NIH Research Matters
November 2009 Archive
November 23, 2009
Genetic Changes Tied to Common Form of Parkinson's Disease
Changes in 2 genes known to contain mutations causing rare familial forms of Parkinson's disease have been linked with the more common, sporadic form of the disease.
Preeclampsia May Lead to Reduced Thyroid Function
Women who experience preeclampsia, a serious complication of pregnancy, may have an increased risk for reduced thyroid functioning later in life, according to a new report.
Genes that Protect Chromosome Tips May Boost Longevity
By studying the genes of dozens of people who've lived to 100, scientists have found gene variants that appear to protect chromosome caps, or telomeres, from deteriorating with age. Longer telomeres were associated with both longer lives and healthier aging.
November 16, 2009
Words and Gestures Are Translated by Same Brain Regions
Your ability to make sense of Groucho's words and Harpo's pantomimes in an old Marx Brothers movie takes place in the same regions of your brain, according to new research. A better understanding of these brain areas may help in developing treatments for certain language and communication disorders.
Gene Mutations Linked to Early-Onset Inflammatory Bowel Disease
An international team has discovered that mutations in either of 2 related genes cause a severe and rare form of inflammatory bowel disease in young children. The discovery allowed the researchers to successfully treat one of the study patients with a bone marrow transplant.
Wide Variety of Bacteria Mapped Across the Human Body
By analyzing bacterial communities in and on several people, scientists have begun to create an atlas of bacterial diversity that documents the different types of microbes that thrive in distinct regions of the human body. This research sets the stage for determining how changes in bacterial communities help to cause or prevent disease.
November 9, 2009
Nicotine Patch-Lozenge Combo Helps More Smokers Quit
In the largest head-to-head comparison of medications that help smokers quit, a combination of the nicotine lozenge and patch provided the greatest benefit 6 months after quitting.
Opportunities to Improve Student Fitness
Researchers have tied several factors to better physical fitness among adolescents in low-income communities. The findings point to potential policy opportunities to help improve students' health.
Catching Flu's Drift
Influenza viruses evade the immune system by constantly changing the shape of their hemagglutinin protein, the protein that lets them attach to cells in the respiratory tract. This shape shifting, called antigenic drift, is why flu vaccines need to be reformulated every year. New findings about the evolutionary forces that drive antigenic drift suggest that it might be slowed by increasing the number of vaccinated children.
November 2, 2009
Antipsychotics May Boost Weight in Youths
Children and teens taking second-generation antipsychotic medications had rapid and significant weight gain, as well as troublesome changes to cholesterol levels and other metabolic measures, a new study reports. The researchers urge that the potential risks and benefits of these medications be carefully assessed and monitored in youths.
Advance May Shed Light on Infertility
Researchers have discovered how to transform human embryonic stem cells into germ cells, the embryonic cells that ultimately give rise to sperm and eggs. The advance will allow researchers to manipulate and examine human germ cells in the laboratory.
Histones Play Role in Sepsis
In a surprising finding, histones, which help pack DNA into chromosomes, were tied to the life-threatening illness sepsis. The proteins are now potential molecular targets for treating sepsis and other inflammatory diseases.
Editor’s Picks
Contact Us
Phone: 301-435-7489
E-mail: nihresearchmatters@od.nih.gov
Mailing Address:
NIH Research Matters
Bldg. 31, Rm. 5B64A, MSC 2094
Bethesda, MD 20892-2094
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.
Social Media Links