Benjamin Alman, MD, chair of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Duke’s NITRO project lead.

Making joints young again

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.
Diego Bohórquez, PhD

The wisdom of the gut

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.
four women smiling

From burnout to belonging: A restorative approach in pediatrics

The pandemic changed the way we work and relate to one another, bringing burnout and stress for many — effects that linger years later. In 2023, a group in the Duke Department of Pediatrics came together to do something about that. They were determined to find better ways to help people feel connected, build relationships, and address conflict, laying the foundation for what has become the Restorative Practice Ambassador Program.