2023 NIH Research Highlights - Basic Research Insights
Noteworthy NIH advances in basic research include detailed cellular maps of human and nonhuman animal brains, a contraceptive that disables sperm, and a vaccine that could provide broad protection against microbes. (Source: NIH Research Matters from the National Institutes of Health (NIH))
Source: NIH Research Matters from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) - December 19, 2023 Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news

Nanoplastics may help set the stage for Parkinson ’s risk
Scientists found that tiny plastic particles can enter nerve cells, impair breakdown of structures linked to Parkinson ’s disease, and harm certain brain regions in mice. (Source: NIH Research Matters from the National Institutes of Health (NIH))
Source: NIH Research Matters from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) - December 12, 2023 Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news

Impact of COVID-19 infections and vaccines on preterm birth
While contracting COVID-19 increased the risk of preterm birth between 2020 and 2022, the risk then faded, due in large part to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. (Source: NIH Research Matters from the National Institutes of Health (NIH))
Source: NIH Research Matters from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) - December 12, 2023 Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news

Deaths associated with pollution from coal power plants
Air pollution from coal power plants was associated with greater mortality than previously thought, but such deaths have decreased due to air pollution regulations and coal power plant retirements. (Source: NIH Research Matters from the National Institutes of Health (NIH))
Source: NIH Research Matters from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) - December 11, 2023 Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news

Mindfulness training can boost heart-healthy eating
A program designed to enhance mindfulness and promote healthy behaviors led to improved self-awareness and better adherence to a heart-protecting diet. (Source: NIH Research Matters from the National Institutes of Health (NIH))
Source: NIH Research Matters from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) - December 5, 2023 Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news

Designing a safer antifungal drug
Researchers altered a toxic anti-fungal drug to make it safer and more effective, although it still needs to be tested in people. (Source: NIH Research Matters from the National Institutes of Health (NIH))
Source: NIH Research Matters from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) - December 5, 2023 Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news

Lower sodium could reduce blood pressure in most people
Lowering sodium intake significantly reduced blood pressure in most people, even those who were already taking blood pressure medications. (Source: NIH Research Matters from the National Institutes of Health (NIH))
Source: NIH Research Matters from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) - December 4, 2023 Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news

Synthetic melanin nanoparticles for wound healing
Synthetic nanoparticles made of the skin pigment melanin sped up healing of skin injuries and may one day serve as a topical therapy for wound healing. (Source: NIH Research Matters from the National Institutes of Health (NIH))
Source: NIH Research Matters from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) - November 21, 2023 Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news

Hot yoga may help relieve depression symptoms
A small pilot study found that hot yoga sessions reduced symptoms of depression in about half of participants who had moderate to severe depression. (Source: NIH Research Matters from the National Institutes of Health (NIH))
Source: NIH Research Matters from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) - November 21, 2023 Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news

PET scans of the heart may aid early detection of Lewy body diseases
PET scans of the heart may help to identify which at-risk people will later develop Parkinson ’s disease or dementia with Lewy bodies. (Source: NIH Research Matters from the National Institutes of Health (NIH))
Source: NIH Research Matters from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) - November 20, 2023 Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news

Liquid biopsies and AI give insight into eye health and aging
Researchers developed a technique to assess thousands of proteins in eye fluids and identify cellular drivers for disease and aging. (Source: NIH Research Matters from the National Institutes of Health (NIH))
Source: NIH Research Matters from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) - November 7, 2023 Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news

Cardiovascular deaths likely to rise from extreme heat
Researchers estimated there will be an increase in cardiovascular deaths due to extreme heat between now and mid-century. (Source: NIH Research Matters from the National Institutes of Health (NIH))
Source: NIH Research Matters from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) - November 7, 2023 Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news

Intermittent fasting for weight loss in people with type 2 diabetes
People with obesity and type 2 diabetes lost more weight using daily periods of fasting than by trying to restrict calories over a six-month period. (Source: NIH Research Matters from the National Institutes of Health (NIH))
Source: NIH Research Matters from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) - November 6, 2023 Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news

Scientists build largest maps to date of cells in human brain
International research teams created highly detailed cellular maps of adult and developing human brains, along with the brains of other animals. (Source: NIH Research Matters from the National Institutes of Health (NIH))
Source: NIH Research Matters from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) - October 31, 2023 Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news

Immune boost may protect against multiple hospital-acquired infections
A novel type of vaccine designed to stimulate the innate immune system provided protection for mice against a wide range of bacteria and fungi. (Source: NIH Research Matters from the National Institutes of Health (NIH))
Source: NIH Research Matters from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) - October 31, 2023 Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news