Wake Forest University Health Sciences

This study looked at whether a modified Atkins-based diet combined with short-term fasting is possible for people with glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer. Twenty-five patients who had already completed standard treatments tried the diet for 8 weeks. The goal was to see if t…

This study tested whether a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called theta burst stimulation (TMS) could help people with alcohol use disorder reduce their drinking. 147 adults who wanted treatment received TMS and were tracked for 4 months. The goal was to see which TMS m…

This study tested a program called STAR, where a nurse helps sepsis patients for up to 90 days after they leave the hospital. The nurse checks for new health problems, adjusts medicines, and watches for complications. The goal was to see if this extra support reduces deaths and r…

This study tested whether a smartphone app called Quit on the Go helps people with serious mental illness (like bipolar disorder or schizophrenia) quit smoking better than standard methods. 343 smokers who wanted to quit were enrolled. The app was designed specifically for their …

This study looked at whether losing fat through a controlled diet helps obese older adults get more out of exercise. 180 sedentary seniors with a BMI of 30-35 took part. Researchers measured improvements in heart fitness and walking endurance to see if combining calorie restricti…

This study tested a new surgical device called the Femoral Neck System (FNS) for treating a common type of hip fracture. Researchers wanted to see how often patients needed another surgery after the procedure. The study included 43 adults with hip fractures and followed them for …

This study tested two programs to help people with chronic kidney disease get kidney transplants sooner and more equitably. One program identifies patients who may need a transplant early, and the other provides extra support from social workers and coordinators. Over 1,100 adult…

This pilot study tested whether applying prescription fluoride varnish to teeth every three months during the first year after radiation therapy helps prevent cavities and tooth loss in people treated for head and neck cancer. Radiation can damage salivary glands, causing dry mou…

This study tested whether a high-intensity medical weight loss program, supported by a digital platform, could help people with type 2 diabetes achieve remission. 64 participants with recent diabetes diagnosis and obesity were enrolled. The program used tailored treatment plans, …

This study looked at whether weekly digital check-ins or a home device that measures skin hydration can help people with rosacea use their ivermectin cream every day as directed. Thirty adults with rosacea used the cream and were split into three groups: one with no extra help, o…

This study tested a combination of four drugs (carfilzomib, lenalidomide, dexamethasone, and elotuzumab) in 15 people whose multiple myeloma had returned or stopped responding to treatment. The goal was to see if this mix could shrink tumors or eliminate signs of cancer. While so…

This early-phase study tested whether the immunotherapy drug nivolumab could safely improve outcomes for people aged 65 and older with primary central nervous system lymphoma (a rare brain cancer). After completing initial high-dose chemotherapy, 14 participants received nivoluma…

This study tested a treatment that combines a short, intense type of radiation (quad-shot) with immunotherapy drugs for people with advanced or recurrent head and neck cancer that cannot be cured. The goal was to see if this combination could shrink tumors and be tolerable. The s…

This study looked at whether using a continuous glucose monitor along with help from a clinical pharmacist can improve blood sugar control in uninsured Black and Hispanic adults with type 2 diabetes. Twenty participants used the monitor and worked with the pharmacist to adjust th…

This study tested whether a nasal insulin spray combined with the diabetes drug empagliflozin can safely improve memory and thinking in people with early Alzheimer's or mild cognitive impairment. 47 adults aged 55-85 with signs of Alzheimer's in their brain took part. The goal wa…

This study looked at whether giving fewer antibiotics after appendix removal is safe and works well. 268 adults who had surgery for simple or complicated appendicitis were followed for at least 30 days. The goal was to see if a short course of antibiotics could reduce side effect…

This study tested whether giving heated chemotherapy directly into the abdomen during a second-look surgery is possible for people with ovarian, fallopian tube, or peritoneal cancer. Ten participants who had already received standard treatment took part. The main goal was to see …

This study tested whether ultrasound can detect nerve damage caused by the chemotherapy drug oxaliplatin in people with gastrointestinal cancer. Twenty participants who had or were receiving oxaliplatin and had symptoms of nerve damage were enrolled. Researchers compared ultrasou…

This study tested whether a combination of physical exercise, mental challenges, a healthy diet, and social activities can protect memory and thinking in older adults at risk for Alzheimer's. Researchers enrolled 2,000 sedentary Americans with low diet scores but no current memor…

This study tested whether getting young people actively involved in designing and running prevention programs helps reduce drug and opioid misuse. Four community organizations in North Carolina took part; two used a youth engagement approach and two did not. Researchers surveyed …

This study tested whether text message reminders can encourage people to keep their opioid pain pills locked up and to throw away any leftover pills after treatment. About 479 adults who had a new opioid prescription took part. The goal was to see if simple texts could reduce the…

This study tested whether sending personalized text messages to parents could help prevent rapid weight gain in infants from low-income families. 69 parents with babies under 6 weeks old received daily texts with tips on responsive feeding. The goal was to build healthy habits ea…

This study tested a 6-month home program for 7-10 year olds in rural areas to encourage healthy eating and physical activity, aiming to lower type 2 diabetes risk. 72 children took part, with some receiving activity packs, health coach calls, and a resource toolbox, while others …

This study looked at whether combining a non-opioid medication (duloxetine) with web-based pain-coping skills training helps people with long-term muscle and joint pain. About 280 adults with daily pain for at least 3 months took part. The goal was to see if this approach reduces…

This study looked at whether working with a care manager and using an online pain coping program can help people with long-term pain handle their symptoms and daily activities better. Thirty-two adults with chronic pain for at least 3 months and at least one social challenge (lik…

This study looked at whether a 10-week pelvic physical therapy program is practical for gynecologic cancer survivors who have sexual problems. Twenty survivors took part to see if they could stick with the program and if it improved their sexual function and quality of life. The …

This study tested a program called Sleep Well 24 to help frail older adults with insomnia improve their sleep and daytime activity. Seven people took part to see if the program was practical and well-liked. The goal was to finalize the program components for a future larger trial…

This study tested whether ramipril, a common blood pressure medicine, could help prevent memory loss in 75 people with glioblastoma who were receiving brain radiation and chemotherapy. Participants took ramipril during treatment and for four months after. Researchers measured mem…

This study tested a relaxation technique called Cereset Research that uses gentle sounds to help stressed healthcare workers feel calmer. 94 workers took part, and the study looked at whether the benefits lasted over a year. The goal was to reduce stress and improve sleep without…

This study tested whether a combination of oxytocin (a natural hormone) and vibration could help people tolerate heat pain from a mild sunburn. Thirty-eight healthy adults with light to medium skin tones received a small sunburn on their arm. Researchers measured how much heat th…

This study tested whether a supplement made from muscadine grapes can improve fatigue in people aged 70 and older who have finished cancer treatment. 64 participants took the extract or a placebo for 12 weeks. The main goal was to see if fatigue levels changed, measured by a stan…

This small study tested a non-invasive training program for people with hemianopia, a condition that causes blindness in half of the visual field. Five adults with stable hemianopia used a multisensory approach (combining sound and visual cues) over three months. The goal was to …

This study looked at a targeted drug delivery system (a pain pump) versus standard pain pills for people with severe cancer pain. It included 30 adults whose pain was not controlled by high doses of opioids or who had bad side effects. The goal was to see if the pump could better…

This study tested a special 'peppering' injection technique for people with chronic plantar fasciitis (long-term heel pain). 41 adults received either the peppering injection or a standard one to see which better reduces pain and improves foot function. The goal was to find a saf…

This small pilot study tested whether spinal cord stimulation could reduce painful muscle rigidity and spasms in people with stiff person syndrome, a rare autoimmune disorder. Two participants received temporary stimulation for up to 10 days, and researchers measured changes in p…

This study tested a portable light device called Lumiton in 18 adults with psoriasis, alopecia areata (hair loss), or polymorphous light eruption (sun allergy). The goal was to see if using the device at home could improve disease severity. Researchers measured changes through ph…

This study tested a gentle brain stimulation method called tDCS to see if it could help cancer survivors who smoke feel less distressed and smoke fewer cigarettes. 43 people who had cancer and smoked at least 5 cigarettes a day took part. The treatment was done at home via telehe…

This study compared waterbirth to traditional land birth for low-risk pregnant women. Researchers wanted to see if waterbirth reduces the need for pain medication, shortens labor, and improves satisfaction. 186 healthy women participated, and the study looked at outcomes like pai…

This study tested whether a daily supplement made from muscadine grapes could help reduce fatigue and improve quality of life in 106 men with prostate cancer who were already receiving hormone therapy (androgen deprivation therapy). Participants took either the grape extract or a…

This study tested whether a 12-week, at-home step-count program is practical for people with epilepsy. Twenty-six adults with epilepsy used a Garmin watch to track their steps and attended virtual coaching sessions. The goal was to see if participants could stick with their step …

This study looked at whether one radiation treatment works as well as two for reducing pain from cancer that has spread to the bones. 102 adults with bone metastases and pain were randomly assigned to receive either a single dose or two doses of radiation. The main goal was to se…

This early-phase study looked at how well a combination of two chemotherapy drugs (cytarabine and daunorubicin) works for adults newly diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, and whether giving one drug as a continuous infusion might be safer for the heart. About 40 participants r…

This study tested whether using Dermabond (a medical glue) along with stitches helps keep spinal cord stimulator trial leads from moving. 57 adults with chronic pain took part. The goal was to see if the glue reduces lead migration and improves patient satisfaction.

This study tested whether a TENS device, which sends mild electrical pulses through the skin, can help manage pain after surgery for broken leg bones. 205 adults who had surgery for a lower extremity fracture used TENS as part of their pain care. Researchers tracked their opioid …

This study tested whether giving calcium before the drug diltiazem can prevent a sudden drop in blood pressure in people with a fast heart rate caused by atrial fibrillation or flutter. 92 adults with a heart rate of 120 or higher took part. Researchers compared those who got cal…

This study tested whether acupuncture can help relieve dry mouth caused by radiation therapy for head and neck cancer. 258 adults who had radiation and developed moderate to severe dry mouth took part. Participants received acupuncture, and researchers measured changes in dry mou…

This study looked at how heated chemotherapy (HIPEC) affects quality of life in 50 people with advanced ovarian, fallopian tube, or peritoneal cancer. Participants received the treatment after surgery. The main goal was to measure well-being using a questionnaire 6 weeks later. T…

This study tested a stepped-care program delivered by phone to help cancer survivors living in rural areas manage emotional distress like anxiety and depression. 68 adults who had finished cancer treatment within the past 6 to 60 months took part. The program offered low- or high…

This study tested whether metformin, a common diabetes medicine, can improve exercise ability and quality of life in older adults with a type of heart failure called HFpEF. 86 participants took either metformin or a placebo for 20 weeks. Researchers measured changes in oxygen use…

This study tested a special wound dressing (a mix of methylene blue, gentian violet, and sheep stomach tissue) on 5 adults with hidradenitis suppurativa who had sores that wouldn't heal. The goal was to see how much the wounds shrank over 8 weeks and if pain improved. The dressin…

This pilot study tested whether a program combining education and group exercise could reduce joint pain caused by aromatase inhibitors (AI) in older breast cancer survivors (aged 60+). Twelve women who were about to start AI medication were randomly assigned to either standard c…

This study watched 760 children under 8 years old who had a cold and needed surgery. Doctors wanted to find the best signs that a child is ready to have their breathing tube removed safely. The goal is to improve how we check children before surgery to avoid problems.

This study looked at why Spanish-speaking Latinx communities face higher rates of COVID-19 infection and death. Researchers worked with community partners to understand social and ethical barriers to testing and vaccination. They tested a program that combined peer support and mo…

This study looked at anxiety levels in 100 people having Mohs surgery for skin cancer. It compared first-time patients to those who had the surgery before, and also tested whether reading a short story about a typical patient's experience helped reduce anxiety. The goal was to be…

This study tested whether a tool in a patient portal could help people with mild memory problems discuss and document their future medical wishes. Researchers enrolled 300 adults aged 65 and older with mild cognitive impairment or early dementia. The goal was to see if people wou…

This study tested a digital program to help young adults (ages 15-39) who survived cancer feel better emotionally. It taught skills for healthy coping and mood management. The goal was to see if the program could improve well-being and quality of life. 352 survivors took part.

This pilot study tested whether a Mediterranean diet program is better than standard healthy eating advice for overweight pregnant women. 41 women in early pregnancy were randomly assigned to one of two diet groups and received free food and counseling. The goal was to see which …

This study tested a wearable device that buzzes when surgical residents slouch during operations. Twelve residents wore the device to see if it helped them stay upright and reduced muscle pain. The goal is to prevent long-term injuries and help surgeons have longer, healthier car…

This study looked at why many children and their families stop attending weight management programs, where dropout rates can be as high as 73%. Researchers collected information from over 1,200 children and parents to build a tool that predicts who might leave early. The goal is …

This study tested a special device that sprays insulin into the nose to see how much gets into the brain. Insulin is a hormone that helps control blood sugar, but it may also affect memory. The study included 20 adults with mild memory problems or normal cognition. Researchers me…

This study looked at different ways to help families who missed a scheduled well-child visit for their child. Over 3,800 children were randomly assigned to receive either a simple text message, a call from a community health worker, or usual care (no special follow-up). The goal …

This study looked at how short-term pain affects thinking and memory in healthy adults. Twelve volunteers played an iPad game before, during, and after feeling mild heat or cold pain. The goal was to see if pain changes how quickly and accurately people can play. No treatment or …

This study looked at how exercise changes the body at a molecular level in 320 children and teens aged 10-17. Participants provided blood samples after exercise and some took part in a 12-week exercise program. The goal was to understand the health benefits of physical activity i…

This study looked at how smoking versus overnight abstinence changes the way adult smokers make decisions involving effort and handle distress. Five participants completed behavioral tasks and brain scans after smoking normally and after not smoking. The goal was to understand ho…

This study involved 43 children and young adults with chronic tic disorders, including Tourette Syndrome, along with their caregivers and providers. The goal was to develop and test a new scale called TD-STIGMA to measure how stigma and discrimination affect their lives. The resu…

This study looked at whether older adults with overweight or obesity could follow two different eating plans for 9 months: eating fewer calories overall or eating only during a specific time window each day. The goal was to see if these plans were practical and safe for seniors. …

This study tested whether giving insulin through the nose can help people with mild memory problems. Researchers measured how much insulin reached the brain fluid and checked its effect on memory. The study included 13 adults with normal cognition or mild cognitive impairment.

This study compared four different methods (using online forms or electronic health records) to screen adults with epilepsy for anxiety and depression. Researchers wanted to see which method led to more patients completing the screening before their clinic visit. The goal is to i…

This study looked at how friends and family can help teenagers with HIV stay in care and take their medication regularly. Researchers worked with 60 teens in South Africa to understand which types of support work best. The goal was to find ways to keep teens healthy and reduce th…

This study tested a new program that screens older adults (60+) for memory and thinking problems after they leave the intensive care unit (ICU). The goal was to see if the screening is practical and helps connect people to support. About 109 participants took part, and the progra…

This study tested a computer tool that helps doctors and cancer survivors discuss heart health during follow-up visits. About 645 survivors of breast, prostate, colorectal, endometrial, and lymphoma cancers took part. The goal was to see if the tool leads to more conversations ab…

This study looked at whether CBD products advertised with health claims (like curing cancer or preventing Alzheimer's) influence what people buy. About 460 adults aged 18-79 completed a shopping task in a mini mart. The goal was to see if such claims change purchase behavior and …

This study tested a program to help adults recover after sepsis, a serious infection that can cause organ failure. Researchers worked with 1,820 patients at high risk of returning to the hospital. The program focused on supporting patients after they left the hospital to improve …

This study looked at how physical activity affects the body on a molecular level. Over 1,800 adults were assigned to endurance training, resistance training, or no exercise for 12 weeks. The goal was to create a detailed map of the molecular changes that lead to the health benefi…

This study looked at how muscle loss (sarcopenia) and physical function impact the success of non-surgical treatments for urinary incontinence in women aged 70 and older. Researchers tracked 70 women over 12 weeks as they did standard pelvic floor exercises. The goal was to see i…

This study looked at whether a heart stress test with MRI can find early signs of heart damage in premenopausal women treated for breast cancer. About 25 women who had chemotherapy or hormone therapy took part. The goal was to see if this test could help doctors catch heart probl…

This study looked at whether a family member or caregiver can reliably assess an elderly person's ability to move around by using a short video test. Researchers compared the answers from 60 patients aged 70 and older with those from their family or caregivers. The goal is to fin…

This study looked at how different sedatives (ketamine, midazolam, dexmedetomidine, or a placebo) affect cigarette cravings and smoking behavior in 20 daily smokers. Participants received a single intravenous dose and reported their cravings and withdrawal symptoms. The goal was …

This study surveyed 67 adults with hidradenitis suppurativa (a chronic skin condition causing painful lumps and sores) to better understand how the disease impacts their quality of life. Researchers also tested a new tool that lets patients rate their own disease severity using p…

This study looked at whether using a special training model (Miya Model) helps new surgeons perform vaginal hysterectomy better in the operating room. Twenty-five surgical residents with limited experience took part. The goal was to see if simulation practice improves their actua…

This study tested whether a telehealth program could help paramedics treat heart attack patients faster. Researchers measured how long it took from first contact to treatment before and after the program. Only 11 patients were included, so results are very early and not conclusiv…

This study looked at whether having new mothers check their blood pressure at home for 3 weeks after leaving the hospital can help find and manage high blood pressure early. Over 1,600 women took part. The goal was to see if home monitoring is practical and acceptable, and if it …

This study looked at whether showing health warnings inside hookah cafés could make young adults smoke less. About 977 hookah café customers took part. Researchers measured their carbon monoxide levels before and after smoking to see if warnings made a difference.

This study looked at how eating a typical Western diet (high in saturated fat, fructose, and calories) for 8 weeks affects immune cells called monocytes in healthy, normal-weight adults aged 20-45. Researchers measured changes in a protein linked to inflammation and heart disease…

This study looked at whether taking part in an action civics program affects the health and wellbeing of young people. About 1,659 middle and high school students completed surveys about their civic activities and feelings of community connection. The goal was to understand how b…

This study looked at how oxytocin, a natural brain hormone, affects pain from heat. 25 healthy adults and people with chronic pain rated their pain during skin heating before, during, and after receiving oxytocin through an IV. The goal was to understand how oxytocin works in the…

This study tested a program called FinFit to help adolescent and young adult cancer survivors deal with money problems caused by their illness. Researchers interviewed 16 people from community cancer clinics to understand how to best deliver financial support. The goal was to cre…

This study tested whether changes in pupil size can reliably measure acute pain. Researchers gave short, painful heat pulses to 20 adults with hip or knee arthritis and measured how their pupils reacted. The goal was to see if pupil response could be a trustworthy, objective pain…

This study gathered information from 101 patients and healthcare providers to design a care pathway for COPD in people with lung or head and neck cancer. The goal was to reduce treatment burden and overcome common barriers to COPD care in community oncology clinics. Researchers u…

This study surveyed over 3,500 U.S. adults to learn how they interpret health claims in real-world CBD advertisements. Participants viewed ads and rated whether they thought the ads made claims like curing disease or being FDA-approved. The goal was to see if people perceive proh…