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2020 Research Highlights - Promising Medical Findings
NIH findings with potential for enhancing human health include new approaches to COVID-19, a universal mosquito vaccine, and advances in restoring vis...
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2020 Research Highlights - Human Health Advances
NIH accomplishments in disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment include COVID-19 vaccines and treatments, better diagnosis of prostate cancer, and...
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2020 Research Highlights - Basic Research Insights
Noteworthy NIH advances in basic research include progress in understanding SARS-CoV-2, discovery of an exercise-induced protein that generates new br...
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March 16, 2021 Edition
Mitochondrial DNA involved in sickle cell disease
People with sickle cell disease have high levels of mitochondrial DNA in their blood, which may help trigger damaging inflammation.
Study reveals how APOE4 gene may increase risk for dementia
Researchers found that the APOE4 gene may increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias by altering brain cells’ lipid metabolism.
Drug delays type 1 diabetes onset
In a clinical trial, the drug teplizumab delayed type 1 diabetes onset and improved insulin production in high-risk individuals.
March 9, 2021 Edition
Most COVID-19 hospitalizations due to four conditions
A study estimated that nearly two-thirds of COVID-19 hospitalizations in the U.S. could be attributed to obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and heart failure.
Fruit and vegetable consumption reduce risk of death
Eating more fruits and vegetables, at least five servings per day, was associated with reduced mortality.
Cells that maintain and repair the liver identified
Researchers uncovered the roles that different cells in the liver play in organ maintenance and regeneration after injury.
March 2, 2021 Edition
Antibody treatment for MERS coronavirus safe in people
A combination of two monoclonal antibodies prevented and effectively treated Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) in mice.
Poor air quality across Northeastern public transit systems
Researchers found that fine particulate matter levels in the air of subway systems across the Northeastern U.S exceed air safety standards.
SARS-CoV-2 antibodies protect from reinfection
People with SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, a sign of prior infection, were much less likely to test positive for COVID-19 in the following months.
February 23, 2021 Edition
Engineered cartilage produces anti-inflammatory drug
Scientists engineered cartilage cells to produce an anti-inflammatory drug when placed under stress.
Humidity from masks may lessen severity of COVID-19
Face masks increase the humidity of the air that the mask-wearer breathes in, which could help combat SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Computerized screening may help identify youth at risk for suicide
Researchers developed a fast, computerized screening test to identify youth at risk for attempting suicide.
February 9, 2021 Edition
Experimental treatment helps patients hospitalized with COPD
A pilot study found that hyaluronan, a sugar naturally produced by the body, improved lung function in hospitalized COPD patients.
Low-fat diet compared to low-carb diet
People ate fewer daily calories but had higher insulin and blood sugar levels on a low-fat, plant-based diet than when on a low-carbohydrate, animal-based diet.
Combination therapy for methamphetamine use disorder
A combination of two medications helped some people with heavy methamphetamine use to quit.
February 2, 2021 Edition
Brown fat associated with less heart and metabolic disease
People with measurable levels of brown fat were less likely to have type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, heart failure, or high blood pressure.
Study examines measures to slow COVID-19 spread
A modeling study of SARS-CoV-2 spread in Hunan, China could help inform better policies to control the spread of COVID-19 while balancing economic impact.
Gut bacteria use nutrient to fight off germs
Research in mice showed that gut bacteria use an essential amino acid to protect the host from invading pathogens.
January 26, 2021 Edition
Physician-pharmacist collaboration may improve care for opioid addiction
In a pilot trial, a team approach to treating opioid use disorder that relies heavily on community pharmacists was effective and convenient.
Acute heart transplant rejection detected earlier with new test
Researchers found that a blood test can detect signs of acute heart transplant rejection earlier than more invasive tissue biopsies, the current standard.
Lasting immunity found after recovery from COVID-19
The immune systems of more than 95% of people who recovered from COVID-19 had durable memories of the virus up to eight months after infection.
January 12, 2021 Edition
Nanoparticles developed for traumatic brain injury
Researchers designed a system to effectively deliver drugs across the blood brain barrier in mice using nanoparticles.
How the human brain tracks location
Researchers deciphered how the human brain navigates physical spaces and keeps track of other people in real-world scenarios.
Experimental coronavirus vaccine highly effective
Clinical trial results showed that the vaccine developed by NIH and Moderna is 94.1% effective in preventing symptomatic COVID-19.
December 15, 2020 Edition
Stress may awaken dormant cancer cells
Researchers found that stress may help awaken dormant tumor cells, causing cancer to recur. The findings suggest targets to investigate for preventing cancer relapse.
Antibodies and T cells protect against SARS-CoV-2
Monkeys with the highest levels of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, were best protected against reinfection. Immune cells called T cells also helped prevent reinfection.
Financial problems can be sign of dementia onset
Older adults had problems managing financial obligations up to six years before a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia.