University Of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

This study tested whether the Bexsero meningitis vaccine can also protect against gonorrhea. About 65 healthy men received either the meningitis vaccine or a placebo, then were exposed to the gonorrhea bacteria in a controlled setting. Researchers monitored who got infected to se…

This study tested whether a program that combines job support with health coaching can reduce risks for chronic diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure in unemployed people. 455 participants received help finding work and managing stress. Researchers measured changes in we…

This project adapted a program originally designed for nursing homes to help assisted living residents with dementia improve their oral hygiene. The goal was to reduce harmful mouth bacteria that can lead to pneumonia. Over 1,400 residents took part, and community dental hygienis…

This study tested whether providing free, ready-to-eat meals designed for diabetes (plus phone coaching) for 6 months could improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes who also face food insecurity. 215 participants were randomly assigned to receive the meals or us…

This study tested whether the drug sildenafil is safe for premature infants who are at risk of developing bronchopulmonary dysplasia, a chronic lung disease. A total of 109 babies born before 29 weeks of pregnancy took part. Researchers monitored side effects and measured how the…

This study tested a culturally-tailored program that combines nutrition, exercise, and stress management to help African American women improve their heart health. 175 women with risk factors like high blood pressure or prediabetes took part. The goal was to see if the program co…

This study tested a program called Abriendo Puertas (Opening Doors) for transgender women living with HIV in Santo Domingo. The program included individual counseling, peer support, and community activities to help women take their HIV medication regularly and keep the virus unde…

This study tested whether a diet tailored to a person's specific food allergies could help control eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), a condition where the esophagus becomes inflamed. Fifty-six participants were randomly assigned to either the personalized diet or a sham diet. The g…

This study looked at whether adding an inhaled sugar powder called Bronchitol (mannitol) can further improve mucus clearance from the lungs in 14 adults with cystic fibrosis who already take the triple-combination drug elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor. Participants had moderate t…

This study tested whether an online family skills training program is practical and well-liked by Black adults trying to lose weight. 21 participants joined with a family member and attended online sessions. The goal was to see if this approach could support healthier eating and …

This study tested a new weight loss program called Med-South, which adapts the Mediterranean diet for Southern tastes, against the popular WW (Weight Watchers) program. Over 360 adults with obesity took part for 2 years. The goal was to see which approach leads to more weight los…

This study tested a quicker treatment plan for early MRSA lung infections in 37 people with cystic fibrosis (ages 2 to 45). The goal was to see if the streamlined approach could clear the bacteria better than standard care. Researchers tracked infection clearance at 28 days and m…

This study tested several treatments for people with severe asthma that is hard to control. About 950 participants tried different therapies in a crossover design, with each treatment lasting 16 weeks. The goal was to see if these precision treatments could improve lung function …

This study tested whether giving pregnant women with hepatitis B a daily pill (tenofovir) plus a vaccine at birth can safely prevent passing the virus to their babies. Over 300 mothers in the Democratic Republic of Congo took part, and researchers tracked safety and how well the …

This study tested a filmed soap opera (telenovela) designed to help Latinas learn about HIV prevention. About 95 women in North Carolina watched the episodes online. Researchers measured changes in condom use, HIV testing, and awareness of PrEP (a prevention pill) over several mo…

This study tested a special group prenatal care program called TLC for obese pregnant women at high risk for gestational diabetes. 305 women joined and received lifestyle coaching on diet and exercise. The goal was to see if this approach could lower the chance of developing diab…

This study looked at how to best give daily HIV prevention pills (PrEP) to pregnant women in Sub-Saharan Africa. Researchers tested different doses of the medication in 54 pregnant volunteers to find the dose that works best and is safest for both mother and baby. The goal is to …

This study tested a new way to help pregnant women in Malawi decide whether to take daily pills (PrEP) to prevent HIV. About 100 HIV-negative pregnant women were split into two groups: one received the new decision-making tool, and the other got standard advice. The goal was to s…

This pilot study tested whether giving vitamin D shortly after a burn injury can prevent chronic pain. Forty adults with moderate-to-severe burns took either vitamin D or a placebo. Researchers checked safety, pain levels, and immune system changes over 6 months.

This study tested whether giving HIV-negative pregnant women a home HIV test kit for their male partners would increase testing rates compared to just inviting partners to clinic testing. Researchers worked with 200 pregnant women in Malawi, randomly assigning them to either give…

This study looked at whether women who had surgery for pelvic organ prolapse or incontinence could safely remove their urinary catheter at home just one day after surgery, instead of the usual three to four days. A total of 128 women who failed a voiding trial before leaving the …

This study looked at whether a stretching routine could reduce heart health risks in pregnant women with obesity. 224 women from 27 to 37 weeks of pregnancy either did stretching exercises or followed standard moderate activity guidelines. The main goal was to see if stretching i…

This study tested whether a mobile health app could help young adults ages 18-25 reduce heavy drinking. 40 participants used the app or received only surveys for 4 weeks. The goal was to see if the app was satisfying and engaging, and to measure changes in drinking habits.

This study tested whether giving teens with ADHD and their parents a question list or a short video before a doctor visit helps them communicate better and improves symptoms. About 126 teens aged 11-17 took part. The goal was to see if these tools help teens ask more questions an…

This pilot study looked at whether high-intensity resistance training combined with creatine supplements can improve muscle quality, thinking skills, and menopause symptoms in perimenopausal women aged 38-60. Fifty-five healthy women were randomly assigned to take creatine, a pla…

This study tested a new care model called PREVAIL for adults with rheumatoid arthritis. The goal was to see if it's practical to add rehabilitation and exercise support into regular rheumatology visits. 63 participants used a screening tool, got personalized recommendations, and …

This pilot study tested a counseling program called the Friendship Bench for 106 teens aged 13-18 living with HIV who also had depression or anxiety. The program aimed to improve their mood and keep them engaged in HIV care. Researchers measured how well the program worked by loo…

This study tested a special palliative care program for people with late-stage Alzheimer's or related dementias and their family caregivers. The program started during a hospital stay and included caregiver education and support after discharge. Researchers wanted to see if it co…

This small pilot study tested whether a therapy called written exposure therapy, done over video calls, could help prevent or reduce PTSD symptoms in women who had recently experienced a sexual assault. 30 women took part within a week of the assault. The study focused on whether…

This pilot study tested whether a 5-week mindful running program, guided by the Headspace app, is practical and helpful for 18 adults with patellofemoral pain (runner's knee). The program included mindfulness training and outdoor running. Researchers measured how many people join…

This study tested a moderated online platform called Altitudes for parents and caregivers of young people with psychosis. The goal was to see if the platform was easy to use and helpful in reducing caregiver stress and improving well-being. Seventeen caregivers participated over …

This study tested a new virtual reality (VR) program for teenagers hospitalized for suicidal thoughts. The program lets them practice real-world school situations in a safe, hospital setting with a therapist. The goal was to see if the program was practical and well-liked by teen…

This study looked at how pregnancy changes the way the body processes doravirine, an HIV medication. Seven pregnant women living with HIV took a single dose of doravirine during their second and third trimesters and again after giving birth. The goal was to find the right dose fo…

This study looked at whether virtual coaching helps rural pharmacists better counsel people who are hesitant about getting the COVID-19 vaccine. Twenty pharmacies took part, first receiving standard training and then adding one-on-one video coaching. Researchers measured how well…

This study looked at whether deep cleaning of the gums (called intensive periodontal therapy) can improve not just oral health but also markers of heart disease and diabetes. About 200 adults with heart disease or type 2 diabetes received either the gum treatment or standard care…

This study looked at whether offering special wellness visits at clinics, tied to primary schools, encourages more teens to get tested for HIV and use birth control. About 1,500 students from 20 schools took part and were followed for two years. The goal was to see if these teen-…

This study tested whether a mobile health app called LIVEBORN can help nurse midwives improve how they resuscitate newborns who have trouble breathing at birth. Over 14,000 newborns and their nurses took part in Kenya. The app gave either real-time guidance or a summary after the…

This pilot study looked at whether a dietary supplement (fiber plus green tea) can make people feel fuller from alcohol and change their response to drinking. 64 at-risk drinkers aged 21-45 took part in two lab sessions, once with the supplement and once with a placebo, then had …

This study tested whether an educational session at a church could help Spanish-speaking Latinos learn more about colorectal cancer and feel more willing to join cancer clinical trials. Sixty adults attended a session with videos and questionnaires, and 20 also gave one-on-one in…

This study tested whether sending specific text messages at the right time helps young adults with overweight or obesity meet their daily goals for weighing themselves, being active, and limiting certain foods. Over 200 participants used a mobile weight loss program and received …

This study tested a virtual education program called "AF at Home" for adults with atrial fibrillation (AF). Participants attended six hours of online classes over three weeks and completed questionnaires before and after. The goal was to see if the program could improve quality o…

This study looked at whether warning labels on foods with non-nutritive sweeteners (like artificial sweeteners) help Chilean parents spot those ingredients and choose healthier options for their children. About 3,900 parents were shown different label designs on similar products …

This study looked at how different types of exercise, like high-intensity interval training (HIIT) versus traditional aerobic exercise, affect metabolism in women going through perimenopause. Researchers studied 28 overweight or obese women in early or late perimenopause to measu…

This study looked at whether adding a special warning label for ultraprocessed foods helps parents in Chile recognize them and change their buying choices. Over 3,600 parents were shown different food packages, some with the extra label, and asked about their purchase intentions.…

This study tested a 12-week virtual education program for primary care providers in North Carolina to improve how they manage patients with atrial fibrillation (an irregular heartbeat). 70 providers joined the program, and researchers measured changes in their knowledge and confi…

This study looked at whether a supplement called recombinant bovine lactoferrin (rbLf) can help healthy adults better regulate iron, improve gut health, and support immune function. About 110 active men and women aged 18–42 took either rbLf, regular lactoferrin from cow's milk, o…

This study looked at how brain stimulation affects memory and thinking in 71 healthy adults aged 18-35. Participants did a memory task while receiving magnetic pulses to specific brain areas. The goal was to understand how brain waves help control what we remember.

This study looked at whether it's practical to have a firefighter-led exercise program for other firefighters. 52 career firefighters took part, with some stations doing the program and others waiting. The main goal was to see if firefighters would join, stick with it, and like t…

This study tested whether a nurse-led, community-based rehabilitation program is practical and helpful for adults with psychosis in Blantyre, Malawi. Sixty participants received the program, and researchers measured how many people joined, stayed, and were satisfied. The goal was…

This study looked at 27 adults with Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD) and healthy volunteers to see how different gene mutations affect the lungs' ability to clear mucus. By measuring clearance with a harmless radioactive tracer, researchers aimed to link specific genes to milder …

This study tested whether surgeons can improve their hernia repair skills by watching and giving feedback on each other's surgery videos. 59 surgeons from a national quality network took part. The goal was to see if this video-based learning leads to better surgical technique and…

This study looked at ways to help more people with type 2 diabetes attend education classes that teach self-management skills. Researchers tested different methods to increase referrals from doctors and used peer support to encourage attendance. The goal was to find the best appr…

This study looked at whether a 12-week time-restricted feeding plan (eating only during a set window each day) is practical and acceptable for older adults (ages 65-80) who have mild cognitive impairment and obesity. The goal was to see if people would stick with the diet and to …

This study looked at how the nasal immune system responds to a live, weakened flu vaccine in 24 people with COPD. Researchers compared those who had frequent flare-ups (two or more in the past year) to those who did not. The goal was to understand differences in immune signals an…

This study looked at 57 people having surgery to see how two different hand muscles recover from muscle relaxants given during anesthesia. Doctors measured the time it took for each muscle to return to normal function. The goal is to help anesthesiologists better monitor when it'…

This study looked at the best way to provide medically tailored meals to families. 103 participants received meals either for themselves or their whole household, delivered by a dedicated driver or a commercial shipper. The goal was to see which approach improved diet quality and…

This study tested whether a special information dashboard helps ICU doctors and nurses make faster and more accurate decisions compared to using standard electronic health records. 113 healthcare providers participated in a randomized trial where they completed tasks using both t…

This study looked at whether MRI can accurately detect brown adipose tissue (brown fat) in healthy adults, using PET scans as the gold standard. Eight volunteers were imaged under mild cold conditions. The goal was to see how well MRI maps overlap with PET maps. This is a knowled…

This study tested whether a pay-it-forward program—where one person's donation helps cover testing costs for others—can encourage more men in China to get tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia. About 1,200 men who had sex in the past year but hadn't been tested recently took part. T…

This study followed 105 children and adults with primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD), a rare lung condition, to understand how their breathing and symptoms change during flare-ups. Researchers measured lung function and quality of life to gather information that will help design fut…

This study tested whether two types of prebiotics (GOS and a humanized version called hGOS) are safe and well-tolerated in 60 healthy adults. Participants took the prebiotics or a placebo daily for 4 weeks. Researchers tracked gut symptoms, changes in beneficial bacteria, and mar…

This study looked at why some women in early menopause become irritable when their estrogen levels change. Forty healthy women aged 45-59 with moderate to severe irritability took either estrogen or a placebo for three weeks. Researchers measured their brain activity and mood to …

This study tested whether giving African American patients in rural eastern North Carolina a personalized list of local resources (like food, housing, and transportation help) could improve their confidence in managing their heart health. Over 300 participants received a 'Healthe…