Assistant Professor Dana Carroll is studying how quickly American Indians and Alaska Natives metabolize nicotine, how it relates to their genetic makeup, and barriers that exist to using that information to improve health.
Chronic Disease
Switching to a plant-centered diet linked to reduced diabetes risk for young adults as they age
PhD student Yuni Choi found that study participants with the greatest increase in plant-centered diet quality scores had a 48% lower risk of Type 2 diabetes compared to those who did not alter their diet.
Study shows brain scans and spinal fluid tests can help correctly diagnose dementia types in patients
The study from the school’s Minnesota Evidence-Based Practice Center could help researchers identify the underlying causes of dementia, which could eventually lead to better treatments.
Gum disease raises the risk of developing dementia
Associate Professor Ryan Demmer studied a large group of people with varying levels of gum disease and found 19% of them developed dementia.
Discovering the genetic source of diabetes
Professors Baolin Wu and Jim Pankow are leading a new study to identify the segments of human genetic code associated with the onset of diabetes.
Excess sugar linked to dangerous heart and abdominal fat
The study led by PhD student So Yun Yi found that sugar intake over a 20-year period was related to the existence of fat volumes around the heart and abdomen later in life.
Increasing TB treatment adherence among HIV patients in Eswatini
A study by researchers Stuart Grande and Jude Mikal shows that giving HIV patients choices and support are the keys to ensuring they complete treatment to prevent tuberculosis.
Current Alzheimer’s drugs do little to help patients
A Minnesota Evidence-Based Practice Center study analyzed 67 Alzheimer’s treatments and found few are effective and they only alleviate symptoms.
Simple cognitive tests could help primary care clinics spot Alzheimer’s cases
A team from SPH’s Evidence-Based Practice Center identified tests that providers can use to distinguish between Alzheimer’s dementia and normal cognition in older adults.
Kids or teen smokers are less likely to kick the habit as adults
Research led by Professor David Jacobs found that the younger people start smoking, the more likely they are to smoke daily as an adult — even into their 40s — and the harder it will be to quit.
Facebook postings by breast cancer patients initially surge, then decline over time
Study researcher Jude Mikal speculates that patients may reduce their general posting due to finding cancer-specific support groups or feeling guilty about asking for help.
Folsom presents prestigious Keys Lecture at American Heart Association conference
Professor Aaron Folsom was honored by the American Heart Association with the opportunity to present the 2019 Ancel Keys Memorial Lecture during the organization’s scientific sessions in November.
