News

Our research not only influences the scientific community, but the general public as well. We strive to share our discoveries with everyone. Read some of our latest articles on what is happening at the Nutrition Research Institute.

New Grant to Study Nutrition and Chemotherapeutic Response

May 30, 2018 – Delisha Stewart, PhD, Assistant Professor of Nutrition at the UNC Nutrition Research Institute, has been awarded a two year grant to study the impact of diet on chemotherapeutic treatment resistance in obesity-driven, aggressive breast cancer.  This award builds from the research Dr. Stewart has conducted over the last ten years.

NRI Included in UNC Creativity Hubs Inaugural Award to Study Obesity

May 14, 2018 – Five NRI faculty members are among a team of UNC researchers receiving an award to study one of the world’s most pressing issues: the obesity epidemic. The cross-disciplinary team, known as the Heterogeneity in Obesity Creativity Hub, will leverage the strengths of Carolina’s schools of medical and health sciences, affiliated research centers and institutes, and prowess in big data management to take a novel approach to assess the underlying causes of obesity to unlock new, targeted ways to treat the disease.

The connection between diet, obesity, and cancer: Nutrition experts explore the evidence

April 26, 2018 -About one third of cancer cases are estimated to be linked to dietary and other modifiable risk factors, especially for obesity-related cancers such as breast, colorectal, ovarian, endometrial, kidney, gallbladder, esophageal, and pancreatic cancers. In this special theme issue of the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, food and nutrition practitioners and other health professionals take an in-depth look at the relationship between nutrition, obesity, and cancer prevention, treatment, and survival and identify research gaps for future prevention research efforts.

AFL@JWU Recipes – April 18

April 18, 2018 – Chef Megan Lambert, MS, RD, Senior Instructor in College of Culinary Arts at Johnson & Wales University, Charlotte, prepared healthy, delightful recipes with chicken while Steph Saullo, MS, RD of the UNC Nutrition Research Institute, shared nutrition information on each recipe. The recipes from the April 18, 2018 Appetite For Life are available here for your cooking enjoyment!

Nutrition Notes from AFL@JWU – April 18

April 18, 2018 – The science on food and nutrients and their relationship to health is complex. Individuals are unique and there are various factors that influence health outcomes. Researchers at the UNC Nutrition Research Institute (NRI) are working to understand the intricacies of diet, nutrients, and their relationship to disease prevention and progression with the goal that general dietary guidance will one day be replaced with customized nutrition recommendations. Current research suggests following an overall healthful diet, rich in plants, that emphasizes fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and unsaturated fats, and staying physically active may best support good health. In this program we consider the health benefits of chicken.

Kohlmeier Named Editor-in-Chief of New Journal: BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health

March 29, 2018 – Leading healthcare knowledge provider BMJ will launch BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health later this year in July 2018 at the 4th NNEdPro International Summit in Cambridge. Co-owned with the NNEdPro Global Centre for Nutrition and Health, the journal is dedicated to publishing high quality, peer reviewed articles that focus on diet, exercise and healthcare technology on health and wellbeing.

Gut Microbiome, Diet and Health

March 28, 2018 – At the NRI, we are conducting pioneering research on the interplay of diet and the gut microbiome in human health. The gut microbiome is a complex community of microorganisms living in our lower intestine; although we have long known of its existence, recent technological advances have allowed us to begin to define the composition and function of this dynamic community. This growing body of research demonstrates vast biologic activity within the gut microbiota, which may have the potential to affect our physiology and help guide health recommendations and interventions.

Study focuses on child obesity

February 28, 2018 – Childhood obesity may no longer be a new concept, but the prevalence is higher than ever, and statistics show that Cabarrus County sits above the national and state averages for kids who are dangerously overweight.
An ongoing study at the N.C. Research Campus in Kannapolis hopes to take a dive into children’s health and nutrition and what might lead some to gain excess weight and others not to. The children’s health study is currently looking for children and their families to participate.

Support the NRI

By donating to the Nutrition Research Institute, your money targets the root of most American disease. Our scientists focus on how our genes respond to food so that soon medical practitioners will be able to guide people in their health from childhood through old age. Our critical research depends on the generosity of people like you.