Articles tagged with: national institutes of health
Mental Replay in Learning and Memory 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 in the brain and used to guide future behavior. This knowledge may eventually lead to new approaches for treating memory […]
Chromosome Quirks Linked to Aging and Cancer Large structural abnormalities in chromosomes become more common with age and may be linked to increased risk for cancer, according to 2 large-scale analyses. The findings offer insights into how cancer and other disorders might emerge as people get older. Previous studies suggest that a type of structural […]
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Treating Type 2 Diabetes in Youth 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. Rising childhood obesity in America has brought more cases of type 2 diabetes in youth. Type 2 diabetes heightens the risk for […]
Bilingual Effects in the Brain 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. About 1 in 5 children nationwide speak a language other than English at home. Children who grow […]
Drugs Equally Effective for Age-Related Vision Loss A 2-year comparison showed that the drugs Avastin and Lucentis lead to similar vision improvements in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The study also found that visual gains were slightly better with monthly rather than as-needed treatments. AMD is the leading cause of vision loss and blindness […]
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Insights into MRSA Epidemic NIH scientists and their colleagues in China have identified a gene that’s been playing a pivotal role in epidemic waves of methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections in Asia. The finding suggests a potential target for novel therapeutics. Decades ago, doctors used penicillin to treat people infected with the S. aureus bacterium, commonly known as staph. […]
Compound Points to Potential Autism Therapy An experimental compound reversed certain autism-like behaviors in mice. The finding may lead to a new strategy for treating autism spectrum disorders (ASD). A mouse pays a social visit to a novel animal. Image courtesy of Drs. MuYang and Jacqueline Crawley, NIMH Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience. ASD includes several […]
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Device Restores Movement to Paralyzed Limbs Monkeys temporarily paralyzed from the elbow down to their fingers were able to grasp and release a ball with the help of electrodes in the brain that directly stimulate the hand muscles. This type of technology may one day help paralysis victims regain muscle control. Motor neurons. Image by […]
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Genetics of Bone Density A new study linked 32 novel genetic regions to bone mineral density. The findings may help researchers understand why some people are more susceptible to bone fractures. The research also points to potential drug targets for preventing or treating osteoporosis. Bones are made of a mineral and protein scaffold filled with […]
Clues to Emerging Drug-Resistant Malaria Researchers report that a first-line treatment for malaria is losing its effectiveness in parts of Asia. They’ve also found regions of the parasite’s genome that seem to underlie its drug resistance. The findings may offer clues to help block the spread of hard-to-treat malaria. Child in a poor village in […]
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