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NIH Research Matters

May 20, 2013

Parents kissing child.

Clues to Congenital Heart Disease

A large-scale genomic analysis found that non-inherited mutations in hundreds of genes together account for about 1 in 10 cases of severe congenital heart defects, the most common type of birth defect.

Green bacteria in an infected mosquito’s midgut.

Infection Makes Mosquitoes Immune to Malaria Parasites

Researchers established a bacterial infection in mosquitoes that helps fight the parasites that cause malaria. These infected insects could be a significant tool for malaria control.

Printed bionic ear.

3-D Printing of Working Bionic Ears

Researchers used 3-D printing to create functional bionic ears that receive radio signals. Using similar techniques, it may one day be possible to create bionic implants and prostheses.

May 13, 2013

Man reading the label on a vitamin bottle.

Refining Supplements for a Blinding Eye Disease

New findings may help improve nutritional supplements for treating age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness nationwide.

Woman with headache, massaging temples.

Gene Linked to Migraine and Sleep Disorder

Researchers linked an abnormal gene to both a common type of migraine and a rare sleep disorder. The discovery provides a new avenue for exploring treatment options.

Mouse liver that overexpresses betatrophin.

Hormone May Help Treat Diabetes

A hormone called betatrophin prompts cells in the pancreas to multiply and produce more insulin. The finding, in mice, may lead to new ways to combat diabetes.

May 6, 2013

Happy women friends.

Genomic Analysis of Endometrial Tumors

A new study suggests that genomic classification of endometrial tumors could help guide treatment strategies. The analysis also revealed novel subtypes and found similarities to other cancers.

A microgripper near the opening of an endoscopic catheter.

Microscopic Star-Shaped Grippers Take Biopsies

Researchers designed star-shaped microtools that close in response to body heat to grasp tissue samples. The microgrippers could be used to retrieve tissue samples in many hard-to-reach places.

Listeria inside pancreatic tumor cells.

Killing Cancer With Radioactive Bacteria

Live bacteria delivered a lethal radioactive payload to pancreatic cancer cells in mice. With further development, the approach might one day help doctors fight this deadly type of cancer in people.

April 29, 2013

Transmission electron micrograph of the new influenza A (H7N9) virus.

Clues in H7N9 Influenza Genetic Sequences

Researchers quickly analyzed the novel avian influenza virus that’s caused recent illness and death in China. Their effort gives clues to the virus’s origin, transmissibility and treatment.

A rat kidney in a bioreactor.

Lab-Grown Kidneys Function in Rats

Scientists created artificial kidneys that can filter blood and produce urine in rats. The approach may one day help patients who need organ transplants.

ß-arrestin-1 binds a G-protein coupled receptor.

Arrestin Developments

Researchers visualized a key step in how signals from outside the cell are muted within. The finding gives insight into the complex systems that control our cells.

April 22, 2013

Medium rare steak.

Red Meat-Heart Disease Link Involves Gut Microbes

The link between red meat consumption and heart disease, a study suggests, may stem from gut microbes breaking down carnitine, a compound found in red meat.

Image of an eye filled with abnormal blood vessels.

Cholesterol as Target for Age-Related Vision Loss

Research in mice suggests that targeting cholesterol metabolism in the eye may help prevent progression of a severe form of age-related macular degeneration.

Image of a mouse hippocampus.

Seeing Into the Brain

Scientists developed a technique to preserve the brain’s 3-D structure down to the molecular level, allowing for study of the brain’s inner workings at a scale never before possible.

April 15, 2013

Electron micrograph of an E. coli cell.

Gut Microbes Affect Weight After Gastric Bypass

A study in mice suggests that gastric bypass surgery may result in weight loss in part by altering microbes in the gut.

Collage of human head, molecules and various abstract scientific elements related to the human mind.

Research Hints at New Approach to Addiction

Stimulating a specific part of the brain reduced compulsive cocaine seeking in rats. The finding suggests a potential approach to change addictive behavior.

Photo of fire engulfing a stack of ice cubes.

Sensing Temperature

Researchers discovered that distinct sets of neurons respond to heat and cold. The findings provide an elegant explanation for how mammals sense temperature.

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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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This page last reviewed on May 20, 2013

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