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Bivalent boosters provide better protection against severe COVID-19
Bivalent booster vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 were 37% more effective than older booster shots at reducing the risk of severe COVID-19.
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Comparing heart failure drugs
A comparison of two diuretic drugs used to treat heart failure suggested either could be used to treat people hospitalized with heart failure.
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Probiotic blocks staph bacteria from colonizing people
A probiotic reduced the amount of Staphylococcus aureus, or “staph,” bacteria in the human gut and nose without harming beneficial gut microbes.
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December 12, 2023 Edition
Deaths associated with pollution from coal power plants
Air pollution from coal power plants was associated with greater mortality than previously thought, but such deaths have decreased due to air pollution regulations and coal power plant retirements.
Impact of COVID-19 infections and vaccines on preterm birth
While contracting COVID-19 increased the risk of preterm birth between 2020 and 2022, the risk then faded, due in large part to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines.
Nanoplastics may help set the stage for Parkinson's risk
Scientists found that tiny plastic particles can enter nerve cells, impair breakdown of structures linked to Parkinson's disease, and harm certain brain regions in mice.
December 5, 2023 Edition
Lower sodium could reduce blood pressure in most people
Lowering sodium intake significantly reduced blood pressure in most people, even those who were already taking blood pressure medications.
Mindfulness training can boost heart-healthy eating
A program designed to enhance mindfulness and promote healthy behaviors led to improved self-awareness and better adherence to a heart-protecting diet.
Designing a safer antifungal drug
Researchers altered a toxic anti-fungal drug to make it safer and more effective, although it still needs to be tested in people.
November 21, 2023 Edition
PET scans of heart may aid early detection of Lewy body diseases
PET scans of the heart may help to identify which at-risk people will later develop Parkinson’s disease or dementia with Lewy bodies.
Hot yoga may help relieve depression symptoms
A small pilot study found that hot yoga sessions reduced symptoms of depression in about half of participants who had moderate to severe depression.
Synthetic melanin nanoparticles for wound healing
Synthetic nanoparticles made of the skin pigment melanin sped up healing of skin injuries and may one day serve as a topical therapy for wound healing.
November 7, 2023 Edition
Intermittent fasting for weight loss in people with type 2 diabetes
People with obesity and type 2 diabetes lost more weight using daily periods of fasting than by trying to restrict calories over a six-month period.
Cardiovascular deaths likely to rise from extreme heat
Researchers estimated there will be an increase in cardiovascular deaths due to extreme heat between now and mid-century.
Liquid biopsies and AI give insight into eye health and aging
Researchers developed a technique to assess thousands of proteins in eye fluids and identify cellular drivers for disease and aging.
October 31, 2023 Edition
Scientists build largest maps to date of cells in human brain
International research teams created highly detailed cellular maps of adult and developing human brains, along with the brains of other animals.
Calorie restriction and human muscle function
Calorie restriction resulted in changes in human muscle cells consistent with improved muscle health.
Immune boost may protect against multiple hospital-acquired infections
A novel type of vaccine designed to stimulate the innate immune system provided protection for mice against a wide range of bacteria and fungi.
October 24, 2023 Edition
App aids early screening for autism
A tablet-based app that records toddlers’ responses to videos holds promise for improved early detection and intervention.
Discrimination may lead to unhealthy gut-brain changes
People who reported high levels of discrimination in their daily lives had increased brain activity in response to unhealthy food triggers.
How SARS-CoV-2 contributes to heart attacks and strokes
The virus that causes COVID-19 can infect coronary arteries and increase inflammation in atherosclerotic plaques.
October 17, 2023 Edition
Research in Context
Obesity and metabolic health
Losing weight and reversing obesity might seem straightforward: eat fewer calories than you burn. But that’s not as easy as it sounds. This special feature explores the many factors that affect the body’s metabolism.
October 3, 2023 Edition
Immune and hormonal features of Long COVID
Immune and hormonal differences between people with Long COVID and those without shed light on possible causes of Long COVID.
Dysfunctional exosomes involved in chronic inflammation in diabetic wounds
Tiny signaling particles called exosomes isolated from the chronic wounds of people with diabetes were dysfunctional and promoted inflammation.
Scientists find common brain network for substance use disorders
Researchers identified a common brain network that’s linked to addiction across multiple substances.
September 26, 2023 Edition
Biomarker tracks recovery from depression
Researchers identified a unique pattern of brain activity, a “biomarker,” that can detect a patient’s response to deep-brain stimulation for treating severe depression.
Touch-sensing protein plays role in sexual response
A protein called PIEZO2, which helps the body to sense light touch, appears to be involved in normal genital sensitivity.
Immune response to eating chitin linked to better health
Eating a type of dietary fiber called chitin evoked an immune response in mice that was linked to better metabolic health.