Vitamin D Levels Predict Multiple Sclerosis Progression Among people with early-stage multiple sclerosis (MS), those with higher blood levels of vitamin D had better outcomes during 5 years of follow-up. Identifying and correcting vitamin D insufficiency could aid in the early treatment of MS. MS is an unpredictable disease of the central nervous system that […]

Cognitive Training Shows Staying Power Ten years after a training program was completed, certain cognitive abilities were still improved in older adults, according to a new report. The findings suggest that cognitive interventions could help older people remain independent for longer. To test whether training could improve the cognitive abilities of older adults, healthy seniors […]

Nature-Inspired Surgical Glue Mends Hearts Researchers developed a new tissue adhesive that is biodegradable, biocompatible, and easily manipulated. It could allow for less invasive surgeries that don’t require sutures or staples. The waterproof, light-activated glue can successfully secure biodegradable patches to seal holes in a beating heart. Image courtesy of Karp Laboratory. During surgery, reconnecting […]

Toxin Kills HIV-Infected Cells An HIV-specific poison can kill cells in which the virus is still reproducing despite antiretroviral therapy, a study in mice showed. Such targeted therapies could become a tool in strategies to combat HIV.   Electron micrograph of HIV (colored green) on human lymphocytes. Image by C. Goldsmith, P. Feorino, E. L. […]

Distracted Driving Raises Crash Risk Researchers used video technology and in-vehicle sensors to show that distracted driving, particularly among new drivers, substantially raises the risk for car crashes and near crashes. They also found that drivers eat, reach for the phone, text, or otherwise take their eyes off the road about 10% of the time. […]

Arthritis Genetics Analysis Aids Drug Discovery An international research team identified 42 new areas in the human genome associated with rheumatoid arthritis—and found that many are already the targets of drugs approved for other conditions. The findings hint at new treatment approaches for the disease. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that can cause […]

Oxytocin Affects Facial Recognition A genetic variation in the receptor for oxytocin, a hormone involved in social bonding, affects the ability to remember faces in families with a child who has autism. The finding points the way to a better understanding of oxytocin’s role in social behavior. Animals that live in social groups need to […]

Creative Minds: Can Microbes Influence Mental Health? While sitting in microbiology class as a college sophomore, Elaine Hsiao was stunned to learn that the human gut held between as much as 6 pounds of bacteria—twice the weight of an adult human brain. She went on to learn during her graduate studies in neurobiology that these microbes […]

Severe mental illness tied to higher rates of substance use New NIH study shows that certain protective factors do not exist in those with severe mental illness People with severe mental illness such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder have a higher risk for substance use, especially cigarette smoking, and protective factors usually associated with lower […]

Insights into Brain Injury New findings provide insight into the damage caused by mild traumatic brain injury and suggest approaches for reducing its harmful effects. Nationwide, at least 1.7 million traumatic brain injuries occur each year, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About 75% of these are concussions or other mild […]