The Breast Cancer and the Environment Research Program is expanding its focus to prevention, involving new communities and studying risk factors like breast density. Researchers will explore links between environmental exposures and high breast density, aiming to identify new insights into prevention.
A study by the National Institutes of Health found that low-level arsenic exposure before birth is associated with early puberty and obesity in female mice. The researchers exposed pregnant mice to low levels of arsenic through drinking water and observed significant weight gain and premature onset of puberty in the offspring.
Researchers have identified hybrid hepatocytes, which regenerate liver tissue more efficiently than normal cells without causing cancer. These cells offer a promising approach to treating liver diseases and potentially preventing fatal liver failure.
The protein RGS2 plays a vital role in preserving the fertilizability of the ovulated egg by suppressing premature calcium release. In mouse studies, RGS2 delays an egg's development to allow time for sperm to arrive and merge with the egg in a healthy fertilization process.
Researchers at NIH solved a mystery about ovarian cell origins and discovered how these cells share information during development. This new understanding may help identify causes of conditions like premature ovarian failure and polycystic ovarian syndrome.
Researchers at NIH/NIEHS are studying the health impacts of the 2010 oil spill on Gulf Coast residents, including cleanup workers and local communities. The study found increased physical symptoms and mental health concerns among cleanup workers, highlighting the need for further research and preparedness.
Researchers have mapped the epigenomes of over 100 human cells and tissues, offering new insights into how genes are turned on and off in different cellular contexts. The comprehensive data set provides a powerful tool for studying human biology and understanding the links between the genome and disease.
The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) has awarded $3 million to six outstanding early-career scientists to study the effects of environmental substances on human health. The researchers will investigate connections between pollutants, cognitive function, asthma, and DNA damage.
Researchers used time-lapse crystallography to show that DNA polymerase inserts damaged molecules into DNA strands, triggering cell death in response to environmental exposures. This process can lead to various human diseases, including cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
A genetically diverse mouse model has been developed to predict human responses to chemical exposures. The Diversity Outbred mice show a range of susceptibility to benzene exposure, similar to humans, and can help identify genetic factors involved.
The HHS has added four new substances to its 13th Report on Carcinogens, including ortho-toluidine, 1-bromopropane, cumene, and pentachlorophenol. Ortho-toluidine is a known human carcinogen, while the other three are reasonably anticipated to be human carcinogens based on studies in humans and animals.
Research found that low doses of arsenic, similar to those consumed by humans, cause lung cancer in male mice. Arsenic levels above 50 ppb led to significant increases in benign and malignant lung tumors.
A recent study found that even low levels of lead in children's blood are associated with increased risk of behavioral and emotional problems. As blood lead levels increase, so do the problems, highlighting the importance of reducing lead exposure in children.
Scientists discovered a surprising collaboration between p53 and NF-kappaB proteins in immune cells, which can lead to increased inflammation. This finding may help develop new strategies to prevent inflammatory side effects of chemotherapy.
A new NIH study reveals that obesity primes the colon for cancer, with frequent exercise and calorie control shown to lower the risk. The research suggests that molecular signals in the gut lead to cancer progression in obese mice, highlighting the importance of a healthy lifestyle in preventing colorectal cancer.
A nationwide study found that allergy prevalence is consistent across the US, with regional variations in specific types of allergies. Children under 5 in southern states showed a higher prevalence of allergies to dust mites and cockroaches.
A NIH study reveals that age-related DNA methylation changes may contribute to increased cancer incidence. The researchers identified sites across the human genome that become increasingly methylated with advancing age and are also disproportionately methylated in various human cancers.
A study led by NIH scientists found that a variant form of the p53 gene increases the risk of testicular cancer up to threefold in white men. The research suggests that this variant helps protect light-skinned individuals from UV skin damage, but allows testicular stem cells to grow in the presence of DNA damage.
Researchers used X-ray crystallography to visualize how brominated flame retardants bind to proteins like estrogens, potentially disrupting the body's natural hormones. The study sheds light on the effects of flame retardants on human health and provides insights for developing safer alternatives.
A set of proteins involved in the body's natural defenses produces a large number of mutations in human DNA, according to a study led by researchers at the National Institutes of Health. In some cancers, these naturally produced mutations can outnumber all other mutations and account for over two-thirds of tumors.
Conscious Clothing's wearable breathing analysis tool calculates inhaled particulate matter and transmits data to Bluetooth-capable devices. Researchers can now monitor relationships between air pollutants and individual health responses in real-time.
Women with sufficient vitamin D levels had a 32% lower risk of developing fibroids, according to the NIH study. The research also found that spending more time outdoors was associated with a decreased risk of fibroids.
Researchers found a 43% increase in autism among mothers with top 20th percentile CRP levels and an 80% increase at the top 10th percentile. The study used a large national birth cohort and adds to evidence of an overactive immune response altering fetal brain development.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that H1N1 flu shots do not increase the risk of pregnancy loss. In fact, vaccination reduces the risk of fetal loss by up to twofold compared to influenza infection alone.
Four finalists have been selected in the My Air, My Health Challenge to create wearable sensors that measure airborne pollutants and related physiological data. The challenge aims to spur development of personal devices gathering health and air quality data for long-term health outcomes.
A NIH study found a bacterial protein in common house dust may worsen allergic responses to indoor allergens, leading to asthma. Researchers discovered flagellin boosts allergic reactions in mice with asthma, suggesting cleaning could reduce symptoms by removing bacteria.
Scientists at NIEHS discover a way to turn off P-glycoprotein, a major gatekeeper preventing medicinal drugs from reaching the brain, allowing small therapeutic agents to cross the blood-brain barrier. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for central nervous system diseases such as brain and spinal cord injury, brain cancer, ...
The My Air, My Health Challenge offers a cash award of $100,000 for the most effective solution in integrating physiological and air quality data. The competition aims to better understand the connection between air quality and health, and will collaborate between health researchers and technologists.
Researchers at NIH have discovered how arsenic exposure can turn normal stem cells into cancer stem cells, spur tumor growth. This finding suggests that cancer may be a stem-cell-based disease and has implications for understanding carcinogenesis.
A study by the NIH found that over 32 million Americans have autoantibodies, which are proteins made by the immune system that target body tissues. The prevalence of these autoantibodies is higher among women, older individuals, and African-Americans.
Researchers found that blocking EETs production can eliminate blood vessels that feed cancer tumors, promoting metastasis. Increasing EET levels may help patients with vascular conditions, but excessive levels promote tumor growth and metastasis.
The US Tox21 program begins testing 10,000 compounds for potential toxicity using a high-speed robotic screening system. The testing will provide results useful for evaluating the potential health effects of these chemicals and revolutionize the assessment of new environmental chemicals and drug development.
A new study funded by the NIH shows that wood stoves with chimneys can lower exposure to indoor wood smoke and reduce severe pneumonia cases in children less than 18 months old. The study found a significant reduction of 30% in severe childhood pneumonia, which is attributed to reduced carbon monoxide exposure levels.
The NIH has launched a new research program to investigate the impact of climate change on human health, with a focus on identifying risk factors and vulnerabilities among various populations. The program aims to develop data and models to support health impact predictions and guide public health interventions.
The NIH-funded research network will evaluate potential harmful contaminants and assess their relationship to health outcomes, focusing on community health and resiliency. The four-year program will support population-based and laboratory research at four institutions and partner with over a dozen community organizations.
The National Toxicology Program has added eight substances to the HHS Report on Carcinogens, identifying chemicals that may increase cancer risk. These include formaldehyde, a known human carcinogen linked to nasal and other cancers, and captafol, a fungicide with limited evidence of lung cancer.
Researchers have identified a connection between DNA damage and the regulation of inflammatory responses in humans. The study found that an injury to chromosomes alters the expression of Toll-like receptors, leading to inflammation. This discovery may lead to new treatments for inflammatory diseases and cancer.
A new high-speed robot screening system has been unveiled to test 10,000 chemicals for potential toxicity, marking a significant advancement in the Tox21 collaboration. The system will provide information useful for evaluating the safety of industrial and consumer products, food additives, and drugs.
The GuLF STUDY is the largest health study of its kind ever conducted among cleanup workers and volunteers, aiming to understand the health effects of oil spills and exposure to crude oil. The study will enroll 55,000 people and collect data on their physical and mental health, lifestyle, and job history over a period of up to 10 years.
Researchers discovered a strong link between the use of pesticides rotenone and paraquat and an increased risk of developing Parkinson's disease. The study found that people who used these pesticides developed the disease around 2.5 times more often than non-users.
A new study by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences found that succimer does not effectively remove mercury from the body. Despite lower blood concentrations after one week, continued therapy over five months showed only a slight slowing of mercury accumulation.
A new study estimates that 2.5% of the US population has food allergies, with higher rates found in children, non-Hispanic blacks, and males. The research also identifies an association between food allergy and severe asthma, highlighting the need for increased awareness and monitoring of these conditions.
The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) has awarded $36 million in grants to support worker safety training programs. These programs aim to reduce exposure to hazards during disaster response, cleanup, and chemical emergency responses.
The National Institutes of Health will launch a multi-year study to investigate the potential health effects of the oil spill in the Gulf region. The study, led by NIEHS, aims to evaluate exposure to oil and dispersant products and their impact on respiratory, neurobehavioral, carcinogenic, and immunological conditions.
A new study found that prenatal exposure to low doses of atrazine causes prostate inflammation and delays puberty in male rats. The incidence of prostate inflammation increased significantly with the strength of the doses, while puberty was also delayed in animals exposed to atrazine.
A newly formed advisory committee will review all federal breast cancer research efforts and develop recommendations for improving existing programs. The committee aims to expand opportunities for collaborative, multi-disciplinary research and advance the understanding of links between environment, genes, and health.
A recent NIH-supported study has discovered a novel pathway that may lead to the development of new treatments for high blood pressure. By increasing certain proteins in mouse blood vessels, researchers were able to relax the vessels and lower blood pressure, reducing damage to the kidneys compared to normal mice.
A recent NIH-led interagency group report highlights 11 key categories of diseases affected by climate change, including respiratory problems, mental health issues, and cardiovascular disease. The report provides a starting point for federal research to better understand the impact of climate change on human health.
Researchers have discovered that targeting the blood-brain barrier can slow the accumulation of a protein associated with Alzheimer's disease. The study shows that activating a certain receptor in the brain can increase the expression of a blood-brain barrier protein that transports beta-amyloid out of the brain.
A new NIH-funded study has uncovered several DNA sequences linked to impaired pulmonary function, providing insight into mechanisms of lung capacity and potentially leading to better understanding of diseases like asthma and COPD. The findings may help develop new interventions to manage lung diseases and improve mortality rates.