Off the Top...

A Spotlight on Research During March Madness

During the upcoming NCAA basketball tournaments, viewers may spot a new Duke Research Saves Lives commercial highlighting how research‑driven care changes lives. The spot features real Duke Health patients whose treatments--from advanced eye implants to cancer therapies and neonatal care--were made possible through federally funded research. Their stories show how discoveries tested at Duke translate into life‑saving and life‑changing care for people across North Carolina and beyond

Duke Research Saves Lives

Federally Funded Research at Duke...

Does Ocean Saltiness Influence El Niño

Duke researchers have discovered that changes in ocean saltiness can significantly influence the strength of El Niño, a weather pattern that drives extreme weather around the world. Their findings show that certain salinity patterns can intensify El Niño events by about 20 percent and double the likelihood of the most severe episodes, which are linked to flooding, droughts and other disasters. By identifying salt content as a missing piece in El Niño dynamics, the research could lead to more accurate forecasts and earlier warnings. Better predictions would help communities, governments, and industries prepare for the global impacts of extreme weather events.

This research was supported by NASA and NOAA.

Ocean Saltiness

Study Finds “Jumping Genes” Can Suddenly Cause Serious Genetic Damage
In a new study using fruit flies, Duke researchers uncovered a hidden force shaping genetic health: invasive “jumping genes” that can rapidly introduce lethal mutations into populations before natural selection can respond. The discovery suggests that sudden spikes in harmful mutations may be a recurring feature of evolution, not a rare anomaly, reshaping how scientists understand genetic risk and resilience. This insight carries real consequences for conservation, as small or endangered populations may be especially vulnerable to these genomic shocks. The findings also point to a broader role for large DNA insertions in disease, offering new ways to think about mutation, inheritance and long‑term population health.

This research was supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF).

Jumping Genes

More from Duke...

This Year’s Deckers Prize Winners on Their Love of Teaching

Duke University has awarded this year's Judith Deckers Prize for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching to Lisa Huettel, Deondra Rose, and Sarah Schott, selected from more than 225 nominated faculty members. Chosen through a nomination process driven by students, alumni, faculty and staff, the honorees are recognized for innovative teaching, mentorship and learning environments that challenge students to grow intellectually and personally. Each professor brings a distinct approach--from first‑year engineering and public policy debates to helping students overcome learning hurdles--while sharing a commitment to student connection and inclusive learning.

Decker Prize Winners

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