Body Produces “Industrial” Lubricant for…
A lubricating layer made of graphitic carbon naturally forms in the joints of metal-on-metal hip implants, a new study shows. This solid layer, produced within the body, is more like...
Researchers Find Cause of Rare Immune Di…
NIH scientists have identified a genetic mutation that causes cold temperatures to trigger allergic reactions—a condition called cold urticaria. In addition to pointing the way toward a potential cure, this...
Most Stillbirths Caused by Placental, Pr…
Half of all stillbirths result from pregnancy disorders and conditions that affect the placenta, according to a new report. Risk factors already known at the start of pregnancy—such as previous...
Antibodies Protect Against HIV in Mice
Researchers have devised a gene transfer technique in mice that, with a single injection, protects the immune cells that HIV targets. With further development, the approach may prove effective at...
Manganese May Prevent Toxin Damage
A new study suggests that manganese, an essential nutrient, may prevent the deadly effects of Shiga toxin. E. infections, which currently affect millions worldwide. Foodborne illness is often caused by bacteria...
Fending Off Cardiovascular Disease
A new study confirms that controlling traditional risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as high blood pressure, substantially lowers the chance of major events like heart attack or stroke over...
Who’s at Risk? Gauging Susceptibility to…
What makes one individual more susceptible than another to the harmful effects of air pollution? If particulate matter (PM) differentially affects certain...
Gene Therapy Helps Patients with Hemophi…
A single dose of an experimental gene therapy boosted production of a missing blood-clotting factor in people with hemophilia, a new study shows. The therapy might give patients a long-term...
New Insights Into Old Anti-Fungal Drug
For more than 50 years, doctors have used the drug Amphotericin B (AmB) to treat systemic fungal infections. In a new study, researchers revealed a novel mode of action for...
Ancient Roots of Social Networks
Modern social networks, from small networks of friends and family to entire countries, are based on cooperation. A new study suggests that our early ancestors may have had social networks...
Less Medication Effective for Wheezing P…
Children with recurrent wheezing who are in danger of developing asthma fared no better taking daily low doses of inhaled corticosteroid than taking higher doses only as needed. The children...
Rats Show Empathy, Too
A new study shows that empathy may drive rats to help each other. The finding gives insight into the biological roots of our urge to assist others in need. The...
How Often Should Women Have Bone Tests?
Experts recommend that older women have regular bone density tests to screen for osteoporosis. But it's been unclear how often to repeat the tests. A study of nearly 5,000 women...
Restricted Diet Affects Surgery Risk
Several days on a restricted diet may help the body better cope with the stress of surgery. New findings from a mouse study point the way toward potential strategies for...
Looking Inside Viruses
Since the discovery of the microscope, scientists have tried to visualize smaller and smaller details of cells and microbes. Now, researchers have developed a new way to see tiny structures...
Prenatal Steroids Reduce Brain Injury in…
Some of the tiniest premature babies are more likely to survive and have less brain injury if their mothers receive prenatal steroids. The finding provides the first strong evidence that...
