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Repeats in the genetic code underlie some human variation
Researchers found that differences in repeats of DNA explain substantial variations in height, kidney function, hair curl, and blood lipids.
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Escaping stem cells play role in hair loss
Researchers observed stem cells responsible for hair growth escaping from hair follicles in aging mice.
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Understanding SARS-CoV-2 antibody binding
Researchers mapped where various antibodies bind to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. The results could lead to more effective COVID-19 therapies.
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April 23, 2019 Edition
Drug helps people with rare chronic immune disorders
An FDA-approved drug dramatically improved the health of people with rare chronic immune disorders called hypereosinophilic syndromes.
Antibiotics prescribed more often during telemedicine visits
Researchers found that doctors treating children for respiratory infections were more likely to prescribe antibiotics during telemedicine visits than at urgent care or primary care clinics.
April 9, 2019 Edition
Bioengineered vessels transform into living blood vessels
Bioengineered vessels that were implanted in people to aid with kidney dialysis matured into living blood vessels, showing that they can be integrated into human tissues.
Virus helps bacteria evade immune system
Researchers discovered how a type of virus that infects bacteria can help the bacteria escape the immune system and cause chronic wound infections.
Small molecule targets cause of adult onset muscular dystrophy
Researchers designed a small molecule that, in mice, blocks the mutated RNA responsible for adult onset muscular dystrophy. The findings suggest a new avenue to develop therapeutics.
April 2, 2019 Edition
Prescribing healthy foods could bring cost-effective benefits
A sophisticated model estimated that healthy food subsidies could save billions in health care costs and prevent hundreds of thousands of heart disease deaths and diabetes cases.
3D-printed bioreactor builds bone
Bioengineers repaired jawbones in sheep using tissue grown in a 3D-printed bioreactor. The findings lay the groundwork for developing and testing the approach in people.
Primate study shows progress with cryopreserved testicular tissue
A live monkey produced with sperm derived from animals that had not yet undergone puberty is an important step toward offering young cancer patients a chance to have children in the future.
March 26, 2019 Edition
Replacing function of impaired cystic fibrosis protein
A widely used antifungal drug replaced the function of the mutated protein that causes cystic fibrosis in human lung cells grown in the lab, suggesting a potential therapy.
Comparing treatments for atrial fibrillation
A study comparing a surgical procedure called catheter ablation with medications for atrial fibrillation will help inform treatment decisions.
Drug mimics human antibody against flu
Researchers developed and tested a drug in mice that works like a human antibody to neutralize flu viruses. The study will aid development of new drugs against flu viruses.
March 19, 2019 Edition
Getting active later in life brings benefits
People who were inactive as teens and young adults but increased physical activity in middle age saw the same reduced risk of death as those who stayed active from adolescence onward.
Blocking a pathway to heart failure
Researchers identified drugs to restore heart muscle function in rodents with heart failure. The findings may help pave the way for a similar approach in people.
Supportive parenting can reduce child's anxiety
Teaching parents ways to respond to their child's anxiety may reduce symptoms as well as the standard therapy treatment for childhood anxiety.
March 12, 2019 Edition
Weekend catch-up can't counter chronic sleep deprivation
People with consistent sleep deprivation gained weight and experienced a loss of insulin sensitivity. Weekend "recovery" sleep only seemed to make things worse.
"Intelligent" injection device targets tissues
Researchers developed a resistance-sensitive injection device that could help reduce errors when targeting tissues that are difficult to reach using traditional syringes.
Reduced-calorie diet lowers signs of inflammatory bowel disease
Feeding mice cycles of a certain low-calorie diet improved signs of inflammatory bowel disease. Feeding people a similar diet seemed to reduce overall inflammation.
March 5, 2019 Edition
Nutrition supplement increases infant birth size
Women in lower-income countries who received nutritional supplements before or early in pregnancy were more likely to give birth to healthy-sized babies.
How disrupted sleep may lead to heart disease
Researchers found that sleep disruption activates a molecule that triggers inflammation and leads to fatty buildup in mouse arteries.
Doubling the building blocks for DNA
Scientists created novel DNA structures from four synthetic and four natural building blocks.
February 26, 2019 Edition
Spongy stomach sensor that could be swallowed
Engineers designed a sensor-containing device that can quickly inflate with fluid in the stomach and then shrink on demand. The device could make it possible to monitor conditions in the stomach and deliver slow-release drugs.
Understanding recurrent tonsillitis
In children with recurrent tonsillitis, the bacteria that cause the disease trick immune cells into destroying each other instead of remembering the bacteria.
Blocking DNA repair restores sensitivity of brain tumors to treatment in mice
Researchers found that blocking DNA repair made gliomas, a type of deadly brain tumor, more responsive to radiation therapy in mice. The study suggests possible treatment strategies.
February 12, 2019 Edition
Intensive blood pressure control may lessen cognitive loss
In a study of older adults with a high risk for heart disease, intensive blood pressure control reduced the risk of developing mild cognitive impairment.
Decoding the variety of human antibodies
Researchers genetically sequenced antibodies in people’s blood and estimated that the body may be able to make up to one quintillion unique antibodies.
Immune cells in the gut slow metabolism
A type of immune cell found in the mouse gut slows metabolism and raises the risk of diabetes and heart disease. Targeting these cells in people might affect obesity and related diseases.