January 30, 2024 Edition

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.

Eating more fruits and vegetables, at least five servings per day, was associated with reduced mortality.

Researchers uncovered the roles that different cells in the liver play in organ maintenance and regeneration after injury.

A combination of two monoclonal antibodies prevented and effectively treated Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) in mice.

Researchers found that fine particulate matter levels in the air of subway systems across the Northeastern U.S exceed air safety standards.

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.

Scientists engineered cartilage cells to produce an anti-inflammatory drug when placed under stress.

Face masks increase the humidity of the air that the mask-wearer breathes in, which could help combat SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Researchers developed a fast, computerized screening test to identify youth at risk for attempting suicide.

A pilot study found that hyaluronan, a sugar naturally produced by the body, improved lung function in hospitalized COPD patients.

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.

A combination of two medications helped some people with heavy methamphetamine use to quit.

People with measurable levels of brown fat were less likely to have type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, heart failure, or high blood pressure.

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.

Research in mice showed that gut bacteria use an essential amino acid to protect the host from invading pathogens.

In a pilot trial, a team approach to treating opioid use disorder that relies heavily on community pharmacists was effective and convenient.

Researchers found that a blood test can detect signs of acute heart transplant rejection earlier than more invasive tissue biopsies, the current standard.

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.

Researchers designed a system to effectively deliver drugs across the blood brain barrier in mice using nanoparticles.

Researchers deciphered how the human brain navigates physical spaces and keeps track of other people in real-world scenarios.

Clinical trial results showed that the vaccine developed by NIH and Moderna is 94.1% effective in preventing symptomatic COVID-19.

NIH findings with potential for enhancing human health include new approaches to COVID-19, a universal mosquito vaccine, and advances in restoring vision.

NIH accomplishments in disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment include COVID-19 vaccines and treatments, better diagnosis of prostate cancer, and methods for early detection of Alzheimer’s disease.

Noteworthy NIH advances in basic research include progress in understanding SARS-CoV-2, discovery of an exercise-induced protein that generates new brain cells and improves memory, and a new pain-suppression center in the brain.

Researchers found that stress may help awaken dormant tumor cells, causing cancer to recur. The findings suggest targets to investigate for preventing cancer relapse.

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.

Older adults had problems managing financial obligations up to six years before a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia.