UR Health Research

03/27/2026

Bone Up On Bone Density
What bone density scans show about osteoporosis risk

A simple DEXA bone density scan can detect bone loss early, giving patients time to protect their bone health, prevent fractures, and get treatment. Paul Rubery, the Marjorie Strong Wehle Professor and chair of the Department of Orthopaedics, offers information on who should get one, when, and why.

03/19/2026

Matt Rand: Advancing Understanding of Mercury Exposure During Pregnancy »

Dr. Rand received a grant from the National Institutes of Health to study whether the bacteria in the gut help eliminate mercury from fish when eaten during pregnancy. He will work with Ob/Gyn Dr. Lorelei Thornburg to recruit pregnant participants to examine how the body may naturally protect the developing fetus.

New research examines whether pregnancy and the gut microbiome help eliminate mercury from fish and naturally protect the developing fetus.

03/17/2026

Check out our new website and consider getting involved.

https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/clinical-research

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https://youtu.be/GuAEBqitBos

03/17/2026

Karen Mustian: Exercise Prescription Eases Chemo Brain Fog »

Dr. Mustian has developed a home-based exercise prescription for cancer patients (EXCAP) that combines daily walking and resistance bands. The EXCAP program reduced cognitive impairment during chemotherapy. Up to 75 percent of patients receiving chemotherapy experience brain fog, but Mustian's tailored approach offers a simple, accessible solution.

For patients taking chemotherapy, an exercise "prescription" allowed them to maintain daily steps and stay mentally sharp.

03/09/2026

How ‘springing forward’ affects the body

Daylight Saving Time started yesterday, the second Sunday of March. Sleep expert Carolina Marcus, an associate professor of clinical neurology, explains why the time change can leave you feeling off and shares simple strategies to help your body adjust more quickly.

While the shift to daylight saving time is a welcome sign of spring, it may take a while for your body to adjust to that lost hour. If you’re among the groggy who need time to recover from the “spring forward,” sleep expert Dr. Carolina Marcus offers insight into why you feel that way and how ...

02/26/2026

Should you take creatine?

Creatine is currently one of the most talked-about supplements in fitness and sports nutrition. Holly Gilligan, a registered dietitian nutritionist, shares what you should know about creatine, including its potential benefits and risks.

There are many misconceptions about creatine. Here’s what you should know, including its potential benefits and risks.

02/25/2026

URochester researchers awarded up to $22M to study a hidden driver of aging

What if people could stay stronger, healthier, and more mentally sharp as they age—not by treating each disease separately, but by slowing down a basic process that causes aging? A new research effort led by the University of Rochester will test whether lowering inflammation can help older adults stay healthier for longer. The $22 million project is led by Dr. Vera Gorbunova and funded by the federal government.

The ARPA-H–funded collaboration will test whether reducing DNA-triggered inflammation can help older adults stay healthier for longer.

02/20/2026

Does strep throat go away on its own?

Strep throat, a bacterial infection, is highly contagious and spreads through close contact, including coughing, sneezing, or sharing food, drinks, or utensils. Medical Center experts give an overview of symptoms and treatments.

Does strep throat go away on its own? Learn symptoms to watch for, when antibiotics are needed, and why prompt treatment matters—especially for kids.

02/18/2026

Why is sleep so important? Your brain depends on it

URochester researchers have revealed that sleep does more than restore energy—it activates the brain’s waste-clearing system, protecting long-term brain health. In a recent Ever Wonder video, Maiken Nedergaard, codirector of the Center for Translational Neuromedicine, answers the all-important question: Why do we sleep?

URochester research shows that sleep activates the brain’s waste-clearing system, protecting long-term brain health.

02/17/2026

How to ski smarter and stay safe on the slopes

Learn how to avoid injury and stay safe on the slopes from Sandeep Mannava, an associate professor of orthopaedics who is serving on the 2026 Winter Olympics volunteer medical pool for the US Ski and Snowboard team.

Love winter sports? Learn how to ski smarter and reduce injury risk with practical safety tips from UR Medicine sports medicine experts.

02/10/2026

Is taking a daily aspirin worth the risks?

Medical Center experts answer some common questions about whether daily aspirin is right for you. You should talk to your doctor before starting or stopping daily aspirin.

Taking a daily aspirin was long touted as a simple way to stave off a heart attack or stroke, but recent evidence suggests that the risks of daily aspirin outweigh the benefits for people over 60 and anyone with a history of bleeding.