NIH Research Matters
March 2007 Archive
March 26, 2007
Researchers have identified a protein involved in the development of rheumatoid arthritis and were able to reduce arthritis in mice by targeting the protein. While far from human application, the finding provides a promising new target for developing therapies for rheumatoid arthritis, a disease that affects over two million people in the U.S.
Scientists report that a protein-blocking drug can disrupt specific fearful memories in rats while leaving similar memories intact.
A new study found that chronic family stress was associated with increased illnesses in a group of socioeconomically and racially diverse school-aged children.
March 19, 2007
A systematic study of a gene family commonly associated with cancer has implicated a much larger repertoire of cancer genes than researchers had anticipated.
If one or both of your parents survive to at least 85 years of age, a new study shows, you're less likely to develop risk factors for cardiovascular disease in middle age than if your parents had died younger.
A new study in rhesus monkeys shows that a genetic variant of one component in the brain's reward circuitry heightens the stimulating effects of alcohol and leads the monkeys to drink more. The study extends previous research that suggests an important role for a similar variant in the development of human alcohol use disorders.
March 12, 2007
Even minor irregularities on a standard electrocardiogram (ECG) test can be a sign of increased risk for cardiovascular events or death in seemingly healthy older women. Previous studies have shown the predictive value of ECG in men. The new findings come from the first large-scale analysis of ECG forecasting in postmenopausal women with no history of heart disease.
While humans can't regenerate limbs and other body parts like some animals can, scientists hope that, by understanding how amphibians like frogs regenerate their body parts, they can develop therapeutic approaches for people. In a recent report, researchers revealed the molecular events behind frog tail regeneration.
An experimental vaccine appears safe and effective in preventing hepatitis E, a sometimes-deadly viral disease prevalent in developing countries. The genetically engineered vaccine was originally created and tested over the past two decades by scientists at NIH's National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID).
March 5, 2007
A new study in mice gives insight into the cause behind many cases of deafness and suggests new therapeutic approaches to combating hearing loss.
Botulism is a rare but serious illness that causes paralysis and can be fatal.It's caused by nerve toxins made by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. "Type A" toxin is so deadly and easy to produce that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considers it one of the highest-risk agents for bioterrorism. In a new study, researchers have identified two small molecules that could prove to be ideal countermeasures for a bioterror attack using botulinum toxin A.
Where a child lives—the greenery of the landscape, the distance to supermarkets and the population density—is related to the risk for being overweight, according to a recent study.
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About NIH Research Matters
Editor: Harrison Wein, Ph.D.
Assistant Editors: Vicki Contie, Carol Torgan, Ph.D.
NIH Research Matters is a weekly update of NIH research highlights from the Office of Communications and Public Liaison, Office of the Director, National Institutes of Health.