UNC Nutrition Research Institute

A new $12.9 million collaboration between Duke Health and UNC Health is working to improve treatment options for autistic children experiencing chronic constipation — a condition that affects an estimated 65% of children with autism.

Dr. Bruno Chumpitazi of Duke Health and Dr. Michael Kappelman of UNC School of Medicine are leading a nationwide study comparing current standard treatments with a potential new option that may better meet the needs of autistic children, especially those with food, texture, or sensory sensitivities.

For many families, gastrointestinal issues can become one of the biggest day-to-day challenges. Researchers hope this work will help improve quality of life for both children and caregivers.

The five-year study will recruit 320 children across 30 sites nationwide, with enrollment expected to begin this fall.

Read the full article at: https://bit.ly/3RzSXl1

Research Participants Needed!

The UNC Nutrition Research Institute is looking for adults ages 40–70 to participate in an 11-week nutrition study exploring how healthy foods may help support the body.

Recruitment Requirements:
• Age between 40 and 70 years
• BMI between 18 and 30 kg/m²
• Generally healthy with no chronic disease
• Not taking medications, supplements, or antibiotics
• Not engaging in high-intensity exercise
• No allergy to milk, soy milk, green tea, blueberries, apples, or pineapples
• Non-smoking

Qualified participants may receive up to $1,000 for their time and participation.

Kannapolis, NC
[email protected]
704-250-5083
uncnri.org/participate

Help advance nutrition and health research in our community!

What inspires someone to become a scientist?

For Halle Meyers, the journey has been fueled by curiosity, discovery, and a passion for understanding how nutrition impacts human health. As a graduate student in Dr. Sergey Krupenko’s lab at the UNC Nutrition Research Institute, Halle is helping advance research focused on folate metabolism, liver function, and cancer biology, contributing to the future of precision nutrition.

From her early interest in biology to her growing role in scientific research, Halle’s story highlights the dedication, mentorship, and hands-on experiences that shape the next generation of researchers.

Read more about Halle’s path and what it means to be part of the NRI community: https://uncnri.org/2026/06/03/making-of-a-scientisit/

We are proud to celebrate the 2026 Excellence in Nutrition Fellows of the American Society for Nutrition (ASN), a distinguished group of scientists recognized for their outstanding contributions to nutrition research and leadership in the field.

A special congratulations to NRI faculty members Dr. Natalia Krupenko and Dr. Stephen Hursting on receiving this prestigious honor. Their dedication to advancing nutrition science and improving human health through innovative research continues to make a lasting impact.

Please join us in congratulating all of the 2026 ASN Fellows on this remarkable achievement!

Thank you to Kyle Walsh, PhD, Director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), for visiting the North Carolina Research Campus today!

Dr. Walsh shared insights on the critical role environmental factors play in chronic disease and highlighted NIEHS's efforts to translate environmental health research into practical strategies that improve health outcomes and address chronic disease across the lifespan.

We appreciate the opportunity to learn more about the impact of environmental health research and its potential to create healthier communities.

It’s National Donut Day… aka the best excuse you’ll hear all week.

At NRI, we fully support important decisions like:
• Glazed or chocolate?
• Sprinkles or filled?
• One donut… or “I’ll just grab a second for later.”

(We won’t judge.)

And hey, fun fact: balance is key—even enjoying a treat like a donut can fit into a healthy lifestyle when it’s paired with movement, hydration, and all the good-for-you stuff the rest of the day.

So go grab your favorite donut, bring one to a coworker or friend, and make today a little sweeter.