February 27, 2025
Using an animal model of multiple sclerosis (MS), researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have created a four-dimensional brain map that reveals how lesions similar to those seen in human MS form. These findings, published in Science, provide a window into the early disease state and could help identify potential targets for MS treatments and brain tissue repair.
New 4D Brain Map reveals potential early warning signs of multiple sclerosis
February 13, 2025
Liquid biopsies may change the way we find and treat cancer Over the last decade, researchers have made huge strides in learning how to detect signs of cancer in bodily fluids like blood, saliva, and urine. This special Research in Context feature looks at how these liquid biopsies are now being tested to aid early detection and guide treatment.
February 7, 2025
With syphilis cases soaring 80% in adults and an astounding 183% in congenital cases — when a pregnant person passes syphilis to their baby during pregnancy or childbirth — from the years 2018-22, the National Institutes of Health’s National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) launched a nationwide call to action for the improvement and innovation of diagnostics for the sexually transmitted infection. This fall, the NIAID awarded $2.4 million in grants spread over 10 research projects that will work toward the simplification and acceleration of the syphilis testing process. The initiative will help expediate test results, therefore reducing the spread of the infection caused by the bacterium treponema pallidum.
Purdue News: Public Health researcher part of $2.4 million NIH-funded national research initiative to improve, innovate syphilis diagnostics
January 22, 2025
Maternal stress hormone levels during early pregnancy can have a lasting effect on the stress system of the offspring. The results of a long-term study on wild Assamese macaques in Thailand indicate that maternal stress in the first half of pregnancy is particularly relevant. Elevated stress hormones later during pregnancy or after birth did not have the same effects. The long-term study provides important insights into the influence of early life stages on the development of the stress system under natural environmental conditions.
Exposure to stress during early pregnancy affects offspring into adulthood
January 22, 2025
Investigators found negative mental health conditions among women firefighters may reduce levels of key hormone associated with ovarian reserve
Research shows PTSD, anxiety may affect reproductive health of women firefighters
January 21, 2025
A clinical trial demonstrates the effectiveness of telephone-delivered acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) in reducing fatigue's interference with functioning and improving the quality of life for survivors of metastatic breast cancer. The ACT intervention helped study participants to fall asleep with greater ease. Fatigue remains a significant challenge for these survivors, affecting up to 63 percent of patients and severely impacting daily functioning.
Telephone therapy reduces fatigue interference with activities, mood and cognition for metastatic breast cancer survivors
January 20, 2025
A international research team developed a digital biomarker for predicting symptoms of depression based on data collected by smartwatches.
January 15, 2025
A new study has revealed a potential reason why some pregnancies achieved through assisted reproductive technology (ART) may result in birth defects in comparison to naturally conceived pregnancies.
IVF pregnancies at greater risk of exposure to medicines that can harm the fetus
January 15, 2025
Higher screening rates along with treatment advances have reduced breast cancer deaths by 42% in recent decades. Still, it remains the second deadliest cancer among women in the United States, with over 40,000 expected to die of the disease last year. And for the almost 4 million women living with breast cancer, the physical and mental toll of treatment and survivorship can be significant. Fittingly, researchers are exploring ways to prevent breast cancer from developing in the first place. During a session of the 2024 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS), held December 10-13, presenters discussed potential strategies for breast cancer prevention, including vaccines, personalized doses of prophylactic tamoxifen, and targeted inhibition of the cells that give rise to breast cancer. Of note, all three presenters suggested applying existing therapeutic agents to cancer prevention.
January 14, 2025
Research has established a clear link between racial and ethnic disparities in maternal heart health and higher risks of preterm birth, preeclampsia and cardiovascular issues for Black and Hispanic mothers and their babies.
How improving education could close maternal heart health gaps
