Duke Clinical Research

04/10/2026

No ticking away dull moments here. 🌙

Artemis II turns every second beyond Earth into discovery... driving clinical insights that matter back home. Teams across Duke are closely following the mission and what it may reveal about human health in deep space. 🚀🧬

https://today.duke.edu/2026/04/artemis-ii-mission-moon-challenges-and-opportunities

Artemis II Mission to the Moon: Challenges and Opportunities Three Duke experts discuss its impact on health, space tech and geopolitics Image Published April 6, 2026 Credits Fedor Kossakovski and Eric Ferreri; Graphic by Isabel Nunez University Communications and Marketing Tags Research Schools San...

04/09/2026

Taking a quick break from our research today to share this feel‑good story on CBS 17 about Duke students, puppies, and a local kindergarten. 🐾

Small actions add up...whether that’s helping a puppy become an assistance dog or joining a research study during your lunch break.
https://www.cbs17.com/news/local-news/durham-county-news/duke-students-save-puppy-kindergarten-where-service-dogs-get-their-start/

DURHAM, N.C. (WNCN) — Duke University is known for its top-tier academics, cutting-edge research, and legendary basketball team, but if you ask students their favorite thing about Duke, a number of…

04/08/2026

NC ✅ | Science ✅ | Festival ✅ — we’re IN! 🧪🎉

The NC Science Festival is kicking off, and we’re proud to be part of a statewide celebration of curiosity, discovery, and innovation. Don’t miss the two Duke‑hosted events highlighting how science shows up locally and makes a difference statewide.👏

North Carolina, this one's for you. Let’s explore, learn, and celebrate science together! 🔬✨

🔗 North Carolina Science Festival
💙 Duke events: https://ncsciencefestival.org/events/?_s=duke

04/07/2026

🦵🦴New research from Duke Health brings joint repair closer to reality for millions living with osteoarthritis.

Led by Benjamin A. Alman, MD, Duke researchers have reached a major milestone in a federally funded effort to regenerate damaged joints — targeting the root causes of osteoarthritis rather than just managing pain. The work has met key preclinical goals and is moving closer to first‑in‑human clinical trials.

This progress could one day reduce the need for joint replacement surgery and help people stay active and mobile longer.

🔗 Read more: https://corporate.dukehealth.org/news/new-research-brings-joint-repair-closer-millions-osteoarthritis

DURHAM, N.C. — Osteoarthritis affects more than 32 million Americans, making it one of the leading causes of chronic pain, disability, and loss of mobility in the United States.For many people, treatment options are limited to managing pain with medications or repeated injections, and in severe ca...

03/27/2026

The RESTORATION study: Combining rTMS & aerobic exercise to treat depression and improve post-stroke walking

The RESTORATION study is exploring new ways to help people with depression after a stroke.

Instead of using medicine, the study is testing whether regular aerobic exercise and a brain treatment called transcranial magnetic stimulation, or TMS, might work better when used together. The goal is to find out if this combination can help people feel better and recover more fully.

To take part in this study, people must be between 21 and 70 years old. They must have had a stroke sometime in the past 1 to 5 years and show signs of depression based on standard tests. They also need to have some weakness or trouble moving in one or both legs but still be able to walk on their own at a slow to moderate pace. Participants must not be taking antidepressants, or if they are, their dose must have stayed the same for at least a month and their condition must be stable.

Compensation up to $600 for study-related time and travel.

For more information, contact the study team at StrokeResearch@duke.edu or (919) 660-4131.

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03/25/2026

⚡Adaptive deep brain stimulation offers real‑time adjustments that can help improve Parkinson’s symptoms. ⚡

Duke Health researchers are exploring this next‑generation approach to make treatment more responsive to each patient’s needs.

Duke Health offers adaptive deep brain stimulation (DBS) -- a new neurostimulation technology that constantly monitors brain activity and automatically adjusts DBS device settings to improve symptom control.

03/24/2026

Future nurse scientists start here ⭐🔬

Faculty at Duke University School of Nursing are leading innovative research and mentoring the next generation of scholars.

Associate Professors Michael Cary, Tolu Oyesanya, and Schenita Randolph—the first Black nurse scientists to earn tenure in Duke School of Nursing’s history—are each conducting transformative research:
• Dr. Cary leverages AI and machine learning to address aging‑related health disparities.
• Dr. Oyesanya advances research supporting patients with traumatic brain injury and their caregivers.
• Dr. Randolph confronts the root causes of health disparities affecting Black women, families, and communities.

With six #1 MSN specialty rankings and a #2 national ranking for its DNP program, DUSON continues to lead in graduate nursing education.
https://nursing.duke.edu/news/duke-nurse-scientists-inspire-future-leaders

Associate Professor Michael Cary, PhD, RN, FAAN; Associate Professor Tolu Oyesanya, PhD, RN; and Associate Professor Schenita Randolph, PhD, MPH, RN, FAAN—the first Black nurse scientists at Duke University School of Nursing to be granted tenure in the School's history—have very different areas ...

03/23/2026

With March Madness Men's Basketball – we just got recognized as one of their top fans! 🎉

We accept our Top Fan badge with the dignity of people who absolutely did not yell at the TV.

Meanwhile, congrats to High Point University Panthers who pulled off their first‑ever NCAA Tournament win and managed to outlast a few bigger NC programs this year.😇

If progress like that speaks to you, you can help move science forward by joining a study. https://duke-research.dukehealth.org/

03/20/2026

Staying hydrated matters more than you think 💧

New Duke research highlights how important hydration is for preventing kidney stones — but also shows it’s not as simple as “just drink more water.”

The study found that staying consistently hydrated helps dilute minerals in the urine, making stones less likely to form, but many people still struggle to keep their fluid intake high enough.

🔗 Watch the full WRAL TV segment:
https://www.wral.com/video/duke-research-highlights-importance-of-hydration-in-kidney-stone-prevention/22338040/

The study also noted that the solution is not as simple as drinking more water.

03/18/2026

A simple nasal swab may one day help detect Alzheimer’s earlier.

Researchers at Duke are studying whether a quick, noninvasive swab from inside the nose can identify biological changes linked to early Alzheimer’s disease.

While more work is needed, this approach could eventually offer an easier way to spot risk sooner — long before symptoms appear — and support earlier care and planning.

📍 Research like this is happening right here in Durham.
https://www.wral.com/lifestyles/health/duke-study-nasal-swab-detect-early-alzheimers-durham-march-2026/

A new Duke study is exploring whether cells inside the nose could reveal early signs of Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers say detecting the disease sooner could help patients start treatments that may slow its progression.

03/17/2026

Colorectal Cancer at Age 30

It wasn't his first bout with cancer. Spencer Laird knew he had to try something new.

A new immunotherapy trial at Duke Cancer Institute is keeping him on his feet, allowing him to work and be active with his family. As part of National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, we highlight how research makes a big impact.
https://today.duke.edu/2026/03/colorectal-cancer-age-30

Explore clinical trials at DCI: https://www.dukecancerinstitute.org/clinical-trials

Colorectal Cancer at Age 30 It wasn't his first bout with cancer. Spencer Laird knew he had to try something new. Published March 16, 2026 Credits Story by Susan R. Miller, photos by Bill Snead and Shawn Rocco, videography by Erycka Anderson, Ayanna Shepherd, and Shawn Rocco Schools School of Medici...