Articles in Information
After Cancer Diagnosis, Breast Density May Not Matter Women with breasts that look dense on a mammogram have a higher risk of developing breast cancer. But a new study found that most of these women, once diagnosed with breast cancer, aren’t at greater risk of dying than patients with less dense breasts. Mammograms use X-rays [...]
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Genetic Switch Involved in Depression The activity of a single gene sets in motion some of the brain changes seen in depression, according to a new study. The finding suggests a promising target for potential therapies. Raising expression of the Gata1 gene decreases the number of neuron connections (right) compared to controls (left). Image courtesy of Duman laboratory. [...]
Genome Sequencing Tracks Bacterial Outbreak Last year, a deadly outbreak of antibiotic-resistant bacteria kept NIH’s Clinical Center in a state of high alert. NIH staff used genome sequencing to track the microbes’ spread, an approach that can be used to help control similar outbreaks in the future. Klebsiella pneumoniae. Image by Spike Walker, Wellcome Images. [...]
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Implanted Heart Cells Stifle Irregular Rhythms Heart cells derived from human stem cells can protect injured guinea pig hearts against abnormal rhythms, a new study showed. Similar heart cell transplants might one day hold promise for treating damaged human hearts. Scientists showed that transplanted human heart cells (green) could beat in sync with neighboring guinea [...]
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Antibodies Protect Against Range of Flu Viruses Scientists have isolated antibodies that protect mice against a variety of lethal influenza B viruses. One of them also guards against influenza A viruses. The accomplishment points the way toward universal approaches to combat all influenza A and B viruses. The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused [...]
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Retinal Device Restores Sight in Mice Researchers have developed a new prosthetic technique that can restore vision to blind mice. The approach could potentially be further developed to improve sight in blind people. More than 20 million people worldwide have vision loss or blindness because of retinal degenerative diseases such as age-related macular degeneration and [...]
Household Molds Linked to Childhood Asthma Three specific species of mold were more common in the homes of babies who later developed asthma. The finding highlights the importance of preventing water damage and mold growth in households with infants. Penicillium variabile, one of the mold species most associated with asthma.Image by David Gregory and Debbie [...]
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Distinct Brain Activity in Hoarders Certain brain regions under-activate in people with hoarding disorder when dealing with others’ possessions but over-activate when deciding whether to keep or discard their own things. The new findings give insight into the biology of hoarding and may guide future treatment strategies. People with hoarding disorder have trouble making decisions [...]
Gut Microbes Influence Metabolism During Pregnancy A new study shows that pregnancy alters microbe populations in the gut. The interactions with these microbes cause metabolic changes that likely help the pregnant mother and developing baby. Pregnancy causes many changes to a woman’s metabolism and immune system, including weight gain, reduced insulin sensitivity and inflammation. These [...]
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Colon and Rectal Cancers Surprisingly Similar Researchers discovered that the major difference between most colon and rectal cancers is where they start. These and other insights from a new study may change the way we identify and treat these cancers. Cultured colon cancer cells. Image by Lorna McInroy, Wellcome Images. All rights reserved by Wellcome Images. [...]
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