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Hope on the Horizon: UNC's Promising Alzheimer's Cure

Hope on the Horizon: UNC's Promising Alzheimer's Cure

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Elana Etten
March 04, 2024

🌦️Chapel Hill Local Weather- High 66^o and Cloudy.

⚕️Hope on the Horizon: UNC's Promising Alzheimer's Cure

🏆Couple's Quest for Green Retirement Leads to Net-Zero Home

🏀UNC-Chapel Hill Men’s Basketball Sweeps NC State 79-70; UNC Women Triumph Over Blue Devils

⚠️Consumer Alert: Trader Joe’s Recalls Chicken Soup Dumplings

😋Start Your Week with A Simple Pot Roast

🗓️Chapel Hill Local Events

💫Just for Fun: Chapel Hill Trivia

Hope on the Horizon: UNC's Promising Alzheimer's Cure

In a remarkable breakthrough from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, researchers have announced a potential cure for Alzheimer's disease, signaling hope for millions affected by this condition. This discovery, centering on a new treatment method, represents a significant leap forward in the battle against Alzheimer's, a disease that has long eluded definitive solutions. The research team, after years of dedicated investigation, has identified a promising approach that could not only halt but potentially reverse the progression of Alzheimer's, marking a historic achievement in medical science.

Couple’s Quest for Green Retirement Leads to Innovative Net-Zero Home

Ken and Martha Williams embarked on their final relocation journey as retirees, aiming for a sustainable lifestyle in North Carolina. Having previously resided in a bustling coastal town in Georgia, the couple sought a quieter, more spacious setting for their retirement years. Their extensive search was driven by a clear set of criteria: a single-story home with an open layout, proximity to major healthcare and an airport, and most importantly, a commitment to environmental sustainability through active solar energy.

With a budget of $1 million, the Williamses were determined to invest in a home that not only met their living standards but also aligned with their ecological values. Their previous experience with solar panels had significantly reduced their energy costs, reinforcing their desire for a green living space.

The nationwide trend towards energy-efficient homes, highlighted by a report from Freddie Mac, demonstrates a growing market value for such properties, which sell quicker and at higher prices compared to their non-green counterparts. This shift is supported by tax incentives and the increasing cost-effectiveness of building green homes, despite the initial higher investment.

Their search culminated in the discovery of Array, a pioneering net-zero energy community in Orange County, North Carolina. This 12-lot neighborhood is set within a lush 58-acre woodland, offering an innovative living solution that promises zero net energy consumption. The development features high-efficiency amenities, extensive walking trails, and a strong commitment to preserving the natural environment, with over half of the land under permanent easement.

Developer Jodi Bakst and builder Vince DeFreitas played key roles in realizing this vision, emphasizing the long-term financial and environmental benefits of such an investment. For the Williamses, Array represented the perfect match for their retirement goals, leading them to become the community's first residents.

Their new home, a modern, energy-efficient dwelling, blends seamlessly into its wooded surroundings, offering spacious living with sustainable features throughout. Despite some initial challenges with their solar setup, the couple anticipates significant energy savings, further cementing their commitment to a reduced carbon footprint.

As Array continues to develop, the Williamses look forward to forming a community of like-minded individuals who share their passion for sustainable living. Their story not only highlights the personal benefits of green homes but also contributes to a larger movement towards environmental stewardship and community-building in the face of climate change.

UNC Overcomes Halftime Deficit for Dramatic Victory Over NC State

The University of North Carolina Tar Heels staged an impressive second-half comeback to defeat the NC State Wolfpack 79-70. Trailing by eight points at halftime, the Tar Heels rallied behind Harrison Ingram's 22 points and a strong defensive performance to secure the victory. This win marks UNC's largest halftime comeback of the season and extends their winning streak against NC State at the Smith Center. The Tar Heels' next game is against Notre Dame, promising another exciting matchup.

In a thrilling conclusion to the women's basketball season, the Duke Blue Devils were narrowly defeated by the North Carolina Tar Heels at Carmichael Arena, with a final score of 63-59. Sophomore Ashlon Jackson led Duke with a standout performance, scoring 17 points, including four three-pointers, and providing six assists. Despite her efforts and the team's flawless free-throw shooting, Duke could not clinch the win. Taina Mair contributed 12 points, while Kennedy Brown and Jadyn Donovan each added six points and eight rebounds. The game saw Duke erase an early deficit to briefly lead at halftime, fueled by a strong second quarter. However, a determined push by North Carolina in the fourth quarter, anchored by Deja Kelly's 18 points and crucial free throws, ensured a victory for the Tar Heels in this closely fought contest.

Consumer Alert: Trader Joe’s Recalls Chicken Soup Dumplings

Local Trader Joe’s. Photo credit Google Maps

Trader Joe's has initiated a recall for over 61,000 pounds of its Steamed Chicken Soup Dumplings due to the potential contamination with hard plastic, believed to originate from a permanent marker pen. This recall was announced by U.S. regulators on Saturday after reports from consumers about discovering hard plastic in these products. Fortunately, there have been no reported illnesses or injuries associated with this issue.

The recalled dumplings, produced on December 7, 2023, by CJ Foods Manufacturing Beaumont Corp. in California, are identifiable by lot codes 03.07.25.C1-1 and 03.07.25.C1-2 on their packaging. Customers are advised to inspect their freezers for the affected products and either discard them or return them to any Trader Joe's store for a full refund.

CJ Foods has stated that investigating the cause of the contamination, which occurred during the manufacturing process, is a top priority and emphasizes that customer safety is paramount. This incident highlights the ongoing issue of foreign object contamination in the food industry, which can range from plastic and metal fragments to other extraneous materials.

Simple Beef Pot Roast

I love to start the week with a great meal that can provide a few leftover meals for lunch or dinner later in the week. This easy pot roast recipe is warm, hearty, and delicious! Plus, the technique could not be more simple. The vegetables break down, combining with the meat's juices to create a sauce! Do this one in the oven or a crockpot. Serve over horseradish mashed potatoes. Recipe credit: Allrecipes.com

Total Time	3 hrs 30 mins*
Prep Time	15 mins
Cook Time	3 hrs 15 mins
Crockpot Time*	Low for 6-8 hrs High for 4 to 5 hrs
Servings	6

Ingredients

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
3 ½ pounds beef chuck pot roast
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 cup diced carrots
1 cup diced celery
1 cup diced onion
¼ cup butter
1 teaspoon dried rosemary

Directions

Preheat the oven to 275 degrees F (135 degrees C).
Heat vegetable oil in a large oven-safe pot over medium-high heat. Season chuck roast with salt and black pepper, then cook in hot oil until brown on both sides; transfer to a plate.
Add carrots, celery, and onion into the pot. Cook and stir until vegetables start to release their juices, scraping any brown flavor bits off the bottom of the pot, for about 3 minutes. Add butter, and cook until onions are translucent about 5 minutes. Sprinkle in rosemary; return roast to the pot and cover.
Roast in the preheated oven until the chuck roast is tender, about 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Season vegetables with additional salt and black pepper, if desired.
For the crockpot, make sure the internal temperature reads at least 145 degrees F when the thermometer is inserted into the thickest part of the roast.