Technique Aims to Restore Vision In a proof-of-principle study, researchers developed retinal implants that can potentially deliver images to surviving neurons in the eye and restore vision.   A pinpoint-sized photovoltaic chip implanted under the retina of a blind rat (upper right). The background image shows the chip’s array of photodiodes. A single pixel of […]

The Microbes of Men A new study revealed a surprisingly diverse and stable community of microbes in the male urinary tract and on the penis. The findings will help lead to a better understanding of male reproductive and sexual health. Staphylococcus, one of the types of bacteria identified in the study. Image by Matthew J. Arduino, CDC. […]

Test Before Incontinence Surgery Often Unnecessary A routine test done in women before urinary incontinence surgery may be unnecessary, a new study reports. Patients who had bladder function tests before their surgery had no better outcomes than those who only had a check-up in a doctor’s office. Urinary incontinence refers to a loss of bladder […]

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 […]

“Almost Alcoholic” and “Denial” Henry is a successful real estate broker. He inherited the business from his own father and then grew it. Now sixty, one of his three sons and his daughter are also brokers and partners in the family business. Henry is well known in the community, and has found over the years […]

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 […]

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. […]