Chemical from Cactus-Like Plant Shows Promise Controlling Surgical Pain, Study Shows
A promising approach to post-operative incision-site pain control uses a naturally occurring plant molecule called resiniferatoxin (RTX). RTX is found in Euphorbia resinifera, a cactus-like plant native to Morocco.
Gene Mutation Points to New Way to Fight Diabetes, Obesity, Heart Disease
Researchers say they have discovered a gene mutation that slows the metabolism of sugar in the gut, giving people who have the mutation a distinct advantage over those who do not.
Study Identifies Gene That Makes Gentle Touch Painful After Injury
Ever wonder why things that normally feel gentle are painful after a sunburn? NIH researchers found a gene previously shown to control our sense of our bodies in space and gentle touch, may also be responsible for the skin’s reaction to injury that makes normally gentle touches feel painful.
Scientists Develop Novel Vaccine for Lassa Fever, Rabies
A novel vaccine designed to protect people from both Lassa fever and rabies showed promise in preclinical testing, according to new research published in Nature Communications.
Zika Infection During Pregnancy May Disrupt Fetal Oxygen Supply
Zika virus infection appears to affect oxygen delivery to the fetuses of pregnant monkeys and increase a newborn's risk to additional infections, according to a small study funded by NIH.
NIH Scientists Find Microbes on The Skin of Mice Promote Tissue Healing, Immunity
Beneficial bacteria on the skin of lab mice work with the animals’ immune systems to defend against disease-causing microbes and accelerate wound healing, according to new research from NIAID scientists.
Memory Gene Goes Viral
Two independent teams of scientists from the University of Utah and the University of Massachusetts Medical School have made a discovery about a gene that's crucial for learning,
Hold the Salt: Gut Reaction May Impair the Brains of Mice
In a new mouse study, scientists link changes in the gut caused by a high-salt diet to impaired blood flow in the brain.
Star-Like Cells May Help Brain Tune Breathing Rhythms
An NIH study reveals that manipulating the way brain cells called astrocytes communicate with neighboring cells can cause changes in breathing.