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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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February 15, 2022 Edition
Poverty reduction alters infant brain activity
Cash transfers to low-income mothers led to changes in their infants' brain activity.
Identifying immune cells for personalized cancer immunotherapy
A new technique identified rare immune cells found in patients’ tumors that can recognize and potentially kill cancer cells.
COVID-19 vaccines induce immune response to Omicron
Studies found that COVID-19 vaccines elicit T cells that recognize the Omicron variant despite the many mutations in its spike protein.
February 8, 2022 Edition
Treatment for opioid use disorder in jail reduces risk of return
Men in a rural jail who received medication to treat opioid use disorder had a reduced likelihood of being arrested or returning to jail or prison after release.
Study suggests COVID-19 vaccines do not reduce fertility
COVID-19 vaccination did not reduce the chances of conception in a study of more than 2,000 couples.
February 1, 2022 Edition
Study suggests Epstein-Barr virus may cause multiple sclerosis
Infection with Epstein-Barr virus, scientists found, dramatically increased the odds of developing multiple sclerosis.
Study reveals brain networks critical for conversation
Researchers identified brain networks involved in planning responses during a conversation.
Gut cells distinguish between sugar and artificial sweeteners
Researchers found cells in the small intestines of mice that communicate with the brain and influence the preference for sugar over artificial sweeteners.
January 25, 2022 Edition
E-cigarette use may lead some to quit traditional cigarettes
Cigarette smokers who had no plans to quit were more likely to quit smoking cigarettes if they started using e-cigarettes.
COVID-19 vaccines linked to small increase in menstrual cycle length
Women who received COVID-19 vaccines had a less than one-day increase in the length of their menstrual cycles around the time of their doses.
Fiber in diet linked to cancer immunotherapy response
People who ate a high-fiber diet and didn’t use over-the-counter probiotic supplements lived the longest after immunotherapy for melanoma.
January 11, 2022 Edition
Testing ways to encourage exercise
A large nationwide study identified inexpensive interventions that boosted weekly gym visits by up to 27%.
Genetics of sudden unexplained death in children
Researchers identified genetic mutations associated with sudden unexplained death in children, or SUDC.
Experimental mRNA HIV vaccine shows promise in animals
A novel HIV vaccine using mRNA technology was safe and reduced the risk of HIV-like infection in monkeys.
December 22, 2021 Edition
2021 Research Highlights — Basic Research Insights
With NIH support, scientists across the United States and around the world conduct wide-ranging research to discover ways to enhance health, lengthen life, and reduce illness and disability. Groundbreaking NIH-funded research often receives top scien...
2021 Research Highlights — Human Health Advances
With NIH support, scientists across the United States and around the world conduct wide-ranging research to discover ways to enhance health, lengthen life, and reduce illness and disability. Groundbreaking NIH-funded research often receives top scien...
2021 Research Highlights — Promising Medical Finding
With NIH support, scientists across the United States and around the world conduct wide-ranging research to discover ways to enhance health, lengthen life, and reduce illness and disability. Groundbreaking NIH-funded research often receives top scien...
December 14, 2021 Edition
Antiviral drug shows promise against COVID-19 and RSV
A drug called 4’-fluorouridine effectively treated both COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, in animals.
Daytime meals may reduce health risks of night shift work
A small study found that eating only during the daytime prevented the high blood sugar linked to night shift work.
Viagra associated with reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease
Findings of a new study support further investigation of sildenafil as a possible treatment for Alzheimer's disease.
December 7, 2021 Edition
Cancer cells drain energy from immune cells
Researchers found that cancer cells use straw-like nanotubes to siphon mitochondria from immune cells, essentially draining their energy.
Why you feel full after eating
Researchers identified brain cells that help suppress hunger and regulate food intake. The findings may help lead to better treatments for excessive eating and obesity.
Measuring protection after COVID-19 vaccination
In people who received two doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, levels of antibodies found in the blood correlated with protection against illness.
November 30, 2021 Edition
Brain receptor linked to puberty and growth
Researchers identified a brain receptor that links childhood nutrition to the timing of puberty and growth.
Searching for new antibiotics in the human body
Researchers identified tiny pieces of protein produced by the body that could be synthesized and potentially developed into new antibiotics.
Scientists identify a culprit for chronic itch
The discovery of an immune substance that sensitizes and enhances the activity of itch-sensing neurons suggests a treatment strategy for persistent itchy skin conditions.