Liver cancer cells may rely on their own cholesterol-making machinery to survive and grow, researchers at Duke University School of Medicine have found. 

Dr. Brad Marino, chair of the Department of Pediatrics and pediatrician-in-chief of Duke Health, and Dr. Mary E. Klotman discuss what drew Dr. Marino to Duke; opportunities across clinical care, research, and education; and the promise of North Carolina Children’s, Duke Health’s partnership with UNC Health. They also explore how philanthropy can help expand what is possible for children and families and why Duke’s strengths provide a powerful foundation for the future of children’s health.

A national clinical trial led by a Duke University School of Medicine researcher showed that the addition of the drug tucatinib

Duke researchers are now advocating to expand public health campaigns to include the warning signs and risk factors of inflammatory breast cancer (IBC), in addition to lump detection after the results of a public online survey revealed that while many adults had heard of the disease, many did not know the signs that would prompt medical attention.

Most people with hypertension do not have their blood pressure under control, in part because daily medications can be difficult to maintain. Neha Pagidipati, MD, and Duke cardiologists are studying a twice-yearly treatment that could reduce that burden and improve adherence.

In a milestone year for philanthropy, Duke Health raised more than $324 million from over 21,000 donors, the strongest fundraising year in its history — a reflection of the generosity and partnership celebrated in the recently released 2026 Duke Health Donor Impact Report.

Duke researchers have created a new antibody that helps the immune system find and attack cancer cells and virus-infected cells that try to hide by using a molecule called HLA-E. In early lab and mouse studies, the antibody boosted immune cells' ability to destroy these hidden diseased cells, raising hopes for a new treatment approach against both cancer and certain viral infections.

Duke University School of Medicineresearcher Amy Gladfelter studies fungal cells to uncover clues about everything from disease and pregnancy to how organisms adapt to stress.

A new Duke-led center, Duke AITC-AIGE, will help accelerate the safe and effective use of AI in aging and dementia care. Funded by the National Institute on Aging, it is one of five national collaboratories focused on advancing trustworthy AI for older adults and people living with dementia.

Duke researchers led by Bruce Sullenger, PhD, have developed both the first fast-acting, synthetic blood thinner that’s just as powerful as heparin, a medication that’s been used for heart surgeries and dialysis since 1935, and an antidote for the new drug.