HIV Hijacks Surface Molecule to Invade Cell
Researchers at NIH have discovered a key step in the process that HIV uses to inject its genetic material into cells. Working with cultures of cells and tissues, the researchers prevented the invasion process by chemically blocking this step, preventing HIV genetic material from entering cells.
Children’s Visual Engagement Is Heritable, Altered in Autism
How children visually engage with others in social situations is a heritable behavior that is altered in children with autism, according to a study funded by NIH.
Gene Silencing Shows Promise For Treating Two Fatal Neurological Disorders
In two studies of mice, researchers showed that a drug, engineered to combat the gene that causes spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2), might also be used to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Researchers Discover Mitochondrial ‘Circuit Breaker’ That Protects Heart from Damage
A team of scientists from NIH has discovered biological mechanisms that appear to prevent damage to the heart muscle’s “power grid,” the network of mitochondrial circuits that provide energy to cells.
NIH Scientists Advance Understanding of Herpesvirus Infection
NIH scientists have identified a set of protein complexes that are recruited to viral genes and stimulate both initial herpes simplex virus infection and reactivation from latency.
Side Effects Mild, Brief with Single Dose of Ketamine
One of the most exciting recent breakthroughs from research funded by NIMH is the development of a fast-acting medication for treatment-resistant depression based on ketamine.
Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus Poses Emergent Threat
Although eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), a mosquito-borne illness, has existed for centuries, 2019 has been a particularly deadly year for the disease in the United States. As of Nov. 12, 36 confirmed cases of EEE had been reported by 8 states; 13 of these cases were fatal.
High Amounts of Screen Time Begin as Early as Infancy, Study Suggests
Children’s average daily time spent watching television or using a computer or mobile device increased from 53 minutes at age 12 months to more than 150 minutes at 3 years.
Researchers Aim to Repurpose Cancer Therapy to Treat Muscular Dystrophy
Researchers have demonstrated that a drug originally targeted unsuccessfully to treat cancer may have new life as a potential treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.