Articles

NIH Research Reveals New Insights About How 'Bad' Cholesterol Works in the Body

National Institute of Health (NIH) scientists have made a significant breakthrough in understanding how "bad" cholesterol, known as low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol or LDL-C, builds up in the body. The researchers were able to show for the first time how the main structural protein of LDL binds to its receptor – a process that starts the clearing of LDL from the blood – and what happens when that process gets impaired.

NIH-funded analysis suggests higher doses of buprenorphine were associated with lower rates of future behavioral health-related emergency department and inpatient care.

In November 2023, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) joined agencies across the federal government in prioritizing communication in its services to the public by releasing its department-wide Language Access Plan. With the release of its plan, HHS took a giant step towards ensuring people with limited English proficiency (LEP) and people with disabilities have greater access to the life-saving services that it provides.

A small feasibility study funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that an implanted device regulated by the body’s brain activity could provide continual and improved treatment for the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD) in certain people with the disorder.

Researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that an artificial intelligence (AI) model solved medical quiz questions—designed to test health professionals’ ability to diagnose patients based on clinical images and a brief text summary—with high accuracy.

A tablet-based screening tool that analyzes children’s behavior in response to specific video clips shows promise for enhancing early autism screening, according to a study supported in part by the National Institute of Mental Health.

Results from a national survey indicate that many Americans, 61%, are unaware that primary care physicians can prescribe medications for opioid use disorder, and 13% incorrectly believed that they could not.

The World Health Organization (WHO) issued a medical product alert on falsified semaglutides, the type of medicines that are used for treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity in some countries.

The last time your blood pressure was measured, did you rush to the appointment while sipping coffee? Were you perched on an exam table with your legs dangling or your arm hanging? Were you chatting with a medical staff member or scrolling social media on your phone? Was your bladder full?

Pursuing a Heart-Healthy Planet

Some 55 years ago the poet and environmentalist Wendell Berry pondered the distressing harm to the planet that had resulted from the very modernization that seemed to be improving lives. “We have lived by the assumption that what was good for us would be good for the world,” he wrote. “We have been wrong.”

Feeding children peanut products regularly from infancy to age 5 years reduced the rate of peanut allergy in adolescence by 71%, even when the children ate or avoided peanut products as desired for many years.

Short bursts of anger may temporarily damage the ability of blood vessels to properly dilate, a function believed to be pivotal in preventing arteries from hardening, new research suggests.

Jay Lieberman, MD, has been recognized by the American Association for the Advancement of Science for groundbreaking research in gene therapy and work improving joint replacement surgery.

Acetaminophen exposure during pregnancy is not linked to the risk of developing autism, ADHD, or intellectual disability, according to a new study of data from more than 2 million children in Sweden.

NIH-funded study suggests fenoprofen as a potential therapeutic for disease that affects 1 in 10 U.S. women.

Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, through its Office for Civil Rights (OCR) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), finalized modifications to the Confidentiality of Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Patient Records regulations at 42 CFR part 2 (“Part 2”), which protect the privacy of patients’ SUD treatment records.

NIA-funded researchers have developed a low-cost, universal attachment that some people may be able to use with a smartphone to measure blood pressure from their fingertips. News of the device was published in Scientific Reports.

American Heart Association volunteer experts issue annual list of the leading heart disease and stroke research for 2023.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra today released HHS's National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease: 2023 Update - PDF. The National Plan is a roadmap of strategies and actions of how HHS and its partners can accelerate research, expand treatments, improve care, support people living with dementia and their caregivers, and encourage action to reduce risk factors.

NIH-funded analysis finds patients treated with semaglutide had 49% to 73% lower risk of suicidal ideation than those given other medications.

Program now offers testing, telehealth and treatment for COVID-19 and flu. The federal government has expanded the Home Test to Treat program, an entirely virtual community health program that offers free COVID-19 health services: at-home rapid tests, telehealth sessions and at-home treatments, to eligible participants nationwide. Home Test to Treat, which is a collaboration among the National Institutes of Health, the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, launched as a pilot in select locations earlier this year.

Starting buprenorphine treatment for opioid use disorder through telehealth was associated with an increased likelihood of staying in treatment longer compared to starting treatment in a non-telehealth setting, according to a new study analyzing Medicaid data from 2019-2020 in Kentucky and Ohio.

Reducing overall calorie intake may rejuvenate your muscles and activate biological pathways important for good health, according to researchers at the National Institutes of Health and their colleagues. Decreasing calories without depriving the body of essential vitamins and minerals, known as calorie restriction, has long been known to delay the progression of age-related diseases in animal models. This new study, published in Aging Cell, suggests the same biological mechanisms may also apply to humans.

New deep brain stimulation device coupled with powerful AI may improve therapy for treatment-resistant depression.

Dementia is a loss of thinking, remembering, and reasoning skills. It’s not a normal part of aging. But the risk of developing dementia grows as people get older. Millions of Americans, along with their families and caregivers, are living with the effects of dementia. This number is expected to continue to grow as the population ages.

Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Zurzuvae (zuranolone), the first oral medication indicated to treat postpartum depression (PPD) in adults. PPD is a major depressive episode that typically occurs after childbirth but can also begin during the later stages of pregnancy. Until now, treatment for PPD was only available as an IV injection given by a health care provider in certain health care facilities.

Omega-3 fatty acids, which are abundant in fish and fish oil supplements, appear promising for maintaining lung health, according to new evidence from a large, multi-faceted study in healthy adults supported by the National Institutes of Health. The study provides the strongest evidence to date of this association and underscores the importance of including omega-3 fatty acids in the diet, especially given that many Americans do not meet current guidelines.

In a new study, National Institutes of Health (NIH) researchers found that altered B cell function in children with mitochondrial disorders led to a weaker and less diverse antibody response to viral infections. The study, published in Frontiers in Immunology was led by researchers at the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), who analyzed gene activity of immune cells in children with mitochondrial disorders and found that B cells, which produce antibodies to fight viral infections, are less able to survive cellular stress.

Today, United States Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy released a new Surgeon General’s Advisory on Social Media and Youth Mental Health - PDF. While social media may offer some benefits, there are ample indicators that social media can also pose a risk of harm to the mental health and well-being of children and adolescents. Social media use by young people is nearly universal, with up to 95% of young people ages 13-17 reporting using a social media platform and more than a third saying they use social media “almost constantly.”

Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is announcing the supplemental approval of Rexulti (brexpiprazole) oral tablets for the treatment of agitation associated with dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease. This is the first FDA-approved treatment option for this indication.

“Now that a second bivalent booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines is available to adults 65 years of age and older as well as people who are immunocompromised and at high-risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19, the AMA encourages everyone who is eligible to get their second booster dose.

A new collection of articles expands on research showing that initiating the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination series at age nine improves vaccination utilization and increases the number of adolescents who complete their series on time compared to starting at ages 11-12. The 2023 Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics Collection sponsored by the American Cancer Society, the National HPV Vaccination Roundtable, and the St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program is now available in the Human Vaccines and Immunotherapeutics Journal.

The Biden-Harris Administration has made promoting competition and protecting consumers a top priority. Today, in support of the President’s Executive Order on promoting competition and the Administration’s commitment to transparency, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is releasing ownership data for all Medicare-certified hospice and home health agencies. For the first time, anyone can now review detailed information on the ownership of more than 6,000 hospices and 11,000 home health agencies certified to participate in the Medicare program on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) website.

In the constantly unfolding tale of the pandemic, long COVID – the persistent effects that can follow a SARS-CoV-2 infection – is among the more challenging twists, one that researchers are just beginning to grasp in adults.And in children, it might be a whole other story.

Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Omisirge (omidubicel-onlv), a substantially modified allogeneic (donor) cord blood-based cell therapy to quicken the recovery of neutrophils (a subset of white blood cells) in the body and reduce the risk of infection. The product is intended for use in adults and pediatric patients 12 years and older with blood cancers planned for umbilical cord blood transplantation following a myeloablative conditioning regimen (treatment such as radiation or chemotherapy).

A National Institutes of Health (NIH) clinical trial was stopped early because a daily statin medication was found to reduce the increased risk of cardiovascular disease among people living with HIV in the first large-scale clinical study to test a primary cardiovascular prevention strategy in this population.

NIH-funded clinical trial underscores need for better treatments for deadly condition.

A National Institutes of Health-supported study found that high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, often called the “good cholesterol,” may not be as effective as scientists once believed in uniformly predicting cardiovascular disease risk among adults of different racial and ethnic backgrounds.

One year after launching its expanded Overdose Expansion Strategy, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) reveals the progress made by increasing the capacity to treat addiction

There are many causes of stress, but experts say one leading factor has increased significantly in recent years: work-related burnout.

The American Heart Association and American Medical Association celebrate more than 1,300 physician practices and health systems committed to blood pressure control.

More Affordable Hearing Aids Could Be in Stores as Soon as Mid-October

The American Heart Association warns of misinformation about the COVID-19 vaccine spreading via email and social media by using fraudulent AHA logos.

About Monkeypox

In this article, the CDC provides a list of useful information about the Monkeypox virus including a brief history, signs and symptoms, and prevention measures.

NIH study of pregnant women confirms link with chemicals that could put pregnancy at risk.

Sleep duration has joined the seven original metrics to measure ideal cardiovascular health, now called Life's Essential 8.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration explains how a family's support is vital in helping a loved one struggling with addiction.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness introduces a free, virtual education program called "NAMI Ending The Silence" for middle school and highschool-aged students.

Using machine learning, researchers find patterns in electronic health record data to better identify those likely to have the condition.

This week, the American Lung Association’s LUNG FORCE initiative is celebrating Turquoise Takeover to raise awareness about lung cancer, the nation’s leading cancer killer.

New resources to help people seeking care to understand and access protections offered under the Parity Law for mental health and substance use disorder benefits

Study shows pregnant adults are less likely to experience preterm births or other serious problems with treatment.

Serum sodium levels may help identify adults with a greater chance of experiencing heart disease.

Since March is National Nutrition Month, the Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation takes the opportunity to explore the importance of nutrition and bone health in children and adults and explains how it is linked to an increased lifespan.

Woman has remained without detectable HIV for 14 months making this the third known case of HIV remission in an individual who received a stem cell transplant.

Research from Boston University reinforces that there is no safe e-cigarette

Recently, the Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) issued guidance to health care providers on civil rights protections for people with disabilities. The guidance makes clear that in light of the continuing public health emergency it is vital that individuals with disabilities are not prevented from receiving needed health care benefits.

A new study funded by the NIH sheds light on the potential for long-term, at-home use of deep brain stimulation as treatment for neuropsychiatric disorders.

According to a new study, bypass grafts using leg veins were more likely to be successful and less likely to have a recurrance of heart-related chest pain. These new techniques could become more standard for bypass patients.

As the school year begins again, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) is awarding grants to strengthen the mental health services for American youth. The first grant raises awareness for mental health issues in youth, while the second organizes treatment for those with emotional disorders. Together, the first year totals for the programs amount to $74.2 million.

Improving air quality may improve cognitives functions and reduce the overall risk of dementia, according to several studies recently reported at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference. The studies explored the connection between air pollutants and dementia and what reducing them might mean for long-term brain health.

Protect Yourself From Lyme Disease

It's peak tick weather! Ticks get more active when it's warm outside. Some carry dieseases that can be passed on to you through their bite.

Mobile app helps parents and caregivers prepare for some of the most important conversations they may ever have with their kids.

A new CDC study finds the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna) reduce the risk of infection by 91 percent for fully vaccinated people.

NIH scientists discover that the resting brain repeatedly replays compressed memories of what was just practiced.

People who have an implanted cardiac device should not be near electronic devices that have magnets or produce electromagnetic waves because they can interfere with the cardiac device’s functions.

These recommendations can help you make decisions about daily activities after you are fully vaccinated.

Early results show that a new combination drug therapy is safe and effective against advanced skin cancer in patients who were not able to have their tumors surgically removed.

Journal of the American Heart Association publishes special Go Red for Women® issue to highlight the challenges in cardiovascular care and outcomes for women.

NIH-funded study suggests feedback-based video intervention could help at-risk families.

For many of us, as we get older the skin on our face begins to sag and we seem to lose volume around our eyes, cheeks and chin.

Improve How Your Mask Protects You

Correct and consistent mask use is a critical step everyone can take to prevent getting and spreading COVID-19.

The body’s response to COVID-19 infection on the brain, spinal cord, nerves and muscle can be particularly devastating.

New data provide clearest picture to date of how costly and common STIs are in the U.S.

With NIH support, scientists across the United States and around the world conduct wide-ranging research to discover ways to enhance health, lengthen life, and reduce illness and disability.

Updates to six key areas of asthma care focus on improving diagnosis, management and treatment.

The American Heart Association’s signature women’s initiative, Go Red for Women®, calls for coordinated efforts to do more.

FDA continues to find issues with certain hand sanitizer products.

Scientists have developed a new test that can help identify people who are likely to develop hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common form of liver cancer.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) leads the specialty's medical professionals in navigating their practices' recovery plans.

Variability in sleep duration and timing may represent new and independent heart disease risk factor.

Protect yourself and your community from getting and spreading respiratory illnesses like coronavirus disease 2019.

Many of the symptoms of colorectal cancer can also be caused by something that isn’t cancer. Still, if you have any of these problems, it is a sign that you should go to the doctor so the cause can be found and treated.

Some people are early risers, wide awake at the crack of dawn. Others are night owls who can’t seem to get to bed until well after midnight and prefer to sleep in. Why is this?

How Stress Causes Gray Hair

Stress can cause hair to gray prematurely by affecting the stem cells that are responsible for regenerating hair pigment.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Palforzia to mitigate allergic reactions that may occur with accidental exposure to peanuts.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is closely monitoring an outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a novel (new) coronavirus.

Help is available.

Age-related changes to the cartilaginous tissue of the spine could invite painful nerve growth, say researchers.

You may not know that just being really cold can make you very sick.

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