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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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June 16, 2020 Edition
Cancer drug may reduce symptoms of severe COVID-19
In patients with COVID-19, off-label use of a cancer drug reduced respiratory distress and over-reactive immune responses. The results were used to inform the design of a clinical trial.
Gut bacteria may contribute to abnormal blood vessel formation
People with abnormal clusters of blood vessels in the brain called cavernous angiomas had differences in their gut bacteria. The findings could help lead to new diagnostic tests and treatments.
Hairy human skin generated from stem cells
Researchers created hair-growing skin from human stem cells and successfully grafted it to mice.
June 9, 2020 Edition
Largest catalog of human genetic diversity
Using DNA from over 140,000 people, researchers created a massive catalog of human genome data, along with tools to understand it.
Researchers create developmental map of mouse cochlea
Scientists mapped how sensory cells develop in the mouse cochlea, a key sound-sensing structure in the inner ear. The findings could help lead to therapies for some forms of hearing loss.
Blood proteins associated with persistent symptoms after brain injury
After mild traumatic brain injury, military veterans with higher blood levels of a protein released by injured neurons were more likely to report long-term symptoms.
June 2, 2020 Edition
Beneficial bacteria prevent recurring bacterial vaginosis
An experimental treatment for a common infection called bacterial vaginosis significantly reduced the rates of recurrence.
Early results show benefit of remdesivir for COVID-19
Early clinical trial results support the use of remdesivir for patients with severe COVID-19 who require supplemental oxygen, but more research is needed to improve outcomes for people with COVID-19.
Scientists find new pain-suppression center in the brain
Scientists identified a group of neurons in mice that blunt pain within the brain. Such neurons could be promising targets for new non-addictive therapies for chronic pain.
May 19, 2020 Edition
Llama antibody engineered to block coronavirus
Based on antibodies isolated from llamas, researchers engineered an antibody that prevented SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, from entering cells in laboratory experiments.
Repurposed drug combats obesity in mice
Obese mice lost weight and showed improved metabolic function when treated with a drug that’s normally prescribed for alcohol use disorder.
Sex differences in autoimmune disorders and schizophrenia
A new study suggests that an immune-related protein found in higher levels in men helps protect against certain autoimmune diseases but increases the risk of schizophrenia.
May 12, 2020 Edition
Alzheimer's gene contributes to blood-brain barrier breakdown
Damage to the blood-brain barrier may contribute to the development of Alzheimer's dementia in people carrying a high-risk gene variation.
How the nose decodes complex odors
Researchers showed how receptors in the nose help decode the smell of complex odor mixtures.
New insight into regenerating prostate tissue
Progress in understanding how the prostate regenerates after hormone therapy may one day lead to improved therapies for prostate cancer.
May 5, 2020 Edition
Robotic screening speeds testing of oral drugs
A robotic system to rapidly test the absorption of drugs in the small intestine could help speed the development and testing of oral medications.
New genetic regions linked to risk of melanoma
Researchers linked new regions of the genome to melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, suggesting new avenues to explore for a better understanding of the disease.
Poor sleep linked with higher blood sugar levels in African Americans
African American men and women who had severe sleep apnea or other disrupted sleep patterns had higher blood sugar levels than those who slept normally.
April 28, 2020 Edition
Infant temperament predicts introversion in adulthood
A study highlighting the enduring nature of early temperament suggests ways to identify those most at risk for developing anxiety and depression later in life.
Lab-made eye cells restore vision in mice
Researchers reprogrammed skin cells into light-sensing eye cells that restored sight in mice. The technique may lead to new approaches for modeling and treating eye diseases.
Blocking enzyme inhibits arthritis progression in mice
Blocking an enzyme called TET1 protected mice against the development of osteoarthritis and cells from people with osteoarthritis from gene changes that help drive the disease.
April 21, 2020 Edition
Dopamine modification on chromatin linked to addiction
Researchers found that dopamine can modify the structure that DNA is packed into and alter gene expression following cocaine exposure.
Marker of autoimmunity increases in U.S.
Autoimmunity may be on the rise, based on a study of antinuclear antibodies in blood samples collected nationwide from 1988-2012.
Drop in coal power plant emissions associated with asthma improvements
Reductions in sulfur dioxide emissions from coal-fired power plants were associated with fewer local hospitalizations and emergency department visits due to asthma.
April 14, 2020 Edition
Blocking cellular receptor stops spread of tau in mouse brains
In experiments in cells and mice, blocking a protein called LRP1 stopped both normal and harmful forms of tau, which are involved in dementias, from spreading between neurons.
Gene linked to sex differences in autism
Researchers found that a small cluster of mutations in the NLGN4X gene, which has been linked to autism spectrum disorder, may explain the sex differences tied to the gene.
Microneedle coronavirus vaccine triggers immune response in mice
When delivered to mice using microneedles, an experimental vaccine for COVID-19 caused antibody production against the disease within two weeks.