When Hurricane Helene hit Western North Carolina, it left more than flood damage—it fostered mold and fungal growth. Now, a Duke University team is studying how post-disaster fungi could affect health and recovery in a warming world.

The discovery in the lab of Duke cancer pharmacologist Donald McDonnell of a new drug treatment has changed the lives of thousands of patients of a type of breast cancer. The decade-long research behind the drug is exemplary of the benefits of the historical partnership between the federal government and universities in supporting biomedical research. It also shows the singular role universities play in developing treatments that can be brought to market.

Duke University start-up company VQ Biomedical is developing a minimally-invasive catheter-based oxygenator for patients whose heart or lungs are failing.