovine lactoferrin (a protein found in milk) is a practical and acceptable way to help prevent iron deficiency anemia in pregnant women with obesity. Researchers enrolled 23 women to see if they could stick with the…

This small pilot study tested whether an 8-week mindfulness program could help reduce chronic stress and related biological factors that may increase colon cancer risk. It involved 24 Black women, aged 45-65, living in high-stress Chicago neighborhoods who were already at elevate…

This study tested whether the Big Brothers Big Sisters community mentoring program helps prevent crime and delinquency in young people. Researchers followed over 1,300 youth, ages 10-16, for four years. They compared those who got a mentor to those who did not, tracking arrests, …

This study tested whether a 6-week digital sleep coaching program could improve sleep and mood in young adults living in urban areas who were experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression. Researchers compared the sleep program to general healthy living advice in 19 participants…

This study tested a smartphone app called WeCanManage, designed to help cancer survivors manage long-term disabilities and symptoms after treatment. Twenty survivors of breast, head/neck, or sarcoma cancers tried the app to see if it was easy to use and helpful. The main goal was…

This study tested whether a 4-month exercise program delivered remotely by coaches could help Hispanic/Latino adults with multiple sclerosis (MS). Researchers wanted to see if the program improved physical function, reduced symptoms like fatigue, and boosted quality of life. They…

This study tested whether a voice-based artificial intelligence coach named Lumen could teach problem-solving skills as effectively as a human coach to help adults with mild-to-moderate depression and anxiety. 200 participants were randomly assigned to receive coaching from the A…

This study tested a 6-week phone-based program called 'Heart Up!' designed to help adults with heart disease who feel hopeless. The program provided motivational support from a nurse, sometimes with extra support from a loved one, to help participants become more physically activ…

This study tested a computer program called PAINRelieveIt to see if it could help manage severe pain for cancer patients receiving hospice care at home. The program provided personalized pain reports to nurses and educational materials to patients and their family caregivers. Res…

This study tested whether acupuncture and guided relaxation techniques could help people with sickle cell disease manage their chronic pain and reduce their need for opioid painkillers. It involved 379 participants across three major university health systems. The research aimed …

This small, completed study tested a technique called ischemic conditioning to see if it could help improve walking problems after a stroke. For 20 participants, researchers briefly restricted blood flow to the leg with a pressure cuff to see if it changed brain activity and leg …

This study tested a new online program designed to help patients with advanced cancer and their family caregivers. The program focuses on building emotional strength (resilience) to make it easier to have difficult but important conversations about future medical care wishes. Res…

This study tested a new set of clear guidelines and patient support services to help primary care doctors make better decisions about prostate cancer screening using the PSA blood test. It involved training doctors and tracking their confidence and actions over a year, while also…

This study aimed to understand how Chinese Americans in Chicago approach conversations about future medical wishes and end-of-life care with their families. Researchers interviewed religious leaders and surveyed community members to learn about their readiness for these discussio…

This study investigated why suicidal thoughts often worsen around a woman's period. Researchers gave 124 women with recent suicidal thoughts either a hormone-stabilizing treatment or a placebo for two weeks around their menstrual cycle. The goal was to see if preventing the natur…