An official website of the United States government
News
Scientists define molecule's role in itch and pain pathways
Researchers defined the neural pathways for itch sensation and identified a signaling molecule called somatostatin that enhances itch and blunts pain ...
News
Brain network for social understanding develops in early childhood
A new study reveals that a network of brain areas involved in interpreting other people’s states of mind has started developing by age three.
News
Minoxidil may improve blood vessel structure
Minoxidil, when given orally to mice, changes blood vessel structure to reduce stiffness and increase blood flow to the brain. The drug may have poten...
More Stories
June 9, 2026 Edition
Research in Context
Understanding the exposome
The world around us influences our health in countless ways. New tools and approaches are helping scientists measure our environmental exposures—both good and bad—on a large scale in the hopes of improving prevention and treatment strategies.
June 2, 2026 Edition
Tuberculosis test may improve diagnosis
Researchers found that a new portable diagnostic test for tuberculosis produced rapid and accurate results.
Blood test predicts tumor response to treatment
Researchers identified distinct cellular neighborhoods in tumors that could be measured with a blood test to predict treatment response.
May 19, 2026 Edition
Team-based care improves blood pressure control
A team-based approach including home blood pressure monitoring and health coaching reduced blood pressure in a high-risk group.
Effects of early exposure to toxic metals
Scientists found that toxic metal exposures during specific time windows increased the risk of brain and mental health symptoms a decade later.
Scientists spur growth of implanted liver tissue
Researchers developed a way to control the growth of lab-grown liver tissue after it was implanted into mice.
May 12, 2026 Edition
GLP-1 plus therapy can reduce heavy drinking
People with alcohol use disorder and obesity drank less when treated with a GLP-1 drug in addition to cognitive behavioral therapy.
Treating newborns with opioid withdrawal
Giving opioid withdrawal medications based on an infant’s symptoms rather than a set schedule can shorten hospital stays.
Scientists create detailed map of odor receptors
Researchers uncovered surprising details about how smell receptors are organized in the nose.
April 28, 2026 Edition
AI tool predicts patients at risk of intimate partner violence
A new artificial intelligence tool may help health care providers identify patients at risk of intimate partner violence and provide early interventions.
Weakened gut-brain connection may contribute to memory loss
Changes to gut bacteria in aging mice hindered communication from the gut to the brain and led to worse performance on memory tasks.
Boosting the immune response to brain cancer
A study in mice found that stopping microglia from using fructose for fuel enhanced the immune response to brain cancer.
March 31, 2026 Edition
SuperAgers show unique cell signatures in the brain
Researchers linked neuron creation to exceptional recall and memory in older adults.
Scientists identify proteins tied to food tolerance
New research enhances our understanding of food tolerance and may lead to new therapies for people with food allergies.
Using RNA to treat heart attacks
An NIH-supported research team developed a minimally invasive therapy that may help the heart recover from a heart attack.
March 24, 2026 Edition
Research in Context
Treating addiction
Alcohol and drug addiction can cause many harms. This Research in Context feature looks at research into the causes of addiction and new ways to treat it.
March 17, 2026 Edition
Blood test predicts start of Alzheimer’s disease symptoms
Scientists developed an Alzheimer’s “clock” that can roughly predict when symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease will arise.
Machine learning analysis of CT scans
An AI-powered tool can interpret 3D images from CT scans and diagnose certain disorders.
Preventing organ transplant rejection
Researchers found that the body’s lymphatic drainage system may play an unexpected role in chronic organ rejection.
March 10, 2026 Edition
Immune cells may underlie sex differences in chronic pain
A study in mice found that certain immune cells may be a key reason why chronic pain is more common in women than men.
3D human liver reconstruction reveals changes in cirrhosis
A new 3D reconstruction of human liver tissue revealed changes to the liver’s internal structure in liver disease.
Engineered immune cells target Alzheimer’s disease protein
Scientists designed a T cell that reduced signs of disease in the brains of a mouse model for Alzheimer’s disease.