NIH Research Matters
October 15, 2012
New Insights Into Breast Cancer
A careful analysis of genomic data showed that there are 4 primary subtypes of breast cancer, each with its own biology and survival outlook. The findings may help to guide future treatment strategies.
Study Compares Women's Incontinence Treatments
A new study comparing treatments for a type of urinary incontinence in women found that each has benefits and drawbacks.
Intestinal Mending Depends on Key Protein
Scientists identified a protein that’s essential for mending injuries to the intestinal lining in mice. The finding might have implications for understanding and repairing damage to the human intestinal wall.
October 1, 2012
Therapy Repairs Ravaged Immune System
Gene therapy can safely restore immune function in children with severe combined immunodeficiency and allow some to stop taking painful weekly injections. The finding offers hope for those born with this rare and deadly disorder.
Early Antibiotic Use May Affect Weight
New research suggests that early-life exposure to antibiotics affects gut microbes and changes how food is metabolized. The findings may explain how antibiotics fatten farm animals and also have implications for childhood obesity.
Gene Therapy Restores Sense of Smell in Mice
Mice that were unable to smell from birth gained the ability to smell after a gene therapy treatment. The approach might one day lead to similar treatments for related human genetic disorders.
September 24, 2012
Finding Treasure in "Junk" DNA
A vast consortium of researchers has created a view of the human genome that extends well beyond our genes. In a related study, a systematic analysis linked regulatory regions to disease.
Comparing Treatments for Lacunar Stroke
Aspirin combined with clopidogrel is no better than aspirin alone for preventing stroke in people with a history of lacunar strokes, according to a new study. The combination also carries a greater risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.
MRI Shows Promise for Heart Procedures
An experimental MRI method may be as safe and swift as standard X-ray procedures for guiding surgical interventions in the heart. The finding might one day offer a radiation-free alternative to X-rays for some heart procedures.
September 17, 2012
Calorie Restriction May Not Extend Life
In a 23-year study, scientists found that significantly cutting calories didn't extend the lives of rhesus monkeys. The result differs from previous work that linked calorie restriction to longer life in primates.
Study Suggests New Approaches to Burkitt Lymphoma
A new study revealed insights into how Burkitt lymphoma differs from other lymphomas. The researchers identified several cancer-related genes and pathways that could serve as targets for future treatments.
New Brain Cleaning System Discovered
Scientists have discovered a system that drains waste products from the brain. The finding may reveal new ways to treat neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's disease.
September 10, 2012
After Cancer Diagnosis, Breast Density May Not Matter
Women with breasts that look dense on a mammogram have a higher risk of developing breast cancer. But a new study found that most of these women, once diagnosed, aren't at greater risk of dying than patients with less dense breasts.
Genetic Switch Involved in Depression
The activity of a single gene sets in motion some of the brain changes seen in depression, a new study revealed. The finding suggests a promising target for potential therapies.
Genome Sequencing Tracks Bacterial Outbreak
Staff used genome sequencing to track a deadly outbreak of antibiotic-resistant bacteria at NIH's Clinical Center. The approach can be used to control similar outbreaks in the future.
August 27, 2012
Antibodies Protect Against Range of Flu Viruses
Scientists have isolated antibodies that protect mice against a variety of deadly influenza B viruses. One also guards against influenza A. The finding points toward universal approaches to combat all influenza A and B viruses.
Implanted Heart Cells Stifle Irregular Rhythms
Heart cells derived from human stem cells can protect injured guinea pig hearts against abnormal rhythms, researchers report. Similar heart cell transplants might one day hold promise for treating damaged human hearts.
Retinal Device Restores Sight in Mice
Researchers have developed a new prosthetic technique that can restore vision to blind mice. The approach could potentially be further developed to improve sight in blind people.
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About NIH Research Matters
Harrison Wein, Ph.D., Editor
Vicki Contie, Assistant Editor
NIH Research Matters is a weekly update of NIH research highlights from the Office of Communications and Public Liaison, Office of the Director, National Institutes of Health.
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