HIV Protein Strikes a Fleeting Pose NIH scientists have discovered a new intermediate structure of the HIV entry protein. This temporary structure, which occurs just before HIV infects a cell, may offer a potential target for developing an HIV vaccine.   Scientists determined the structure of the HIV envelope glycoprotein in its activated state, in […]

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. Human melanoma cells growing in culture. Image by Paul J.Smith & Rachel Errington, Wellcome Images. All rights reserved by Wellcome Images. Drugs designed […]

Insights into How Deaf Brain Processes Touch and Sight People who are born deaf process the senses of 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. Hearing loss that is present […]

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. By eliminating the need for refrigeration, the technique can lower costs and help expand the use of these lifesaving medical tools around the world. Most vaccines and antibiotics need […]

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. Many people have difficulty keeping weight off once they’ve lost […]

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. The kidneys filter your blood, removing waste and extra water to […]

Skin Cells Yield Clues to Parkinson’s Disease Scientists were able to gain new insights into Parkinson’s disease by reprogramming skin cells from patients into neurons. The technology can help researchers understand how the disease develops and which drug treatments might be effective for which patients. A cluster of human stem cells expressing neural proteins. Courtesy of […]

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. Another recent report found that 4 mutations and a genetic reassortment also enable airborne transmission. These insights will help researchers prepare for potential future flu pandemics.   Influenza viruses […]

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. The researchers also found that less than a third of the children with severe allergic reactions were given epinephrine, a drug that reverses symptoms and […]

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. High doses of radiation—whether from medical therapy or a […]