Articles tagged with: national institutes of health
Molecular Effects of Social Stress 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. Rhesus macaques at the Yerkes National Primate Research Center were used in the study. Image courtesy of Yerkes […]
Spontaneous Mutations Raise Autism Risk A trio of new studies has revealed several genes and biological pathways that may contribute to autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Among other insights, the findings may help explain earlier evidence linking autism risk to older fathers. ASD includes several related brain disorders, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe. People […]
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Summer Temperature Swings Linked to Shorter Lifespan 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. People generally adapt to the usual temperatures where they live, but the sweltering heat waves […]
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Clues to HIV Protection A new study gives insight into the workings of the first vaccine ever reported to modestly prevent HIV infection in people. HIV “budding” out of a T-cell. Image courtesy of Dr. Tom Folks, NIAID. Most vaccines work by triggering the immune system to produce antibodies that help beat back infections. But […]
Genetics of a Tropical Foot Disease Researchers have identified gene variants that boost the risk for a debilitating tropical disease called podoconiosis, which affects about 4 million people worldwide. The findings will help shed light on how interactions between genes and the environment influence susceptibility to disease. Podoconiosis is a tropical disease that leads […]
Complex Brain Has Simple Grid Structure A landmark study revealed that nerve cells in the brain form a simple checkerboard grid pattern. The new technique will help researchers better understand how the brain develops and may give insights into disorders like epilepsy, autism and schizophrenia. … … Wiring diagram of the human brain shows curvature […]
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Understanding Insulin Sensitivity and Diabetes 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. Diabetes is a disorder in the way the body uses glucose, a sugar that serves as fuel for the body. When […]
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Bypass Surgery Shows Advantage Older adults who received bypass surgery to open blocked coronary arteries had better long-term survival rates than those who had angioplasty. The new findings will help patients and their health care providers decide which approach is best for them. Coronary heart disease affects about 14 million men and women nationwide. It’s […]
Diabetes Prevention A Good Investment A new study found that programs to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes make sound economic sense. Nearly 26 million Americans have diabetes. It’s the main cause of kidney failure, limb amputations and new-onset blindness in adults nationwide. It’s also a major cause of heart disease and stroke. Diabetes costs […]
Up Close With Opioid Receptors Researchers have taken the closest-yet look at the structures of opioid receptors, which play key roles in pain relief and addiction. The findings might aid development of safer painkillers and addiction-fighting medications. Structure of the κ-opioid receptor bound to the experimental drug JDTic is shown resting in a poppy […]
