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NIH Research Matters

October 19, 2021 Edition

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Illustration of how seven different types of antibodies bind to spike proteins on the SARS-CoV-2 virus surface

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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Diverse people of different heights and other traits

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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Older man looking at his hair in a mirror

Escaping stem cells play role in hair loss

Researchers observed stem cells responsible for hair growth escaping from hair follicles in aging mice.

More Stories

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Misdirected antibodies linked to severe COVID-19

September 14, 2021 — Antibodies that mistakenly target the body’s own immune-system proteins may account for about 20% of COVID-19 deaths.
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Parents’ smoking during childhood linked to rheumatoid arthritis later in life

September 14, 2021 — A study found that girls whose parents smoked cigarettes were 75% more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis as adults.
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Hormone links exercise with cognitive benefits

September 14, 2021 — Researchers found that irisin, an exercise-induced hormone, improves cognitive performance in mice.
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Some brain functions may improve with age

August 31, 2021 — Computer tests of attention and the ability to focus revealed that older adults actually improved in two of three key brain functions, at least until their mid-to-late 70s.
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Early treatment with convalescent plasma for COVID-19 doesn’t show benefit

August 31, 2021 — Convalescent plasma did not prevent COVID-19 from worsening when given to high-risk patients within the first week of their symptoms.
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How fructose may contribute to obesity and cancer

August 31, 2021 — Researchers gained insights that may explain the links between high fructose consumption, obesity, and certain cancers.
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Vaccines prevented up to 140,000 COVID-19 deaths in U.S.

August 24, 2021 — A study estimated that COVID-19 vaccinations prevented nearly 140,000 deaths in the U.S. by May 2021.
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Highly processed foods form bulk of U.S. youths' diets

August 24, 2021 — Highly processed foods accounted for two-thirds of the calories consumed by youth in the U.S. in 2018, researchers found.
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Monoclonal antibody prevents malaria in early trial

August 24, 2021 — A monoclonal antibody prevented malaria in people for up to 36 weeks in a Phase 1 clinical trial.

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About NIH Research Matters

Editor: Harrison Wein, Ph.D. Assistant Editor: Erin Bryant

NIH Research Matters is a weekly update of NIH research highlights reviewed by NIH’s experts. It's published by the Office of Communications and Public Liaison in the NIH Office of the Director.

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