NIH Research Matters from the National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Test Before Incontinence Surgery Often Unnecessary

Mon, 14 May 2012 10:00:00 EDT

A routine bladder function test given to women before urinary incontinence surgery may be unnecessary, a new study reports.

Mental Replay in Learning and Memory

Mon, 14 May 2012 10:00:00 EDT

A study in rats suggests that the mental replay of an experience is essential for making informed decisions. The work brings researchers closer to understanding how memories are represented and used by the brain.

Chromosome Quirks Linked to Aging and Cancer

Mon, 14 May 2012 10:00:00 EDT

Large structural abnormalities in chromosomes become more common with age and may be linked to increased risk for cancer. The new findings offer insights into how cancer and other disorders might emerge as people get older.

Treating Type 2 Diabetes in Youth

Mon, 07 May 2012 10:00:00 EDT

A combination of 2 diabetes drugs, metformin and rosiglitazone, was more effective in treating youth with type 2 diabetes than metformin alone, according to a new study.

Drugs Equally Effective for Age-Related Vision Loss

Mon, 07 May 2012 10:00:00 EDT

A comparison showed that the drugs Avastin and Lucentis lead to similar vision improvements in patients with age-related macular degeneration. Treatments given monthly were slightly more effective than when given as-needed.

Bilingual Effects in the Brain

Mon, 07 May 2012 10:00:00 EDT

A new study found certain brain functions that are enhanced in teens who are fluent in more than one language. The finding gives new insight into how our senses help shape our brains.

Device Restores Movement to Paralyzed Limbs

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EDT

Monkeys paralyzed from the elbow down to their fingers were able to manipulate a ball with the help of an artificial connection between the brain and hand muscles. The technology might one day help paralysis victims regain muscle control.

Insights into MRSA Epidemic

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EDT

Scientists identified a gene that's been playing a pivotal role in epidemic waves of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections in Asia. The finding suggests a promising target for novel therapeutics.

Compound Points to Potential Autism Therapy

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EDT

An experimental compound reversed certain autism-like behaviors in mice. The research may lead to a new strategy for treating autism spectrum disorders

Genetics of Bone Density

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EDT

A new study linked 32 novel genetic regions to bone mineral density. The findings may help researchers better understand bone fracture risk. They also suggest potential drug targets for preventing or treating osteoporosis.

Clues to Emerging Drug-Resistant Malaria

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EDT

Researchers report that a first-line treatment for malaria is losing its effectiveness in parts of Asia. They've also found parts of the parasite's genome that may underlie its drug resistance.

Molecular Effects of Social Stress

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EDT

Social rank has broad effects on gene regulation, particularly in the immune system, according to a new study in rhesus macaques. The findings help explain how social status gets under your skin.

Spontaneous Mutations Raise Autism Risk

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EDT

New studies reveal several genes and biological pathways that may contribute to autism spectrum disorders. Among other insights, the findings may help explain earlier evidence linking autism risk to older fathers.

Summer Temperature Swings Linked to Shorter Lifespan

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EDT

Fluctuations in daily summer temperatures may boost the risk of death in older people with chronic diseases, according to a new study. The finding could have important implications for the nation's aging population.

Clues to HIV Protection

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EDT

A new study gives insight into the workings of the first vaccine ever reported to modestly prevent HIV infection in people.

Genetics of a Tropical Foot Disease

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 13:50:00 EDT

Researchers have identified gene variants that boost the risk for a debilitating tropical foot disease. The findings help shed light on how interactions between genes and the environment influence susceptibility to disease.

Complex Brain Has Simple Grid Structure

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 13:50:00 EDT

New research revealed a wiring diagram of the brain that looks like a simple checkerboard grid. The technique may give insight into the development of disorders like epilepsy, autism and schizophrenia.

Understanding Insulin Sensitivity and Diabetes

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 13:50:00 EDT

A new discovery helps explain how adipose tissue (fat) affects insulin sensitivity and results in type 2 diabetes. The finding may lead to new strategies for treating the disease.