Research News and Reporting Coverage | WRAL

Study: Bonobos can play make-believe, like humans

New research suggests bonobos can engage in pretend play, a behavior long thought to be uniquely human.

Fact check: Jeffries says GOP 'effectively ended' medical research in the US

In the midst of a fight with Republicans over spending and a possible government shutdown, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., criticized the Trump administration's efforts to cut back medical research funding during a Q&A with reporters.

Louis Jacobson, PolitiFact reporter

The Nobel Prize in medicine goes to 3 scientists for work on the human immune system

Groundbreaking research on the human immune system has earned three scientists the Nobel Prize in Medicine. Their pioneering studies have revolutionized our understanding of immune responses, paving the way for innovative treatments.

UNC researchers say some shark and other seafood sold in stores may not be what you think it is

The findings published by UNC researchers on Wednesday raise concerns for health and conservation.

Triangle at the epicenter of proposed cuts to federal funding for medical research

Congressional districts that include Durham, Orange and Wake counties stand to lose billions of dollars and thousands of jobs if proposed cuts to funding for the National Institutes of Health become a reality next year.

Laura Leslie, WRAL capitol bureau chief

Ask the Meteorologist: What is cold air damming, and how often do we see it?

Cold air damming often results in cooler, cloudier and wetter weather. It's a pattern that's somewhat unique to our part of the country.

WRAL Meteorologist, Chris Michaels

Local sickle cell researcher calls NIH grant termination "racist"

A researcher at Duke University, speaks out after her NIH grant for sickle cell research was terminated. The $750,000 funding cut, justified by NIH as a move against diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, has sparked significant controversy.

Sickle cell researcher fights back, calling NIH grant termination "racist" and "discriminatory"

A researcher at Duke University, speaks out after her NIH grant for sickle cell research was terminated. The $750,000 funding cut, justified by NIH as a move against diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, has sparked significant controversy.

Over 100 research grants cut as UNC navigates funding uncertainty

UNC's lead research administrator is opening up about the impact of federal cuts on the university. She said these cutbacks could have a statewide economic impact.

100+ UNC research projects lose federal funding

UNC-Chapel Hill is navigating a significant $126 million reduction in federal grant funding, affecting 109 research projects and sparking concerns about future scientific advancements.

700-plus medical research projects cut nationwide: What's at stake in NC?

Hundreds of medical research projects funded by federal funding are now in question.

EPA science office faces deep cuts, putting North Carolina jobs and research at risk

The Trump administration's plan to cut EPA's research arm could cost 1,000 jobs, hit Research Triangle Park, and weaken North Carolina's pollution protections. Experts warn of legal challenges and public health risks.

Funding cuts threaten scientific innovation: 'We may never recover'

Funding cuts threaten scientific progress, warns UNC biologist Catherine Lohmann. Her research on sea turtles' magnetic navigation highlights the urgent need for continued investment in science.

Judge temporarily blocks Trump cuts to medical research funding

A federal judge on Monday temporarily blocked the National Institutes of Health from cutting research funding in 22 states that filed suit earlier in the day arguing that the plan would eviscerate studies into treatments for cancer, Alzheimer's, heart disease and a host of other ailments.

Sheryl Gay Stolberg and Christina Jewett, New York Times

UNC-Chapel Hill leaders hold emergency meeting to discuss federal medical research caps

In response to a new federal policy capping National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant indirect costs at 15%, UNC-Chapel Hill leaders held an emergency meeting to address the decision and its impacts.

Federal grant pause puts NC research in limbo

North Carolina receives nearly $2 billion annually from National Institutes for Health grants, which support a multitude of research programs across the state.

Duke researchers one step closer to HIV vaccine

Researchers at the Duke Human Vaccine Institute are one step closer to creating a vaccine for HIV.

Duke resumes some emergency department operations at university hospital

Cleanup at Duke University Hospital entered its second day Saturday after a burst pipe flooded the hospital's emergency department a day earlier.

Dozens of monkeys escape from research facility in South Carolina

Dozens of monkeys have escaped from a research facility in South Carolina, authorities said.

WRAL staff

FDA approves new brain cancer drug linked to Duke research, trial

The FDA recently approved a new drug - providing an alternative to chemotherapy and radiation.

19-year-old raising money for cancer research with solo flight to all 7 continents

A 19-year-old hopes to become the youngest person to fly solo to all seven continents.

Parents honor baby's short life with foundation to fund research into the disease that took him

The loss of a child is the worst thing any parent could go through. A Zebulon couple who found themselves in the midst of that grief started a foundation in their son's honor to raise awareness of the disease they hope to cure.

Grace Hayba, WRAL health reporter

Facing scrutiny, taxpayer-backed NCInnovation debates first round of grants

NCInnovation leaders say they want to target the so-called "valley of death" between proving a concept in a laboratory and maturing it to attract investors and licensing deals.

Will Doran, WRAL state government reporter

Blood test detects signs of osteoarthritis 8 years before X-ray

Researchers have created a new blood test that could lead to earlier intervention for those with osteoarthritis.

Grace Hayba, WRAL Health reporter

Duke study analyzes a smartwatch's ability to detect infections, sickness

Duke University researchers are starting a new study to determine if your smartwatch could hold the key to reducing the spread of respiratory illnesses.