The Healthy Human Microbiome Researchers have mapped the normal bacteria that live in and on the healthy human body. The accomplishment sets the stage for better understanding how bacterial communities affect human health and disease. The human body is host to trillions of microbes. These microbes outnumber the body’s cells by 10 to 1. Most […]

Genetics May Guide Ways to Quit Smoking A new study shows that genetic information can help predict whether medications will be likely to help a person quit smoking. The study brings health care providers a step closer to providing individualized treatment plans to help smokers kick the habit. Tobacco use is the most preventable cause […]

Computer Method Predicts Drug Side Effects Researchers have used computer modeling to predict the side effects of hundreds of medications. The technique could aid in the future development and use of drugs. Medications can interact with many proteins in the body, not just the ones they’re targeted to. Unintended molecular interactions can cause side effects […]

Cooling Therapy for Birth Disorder Boosts Later Survival A treatment that cools the bodies of infants who lack sufficient oxygen at birth brings benefits that last for years, a new study confirms. Infants sometimes develop severe oxygen deficiency during the birth process. This condition—known as birth asphyxia or hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy—can arise from blood loss and […]

Cystic Fibrosis Therapy Tested in Young Children A treatment that benefits adults and older children with cystic fibrosis may not help infants and young children with the disease, a new study reports. The finding could slow the adoption of this therapy in younger children. Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disorder that results in a buildup […]

Questions About HDL Cholesterol The effect of “good” cholesterol on cardiovascular disease may be more complicated than previously thought, according to a new analysis. The finding raises questions about how best to lower heart disease risk. Cholesterol deposits (colored areas) in a blood vessel. Image by Metripol, Wellcome Images. All rights reserved by Wellcome Images. Cholesterol […]

Coffee Drinkers Have Lower Risk of Death Older adults who drink coffee—either caffeinated or decaffeinated—may have a lower risk of death than those who don’t drink coffee, according to a new analysis. The finding adds to growing evidence that coffee drinking may have health benefits. Coffee is one of the most popular drinks in the […]

Clues to Alzheimer’s Disease Researchers may have discovered a mechanism behind the largest known genetic risk factor for late-onset Alzheimer’s disease. The finding suggests possible strategies for prevention as well as a potential new drug target. Destructive enzymes (green) become more active and weaken the blood-brain barrier in mice that are genetically engineered to produce […]

Sigmoidoscopies Decrease Colon Cancer Deaths Screening using sigmoidoscopy helps prevent colorectal cancer and reduce deaths from the disease, a new study reports. Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths nationwide. In 2012, more than 143,000 people will be diagnosed with the disease, and over 52,000 people will die from it. Proper screening can […]

Thought-Control Gives Paralyzed People Helping Hand Paralyzed patients were able to reach and grasp objects by controlling a robotic arm with their thoughts, a new study reports. This advance may help restore some independence and improve quality of life for people who’ve lost the use of their limbs. A participant uses her thoughts to control […]