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The Faculty Awards honor outstanding contributions in teaching, research, clinical care, professionalism, and service.

Duke researcher Leah Acker, MD, PhD, is studying how repeated stress and inflammation in the body can quietly build up over time, creating an “inflammatory hangover” that may speed up brain aging and cause subtle issues like brain fog or slower thinking. Her team is exploring tools like wearable devices and gentle nerve stimulation to help the body recover better and protect brain function. The goal is to keep people thinking clearly and living independently as they age.

New weight-loss drugs that combine natural gut hormones are helping people lose significant weight and better control blood sugar, but scientists are still working to understand exactly how they work. Duke researchers are studying how these drugs affect metabolism and why some people respond better than others, with the goal of making them more effective and easier to use. This research could lead to improved treatments for obesity, diabetes, and related health problems while reducing side effects.

Congratulations to the students graduating from the School of Medicine’s education and training programs this year! Students in a few programs will receive their degrees or certificates later this summer, but we are taking this opportunity to celebrate all the 2026 graduates. Their success is a testament to their hard work and dedication, and we look forward to hearing about the great things they will accomplish in the years ahead.

Congratulations to the 464 students from the Duke University School of Medicine who graduated on Sunday, May 10, 2026.

Osteoarthritis is a common condition where the cartilage that cushions joints breaks down over time, leading to pain and stiffness, especially as people age. Duke researchers are working on ways to go beyond treating symptoms by helping the body regrow this lost cartilage—essentially trying to restore joints to a healthier, younger state. If successful, these approaches could not only improve joint health but also boost overall well-being by helping people stay active.

Scientists are finding that the gut may play a major role in how the body ages, sending signals that affect the brain, mood, and overall health. Duke researchers discovered special cells in the gut that can quickly detect bacteria and communicate directly with the brain, influencing things like eating behavior even without illness or inflammation. This “gut-brain conversation” could help explain how diet and gut microbes shape aging and may lead to new ways to protect brain health.

Study reveals ascites is more than a patient symptom, but an active player in helping ovarian cancer spread and grow.

Faculty, staff, and residents from the Department of Medicine partnered with Habitat for Humanity of Durham to help build houses and address the need for affordable housing.

With philanthropic support, Duke University aims to turn innovative ideas into real-world solutions for the growing health impacts of climate change.