A weekly summary of research developments and discoveries at NIH en-us http://www.nih.gov/news/research_matters/index.htm weinh@od.nih.gov Mon, 08 December 2008 09:00:00 EDT http://www.nih.gov/images/nih50.gif http://www.nih.gov/news/research_matters/index.htm 50 50 Researchers have identified a key molecular player in a type of age-related macular degeneration. The discovery may lead to better methods of early detection and treatment for this leading cause of blindness. Mon, 29 Jun 2009 14:25:00 EDT http://www.nih.gov/news/research_matters/june2009/06292009nei.htm Amyloids are best known for their role in diseases such as Alzheimer's. A new study finds that amyloids may also have a normal biological function. Mon, 29 Jun 2009 14:25:00 EDT http://www.nih.gov/news/research_matters/june2009/06292009amyloids.htm If you can feel the softness of silk or the fuzziness of a peach, you can thank your Merkel cells, scientists say. A new study confirms what researchers have long suspected—that cells in the skin called Merkel cells are essential to the sense of light touch. Mon, 29 Jun 2009 14:25:00 EDT http://www.nih.gov/news/research_matters/june2009/06292009merkel.htm A gene variation long thought to increase a person's risk for major depression when paired with stressful life events may actually have no effect, according to a new analysis. The result challenges a common approach to studying depression risk factors. Mon, 22 Jun 2009 13:25:00 EDT http://www.nih.gov/news/research_matters/june2009/06222009depression.htm A new study found that elementary school children in a character development program were more likely to steer clear of substance abuse, violent behavior or sexual activity by fifth grade than those who weren't offered the program. Mon, 22 Jun 2009 13:25:00 EDT http://www.nih.gov/news/research_matters/june2009/06222009fifthgraders.htm Scientists have solved why a faulty protein accumulates in cells throughout the body in people with Huntington's disease, but only kills certain brain cells. It has an accomplice. The discovery provides a potential target to treat or slow the progression of Huntington's. Mon, 22 Jun 2009 13:25:00 EDT http://www.nih.gov/news/research_matters/june2009/06222009huntingtons.htm For patients with diabetes and stable heart disease, intensive drug therapy is as effective as prompt surgery in preventing death, heart attack and stroke, according to a large clinical study. Mon, 15 Jun 2009 15:00:00 EDT http://www.nih.gov/news/research_matters/june2009/06152009diabetes.htm Scientists have gained a major insight into how the rogue protein responsible for mad cow disease and related neurological illnesses destroys healthy brain tissue. Mon, 15 Jun 2009 15:00:00 EDT http://www.nih.gov/news/research_matters/june2009/06152009prions.htm In a new mouse study, researchers were able to boost the immune system's memory by using the anti-diabetic drug metformin. The unexpected finding could transform strategies for vaccine development. Mon, 15 Jun 2009 15:00:00 EDT http://www.nih.gov/news/research_matters/june2009/06152009drug.htm The medication citalopram is often prescribed for children with autism to reduce repetitive behaviors. But now a new clinical study shows that the drug is no more effective than a placebo and leads to more adverse effects. Mon, 08 Jun 2009 15:00:00 EDT http://www.nih.gov/news/research_matters/june2009/06082009autism.htm Researchers have identified a rare but devastating genetic condition that affects children around the time of birth. Most of the children responded quickly to a synthetic form of the protein that is abnormal or missing in this condition. Mon, 08 Jun 2009 15:00:00 EDT http://www.nih.gov/news/research_matters/june2009/06082009immune.htm A new study of the skin's microbiome--all of the DNA of all of the microbes that inhabit human skin-- reveals that our skin is home to a much wider array of bacteria than previously thought. Mon, 01 Jun 2009 13:00:00 EDT http://www.nih.gov/news/research_matters/june2009/06012009skin.htm Researchers have identified 2 proteins that are essential for ovulation in mice. The discovery may lead to new approaches for treating infertility and preventing pregnancy. Mon, 01 Jun 2009 13:00:00 EDT http://www.nih.gov/news/research_matters/june2009/06012009ova.htm Scientists have discovered that cells in an embryo are prompted to develop into blood cells by the force of rushing fluid pushed by the beating heart. The finding has important implications for developing stem cell therapies for blood diseases. Mon, 01 Jun 2009 13:00:00 EDT http://www.nih.gov/news/research_matters/june2009/06012009blood.htm Acupuncture and simulated acupuncture both improved chronic low back pain more than conventional care in a new study. The result highlights central questions about how acupuncture helps people with chronic pain. Mon, 18 May 2009 13:00:00 EDT http://www.nih.gov/news/research_matters/may2009/05182009backpain.htm Scientists have connected a gene that regulates the flow of potassium into and out of cells with schizophrenia. The discovery provides a new potential therapeutic target. Mon, 18 May 2009 13:00:00 EDT http://www.nih.gov/news/research_matters/may2009/05182009schizophrenia.htm Scientists have developed a new fluorescent molecule that emits infrared light bright enough to be detected deep within the tissues of a living mouse. With further development, this type of molecule could aid the study of cancer, infections and other biological processes in small animals. Mon, 18 May 2009 13:00:00 EDT http://www.nih.gov/news/research_matters/may2009/05182009proteins.htm