NIH Research Matters
July 30, 2012
Hope for Beating Egg Allergy
Giving children with egg allergy small, increasing daily doses of egg powder could pave the way to letting some of them eat eggs safely, a new study finds.
New Genetic Mutations Discovered in Families with ALS
New mutations have been linked to some cases of the fatal disorder amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. The finding sheds light on how ALS can harm the structure and growth of nerve cells.
HIV Protein Strikes a Fleeting Pose
NIH scientists have discovered a new intermediate structure of the HIV entry protein. This temporary shape, which occurs just before HIV infects a cell, may offer a potential target for developing an HIV vaccine.
July 23, 2012
Insights into How Deaf Brain Processes Touch and Sight
People who are born deaf process touch and sight differently than those who are born with normal hearing, a new study reports. The finding supports the notion that loss of a sense, such as hearing, affects brain development.
Stabilizing Vaccines and Antibiotics With Silk
Researchers developed a way to use silk to store and distribute vaccines and antibiotics without having to keep them cold. The technique can lower costs and help expand the use of these lifesaving medical tools around the world.
Neighbors Help Cancer Cells Resist Treatment
A new study shows that surrounding cells can help tumors develop resistance to drugs. The finding may change the way researchers approach the treatment of many cancers.
July 16, 2012
Food Choice May Affect Ability to Keep Weight Off
The mix of carbohydrate, fat and protein in your diet may be a critical factor in maintaining weight loss, a new study reports. The finding suggests that, to the body, not all calories are created equal.
A Better Test for Kidney Function
Kidney function can be estimated more precisely by measuring blood levels of both creatinine and cystatin C than by using either marker alone, a new study found. The technique could help doctors more accurately diagnose chronic kidney disease.
Skin Cells Yield Clues to Parkinson’s Disease
Scientists were able to reprogram skin cells from Parkinson’s disease patients into neurons. The technology can help researchers gain new insights into the disease and which drug treatments might be effective for which patients.
July 9, 2012
Learning What H5N1 Needs to Spread
Just a few mutations allow the avian H5N1 influenza virus to spread through the air, according to a new study. This and other recent insights will help researchers prepare for potential future flu pandemics.
Severe Food Allergy Reactions in Kids
Young children with allergies to milk or eggs had allergic reactions to these and other foods more often than expected, a new study reports. And less than a third of those having severe allergic reactions were given the drug epinephrine.
Drugs Block Deadly Harm from Radiation Exposure
Two drugs can block the deadly effects of radiation poisoning in mice when given up to 24 hours after exposure. The finding points to a possible new way to protect against radiation injury from environmental exposures or cancer therapy.
June 25, 2012
The Healthy Human Microbiome
Researchers have mapped the normal bacteria that live in and on the healthy human body. The accomplishment sets the stage for better understanding how bacterial communities affect human health and disease.
Genetics May Guide Ways to Quit Smoking
Genetic information can help predict whether medications will boost a smoker’s odds for quitting. The new finding brings health care providers a step closer to providing individualized treatment plans to help smokers kick the habit.
Computer Method Predicts Drug Side Effects
Researchers have used computer modeling to predict the side effects of hundreds of medications. The technique could aid in the future development and use of drugs.
June 18, 2012
Cooling Therapy for Birth Disorder Boosts Later Survival
A treatment that cools the bodies of infants who lack sufficient oxygen at birth brings benefits that last for years, a new study confirms.
Cystic Fibrosis Therapy Tested in Young Children
A treatment that benefits adults and older children with cystic fibrosis may not help infants and young children with the disease, a new study reports. The finding could slow the adoption of this therapy in younger children.
Questions About HDL Cholesterol
The effect of "good" cholesterol on cardiovascular disease may be more complicated than previously thought, according to a new analysis. The finding raises questions about how best to lower heart disease risk.
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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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