A weekly summary of research developments and discoveries at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) weinh@od.nih.gov (Harrison Wein) en-us http://www.nih.gov/researchmatters/index.htm 60 http://www.nih.gov/images/rss/nihmark-80x50.png http://www.nih.gov/researchmatters/index.htm 80 50 <p><a href="http://www.nih.gov/researchmatters/june2013/06172013stroke.htm"><img src="http://www.nih.gov/researchmatters/june2013/images/stroke_th.jpg" align="left" height="72" width="72" alt="Older African-American man standing outdoors." /></a> A tool used to assess cardiovascular disease risk can gauge stroke risk, according to a large analysis. Even small improvements in lifestyle factors could help prevent strokes. Mon, 17 Jun 2013 12:51:00 EDT http://www.nih.gov/researchmatters/june2013/06172013stroke.htm http://www.nih.gov/researchmatters/june2013/06172013stroke.htm <p><a href="http://www.nih.gov/researchmatters/june2013/06172013alcohol.htm"><img src="http://www.nih.gov/researchmatters/june2013/images/alcohol_th.jpg" align="left" height="72" width="72" alt="Young adults in a coffee house." /></a> A smoking-cessation medication can also help lower alcohol craving and dependence. The finding may lead to another treatment option for alcohol problems. </p><br clear="all"/> Mon, 17 Jun 2013 12:51:00 EDT http://www.nih.gov/researchmatters/june2013/06172013alcohol.htm http://www.nih.gov/researchmatters/june2013/06172013alcohol.htm <p><a href="http://www.nih.gov/researchmatters/june2013/06172013compulsive.htm"><img src="http://www.nih.gov/researchmatters/june2013/images/compulsive_th.jpg" align="left" height="72" width="72" alt="Woman washing her hands vigorously." /></a>Researchers identified brain circuits responsible for compulsive behaviors in mice. The findings could lead to new approaches for obsessive-compulsive disorder. </p><br clear="all"/> Mon, 17 Jun 2013 12:51:00 EDT http://www.nih.gov/researchmatters/june2013/06172013compulsive.htm http://www.nih.gov/researchmatters/june2013/06172013compulsive.htm <p><a href="http://www.nih.gov/researchmatters/june2013/06102013vegetarian.htm"><img src="http://www.nih.gov/researchmatters/june2013/images/vegetarian_th.jpg" align="left" height="72" width="72" alt="Happy senior couple eating salad in the kitchen." /></a>Adults who eat a more plant-based diet may be boosting their chance of living longer, according to a large analysis. Mon, 10 Jun 2013 12:35:00 EDT http://www.nih.gov/researchmatters/june2013/06102013vegetarian.htm http://www.nih.gov/researchmatters/june2013/06102013vegetarian.htm <p><a href="http://www.nih.gov/researchmatters/june2013/06102013autism.htm"><img src="http://www.nih.gov/researchmatters/june2013/images/autism_th.jpg" align="left" height="72" width="72" alt="A toddler sitting on his mother's lap." /></a> A new study hints that brain measurements could help to anticipate future abilities in children with autism. The approach might allow for early, personalized interventions. </p><br clear="all"/> Mon, 10 Jun 2013 12:35:00 EDT http://www.nih.gov/researchmatters/june2013/06102013autism.htm http://www.nih.gov/researchmatters/june2013/06102013autism.htm <p><a href="http://www.nih.gov/researchmatters/june2013/06102013BACH2.htm"><img src="http://www.nih.gov/researchmatters/june2013/images/BACH2_th.jpg" align="left" height="72" width="72" alt="Human T cells stained to reveal the DNA in their nuclei." /></a> Scientists discovered how a gene called BACH2 may affect the development of multiple sclerosis, asthma, Crohn's disease, celiac disease and other allergic and autoimmune diseases. </p><br clear="all"/> Mon, 10 Jun 2013 12:35:00 EDT http://www.nih.gov/researchmatters/june2013/06102013BACH2.htm http://www.nih.gov/researchmatters/june2013/06102013BACH2.htm <p><a href="http://www.nih.gov/researchmatters/june2013/06032013fungal.htm"><img src="http://www.nih.gov/researchmatters/june2013/images/fungal_th.jpg" align="left" height="72" width="72" alt="Malassezia fungi." /></a>A genomic survey of the fungi living on our skin provides a framework for understanding how these microbes contribute to skin health and disease. Mon, 03 Jun 2013 12:00:00 EDT http://www.nih.gov/researchmatters/june2013/06032013fungal.htm http://www.nih.gov/researchmatters/june2013/06032013fungal.htm <p><a href="http://www.nih.gov/researchmatters/june2013/06032013itch.htm"><img src="http://www.nih.gov/researchmatters/june2013/images/itch_th.jpg" align="left" height="72" width="72" alt="Golden Retriever puppy scratching." /></a>Insights into the neural pathway for itchiness may point to new approaches for conditions such as psoriasis, shingles and liver disease. </p><br clear="all"/> Mon, 03 Jun 2013 12:00:00 EDT http://www.nih.gov/researchmatters/june2013/06032013itch.htm http://www.nih.gov/researchmatters/june2013/06032013itch.htm <p><a href="http://www.nih.gov/researchmatters/june2013/06032013grapefruit.htm"><img src="http://www.nih.gov/researchmatters/june2013/images/grapefruit_th.jpg" align="left" height="72" width="72" alt="Grapefruits." /></a>Researchers used nanoparticles derived from grapefruits to deliver targeted drugs to treat cancer in mice. The technique may prove to be a safe and inexpensive way to make customized therapies. </p><br clear="all"/> Mon, 03 Jun 2013 12:00:00 EDT http://www.nih.gov/researchmatters/june2013/06032013grapefruit.htm http://www.nih.gov/researchmatters/june2013/06032013grapefruit.htm <p><a href="http://www.nih.gov/researchmatters/may2013/05202013heart.htm"><img src="http://www.nih.gov/researchmatters/may2013/images/heart_th.jpg" align="left" height="72" width="72" alt="Parents kissing child." /></a>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. Mon, 20 May 2013 11:25:00 EDT http://www.nih.gov/researchmatters/may2013/05202013heart.htm http://www.nih.gov/researchmatters/may2013/05202013heart.htm <p><a href="http://www.nih.gov/researchmatters/may2013/05202013malaria.htm"><img src="http://www.nih.gov/researchmatters/may2013/images/malaria_th.jpg" align="left" height="72" width="72" alt="Green bacteria in an infected mosquito's midgut." /></a>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. </p><br clear="all"/> Mon, 20 May 2013 11:25:00 EDT http://www.nih.gov/researchmatters/may2013/05202013malaria.htm http://www.nih.gov/researchmatters/may2013/05202013malaria.htm <p><a href="http://www.nih.gov/researchmatters/may2013/05202013ears.htm"><img src="http://www.nih.gov/researchmatters/may2013/images/ears_th.jpg" align="left" height="72" width="72" alt="Printed Bionic Ear." /></a>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. </p><br clear="all"/> Mon, 20 May 2013 11:25:00 EDT http://www.nih.gov/researchmatters/may2013/05202013ears.htm http://www.nih.gov/researchmatters/may2013/05202013ears.htm <p><a href="http://www.nih.gov/researchmatters/may2013/05132013supplements.htm"><img src="http://www.nih.gov/researchmatters/may2013/images/supplements_th.jpg" align="left" height="72" width="72" alt="Man reading the label on a vitamin bottle." /></a>New findings may help improve nutritional supplements for treating age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness nationwide. Mon, 13 May 2013 13:21:00 EDT http://www.nih.gov/researchmatters/may2013/05132013supplements.htm http://www.nih.gov/researchmatters/may2013/05132013supplements.htm <p><a href="http://www.nih.gov/researchmatters/may2013/05132013migraine.htm"><img src="http://www.nih.gov/researchmatters/may2013/images/migraine_th.jpg" align="left" height="72" width="72" alt="Woman with headache, massaging temples." /></a> 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. </p><br clear="all"/> Mon, 13 May 2013 13:21:00 EDT http://www.nih.gov/researchmatters/may2013/05132013migraine.htm http://www.nih.gov/researchmatters/may2013/05132013migraine.htm <p><a href="http://www.nih.gov/researchmatters/may2013/05132013diabetes.htm"><img src="http://www.nih.gov/researchmatters/may2013/images/diabetes_th.jpg" align="left" height="72" width="72" alt="Pancreas in mouse that overexpresses betatrophin." /></a>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. </p><br clear="all"/> Mon, 13 May 2013 13:21:00 EDT http://www.nih.gov/researchmatters/may2013/05132013diabetes.htm http://www.nih.gov/researchmatters/may2013/05132013diabetes.htm <p><a href="http://www.nih.gov/researchmatters/may2013/05062013endometrial.htm"><img src="http://www.nih.gov/researchmatters/may2013/images/endometrial_th.jpg" align="left" height="72" width="72" alt="Happy women friends." /></a>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. Mon, 06 May 2013 11:20:00 EDT http://www.nih.gov/researchmatters/may2013/05062013endometrial.htm http://www.nih.gov/researchmatters/may2013/05062013endometrial.htm <p><a href="http://www.nih.gov/researchmatters/may2013/05062013biopsies.htm"><img src="http://www.nih.gov/researchmatters/may2013/images/biopsies_th.jpg" align="left" height="72" width="72" alt="A microgripper near the opening of an endoscopic catheter." /></a> 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. </p><br clear="all"/> Mon, 06 May 2013 11:20:00 EDT http://www.nih.gov/researchmatters/may2013/05062013biopsies.htm http://www.nih.gov/researchmatters/may2013/05062013biopsies.htm <p><a href="http://www.nih.gov/researchmatters/may2013/05062013radioactive.htm"><img src="http://www.nih.gov/researchmatters/may2013/images/radioactive_th.jpg" align="left" height="72" width="72" alt="Listeria inside pancreatic tumor." /></a>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. </p><br clear="all"/> Mon, 06 May 2013 11:20:00 EDT http://www.nih.gov/researchmatters/may2013/05062013radioactive.htm http://www.nih.gov/researchmatters/may2013/05062013radioactive.htm