Basic Science News at Duke School of Medicine

A new Nature Medicine paper highlights how 40 years of HIV research reshaped far more than the fight against one virus. What began as an urgent global health response helped fuel breakthroughs that now power treatments for cancer, tuberculosis, hepatitis, and even COVID-19 — thanks to sustained U.S. investment and collaboration across universities, industry, and government.

Duke research reveals that a decades-old breast cancer vaccine may have unlocked a powerful immune memory response, now supercharged by a new antibody.

Researchers at Duke University School of Medicine have identified two enzymes that can produce a key ingredient in antibiotics, antivirals, and cancer drugs without the use of toxic chemicals.

A three-step study — lab experiments with zebrafish, computer simulation, and robotic testing — reveal how closely the brain and body work together to guide movement based on what we see.

A study in Nature Cell Biology has uncovered a surprising role for what was once considered “junk DNA,” showing that it helps stem cells sense their surroundings and decide what kind of cells to become during early development.

Suzanne Barbour, PhD, professor of cell biology has received the Sustained Leadership Award from the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

In a study published in Nature, Duke researchers led by Trudy Oliver, PhD, reshape understanding of how small cell lung cancer begins, opening the door to developing therapies that could prevent this aggressive disease.

Advanced genetic sequencing reveals the cells behind many persistent tuberculosis infections and provides a map of exactly where these cells live, pointing the way toward new treatments.

Researchers have discovered for the first time that a particular protein plays a crucial role in the development of a normal placenta in the early stages of pregnancy. Learning more more about the protein, PIEZ01, and its role in pregnancy could pave the way for preventing unexplained miscarriages, preeclampsia, or fetal growth restriction.

Artificial intelligence has helped map the hidden biology behind the pain, dizziness, and exhaustion of chronic fatigue syndrome, and identified new biomarkers to improve diagnosis.