Duke Clinical Research

03/27/2026

The RESTORATION study: Combining rTMS & aerobic exercise to treat depression and improve post-stroke walking

The RESTORATION study is exploring new ways to help people with depression after a stroke.

Instead of using medicine, the study is testing whether regular aerobic exercise and a brain treatment called transcranial magnetic stimulation, or TMS, might work better when used together. The goal is to find out if this combination can help people feel better and recover more fully.

To take part in this study, people must be between 21 and 70 years old. They must have had a stroke sometime in the past 1 to 5 years and show signs of depression based on standard tests. They also need to have some weakness or trouble moving in one or both legs but still be able to walk on their own at a slow to moderate pace. Participants must not be taking antidepressants, or if they are, their dose must have stayed the same for at least a month and their condition must be stable.

Compensation up to $600 for study-related time and travel.

For more information, contact the study team at StrokeResearch@duke.edu or (919) 660-4131.

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03/25/2026

⚡Adaptive deep brain stimulation offers real‑time adjustments that can help improve Parkinson’s symptoms. ⚡

Duke Health researchers are exploring this next‑generation approach to make treatment more responsive to each patient’s needs.

Duke Health offers adaptive deep brain stimulation (DBS) -- a new neurostimulation technology that constantly monitors brain activity and automatically adjusts DBS device settings to improve symptom control.

03/24/2026

Future nurse scientists start here ⭐🔬

Faculty at Duke University School of Nursing are leading innovative research and mentoring the next generation of scholars.

Associate Professors Michael Cary, Tolu Oyesanya, and Schenita Randolph—the first Black nurse scientists to earn tenure in Duke School of Nursing’s history—are each conducting transformative research:
• Dr. Cary leverages AI and machine learning to address aging‑related health disparities.
• Dr. Oyesanya advances research supporting patients with traumatic brain injury and their caregivers.
• Dr. Randolph confronts the root causes of health disparities affecting Black women, families, and communities.

With six #1 MSN specialty rankings and a #2 national ranking for its DNP program, DUSON continues to lead in graduate nursing education.
https://nursing.duke.edu/news/duke-nurse-scientists-inspire-future-leaders

Associate Professor Michael Cary, PhD, RN, FAAN; Associate Professor Tolu Oyesanya, PhD, RN; and Associate Professor Schenita Randolph, PhD, MPH, RN, FAAN—the first Black nurse scientists at Duke University School of Nursing to be granted tenure in the School's history—have very different areas ...

03/23/2026

With March Madness Men's Basketball – we just got recognized as one of their top fans! 🎉

We accept our Top Fan badge with the dignity of people who absolutely did not yell at the TV.

Meanwhile, congrats to High Point University Panthers who pulled off their first‑ever NCAA Tournament win and managed to outlast a few bigger NC programs this year.😇

If progress like that speaks to you, you can help move science forward by joining a study. https://duke-research.dukehealth.org/

03/20/2026

Staying hydrated matters more than you think 💧

New Duke research highlights how important hydration is for preventing kidney stones — but also shows it’s not as simple as “just drink more water.”

The study found that staying consistently hydrated helps dilute minerals in the urine, making stones less likely to form, but many people still struggle to keep their fluid intake high enough.

🔗 Watch the full WRAL TV segment:
https://www.wral.com/video/duke-research-highlights-importance-of-hydration-in-kidney-stone-prevention/22338040/

The study also noted that the solution is not as simple as drinking more water.

03/18/2026

A simple nasal swab may one day help detect Alzheimer’s earlier.

Researchers at Duke are studying whether a quick, noninvasive swab from inside the nose can identify biological changes linked to early Alzheimer’s disease.

While more work is needed, this approach could eventually offer an easier way to spot risk sooner — long before symptoms appear — and support earlier care and planning.

📍 Research like this is happening right here in Durham.
https://www.wral.com/lifestyles/health/duke-study-nasal-swab-detect-early-alzheimers-durham-march-2026/

A new Duke study is exploring whether cells inside the nose could reveal early signs of Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers say detecting the disease sooner could help patients start treatments that may slow its progression.

03/17/2026

Colorectal Cancer at Age 30

It wasn't his first bout with cancer. Spencer Laird knew he had to try something new.

A new immunotherapy trial at Duke Cancer Institute is keeping him on his feet, allowing him to work and be active with his family. As part of National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, we highlight how research makes a big impact.
https://today.duke.edu/2026/03/colorectal-cancer-age-30

Explore clinical trials at DCI: https://www.dukecancerinstitute.org/clinical-trials

Colorectal Cancer at Age 30 It wasn't his first bout with cancer. Spencer Laird knew he had to try something new. Published March 16, 2026 Credits Story by Susan R. Miller, photos by Bill Snead and Shawn Rocco, videography by Erycka Anderson, Ayanna Shepherd, and Shawn Rocco Schools School of Medici...

03/12/2026

Duke is #1 — and this March Madness Men's Basketball, all the stars shine together: our patients, researchers, and Cayden & Cameron Boozer. Look for our Duke Research Saves Lives ad during the tournament… and of course, stay for One Shining Moment at the end. 💙🏀🔬

https://today.duke.edu/2026/03/spotlight-research-during-march-madness

A Spotlight on Research During March Madness Duke excels on the basketball court – but also at changing lives through research Published March 11, 2026 Tags Duke Research Saves Lives While watching upcoming NCAA basketball tournaments, keep an eye out for the new commercial from the Duke Research ...

03/11/2026

🪰⚡🧬Uncovering the Hidden Forces Behind Deadly Genetic Mutations

Duke researchers have traced the source of many lethal mutations in fruit flies to fast‑moving “jumping genes” — mobile pieces of DNA that rapidly insert themselves into the genome and create bursts of harmful changes. Instead of tiny DNA errors, these invading transposable elements drive a wave of mutations that can overwhelm natural selection.

The findings, published in PLOS Biology, reveal a hidden layer of evolution that may help scientists better monitor endangered species and understand how genomes defend themselves against harmful DNA.

🦠Read more from Duke Today:
https://today.duke.edu/2026/03/why-deadly-mutations-persist

Why Deadly Mutations Persist Duke researchers find a surprising genetic source of lethal mutations in fruit flies, with possible implications for conservation and health Image Published March 10, 2026 Tags Research Schools Trinity College of Arts & Sciences Scholars Sarah Marion Student View Scholar...

03/06/2026

🌱Students Tackle Plastic Pollution🌱

A project combines expertise from across Duke campus to understand microplastics’ effects on our health and to develop nature-inspired solutions.

🌍Check it out:
https://bassconnections.duke.edu/news/research-ecosystem-tackle-plastic-pollution/

For the past six years, Jason Somarelli has led a Bass Connections team of bioengineers, computational modelers and policy researchers to develop nature-inspired approach

03/03/2026

💙 Duke just launched its redesigned duke.edu, a new digital front door that highlights the university’s impact across North Carolina. 💙

The first featured theme, “Across Our State,” brings together stories, images, and voices from communities across all 100 counties, showcasing Duke’s partnerships in education, climate, health, and community engagement.

You’ll also see how Duke’s statewide collaborations advance discovery and improve health—through research that supports North Carolinians, from marine science on our coast to community health efforts across the state.

🌐Explore the new experience:
https://www.duke.edu/

Fueled by creativity, informed by scholarship