Common Genetic Factors Found in 5 Mental Disorders Major mental disorders traditionally thought to be distinct share certain genetic glitches, according to a new study. The finding may point to better ways to diagnose and treat these conditions. Scientists have long recognized that many psychiatric disorders tend to run in families, suggesting potential genetic roots. […]

Biofilm Streamers Clog Medical Devices Bacterial communities called biofilms can quickly clog medical devices such as stents, catheters and water filters by forming 3-dimensional streamers that block flow. The finding will inform future approaches to prevent biofilms from causing potentially deadly clogs. Bacteria flowing through a tube form a green biofilm on the walls. Bacteria […]

Shaking Out Clues to Autoimmune Disease Researchers gained new insight into how an immune cell involved in several autoimmune disorders is regulated. Among their findings was a potential link with salt consumption. Autoimmune diseases arise when the immune system, which normally protects the body from invading microbes, mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues. These diseases […]

Understanding How We Speak A new study revealed the patterns of brain activity that produce human speech. The findings may one day lead to new approaches for treating speech disorders. Most of us barely give a conscious thought to the process of speaking, but it’s one of the most complex actions we perform. In order […]

Stem Cells Discovered in Deadly Parasitic Flatworms The flatworms that cause the tropical disease schistosomiasis can live and reproduce inside infected humans for decades. In a new study, researchers identified the stem cells that may be responsible. The discovery could lay the groundwork for new strategies to treat the devastating disease caused by the parasite. […]

The Genetics of Age-Related Macular Degeneration An international group of researchers discovered 7 regions of the human genome associated with an increased risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of blindness. The group also confirmed 12 regions identified in previous studies. The findings may eventually lead to new treatment and prevention approaches to […]

Youth Interventions Lower Prescription Drug Abuse A new study found that middle school students in small towns and rural areas who received brief interventions had lower rates of prescription drug abuse into late adolescence and young adulthood. Prescription drug abuse is taking a medication without a prescription, or in ways or for reasons not prescribed. […]

Compound Induces Antitumor Protein Researchers identified a small compound that can boost production of a known tumor-suppressing protein. The finding may improve on current approaches—now in clinical trials—that target this biological pathway.   Cancer cells in culture. Image by Dr. Cecil Fox, NCI. Programmed cell death, or apoptosis, is the process by which the body eliminates […]

Liver Stem Cells Discovered in Mice Scientists successfully identified and grew a renewable population of liver stem cells for the first time, a new study reported. Tissues derived from these stem cells slightly boosted liver function when implanted into mice with a liver disorder. The findings could eventually lead to approaches that help rejuvenate damaged […]

Predicting Treatment Response to a Rapid Antidepressant Brain activity during specific tasks may predict how well patients with major depressive disorder respond to the experimental antidepressant scopolamine. The finding suggests that brain imaging might help identify good candidates for the treatment. Depression is thought to be caused by a complex combination of genetic, biological, environmental […]