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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 ...
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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.
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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...
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March 3, 2026 Edition
Bacteria play key role in kidney stones
Scientists discovered that bacteria are a key component of kidney stones, including types of stones previously thought to harbor no bacteria.
How the environment can shape future allergies
A study in mice sheds light into how early exposure to microbes and allergens might help protect against overactive immune responses.
How age alters sepsis outcomes
Researchers found a biological pathway that helps young mice survive severe infections but has the opposite effect in older mice.
February 24, 2026 Edition
Progress toward a blood test for early pancreatic cancer
Scientists identified markers in blood that could help identify pancreatic cancer at earlier stages, when it is more treatable.
Severe CTE clearly linked to dementia
Researchers found a strong link between severe chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and symptoms of dementia and cognitive function.
Manipulating gene activity to reverse aging
By altering levels of molecules called transcription factors in mice, researchers were able to reverse some of the effects of aging.
February 10, 2026 Edition
People with dementia prescribed risky drugs
Researchers found that many older adults with dementia or cognitive impairment were prescribed medications that can increase the risk of confusion, falls, and hospitalization.
Understanding obesity-induced inflammation
NIH-funded researchers detailed a chain of events through which obesity promotes harmful inflammation.
Sensory nerves play role in bone fracture healing
A study in mice found that after a bone fracture, the nerves that sense pain also promote healing by signaling for bone repair and wound healing.
January 27, 2026 Edition
Testing risk-based breast cancer screening
A large clinical trial found that a personalized approach to breast cancer screening is a safe alternative to routine annual mammograms and may have other benefits.
ADHD medications stimulate alertness, motivation
Researchers found that prescription stimulants for ADHD act on brain networks that control wakefulness and reward, but not attention as previously thought.
Cellular mitochondria transfer prevents pain
A new understanding of mitochondria may lead to improved treatments for nerve pain.
January 13, 2026 Edition
One dose of HPV vaccine as effective as two
A single dose of the human papillomavirus vaccine is as effective as two doses.
Protective vitamin shots for newborns on decline
Scientists identified an ongoing drop in newborns receiving a vitamin shot that helps to prevent dangerous bleeding.
Source of gastrointestinal problems in myotonic dystrophy
Mouse studies reveal why some people with muscular dystrophy often have gastrointestinal problems.
December 30, 2025 Edition
2025 NIH Research Highlights - Human health advances
NIH accomplishments in disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment include progress in brain-computer interfaces, treatments for rare diseases in children, and cervical cancer advances.
2025 NIH Research Highlights - Promising medical findings
NIH findings with potential for enhancing human health include new insights into Alzheimer’s disease dementia, making CAR T-cells within a living body, and a non-opioid compound for chronic pain relief.
2025 NIH Research Highlights - Basic research insights
Noteworthy NIH advances in basic research include insights into the effects of repeated head trauma in young athletes, how cancer cells cooperate, and progress toward a broad-spectrum antiviral.
December 16, 2025 Edition
Difference in kidney function tests predicts health risks
Use of two different blood tests may help clinicians better track kidney health and risk for future health problems than either alone.
Arsenic reduction linked to lower risk of death
Reduced exposure to arsenic in drinking water was linked to fewer deaths from chronic disease, including cancer and cardiovascular disease.
A key to long-term HIV control
NIH-funded clinical studies suggest that boosting a certain type of immune cell may help control HIV without the need for life-long treatment.
December 9, 2026 Edition
Shunts for treating fluid buildup in the brain
An NIH-supported clinical found evidence that shunt surgery may effectively improve mobility and balance in people with a type of fluid buildup in the brain.
Health coaching before surgery may improve outcomes
Personalized coaching before surgery on nutrition, exercise, and more may improve patients’ immune systems and reduce complications after surgery.
Sound waves stimulate stroke recovery in mice
A study in mice shows that high-frequency sound waves can help clear away harmful cellular debris and improve outcomes after stroke.
November 25, 2025 Edition
Research in Context
Early-life nutrition
This special feature looks at how scientists have used natural experiments to better understand the impacts of early-life nutrition on lifelong health.