COVID vaccines five times more effective at preventing COVID-related hospitalization than prior infection alone, study finds

COVID vaccines are five times more effective at preventing COVID-related hospitalization than prior infection alone, according to new research. The study was conducted by CDC's VISION Network which gathered data from more than 201,000 hospitalizations in nine different states.

Is it worth trying to sway the most staunch climate deniers?

A researcher surveyed 645 Americans about their beliefs on climate change -- whether or not those beliefs are informed by fact or fiction -- to assess their communication behaviors about climate change.

New study shows environmental and social factors contribute to higher rates of pneumonia in children

A new study demonstrates that children who are exposed to a certain type of environmental air pollution are more likely to contract community acquired pneumonia, or CAP, and to be hospitalized for longer periods of time. Social factors, including race and socioeconomic status, were also found to be associated with living in high-risk areas for CAP.

Dopamine’s many roles, explained

Studying fruit flies, researchers ask how a single brain chemical can orchestrate diverse functions such as learning, motivation and movement.

How foodborne diseases protect the gut's nervous system

Prior infections appear to shield enteric neurons, preventing these key components of the body's 'second brain' from dying off when future pathogens strike.

Detector advance could lead to cheaper, easier medical scans

Researchers have demonstrated the first experimental cross-sectional medical image that doesn't require tomography, a mathematical process used to reconstruct images in CT and PET scans. The work could lead to cheaper, easier and more accurate medical imaging.

Science Briefs

CDC is learning more about how COVID-19 spreads and affects people and communities. Learn more by viewing scientific briefs and agendas.

Science Brief: SARS-CoV-2 Infection-induced and Vaccine-induced Immunity

Find information on infection- and vaccine-induced immunity from the virus that causes COVID-19.

Cause of Alzheimer’s progression in the brain

For the first time, researchers have used human data to quantify the speed of different processes that lead to Alzheimer's disease and found that it develops in a very different way than previously thought. Their results could have important implications for the development of potential treatments.

Innovative chip resolves quantum headache

Quantum physicists are reporting an international achievement for Denmark in the field of quantum technology. By simultaneously operating multiple spin qubits on the same quantum chip, they surmounted a key obstacle on the road to the supercomputer of the future. The result bodes well for the use of semiconductor materials as a platform for solid-state quantum computers.

High availability of fast-food restaurants across all US neighborhood types linked to higher rates of type 2 diabetes

A new nationwide study suggests that living in neighborhoods with higher availability of fast-food outlets across all regions of the United States is associated with higher subsequent risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Why do humans possess a twisted birth canal?

The relatively narrow human birth canal presumably evolved as a 'compromise' between its abilities for parturition, support of the inner organs, and upright walking. But not only the size of the birth canal, also its complex, 'twisted' shape is an evolutionary puzzle. Researchers now present new insights into why the human birth canal evolved to have this complex shape. They suggest that the longitudinally oval shape of the lower birth canal is beneficial for the stability of the pelvic floor muscles.

Scientists eliminate key Alzheimer’s feature in animal model

A study finds that changing the biochemistry of parts of brain cells abolished the formation of amyloid beta plaques in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. The finding might eventually lead to treatments that prevent the memory-robbing condition in humans.

Uncovering how injury to the pancreas impacts cancer formation

Pioneering research shows that acinar cells in the pancreas form new cell types to mitigate injury but are then susceptible to cancerous mutations.

New potential drug target for pneumonia

Researchers report that a recently discovered inflammatory mediator, interleukin-26, appears to have an important role in pneumonia and contribute to the killing of bacteria.

Drug-like molecule points to novel strategies for cancer therapy

A decade ago, genome sequencing revealed a big surprise: about 50 percent of human cancers are linked to mutations in what are known as epigenetic regulators, which control the activity of genes. Medical researchers have now developed a new drug-like molecule that can counteract the effects of mutated epigenetic regulators, which are known to drive certain types of cancer including lymphoma.

Non-thermal atmospheric plasma stimulates new bone formation in critical bone defects of animal model

A recent project has revealed new bone formation in critical bone defects of an animal model with an exposure to a pencil-type non-thermal atmospheric-pressure plasma at surgery.

Lower antibiotic resistance in intestinal bacteria with forgotten antibiotic

A forgotten antibiotic, temocillin, led to lower selection of resistant bacteria than the standard treatment for febrile urinary tract infection. Thus, temocillin may be useful in treating severe urinary tract infections that give rise to fever, and contribute to a reduced spread of resistant bacteria in hospitals.

Researchers identify core genetic networks driving human embryonic stem cell behavior

Researchers uncovered key networks that simultaneously control pluripotency and readiness for cell death (apoptosis), helping to ensure optimal conditions for embryonic development. The study's findings offer new insights into cancer genetics and a novel approach for regenerative medicine research.

Horse riding confirmed as a viable mobility treatment for cerebral palsy

Cerebral palsy (CP) affects around two out of every 1000 children born worldwide. Physical therapy is the foremost way of improving movement, balance, and posture in children with CP. Research has shown that hippotherapy, a form of physical therapy involving horse riding, is effective for treating CP. But how exactly does it help? In a recent study, researchers explore this question and provide insightful answers as well as a baseline for future research.

The goal in mind

Scientists discover the brain's internal goal map enabling animals to navigate precisely to a chosen destination.

Gene signature identifies drivers of treatment resistance in metastatic breast cancer

A multi-institution team of researchers has discovered a genetic signature that can identify drivers of poor outcomes in advanced estrogen-receptor positive (ER+) breast cancer, which could one day lead to personalized treatment for patients.

'Trade-offs' between wellbeing and resilience

There can be 'trade-offs' between increasing human wellbeing and improving the resilience of societies and ecosystems, researchers say.

Southern Border Toolkit for Partners

CDC created this airline toolkit for airlines that are educating/informing travelers and crew about COVID-19.

Serial radiation therapy is safe and effective as alternative treatment to systemic therapy for kidney cancer, study suggests

In a new single-arm study, researchers reported that radiation therapy as monotherapy is a safe and effective noninvasive treatment for oligometastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

For knee replacement patients, physical therapy reduces risk of chronic opioid use

Even low levels of physical therapy were associated with lower risk of chronic opioid use after total knee replacement. The team's analysis of over 67,000 patient records revealed that the longer a patient waits to start physical therapy, the greater the eventual odds of chronic opioid use.

Technology’s impact on worker well-being

In the traditional narrative of the evolving 21st century workplace, technological substitution of human employees is treated as a serious concern, while technological complementarity -- the use of automation and artificial intelligence to complement workers -- is viewed as a good thing. But a new study tells a more nuanced story, demonstrating that the integration of automation and AI in the workplace has mixed, even negative impacts, on worker wellbeing.

Brain monitoring suggests common link between electrical tremors and mental health disorders

A new review of current literature has found that irregular responses in the brain to challenging tasks and mistakes could be key to understanding common links between abnormal behaviors in a range of mental illness and cognitive disorders.

Feedback, goal-setting improve attention

For individuals to sustain their attention on a task over a long period of time, goal-setting is effective but receiving feedback produces a much stronger effect, according to a new study.

New research casts doubt on claims that people have ‘rose-tinted glasses’

New research casts doubt on claims that people have 'rose-tinted glasses' and findings suggest governments should re-examine their use of 'optimism bias' in large-scale projects.

Guidance and Tips for Tribal Community Living During COVID-19

Social Distancing for Tribal Communities with Local COVID-19 Transmission

Information about the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine

The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is an mRNA vaccine that requires 2 shots, 21 days apart. Learn about safety data, efficacy, and clinical trial demographics.

Interim Guidelines for Collecting, Handling, and Testing Clinical Specimens for COVID-19

Health care providers should contact their local/state health department immediately to notify them of patients with fever and lower respiratory illness who they suspect may have COVID-19.

Computer scientists developed method for identifying disease biomarkers with high accuracy

Experts have created a deep neural network that achieves 98 per cent detection of peptide features in a dataset. That means scientists and medical practitioners have a greater chance of discovering possible diseases through tissue sample analysis.

Burning and tingling in your feet? You may have small fiber neuropathy

The number of people experiencing numbness, tingling and pain in their feet with no known cause has been increasing over the last two decades, according at a new study. Called small fiber neuropathy, the condition has different symptoms than large fiber neuropathy, which can cause weakness and balance issues. But in many cases people have both types of neuropathy.

Researchers evaluate whether lactate sensors can contribute to sports physiology

A recent article says that despite a recent history of contradictory -- and incomplete -- evidence, sports physiology is zeroing in on whether lactate sensor technology can improve performance while preventing injury.

Investigating and responding to COVID-19 cases in non-healthcare work settings

Investigating and responding to COVID-19 cases in non-healthcare work settings -Considerations for state and local health departments

Infections from respiratory viruses follow a predictable seasonal pattern, researchers find

Viral infections peak in January and bottom out in June, with worse seasons every second year -- an ebb and flow that could help the health-care system plan ahead.

Information About Johnson & Johnson's Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine

J&J's Janssen COVID-19 vaccine is a viral vector vaccine that requires only 1 shot. Learn about safety data, efficacy, and clinical trial demographics.

Promising new antimalarial compound discovered

A discovery opens the door to the development of new drugs targeting malaria, one of the deadliest infectious diseases on the planet. The researcher teams performed a screen of soil bacteria extracts for antimalarials and identified an extremely potent inhibitor of malaria development.

A mathematical model to help optimize vaccine development

Scientists are using a mathematical model to better understand the immune response to vaccines.

Not all acne is equal: Scientists reveal strains of C. acnes that promote skin health

Researchers reveal correlation between ribotype (RT) strains of Cutibacterium acnes, which are found in human skin, and the lifespan of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Strains RT4 and 8, which are associated with acne in human skin, shortened the lifespan of the nematode, while RT6, which are predominantly found in healthy human skin, did not. Also, it was found that the healthy skin-related RT6 strain of C. acnes improved C. elegans resistance to the pathogenic organism Staphylococcus aureus.

Sweet! How glycogen is linked to heat generation in fat cells

Researchers describe how energy expenditure and heat production are regulated in obesity through a previously unknown cellular pathway.

All about Eve, sophisticated AI

New AI model called EVE outperforms other AI methods in determining whether a gene variant is benign or disease-causing. When applied to more than 36 million variants across 3,219 disease-associated proteins and genes, EVE indicated more than 256,000 human gene variants of unknown significance that should be reclassified as benign or pathogenic. Used in combination with current clinical tools, EVE can improve clinical assessments of genetic mutations and boost diagnostic and prognostic accuracy.

Four commonly used medications reverse Alzheimer's disease in mice

Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia in Western societies and it is estimated that 24 million people worldwide have this condition. Researchers have managed to reverse the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease in mice by administering drugs currently used to treat hypertension and inflammation in humans.

Smart sensor equipped chair may help office workers reduce their back pain woes

The chair identifies sitting behavior associated with worsening low back pain, warning workers so they can get up and move around before the pain worsens.

Bone mineral density decreases less than expected after menopause

Bone mineral density at the femoral neck bone in postmenopausal women decreased by an average of 10% during a 25-year follow-up, according to a new study. Being the world's hitherto longest follow-up of changes in bone mineral density in postmenopausal women, the study shows that bone loss after menopause is significantly lower than has previously been assumed on the basis of earlier studies.

Cat’s meow: Robotic pet boosts mood, behavior and cognition in adults with dementia

Researchers tested the effectiveness of affordable, interactive robotic pet cats to improve mood, behavior and cognition in older adults with mild to moderate dementia. Mood and behavioral symptoms were measured along with cognition using the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). Intervention with this robotic cat improved all mood scores over time, with significant improvements in mood and depression. More than half of the participants scored higher on the MMSE post-test than pretest, with slight to moderate improvement in attention/calculation, language, and registration. The robotic cats also provided participants with an alternative way to express themselves.

Cancer cells change shape, how they move to invade different types of tissue

Research has shed new light on the way malignant cells change their shape and migration techniques to invade different types of tissue.

Flexible device could treat hearing loss without batteries

Some people are born with hearing loss, while others acquire it with age, infections or long-term noise exposures. In many instances, the tiny hairs in the inner ear's cochlea that allow the brain to recognize electrical pulses as sound are damaged. As a step toward an advanced artificial cochlea, researchers report a conductive membrane, which translated sound waves into matching electrical signals when implanted inside a model ear, without requiring external power.

New computer modeling could boost drug discovery

Scientists have developed a computer-aided data tool that could improve treatment for a range of illnesses.

Brain connectivity is lower in adults with PTSD or a history of sexual abuse

A study has found that adults with maltreatment-related posttraumatic stress disorder or a history of sexual abuse have lower brain connectivity in the attention systems known as the ventral and dorsal attention network. These networks enable us to shift attention from external events to a specific task. The team also found that oxytocin, a hormone associated with social affiliation as well as stress response, increases brain connectivity in those systems.

Genetic risk of mental health conditions may influence where people choose to live, study suggests

Research on around 386,000 UK adults has found that a high genetic risk for schizophrenia and other mental health conditions, including bipolar disorder, anorexia and autism, is associated with living in and moving to urban areas. In contrast, people with low genetic risk of ADHD preferentially moved from rural/suburban environments to cities.

Psychologists create body-maps of hallucinations

Psychologists have created body-maps of the sensations which arise during hallucinations in people experiencing psychosis.

How a natural disaster can bring couples closer

According to a study of couples in the Houston area before and after Hurricane Harvey, natural disasters can actually bring married couples closer together, at least temporarily. This surprised researchers because in previous studies looking at everyday stressors, couples typically experience 'stress spillover' in their relationships, which can decrease their satisfaction with their relationships.

Release of chemical dopamine in infant brains may help control early social development

Changing levels of the chemical dopamine, a chemical most associated with motivation, may help explain why stressful experiences during infancy can lead to lasting behavioral issues, a new study shows.

Modeling improvements promise increased accuracy for epidemic forecasting

Accurate forecasting of epidemic scenarios is critical to implementing effective public health intervention policies. Researchers used dynamical stochastic modeling techniques to reveal that infection and recovery rate fluctuations play a critical role in determining peak times for epidemics. Using a susceptible-infected-recovered epidemic model that incorporates daily fluctuations on control parameters, the study applies probability theory calculations to infection counts at the beginning of an epidemic wave and at peak times for populations in Italy.

Test for Current Infection (Viral Test)

Provides information on testing for coronavirus infection, including how to decide about testing, how to get a test, and what to do after a viral test.

Previous COVID-19 Forecasts: Hospitalizations

Learn about COVID-19 forecasts and modeling for new hospitalizations.

Brain circuitry for both positive and negative 'valence' affected by trauma

Research has revealed that the brain employs distinct circuitries that mediate positive, or rewarding, behaviors and negative, or aversive, ones. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has long been thought to arise from overactivity in the negative valence system, however a new study shows that people with PTSD also displayed a deficit in activation of positive valence processing soon after the trauma, suggesting it plays a role in resilience to PTSD.

Fermented soybeans suppress asthma-induced airway inflammation

Researchers have revealed in an animal model that ImmuBalance, a fermented soybean product, is effective in suppressing airway inflammation caused by asthma. Results showed a decreased presence of eosinophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, a decrease in mucus production in the bronchial epithelium, and a suppression of proteins that induce eosinophilic inflammation.

Unprecedented look at the health status of a diverse patient population

Early results from a landmark, three-year observational study called MIPACT, short for Michigan Predictive Activity & Clinical Trajectories, provide insight into the baseline health status of a representative group of thousands of people.

Many new college students report pet separation anxiety

A survey of a sample of new first-year college students leaving pets at home and found that 75% experienced some level of pet separation anxiety -- with one in four reporting moderate to severe symptoms. The students who had higher anxiety tended to be those who treated their pets more like people, identifying them as friends, sleeping in the same room and generally spending a lot of time with them. Students who had dogs at home also tended to report more attachment to their pets -- and more separation anxiety -- than those with cats and other types of pets.

A good night’s sleep may mitigate infant obesity risks

New research suggests that newborns who sleep longer and wake up less throughout the night are less likely to be overweight in infancy.

Reporting COVID-19 Vaccinations in the United States

Information on COVID-19 vaccination data reported in CDC's COVID Data Tracker.

Dragging your feet? Lack of sleep affects your walk

New research finds periodically catching up on sleep can improve gait control for the chronically sleep-deprived.

‘Nanozyme’ therapy prevents harmful dental plaque build-up

FDA-approved iron oxide nanoparticles, delivered in a mouth rinse, can suppress the growth of dental plaque and kill bacteria responsible for tooth decay, according to a new study. The nanoparticles act as enzymes to activate hydrogen peroxide in a way that precisely targets harmful microbes and spares normal tissue.

Find out if you can board a flight to the United States

Answer a few questions to find out what is required to board a flight to the United States.

Call-and-response circuit tells neurons when to grow synapses

Brain cells called astrocytes play a key role in helping neurons develop and function properly, but there's still a lot scientists don't understand about how astrocytes perform these important jobs. Now, a team of scientists has found one way that neurons and astrocytes work together to form healthy connections called synapses. This insight into normal astrocyte function could help scientists better understand disorders linked to problems with neuronal development, including autism spectrum disorders.

Tiny microscopic hunters could be a crystal ball for climate change

Tiny unicellular creatures called protists could keep greenhouse gases out of the atmosphere by gobbling up bacteria that emit CO2, researchers say. Now, a study finds that a few simple measures of a protist's size and shape can be powerful predictors of how they might respond to global warming themselves.

Information about the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine

The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine is an mRNA vaccine that requires 2 shots, 28 days apart. Learn about safety data, efficacy, and clinical trial demographics.

Antibiotics for appendicitis

Antibiotics are now an accepted first-line treatment for most people with appendicitis, according to final results of the Comparing Outcomes of antibiotic Drugs and Appendectomy (CODA) trial, and an updated treatment guideline for appendicitis from the American College of Surgeons.

Redefining human diseases through the lens of your DNA

Researchers performed genome-wide analysis studies (GWAS) to identify genetic elements associated with various diseases. To address inequities in previous GWAS, the team included 180,000 Japanese people and 220 health-related phenotypes in this analysis. After meta-analyzing the results with biobanks from the UK and Finland, they identified 5,000 novel genomic loci of phenotypic significance. They made their data publicly available to allow researchers worldwide examine genetic associations with human diseases in an unbiased manner.

Increased consumption of whole grains could significantly reduce the economic impact of type 2 diabetes

Increased consumption of whole grain foods could significantly reduce the incidence of type 2 diabetes and the costs associated with its treatment.

Requirement for Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination for Air Passengers

Noncitizen nonimmigrants must be fully vaccinated to travel by air to the US. Some categories of noncitizen nonimmigrants are excepted from the requirement but will need to fulfill other requirements.

Researchers discover a way to increase the effectiveness of antibiotics

Researchers have found a way to make antibiotics more effective against antibiotic-resistant bacteria - also known as 'superbugs.

Skin-inspired sensors show how our body moves

Scientists have created wearable, stitchable, and sensitive sensors from flexible polymers and bundles of carbon fibre. Like our skin, these sensors respond to pressure and can measure body position and movement. They could be used to measure disease progress in Parkinson's disease, or sense joint movement in athletes, for example.

Fingerprinting proteins with force

What if we could identify proteins as easily as we can sequence DNA and RNA? Perhaps soon we will, thanks to new DNA Nanoswitch Calipers. DNA Calipers create a unique 'fingerprint' for peptides (the building blocks of proteins) by repeatedly applying force to them to generate a series of distance measurements for each peptide. This innovation opens up a new avenue for pursuing the goal of single-cell proteomics, and enables potentially life-saving discoveries in human health and disease.

Toolkit for Pregnant People and New Parents

Resources and tools to help pregnant people, breastfeeding women and new parents caring for infants to protect their health and help people who serve these communities communicate with them.

Back pain common among astronauts offers treatment insights for the earth-bound

As more people travel into space, experts expect more physicians will see patients with space travel-related pain.

Research breakthrough could mean better treatment for patients with most deadly form of brain tumor

Scientists studying the most common and aggressive type of brain tumour in adults have discovered a new way of analysing diseased and healthy cells from the same patient.

Scientists uncover a gene involved in sexual conflict in fruit flies

Sexual conflict in fruit flies is governed by specifically wired neurons in the brain which have been pinpointed by scientists.

Novel computational pipeline could help repurpose cancer drugs for rare diseases

By combining computational and experimental approaches, researchers identified cancer drugs that show promise for treating pulmonary hypertension, or PH, a rare and incurable lung disease.

Scientists discover how bacteria use liquid protein droplets to overcome stress

Scientists have revealed how bacteria make tiny liquid droplets from proteins to help them survive harsh environments and thus reduce their chances of being killed by antibiotics.

A breakdown in communication: Mitochondria of diabetic patients can’t keep time

Muscle cells in patients with type 2 diabetes have a disrupted biological clock. The new findings suggest that treatments for type 2 diabetes may be more or less effective depending on the time of day they are given.

International Travel

Travel requirements have changed for all passengers traveling to the United States by air. Know what you need to do to board a flight to the United States.

Potential new therapy for inflammatory arthritis

Researchers have made a discovery that could lead to new treatments for axial spondyloarthritis (SpA), a painful and debilitating form of arthritis which causes inflammation in the spine, joints, eyes, gut and skin.

Scientists design nanoparticles that communicate with cancer cells

A multi-institutional research team has designed nanoparticles that can communicate with and slow the development of cancer cells. The work has uncovered a novel framework for the potential development of drug-free cancer therapies.

Epilepsy research reveals unknown trigger for seizures

Epilepsy seizures can be triggered when a natural braking system meant to control brain activity goes awry, researchers found. The discovery could open the door to new treatments.

Immunotherapy may benefit patients with cancer that has spread to tissues around the brain

Immunotherapy may benefit people with leptomeningeal carcinomatosis, a rare but serious complication of cancer that has spread to the brain and/or spinal cord. Treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors caused notable changes in the characteristics of immune cells within the cerebrospinal fluid of patients. In a phase II clinical trial, treatment extended overall survival in patients compared with historical controls.

Travel: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

Frequently Asked Questions regarding travel during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Laws and Regulations

To help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and help our country cope during the pandemic, CDC has occasionally issued legally binding orders and regulations. They are listed here.

Requirement for Proof of Negative COVID-19 Test or Recovery from COVID-19 for All Air Passengers Arriving in the United States

Information and frequently asked questions about requirement for proof of negative COVID-19 test or recovery from COVID-19 for all air passengers arriving in the United States

International Travel During COVID-19

There are several things to consider when deciding whether it is safe for you to travel in the United States. This includes the following: is COVID-19 spreading where you're going, will you be in close contact with others, are you at higher risk of severe illness if you do get COVID-19, do you have a plan for taking time off from work or school, do you live with someone who is older or has a severe chronic health condition, and is COVID-19 spreading where you live?

COVID-19 Graphics and Buttons

CDC has provided buttons and badges for public use. The graphic can be placed in any way that works best for your particular site. We are hoping to see this graphic on as many sites as possible to enhance access to up to date information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).

How diet affects tumors

Researchers analyzed ketogenic and calorically restricted diets in mice, revealing how those diets affect cancer cells and offering an explanation for why restricting calories may slow tumor growth.

Glial cells crucial to maintaining healthy gut immunity

Researchers have uncovered a fundamental role of glial cells in the nervous system of the gut in maintaining a healthy intestine. These cells have been found to coordinate the immune responses of the gut following pathogen invasion and could be key targets when exploring new treatments for inflammatory bowel conditions.

Biomarker discovery can lead to improved diagnosis and treatment of asthma and COPD

Researchers have discovered that people with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease have a protein in their lungs that leaks a small molecule into their bloodstream that restricts their breathing instead of relaxing their airways. The findings will help clinicians diagnose and determine the severity of chronic lung diseases and make bronchodilators more effective.

How to Select, Wear, and Clean Your Mask

COVID-19 spreads mainly from person to person through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

A diet of essential amino acids could keep dementia at bay

Protein intake is known to be vital for maintaining brain function in older individuals. Now, using a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease, researchers have shown that the intake of a specific set of amino acids can inhibit the death of brain cells, protect the connections between them, and reduce inflammation, preserving brain function. Their research suggests that this amino acid combination called Amino LP7 can hinder the development of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease.

VR experiment with rats offers new insights about how neurons enable learning

A new study provides deep insights into how the brain's hippocampus works, involving networks of millions of neurons. That knowledge could be an important step toward the development of treatments for neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia and epilepsy, all of which are related to dysfunction in the hippocampus.

Fighting viruses with interchangeable defense genes

Bacteria rapidly modify mobile parts of their genome to develop resistance to viruses.

Lab-grown ‘mini brains’ hint at potential treatment options for motor neurone disease and frontotemporal dementia

Researchers have developed 'mini brains' that allow them to study a fatal and untreatable neurological disorder causing paralysis and dementia -- and for the first time have been able to grow these for almost a year.

COVID-19 Vaccines are Important

Easy to read information about COVID-19 and steps to protect yourself and others

Frequently Asked Questions about v-safe

Find answers to common questions about v-safe, the after vaccination health checker used to report vaccine side effects.

Treatment enhances anti-leukemia effect of bone marrow transplant, reduces recurrence, study finds

Researchers have identified a drug that, when given along with a bone marrow transplant, drops the risk of leukemia recurring by 20% among the high-risk patients.

Depression: Magnetic seizure therapy may be attractive alternative to electricity

An international research team investigated whether continued magnetic seizure therapy might effectively prevent the relapse of treatment-resistant depression, compared to what is known about electroconvulsive therapy, the current standard of care.

Depression, anxiety may be linked to c-section risk among pregnant women

Depression and anxiety in pregnant women may be connected to the type of delivery they have, new research suggests.

New deep learning algorithm can pick up genetic mutations and DNA mismatch repair deficiency in colorectal cancers more efficiently

A new deep learning algorithm can pick up the molecular pathways and development of key mutations causing colorectal cancer more accurately than existing methods, meaning patients could benefit from targeted therapies with quicker turnaround times and at a lower cost.

Personalized clotting profiles may help in next generation of precision heart disease treatments

People at risk from strokes and heart attacks could benefit from personalized clotting profiles to help clinicians prescribe more precise treatments, thanks to new research.

Maintaining balance in the brain

Researchers uncovered that reducing levels of the protein tau, which is known for its role in Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative conditions, changes excitatory and inhibitory cells in ways that make it harder for the brain to burst with overexcitation.

COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Shot

People who have had 2 shots of Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccines may need to start receiving a COVID-19 booster shot 8 months after their second dose.

Daily Activities

Know how to safely participate in daily activities while protecting yourself and others from COVID-19.

Guidance for COVID-19 Prevention in Kindergarten (K)-12 Schools

Guidance for COVID-19 Prevention in Kindergarten (K)-12 Schools

Targeted prostate cancer screening could benefit men with inherited cancer syndrome

Men who inherit an increased risk of cancer through 'Lynch syndrome' could benefit from regular PSA testing from age 40 to detect early signs of prostate cancer, researchers believe. Annual PSA tests were eight times more likely to spot cancer in men with genetic hallmarks of Lynch syndrome than those without. Experts say evidence could be incorporated into a targeted screening program in future.

Novel sugar detector system in the human mouth has implications for designing tastier, healthier beverages and foods

Scientists describe the first-in-human demonstration of a pathway that uses the sugar glucose, a component of table sugar and high fructose corn syrup, to signal the presence of calories, in addition to the well-studied sweet-taste receptor in taste buds.

Guidance on supplemental breast cancer screening for women with dense breast tissue

Researchers have made recommendations for clinicians and patients regarding supplemental screening for women with dense breast tissue.

Researchers find novel means of flagging inpatient pharmacy orders for intervention

Researchers developed a machine learning model to identify medication orders requiring pharmacy intervention using only provider behavior and other contextual features that may reflect these new sources of inefficiencies, rather than patients' medical records.

New way to find cancer at the nanometer scale

Researchers describe a new liquid biopsy method using lab-on-a-chip technology that they believe can detect cancer before a tumor is even formed. Using magnetic particles coated in a specially designed bonding agent, the liquid biopsy chip attracts and captures particles containing cancer-causing biomarkers. A close analysis can identify the type of cancer they are carrying. This, the researchers say, can significantly improve cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Correctional and Detention Facilities

Resources for Correctional and Detention Facilities

Prioritizing non-healthcare worksite assessments for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Information to help health departments make decisions about how to allocate limited resources to respond to worksites that report COVID-19-related concerns, complaints, or clusters.

Bacterial infections in sinuses of cystic fibrosis patients share surprising similarities

A dogma-challenging discovery reveals that highly adapted bacterial communities in the sinuses of people with cystic fibrosis become more fragmented and experience mutations that erode their genomes. So rather than targeting red herring mutations, researchers suggest paying attention to patterns of genomic adaptation versus erosion, which might better indicate a viable path towards the more effective therapeutics for cystic fibrosis.

COVID-19 vaccination strategies: When is one dose better than two?

While most of the COVID-19 vaccines are designed as a two-dose regimen, some countries have prioritized vaccinating as many people as possible with a single dose before giving out an additional dose. In a new study, researchers illustrate the conditions under which a "prime first" vaccine campaign is most effective at stopping the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The team found the vaccine waning rate to be a critically important factor in the decision.

Simulation illustrates how COVID-19 social distancing creates pedestrian 'traffic jams'

Researchers examine the dynamics of social distancing practices, common defense against the spread of COVID-19, through the lens of particle-based flow simulations. The study models social distance as the distance at which particles, representing pedestrians, repel fellow particles and sheds light on the relationship between social distancing and pedestrian flow dynamics in corridors by illustrating how adherence to social distancing protocols affects two-way pedestrian movement in a shared space.

Targeted interventions to contain pandemics, minimize societal disruption

Nonpharmaceutical interventions, such as isolation, quarantines, and lockdowns, have been implemented in an effort to contain the pandemic, but these are often disruptive and costly. In a new article, researchers identify new and sustainable interventions to contain outbreaks while minimizing the economic and social costs. They built a data-driven mobility model to simulate COVID-19 spreading in Hong Kong, by combining synthetic population, human behavior patterns, and a viral transmission model, and found that by controlling a small percentage of grids, the virus could be largely contained.

Research reveals potential new strategy to combat urinary tract infections

Identifying the dynamic events occurring during urinary tract infections (UTI) has revealed a new potential strategy to combat this condition, considered the most common type of infection.

COVID-19 Vaccines for Children and Teens

CDC recommends COVID-19 vaccination for everyone 12 years of age and older to help protect against COVID-19. Children 12 years of age and older are able to get the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine.

Different COVID-19 Vaccines

Overview of what you should know about the different COVID-19 vaccines, including vaccine types and how they work to provide protection against COVID-19, which vaccines have been authorized and recommended in the United States, and which are in Phase 3 clinical trials.

Science Briefs

CDC is learning more about how COVID-19 spreads and affects people and communities. Learn more by viewing scientific briefs and agendas.

Researchers map neurons in the brain involved with social interactions with others in groups

In social experiments, three monkeys sat around a rotary table and took turns offering food to one of the other two monkeys. Certain neurons in the brain responded to the actions of other monkeys in the group and influenced an animal's upcoming decisions to reciprocate or retaliate.

Bat study reveals secrets of the social brain

Neuroscientists used wireless devices to record the neural activity of freely interacting Egyptian fruit bats, providing researchers with the first glimpse into how the brains of social mammals process complex group interactions.

Scientists look beyond the individual brain to study the collective mind

Scientists argue that efforts to understand human cognition should expand beyond the study of individual brains. They call on neuroscientists to incorporate evidence from social science disciplines to better understand how people think.

Predicting patient death or hospitalization from COVID-19

Researchers present what could be a much-needed helping hand to fight the COVID-19 virus. The study shows that analysis of a particular protein on the cell surface is likely to predict who is in danger of a serious infection caused by the virus.

Spending time in nature promotes early childhood development

Want to ensure your child hits their expected developmental milestones? New research suggests living in areas with high exposure to green-space can help set them up for success.

Travel

This page includes information about Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) for travelers and travel-related industries.

Case Investigation and Contact Tracing in Non-healthcare Workplaces: Information for Employers

Learn what non-healthcare employers should know about COVID-19 case investigation and contact tracing.

COVID-19 Testing Overview

If you are a close contact of someone with COVID-19 or you are a resident in a community where there is ongoing spread of COVID-19 and develop symptoms of COVID-19, call your healthcare provider and tell them about your symptoms and your exposure.

Targeting cancer at the nanoscale

Researchers fabricate gold nanoparticles with a rapidly decaying radioisotope that can be internalized by cancer cells. Because the radiation remains strongly localized, high doses can be administered without concern for side effects. This research may lead to safer and more effective treatments for many types of cancer.

Proof in produce: Voucher program may help diabetes patients manage their health

Researchers measured the success of a community health intervention.

Starting mammography at age 40 would reduce disparities in deaths for Black women

If Black women begin mammography screening every other year starting at age 40, breast cancer deaths could be reduced by 57 percent compared to starting screening 10 years later according to recent analyses.

Scientists show how AI may spot unseen signs of heart failure

A special artificial intelligence (AI)-based computer algorithm was able to learn how to identify subtle changes in electrocardiograms (also known as ECGs or EKGs) to predict whether a patient was experiencing heart failure.

Understanding mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines

Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines teach our cells how to make a protein that triggers an immune response. They are safe and effective at preventing COVID-19.

Long-term exposure to toxins in operating rooms could increase COPD risk

Disinfectants and surgical smoke -- the gaseous by-product produced by heat-generating surgical instruments -- are among the hazardous chemicals to which physicians, nurses, and other hospital staff are exposed in operating rooms (OR) during electrosurgery and laser procedures. Long-time exposure to these chemicals in the OR may significantly increase one's risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to a new study.

Scientists identify beacon molecule that prevents vision, behavioral problems in mice

A scientist led a study that revealed how cells from the eye migrate deep into the brain to a processing core during brain development. These cells and their connections help regulate critical survival instincts in rodents. The findings help decode how these complicated brain circuits form, laying a potential foundation for future research into how these pathways may be coaxed to regenerate.

How an enriched environment fires up our synapses

Processing of sensory impressions and information depends very much on how the synapses in our brain work. A team has now shown how lipid and protein regulation impact brain's processing of a beautiful and stimulating environment. The lipids located in the membranes of the synapses are central to signal transmission, the researchers report.

Scientists enable a blind woman to see simple shapes

Newly published research details how a team of scientists successfully created a form of artificial vision for a blind woman using a brain implant.

Study of DNA repair boosts prospects for gene editing technology

Researchers have developed a new method to profile the activity of cellular genes involved in correcting DNA damage, and applied this method to pave the way for dramatic improvements to genome editing technologies.

Hit the sleep ‘sweet spot’ to keep brain sharp

Older adults who sleep short or long experienced greater cognitive decline than those who sleep a moderate amount, even when the effects of early Alzheimer's disease were taken into account, according to a new study.

Male-female differences in heart disease could start before birth

New research suggests that male-female differences in protein expression occur immediately after embryonic cells become heart cells called cardiomyocytes. This is the earliest stage of heart development, well before the embryo is exposed to sex hormones.

In your face: Children’s expressions tell the story of poor sleep

When children are overtired, their facial expressions can forecast social problems years later, according to a new report published by a psychologist.

Scientists develop sperm cells from primate stem cells

A new study shows that functional sperm cells can be made in a dish using primate embryonic stem cells.

Brain activation in sleeping toddlers shows memory for words

Very young children learn words at a tremendous rate. Now researchers have seen how specific brain regions activate as two-year-olds remember newly learned words -- while the children were sleeping.

Cat bacteria treats mouse skin infection, may help you and your pets as well

Researchers identify a strain of bacteria on healthy cats that produces antibiotics against severe skin infections. The findings may soon lead to new bacteriotherapies for humans and their pets, wherein cat bacteria is applied via topical cream or spray.

Viral infections could promote neurodegeneration

Some viral diseases could possibly contribute to neurodegeneration. Researchers found that certain viral molecules facilitated intercellular spreading of protein aggregates that are hallmarks of brain diseases like Alzheimer's. These findings may provide clues how acute or chronic viral infections could contribute to neurodegeneration.

Health Equity in Action

Health Equity in Action

Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 for School Administrators

Frequently asked questions about COVID-19 for school administrators based on CDC's guidance for K-12 schools

Notification of Exposure: A Contact Tracer's Guide for COVID-19

A Contact Tracer's Guide for COVID-19 focuses on communication strategies for contact interviews and provides suggested language for each topic area covered in an interview.

Contact Tracing

Contact tracing is used by health departments to prevent the spread of infectious diseased. In general, contact tracing involves identifying people who have an infectious disease (cases) and people who they came in contact with (contacts) and working with them to interrupt disease spread. For COVID-19, this includes asking people with cases to isolate and their contacts to quarantine at home voluntarily.

Workplaces and Businesses

Workplaces and Businesses

Workplace Vaccination Program

To keep your workplace healthy, consider offering free, on-site COVID-19 vaccination at your business locations.

Interim Guidance for Case Investigation and Contact Tracing in K-12 Schools

Learn what administrators of public and private K-12 schools should know about COVID-19 case investigation and contact tracing.

Understanding Viral Vector COVID-19 Vaccines

Viral vector vaccines are safe and effective. They use a modified, harmless virus to deliver instructions to our cells that trigger an immune response.

Scientists develop new sensor to capture calcium activity in cells

Researchers have developed a novel approach for detecting the activity of calcium within cells. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of a red biosensor that can directly monitor calcium at specific locations within a cell, a discovery that could aid in better understanding of the molecular basis of human diseases.

New study calls for mitigation, monitoring of common grease-proofing food packaging chemicals

A scientist is calling for a better understanding of the health ramifications of ubiquitous 'grease proofing' chemicals that have been used for decades. A new study based on a symposium involving scientists at public and private institutions strikes an urgent tone on the need for new and better ways to detect and mitigate this class of chemical compounds, collectively known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances.

Drug helps sensory neurons regrow in the mouse central nervous system

Researchers have discovered that an FDA-approved drug acts on support cells in the central nervous system to encourage sensory neurons to regrow after injury.

DNA tangles can help predict evolution of mutations

Researchers have identified evolutionary hotspots in DNA where mutations are more likely. The study authors say these findings will help us in the future to predict the evolution of bacteria and viruses over time, which could aid vaccine design and better understanding of antibiotic resistance.

E-cigarettes don't help smokers stay off cigarettes, study suggests

E-cigarette use did not help smokers quit and may make smokers more likely to relapse, according to a new study.

How To Talk To Your Close Contacts

Recommended key concepts and guidance about COVID-19 contact tracing for health departments and public health workers.

New model points to solution to global blood shortage

A mathematical model of the body's interacting physiological and biochemical processes shows that it may be more effective to replace red blood cell transfusion with transfusion of other fluids that are far less in demand.

New fibers can make breath-regulating garments

A new kind of fiber can be made into clothing that senses how much it is being stretched or compressed, and then provides immediate tactile feedback in the form of pressure, lateral stretch, or vibration. Such fabrics could be used in garments that help train singers or athletes to better control their breathing, or that help patients recovering from disease or surgery to recover their breathing patterns.

Scientists gain new understanding of how brain cells talk - which could help in the treatment of mental health conditions and memory diseases

Experts have discovered that reversing the modification of molecular messages at synapses in the human brain, may contribute to reversible mental health conditions such as anxiety, and memory diseases such as dementia.

Illness-and death-related messages found to be significant motivators for exercise

Fitness apps that emphasize illness- or death-related messaging are more likely to be effective in motivating participation than are social stigma, obesity, or financial cost messaging, according to a recent study.

Interferon does not improve outcomes for hospitalized adults with COVID-19, clinical trial finds

A clinical trial has found that treatment with the immunomodulator interferon beta-1a plus the antiviral remdesivir was not superior to treatment with remdesivir alone in hospitalized adults with COVID-19 pneumonia. In addition, in a subgroup of patients who required high-flow oxygen, investigators found that interferon beta-1a was associated with more adverse events and worse outcomes.

Meningitis: Researchers find possible treatment strategy without antibiotics

Meningitis is a very serious brain infection with limited treatment options. In a new study performed in rats, researchers present an alternative treatment based on immune cells that helps rinse away toxins that accumulate during the infection.

New active agent against parasites

Researchers have identified a chemical compound that may be suitable as an active agent against several different unicellular parasites. Among these are the pathogens that cause malaria and toxoplasmosis. The point of attack for this promising substance is the protein tubulin: It helps cells divide and therefore is essential for the multiplication of the parasites.

Researchers identify brain circuitry in rodents that may be responsible for negative emotional aspects of pain

A new study has uncovered neuronal circuitry in the brain of rodents that may play an important role in mediating pain-induced anhedonia -- a decrease in motivation to perform reward-driven behaviors. Researchers were able to change the activity of this circuit and restore levels of motivation in a pre-clinical model of pain tested in rodents.

Responding to COVID-19 Cases in K-12 Schools: Resources for School Administrators

A guide for school administrators on how to address COVID-19 cases in schools.

Neuroinflammation protein linked to worse survival in men with glioblastoma

Scientists have discovered a new link that could bring the scientific and medical community closer to understanding why glioblastoma, the most common malignant brain tumor, is deadlier in males than females.

Powerful technique allows scientists to study how proteins change shape inside cells

The scientists' new 'binder-tag' technique allows researchers to pinpoint and track proteins that are in a desired shape or 'conformation,' and to do so in real time inside living cells. The scientists demonstrated the technique in, essentially, movies that track the active version of an important signaling protein -- a molecule, in this case, important for cell growth.

People love the billionaire, but hate the billionaires’ club

Americans may respect and admire how individual billionaires -- think Oprah Winfrey or Bill Gates -- made their billions, even as they rage against the "top 1%" as a group, new research finds.

A new treatment for glaucoma?

A new study in mice has identified new treatment targets for glaucoma, including preventing a severe pediatric form of glaucoma, as well as uncovering a possible new class of therapy for the most common form of glaucoma in adults.

Schools and Childcare Programs

Schools & Childcare: Guidance for School Settings

So-called junk DNA plays critical role in mammalian development

Despite the prevalent view that some 98% of our genome is junk DNA, new research shows that one piece of junk DNA -- the promoter of a virus-based transposon -- plays a critical role in cell proliferation and timing of embryo implantation in mice. The group found virus-based promoters linked to genes involved in development in other mammals, including humans, suggesting that transposons have been broadly repurposed for important regulatory roles.

How the brain navigates cities

A study suggests our brains are not optimized to calculate the shortest possible route when navigating on foot. Instead, pedestrians use vector-based navigation, choosing 'pointiest' paths that point most directly toward their destination, even if the routes are longer.

Fasting is required to see the full benefit of calorie restriction in mice

Over the last few decades, scientists have discovered that long-term calorie restriction provides a wealth of benefits in animals. Researchers have largely assumed that reduced food intake drove these benefits by reprogramming metabolism. But a new study finds that reduced calorie intake alone is not enough; fasting is essential for mice to derive full benefit.

The human immune system is an early riser

Circadian clocks, which regulate most of the physiological processes of living beings over a rhythm of about 24 hours, are one of the most fundamental biological mechanisms. By deciphering the cell migration mechanisms underlying the immune response, scientists have shown that the activation of the immune system is modulated according to the time of day. Indeed, the migration of immune cells from the skin to the lymph nodes oscillates over a 24-hours period. Immune function is highest in the resting phase, just before activity resumes -- in the afternoon for mice, which are nocturnal animals, and early morning for humans. These results suggest that the time of day should possibly be taken into account when administering vaccines or immunotherapies against cancer, in order to increase their effectiveness.

Mammalian motivation circuits: Maybe they’re born with it

Are animals born to seek rewards or avoid punishment? Researchers found that mice have pre-programmed neurons and circuits that process 'positive' and 'negative' stimuli. Their findings may be useful for studying neurological and psychiatric disorders in humans.

Developing a treatment for vision loss through transplant of photoreceptor precursors

A recent study examining the therapeutic potential of photoreceptor precursors, derived from clinically compliant induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC), has demonstrated the safety and therapeutic potential of clinically compliant iPSC-derived photoreceptor precursors as a cell replacement source for future clinical trials.

Aging breast tissue could set the stage for invasive breast cancer

A new study examines how the extracellular matrix (ECM) -- an underlying network of molecules and proteins that provide the structure for tissue growth -- can trigger invasive cancer-related genes.

Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Triage of Suspected COVID-19 Patients in non-US Healthcare Settings: Early Identification and Prevention of Transmission during Triage

Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Triage of Suspected COIVD-19 Patients in non-US Healthcare Settings

Information about the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine

The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is an mRNA vaccine that requires 2 shots, 21 days apart. Learn about safety data, efficacy, and clinical trial demographics.

Artificial chromosomes study sheds light on gene therapies

A research team led by Dr Karen Wing Yee YUEN, Associate Professor from the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Hong Kong (HKU), revealed the mechanism of artificial chromosome (AC) formation in the embryos of the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans, a 1-mm long, transparent nematode.

Information about the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine

The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine is an mRNA vaccine that requires 2 shots, 28 days apart. Learn about safety data, efficacy, and clinical trial demographics.

Challenges and lessons learned caring for diverse, vulnerable populations in the ER

Interviews with two dozen emergency medicine residents in academic medical center found most placed importance on learning to deliver high-quality care to diverse populations. However, many did not feel their programs made enough effort to incorporate effective cultural competency education into the curriculum.

Our brains have a 'fingerprint' too

An EPFL scientist has pinpointed the signs of brain activity that make up our brain fingerprint, which -- like our regular fingerprint -- is unique.

Accelerating the discovery of new materials for 3D printing

A new data-driven system accelerates the process of discovering 3D printing materials that have multiple mechanical properties.

Study explores the decisions made by physicians in the delivery room, and why they may be making them

Clinical decisions made in the delivery setting as to whether to employ vaginal delivery or cesarean section are often made under high pressure, and with great uncertainty, and have serious consequences for mother and baby. Now, a new study of electronic health records spanning 86,000 deliveries suggests that if their prior patient had complications in one delivery mode, a physician will be more likely to switch to the other -- and likely inappropriate -- delivery mode for the subsequent patient, regardless of whether it is warranted for that patient's indications.

Filling the gaps: Connecting genes to diseases through proteins

Hundreds of connections between different human diseases have been uncovered through their shared origin in our genome, challenging the categorization of diseases by organ, symptoms, or clinical specialty. A new study has generated data on thousands of proteins circulating in our blood and combined this with genetic data to produce a map showing how genetic differences that affect these proteins link together seemingly diverse as well as related diseases.

The gene behind an unusual form of Cushing’s Syndrome

The molecular causes of a particular type of food-dependent Cushing's Syndrome, a rare disease of the adrenal glands, are finally revealed.

Key protein linked to appetite and obesity in mice

Researchers have identified a protein that plays a key role in how the brain regulates appetite and metabolism. Loss of the protein, XRN1, from the forebrain, resulted in obese mice with an insatiable appetite, according to a new study.

How to program DNA robots to poke and prod cell membranes

A discovery of how to build little blocks out of DNA and get them to stick to lipids has implications for biosensing and mRNA vaccines.

Discovery of new role for the brain’s immune cells could have Alzheimer's implications

The immune cells, known as microglia, also help regulate blood flow and maintain the brain's critical blood vessels, researchers have discovered. The findings may prove important in cognitive decline, dementia and stroke, among other conditions linked to diseases of the brain's small vessels.

Contraceptive pill can reduce type 2 diabetes risk in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

A study has revealed for the first time that the contraceptive pill can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by over a quarter in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The research findings also show that women with PCOS have twice the risk of developing type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes (dysglycemia) -- highlighting the urgent need to find treatments to reduce this risk.

Gel fights drug-resistant bacteria and induces body’s natural immune defense

In the fight against multidrug-resistant bacteria, scientists have developed a new kind of antibiotic-free protection for wounds that kills drug-resistant bacteria and induces the body's own immune responses to fight infections.

Study could pave way for creating safer opioids

Researchers may have an uncovered new answers on how to create safer opioids. Design a new opioid to bypass the part of brain that feels pleasure, but retain the analgesic properties, which make opioids one of the most effective pain relievers. Researchers looked at how opioids may have become so widely abused.

Molecular atlas of small cell lung cancer reveals unusual cell type that could explain why it’s so aggressive

Stem-like cells that make up only a tiny fraction of the total cells in a lung tumor could be the key to stopping the disease's deadly spread, say researchers.

Study discovers unique brain signature of intimate partner aggression

A new study used functional magnetic resonance imaging to examine the brain activity of 51 male-female romantic couples as they experienced intimate partner aggression in real time. They found that aggression toward intimate partners was associated with aberrant activity in the brain's medial prefrontal cortex, or MPFC, which has many functions, but among them is the ability to foster perceptions of closeness with and value of other people.

New technique helps researchers understand how acid damages teeth

Researchers have developed a new technique to improve understanding of how acid damages teeth at the microstructural level.

Behavior resembling human ADHD seen in dogs

A study involving some 11,000 dogs demonstrated that the gender, age and breed of the dog, as well as any behavioral problems and certain environmental factors, are connected to hyperactive and impulsive behavior and inattention (ADHD).

Flu and heart disease: The surprising connection that should convince you to schedule your shot

Patients who have cardiovascular disease are at increased risk of serious complications from the flu, according to a new study. The study found that not only are traditional flu-related outcomes worse among some patients with CVD, but infection in those patients also is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events. Getting the influenza vaccine, however, substantially reduces cardiovascular risks.

Why do we remember stressful experiences better?

When the brain stores memories of objects, it creates a characteristic pattern of activity for each of them. Stress changes such memory traces.

When You've Been Fully Vaccinated

Recommendations on what activities people can do after they have been fully vaccinated, including how to gather safely with vaccinated and unvaccinated people.

Interim Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People

Interim public health recommendations describing the type of activities people who are fully vaccinated can do once fully vaccinated.

Possible alternative treatment for Lyme disease

Researchers have described a new antibiotic that appears to have the potential to cure Lyme disease.

Clues emerge: How harmless bacteria go rogue turning into deadly flesh-eating variants

A new study found that the environmental lifestyle that bacteria possess reveal why some go rogue and turn deadly while others remain harmless to humans. The findings focus on Vibrio vulnificus, better known as the flesh-eating bacteria. However, what the scientists found could help create a model that may well extend to other human pathogens.

New statistical study finds link between protein evolution and thermal variation

A recent statistical study has revealed some of the constraints and directions in the evolution of the structure and function of proteins. Better models of protein structural dynamics may allow researchers to understand more of this fundamental mystery in living organisms.

Ranking healthfulness of foods from first to worst

Food Compass, a new nutrient profiling system, rates the healthfulness of foods, beverages, and mixed meals on a score of 1-100 based on a wide range of science-based attributes. This adaptable tool aims to encourage healthier choices, spur industry reformulation, and guide nutrition policies.

Scientists map brain circuit that drives activity in fertile females

Scientists have known for a century that female animals become more active just as they are about to ovulate, a behavior that evolved to enhance their chances of mating when they are fertile.

Cell-based influenza vaccine provides protection against the flu in children

A cell-based influenza vaccine has effectively provided protection against the flu in children and adolescents, according to a new study.

Bone-loss discovery points to new treatment for osteoporosis

A new discovery about osteoporosis suggests a potential treatment target for that brittle-bone disease and for bone loss from rheumatoid arthritis.

Artificial intelligence-based technology quickly identifies genetic causes of serious disease

An artificial intelligence (AI)-based technology rapidly diagnoses rare disorders in critically ill children with high accuracy. The benchmark finding foreshadows the next phase of medicine, where technology helps clinicians quickly determine the root cause of disease so they can give patients the right treatment sooner.

Brain activity patterns after trauma may predict long-term mental health

The way a person's brain responds to stress following a traumatic event, such as a car accident, may help to predict their long-term mental health outcomes, according to new research. The study followed more than 3,000 people for up to a year after exposure to a traumatic event.

Unique underpinnings revealed for stomach’s acid pump

Researchers have improved understanding of the molecular mechanisms of a key protein that makes the stomach acidic. Their findings could lead to better drugs for stomach ulcers and shed light on the functions of similar proteins across the human body.

Artificial intelligence helps to find new natural substances

More than a third of all medicines available today are based on active substances from nature and a research team has developed a procedure to identify small active substance molecules much more quickly and easily.

Pesticide linked to chronic kidney disease

A commonly available pesticide has been associated with an increased risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Science Brief: Evidence used to update the list of underlying medical conditions that increase a person's risk of severe illness from COVID-19

Supporting evidence for CDC's list of underlying medical conditions that put individuals at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19.

Underlying Medical Conditions Associated with High Risk for Severe COVID-19: Information for Healthcare Providers

Guidance for clinical healthcare workers on clinical care for patients with underlying medical conditions who are diagnosed with COVID-19.

People with Certain Medical Conditions

People of Any Age with Underlying Medical Conditions

How highly processed foods harm memory in the aging brain

Four weeks on a diet of highly processed food led to a strong inflammatory response in the brains of aging rats that was accompanied by behavioral signs of memory loss, a new study has found. Researchers also found that supplementing the processed diet with the omega-3 fatty acid DHA prevented memory problems and reduced the inflammatory effects almost entirely in older rats.

How the brain ignores distracting information to coordinate movements

Researchers have discovered how neurons in a small area of the mammalian brain help filter distracting or disruptive signals -- specifically from the hands -- to coordinate dexterous movements. Their results may hold lessons in how the brain filters other sensory information as well.

Pollution’s impact on child health

Air pollution is known to harm children's respiratory health, but its specific impacts on infection rates have remained unclear. A new analysis provides evidence of a link between the two in low-income settings, and indicates one industry may play an outsized role in the problem.

Mito warriors: Scientists discover how T cell assassins reload their weapons to kill and kill again

Researchers have discovered how T cells -- an important component of our immune system -- are able keep on killing as they hunt down and kill cancer cells, repeatedly reloading their toxic weapons.

Many US adults worry about facial image data in healthcare settings

Uses of facial images and facial recognition technologies -- to unlock a phone or in airport security -- are becoming increasingly common in everyday life. But how do people feel about using such data in healthcare and biomedical research?

Metabolic restoration in HIV-infected patients as a therapeutic approach

Medical researchers have shown that optimizing the energy metabolism of key cells enables people with HIV-1 to better defend themselves against the virus.

Laser treatment could significantly improve glaucoma care in Africa, potentially at no extra cost

Laser treatment has the potential to transform the management of glaucoma in Africa, and to prevent more people from going irreversibly blind, particularly in regions with high disease prevalence and incidence, suggests new research. Conducted in Tanzania, the research is the first randomised controlled trial exploring the use of the laser treatment, Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT), for patients with glaucoma in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Early modern human from Southeast Asia adapted to a rainforest environment

Although there has been evidence of our species living in rainforest regions in Southeast Asia from at least 70,000 years ago, the poor preservation of organic material in these regions limits how much we know about their diet and ecological adaptations to these habitats. An international team of scientists has now applied a new method to investigate the diet of fossil humans: the analysis of stable zinc isotopes from tooth enamel. This method proves particularly helpful to learn whether prehistoric humans and animals were primarily eating meat or plants.

In neurodegenerative diseases, brain immune cells have a 'ravenous appetite' for sugar

At the beginning of neurodegenerative disease, the immune cells of the brain -- the 'microglia' -- take up glucose, a sugar molecule, to a much greater extent than hitherto assumed. These results are of great significance for the interpretation of brain scans depicting the distribution of glucose in the brain. Furthermore, such image-based data could potentially serve as a biomarker to non-invasively capture the response of microglia to therapeutic interventions in people with dementia.

Mutations in liver cells linked to liver disease and fat metabolism

Mutations linking liver disease with obesity and diabetes have been identified, leading to new understanding about how systemic diseases interact.

Mutated cells drive out early tumors from the esophagus

Normal human esophagus carries a high number of mutations, but tumors are rare, due to mutant cells eliminating early tumors.

Data continues to show that American’s need at least 5 hours per week of physical activity to prevent some cancers

A new report finds more than 46,000 cancer cases annually in the United States could be prevented if Americans met the 5 hours per week of moderate-intensity recommended physical activity guidelines.

After two hours, sunscreens that include some zinc oxide can lose effectiveness, become toxic

Sunscreen that includes zinc oxide, a common ingredient, loses much of its effectiveness and becomes toxic after two hours of exposure to ultraviolet radiation, according to scientists.

Sense of smell is our most rapid warning system

The ability to detect and react to the smell of a potential threat is a precondition of our and other mammals' survival. Using a novel technique, researchers have been able to study what happens in the brain when the central nervous system judges a smell to represent danger. The study indicates that negative smells associated with unpleasantness or unease are processed earlier than positive smells and trigger a physical avoidance response.

Heartburn drugs may have unexpected benefits on gum disease

New research found that patients who used drugs prescribed to treat heartburn, acid reflux and ulcers were more likely to have smaller probing depths in the gums (the gap between teeth and gums).

Tackling the collateral damage from antibiotics

Antibiotics help us to get rid of bacterial infections -- but they can also harm the helpful microbes residing in our guts. Researchers have analyzed the effects of 144 antibiotics on the well-being of our most common gut microbes. The study significantly improves our understanding of antibiotics' side effects and suggests a new approach to mitigating the adverse effects of antibiotics therapy on gut bacteria.

Most commonly mutated gene in all cancers revealed

For the past fifteen years, cancer researchers have been using DNA sequencing technology to identify the gene mutations that cause the different forms of cancer. Now, computational scientists have combined gene mutation information with cancer prevalence data to reveal the genetic basis of cancer in the entire population of cancer patients in the United States. The study reveals how common each gene in the genome is mutated within the cancer patient population. The findings could help guide genetic research to develop more effective treatments than presently available.

Higher fasting ‘hunger hormone’ levels from healthy diet may improve heart health and metabolism

Fasting levels of the 'hunger hormone' ghrelin rebound after weight loss and can help reduce belly fat and improve the body's sensitivity to insulin, according to a new study.

How immunotherapy changes tumors

Engineers have used a non-invasive optical probe to understand the complex changes in tumors after immunotherapy, a treatment that harnesses the immune system to fight cancer. Their method combines detailed mapping of the biochemical composition of tumors with machine learning.

COVID-19 One-Stop Shop Toolkits

One-Stop Shop for COVID-19 Resources

Evaluation for SARS-CoV-2 Testing in Animals

This is guidance for state public health veterinarians and state animal health officials to help guide decisions on testing animals for SARS-CoV-2.

Evidence of microtubules’ mechanosensitive behavior

Direct evidence that microtubules function as mechano-sensors and regulate the intracellular transport of molecules has been reported, leading to new possibilities in the fields of biomechanics, medicine, and biosensors.

Hormone widely used as an autism treatment shows no benefit

Oxytocin, a naturally occurring hormone that acts as a chemical messenger in the brain, showed no evidence of helping children with autism gain social skills, according to a large national study.

Data supports early COVID-19 vaccination for essential workers

In areas where COVID-19 vaccines are limited, vaccinating essential workers before older adults can reduce infections and deaths, according to a modeling study.

Mosquito-based method to reduce dengue could be highly cost-effective in Singapore

New research suggests that dengue -- a viral infection spread by mosquitos -- could be suppressed in Singapore in a highly cost-effective manner through the release of mosquitos infected with the bacterium Wolbachia.

High BMI independently associated with death and longer ICU stay for COVID patients

In patients with COVID-19, a high body mass index (BMI) is associated with an increased risk of death and prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) stay, according to a new study.

Solving mystery of rare cancers directly caused by HIV

For nearly a decade, scientists have known that HIV integrates itself into genes in cells that have the potential to cause cancer. And when this happens in animals with other retroviruses, those animals often develop cancer. But, perplexingly and fortunately, that isn't regularly happening in people living with HIV. A new study reveals why doctors aren't seeing high rates of T cell lymphomas -- or cancers of the immune system -- in patients with HIV.

Stress on mothers can influence biology of future generations

Biologists have found that mother roundworms can pass stress signals to future generations. The biologists report a mother roundworm exposed to a stressor can even under certain conditions pass the memory of that exposure to their grandchildren.

Minutes matter: Policies to improve care for deadliest heart attacks

Converting advances in scientific knowledge and innovations in cardiac care into improvements in patient outcomes requires comprehensive cardiac systems of care optimize cardiac care delivery. New recommendations support policies that standardize the delivery of cardiac care, lower barriers to emergency care for STEMI heart attacks, ensure patients receive care at appropriate hospitals in a timely manner and improve access to secondary prevention and rehabilitation and recovery resources after a heart attack.

Fluorescent spray lights up tumors for easy detection during surgery

The prognosis for a cancer patient who undergoes surgery is better if the surgeon removes all of the tumor, but it can be hard to tell where a tumor ends and healthy tissue begins. Now, scientists report that they have developed a fluorescent spray that specifically lights up cancerous tissue so it can be identified readily and removed during surgery.

Increases in extreme humid-heat disproportionately affect populated regions

The world is not only getting hotter but also more humid and new research shows people living in areas where humid-heat extremes are already a significant hazard are bearing the brunt of the impact.

Cervical myelopathy screening focusing on finger motion using noncontact sensor

Researchers have developed a simple screening tool using a non-contact sensor for Cervical myelopathy (CM) combining a finger motion analysis technique and machine learning. The tool allows for non-specialists to screen people for the possibility of having CM. The screening test results can be used to encourage those with suspected CM to seek specialist's attention for early diagnosis and early treatment initiation.

New technique combines single-cell and metagenomic analyses to characterize microbes

Metagenomic analysis has greatly advanced our understanding of the complex human microbiome without the need for extensive bacterial isolation and culturing. However, metagenome-assembled genomes may be imprecise and insufficiently differentiate closely related species. Now, researchers have developed a novel integrated framework that combines conventional metagenomics and single-cell genomics and can complement the lacunae in each approach, thus yielding better genome recovery and accurate resolution of complex microbial populations.

Scientists discover a highly potent antibody against SARS-CoV-2

Scientists have discovered a highly potent monoclonal antibody that targets the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and is effective at neutralizing all variants of concern identified to date, including the delta variant.

Exposure to childhood adversity is linked to early mortality and associated with nearly half a million annual U.S. deaths, study finds

The findings of a new study suggest that childhood adversity is a major contributor to early and preventable causes of mortality and a powerful determinant of long term physical and mental health. Researchers found that childhood adversity is associated with elevated risk for chronic disease including heart disease and cancer.

Pain relief without side effects with promising technique

Researchers have developed a completely new stimulation method, using ultra-thin microelectrodes, to combat severe pain. This provides effective and personalized pain relief without the common side effects from pain relief drugs.

Warm milk makes you sleepy — peptides could explain why

According to time-honored advice, drinking a glass of warm milk at bedtime will encourage a good night's rest. Milk's sleep-enhancing properties are commonly ascribed to tryptophan, but scientists have also discovered a mixture of milk peptides, called casein tryptic hydrolysate (CTH), that relieves stress and enhances sleep. Now, researchers have identified specific peptides in CTH that might someday be used in new, natural sleep remedies.

Sex matters when it comes to immune responses against infection and disease, study shows

New research shows how anemia can generate different immune responses in males versus females.

Phage therapy research brings scientists a step closer to harnessing viruses to fight antibiotic resistance

Phage therapy is the concept of using viruses (known as phage) to kill bacteria, instead of using antibiotics. Until now, experiments have largely focussed on exposing bacteria to phage in a flask. Now, researchers have developed a new way to mimic these microenvironments, in which a single bacterium would colonize a specific area. Using this method, the team found that in these microenvironments Escherichia coli, a bacterium that is often responsible for food poisoning, does not become genetically resistant to phage, and the majority of the bacterial population is killed by phage.

How human disease-causing genes prevent adaptations to remove them

Scientists have identified a new detrimental effect of genes that cause inherited diseases.

Troubling birth findings show importance of timely flu vaccination

Poor timing of influenza vaccination campaigns in the semi-arid region of Brazil led to an increase in premature births, lower birth-weight babies and the need to deliver more babies by cesarean section.

Changes in menstrual cycle length before menopause may predict risk of heart disease

As women near menopause, their menstrual cycle length often becomes longer. The timing of these changes could provide clues about a person's risk of developing cardiovascular disease, according to a new study.

Ground-breaking trial prevents loneliness among older people during Covid pandemic

A simple form of talking therapy, delivered by trained support workers over the telephone, reduced loneliness in older people left isolated during the pandemic, the initial results of a new study has revealed.

‘Selective promiscuity,’ chaperones and the secrets of cellular health

A team of researchers has announced a major new advance in understanding how our genetic information eventually translates into functional proteins -- one of the building blocks of human life. The research elucidates how chaperones display 'selective promiscuity' for the specific proteins -- their 'clients' -- they serve. This property enables them to play an essential role in maintaining healthy cells and is a step forward in understanding the origins of a host of human illnesses, from cancer to ALS.

Personality traits linked to hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease

New research found that changes in the brain associated with Alzheimer's disease are often visible early on in individuals with personality traits associated with the condition. The study focused on two traits previously linked to the risk of dementia: neuroticism, which measures a predisposition for negative emotions, and conscientiousness, which measures the tendency to be careful, organized, goal-directed and responsible.

Zebrafish could shed light into the mysteries of the human spinal cord and its influence on our body

Researchers believe zebrafish may provide clues to understanding how the human nervous system develops since this fish experiences new movements similarly to how babies do after birth. To understand how our nervous system enables us to move and learn new movements such as walking or swimming as we grow, researchers looked closely at the nervous system of zebrafish and built models of developing zebrafish spinal circuits to test and further understand the operation of spinal circuits for moving.

Mindful breathing for pain control: Like yin and yang

It's long been known that meditative mindful breathing helps with various health conditions, including pain.

New scientific resource will help uncover the genetic underpinnings of type 2 diabetes

Investigators have developed a resource for analyzing how genetic variants in cells that drive type 2 diabetes may contribute to the disease.

Common respiratory virus manipulates immune genes to protect itself

Researchers have discovered that the viral protein NS1 from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) alters the activity of immune genes, sabotaging the immune response to RSV infection.

Researcher discovers key gene responsible for cancer drug resistance

A researcher has discovered an enzyme that plays a key role in the ability of cancer cells to resist drug treatment.

Unraveling the mystery of why we overeat

Researchers are examining neurons and hormones associated with eating too much. This study is another step in understanding the brain circuits involved in eating disorders.

Brain damage from long stays in space

Spending a long time in space appears to cause brain damage. This is shown by a study of five Russian cosmonauts who had stayed on the International Space Station (ISS).

Quest for bacterial cocktails to fight infections

The intestines of a healthy person contains hundreds of different bacteria that provide efficient protection against infections. However, if the equilibrium of this community, known as the microbiota, is disturbed -- for example, due to antibiotic therapy -- pathogens such as salmonella or multiresistant hospital germs such as Klebsiella pneumoniae can gain the upper hand -- sometimes with severe consequences for those affected. Scientists have been researching the interaction of intestinal bacteria and have recently identified bacterial strains that play a special role in two studies.

Operational Considerations for Personal Protective Equipment in the Context of Global Supply Shortages for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic: non-US Healthcare Settings

Considerations for personal protective equipment (PPE) in the context of global supply shortages in non-US healthcare settings.

New avenues for the optimzation of dendritic cell-based cancer immunotherapies

A recent study reveals that inhibiting certain adhesion receptors on the surface of dendritic cells, the main antigen-presenting cells of the immune system, enhances antitumor responses.

'Caramel receptor' identified

Who doesn't like the smell of caramel? However, the olfactory receptor that contributes decisively to this sensory impression was unknown until now. Researchers have now solved the mystery of its existence and identified the 'caramel receptor.' The new knowledge contributes to a better understanding of the molecular coding of food flavors.

Healthy newborns had shorter hospital stays during COVID-19 pandemic with no change in readmissions, study finds

Healthy full-term infants born during the COVID-19 pandemic had substantially shorter hospital stays than those born before the pandemic, with no change in hospital readmissions after discharge, according to a new study. The findings suggest shorter hospital stays for healthy term infants might be safe outside of a pandemic scenario, with implications for health care costs and best practices.

Powered exoskeleton helps amputees walk with less effort

Mechanical engineering researchers have developed a lightweight powered exoskeleton that helps lower-limb amputees walk with much less effort. The device uses motors, microprocessors and advanced algorithms to aid users in walking, much like an e-bike helps riders pedal uphill.

Older adults across the globe are more willing to help others, but mostly those in the same country

Older adults around the world are more willing to donate to charity than younger people, but will prioritize charitable organizations operating within their own country, new research finds.

Deaths linked to ‘hormone disruptor’ chemical costs billions in lost US productivity

Daily exposure chemicals called phthalates, used in the manufacture of plastic food containers and many cosmetics, may lead to roughly 100,000 premature deaths among older Americans each year, a new study shows. The resulting annual economic burden is between $40 billion and $47 billion, a value more than quadruple that of previous estimates.

Precision medicine data dive shows diuretic pill may be viable to test as Alzheimer's treatment

A commonly available, FDA-approved oral diuretic pill may be a potential candidate for an Alzheimer's disease treatment for those who are at genetic risk, according to new findings.

Link between COVID vaccination and reduced household transmission, Swedish study finds

People without immunity against COVID-19 were at considerably lower risk of infection and hospitalization as the number of family members with immunity from a previous infection or full vaccination increased, according to a new study from Sweden.

Adverse complications for COVID positive pregnant women and their newborns

A new study, which finds an increased risk of poorer outcomes for the new-borns and symptomatic women with COVID-19, adds further weight to the argument for pregnant women to be vaccinated for the virus.

More severely COVID-19 infected mothers more likely to have preterm birth, study finds

Researchers have discovered that the more severely infected with COVID-19 a mother is, the more likely she is to experience preterm birth.

A rare feat: Material protects against both biological and chemical threats

Researchers have developed a versatile composite fabric that can deactivate both biological threats, such as the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19, and chemical threats, such as those used in chemical warfare. A material that is effective against both classes of threats is rare. The new material also is reusable. It can be restored to its original state after the fabric has been exposed to threats by a simple bleach treatment.

Excess deaths in people with mental health conditions increased during the COVID-19 pandemic

The greater number of deaths amongst those with mental health conditions and intellectual disabilities has been amplified during the COVID-19 pandemic, a study based on more than 160,000 patients has revealed.

Using indoor air sampling surveillance to sniff out COVID-19

A team of scientists and doctors has developed a capability to detect airborne SARS-CoV-2 RNA -- the nucleic acid coding for the virus that causes COVID-19 -- indoors through air sampling. When trialed in two inpatient wards of a major Singaporean hospital caring for active COVID-19 patients the air surveillance approach produced a higher detection rate of environmental SARS-CoV-2 RNA (72%) compared to surface swab samples (9.6 percent) collected in the same area.

Alzheimer's and COVID-19 share a genetic risk factor, study finds

An anti-viral gene that impacts the risk of both Alzheimer's disease and severe COVID-19 has been identified by researchers.

Unraveling the mystery of touch

Researchers uncover mechanism that underlies the exquisite sensitivity of certain skin surfaces. The analysis, conducted in mice, reveals that the higher sensitivity of certain regions of the skin stems from a greater number of and stronger connections between neurons in these regions and corresponding brain areas that receive signals from them. The findings set the stage for better understanding the mechanisms that underlie abnormalities of touch seen in certain neurodevelopmental disorders in humans.

Teaching ancient brains new tricks

Scientists have found a way to decode the brain activity associated with individual abstract scientific concepts pertaining to matter and energy, such as fermion or dark matter.

Winter-swimming Scandinavian men can teach us how the body adapts to extreme heat and cold

The Scandinavian winter swimming culture combines brief dips in cold water with hot sauna sessions -- and now, a study of young men who participate regularly in these polar plunges finds that winter swimming may allow the body to adapt to extreme temperatures. The findings suggest that routinely alternating swims or dips in chilly water with sauna sessions might affect how brown fat, also known as brown adipose tissue (BAT), burns energy and produces heat.

Lung maintains long-term memory of COVID infection

After infection with the COVID virus, where does the immune system store the memory? A new study finds memory cells take up residence in the lung to protect against reinfection.

Kids with MIS-C mount normal T cell response to COVID-19, study finds

A new study suggests multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), a rare condition associated with COVID-19, is not caused by abnormal T cell response to COVID-19 virus as previously hypothesized.

Non-English-language science could help save biodiversity

It is commonly assumed that any important scientific knowledge would be available in English, and so scientific knowledge used in international studies is predominantly sourced from English-language documents. But is this assumption correct? According to new research, the answer is no, and science written in languages other than English may hold untapped information crucial to the conservation of global biodiversity.

Stem cell population identified that is key for bone regeneration

Researchers have identified a subpopulation of mesenchymal stem cells in the bone marrow that express the marker CD73. These cells have a higher potential for proliferation and differentiation, and play a significant role in bone healing, migrating to the site of a fracture and developing into cartilage and bone cells as part of the repair process. These cells have potential for regenerative medicine.

A cryptography game-changer for biomedical research at scale

Using cutting-edge cryptographic techniques (multiparty homomorphic encryption), a new platform called FAMHE will act as a game-changer towards precision, personalized medicine.

Researchers find warning signs for dementia in the blood

Researchers have identified molecules in the blood that can indicate impending dementia. Their findings are based on human studies and laboratory experiments. The biomarker is based on measuring levels of so-called microRNAs. According to the study data, microRNAs could potentially also be targets for dementia therapy.

Sleep loss does not impact ability to assess emotional information

It's no secret that going without sleep can affect people's mood, but a new study shows it does not interfere with their ability to evaluate emotional situations. It is often assumed that feeling more negative will color people's experience of emotional images and events in the environment around them. However, researchers found that while going 24 hours without sleep impacted study participants' mood, it did not change their performance on tests evaluating their ability to process emotional words and images.

A visit from a social robot improves hospitalized children’s outlook

A new study finds a visit from human-controlled robot encourages a positive outlook and improves medical interactions for hospitalized children.

Taking steps toward more effective fitness trackers, more physical activity

As the popularity of fitness trackers has increased, so have the opportunities to use such devices to not only track fitness goals but also increase the motivation to meet those goals. Researchers are using control systems engineering tools to tailor motivational messages sent to individual device users.

Engineers 3D-print personalized, wireless wearables that never need a charge

Engineers have developed a new type of wearable with several unprecedented benefits. Not only are the devices custom 3D-printed based on body scans of wearers, but they can operate continuously using a combination of wireless power transfer and compact energy storage.

What makes us human? The answer may be found in overlooked DNA

Our DNA is very similar to that of the chimpanzee, which in evolutionary terms is our closest living relative. Stem cell researchers have now found a previously overlooked part of our DNA, so-called non-coded DNA, that appears to contribute to a difference which, despite all our similarities, may explain why our brains work differently.

Psychiatric disorders in teenage years associated with social exclusion in later life

Adolescents who had received a mental health disorder diagnosis were often excluded from the labor market and education as young adults. This particularly applied to adolescents who had been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder or psychosis. The results were found out in a birth cohort study of people born in Finland in 1987.

Charting hidden territory of the human brain

Neuroscientist shave discovered a novel, non-invasive imaging-based method to investigate the visual sensory thalamus, an important structure of the human brain and point of origin of visual difficulties in diseases such as dyslexia and glaucoma. The new method could provide an in-depth understanding of visual sensory processing in both health and disease in the near future.

A new framework for protecting mental health in cities

People who live in cities face many challenges that threaten their mental health. In countries in which relatively higher numbers of people live in cities, depression, anxiety and addiction are generally more common. Amid the increasing incidence of common mental disorders and ongoing urbanization around the world, there is an urgent need to better understand the dynamic interplay between these areas.

Planned home birth presents little risk where midwifery is well-integrated

In the state of Washington, a planned home birth with a licensed midwife is just as safe as a birth at a licensed birth center. Researchers arrived at this conclusion after analyzing outcomes of more than 10,000 community births in Washington state between 2015 and 2020. Birth setting had no association with increased risk for either parent or baby, despite the American Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists' position that birth is safest at a hospital or an accredited birth center.

Researcher investigates ways to enhance neurolysin activity in the brain

A team of researchers has spent years working to develop an effective treatment for stroke that focuses on the use of a peptidase known as neurolysin. The team is now evaluating the potential of neurolysin as a therapeutic target for stroke by seeking to identify small molecules capable of enhancing its activity and catalytic efficiency.

Nerve repair, with help from stem cells

Researchers teamed up to create a novel approach to surgically repairing injured peripheral nerves that relies on the versatility of gingiva-derived mesenchymal stem cells.

Baby-wearing products lead to higher risk of injury, hospitalizations in children under age 1

Baby-wearing products are an increasingly popular way to carry a young child in a sling, soft carrier or other type of device, but new research suggests that they can pose a higher risk of injury to children under age 1.

Breast milk of marijuana users does not hurt short-term health of early premature infants, long-term effects still unknown

Researchers compared early preterm infants who were fed breast milk from THC-positive mothers to those who were fed either formula or breast milk from THC-negative mothers and found no differences in short-term health impacts such as breathing difficulties, lung development, and feeding issues.

Long-term exposure to permissible concentrations of air pollution linked with increased mortality risk

Low concentrations of air pollution that are within federal safety limits were linked with an increased risk of death among elderly people, including vulnerable subgroups. Tens of thousands of deaths over a 17-year period could be attributed to small increases in annual air pollution concentrations.

‘Gut bugs’ can drive prostate cancer growth and treatment resistance

Common gut bacteria can become 'hormone factories' - fuelling prostate cancer and making it resistant to treatment, a new study shows. Scientists revealed how gut bacteria contribute to the progression of advanced prostate cancers and their resistance to hormone therapy -- by providing an alternative source of growth-promoting androgens, or male hormones. The findings, once further validated in the clinic, could provide new opportunities for the treatment of prostate cancer through manipulation of the microbiome.

Higher levels of education and higher income mean better health for older adults

A new cross-national study comparing multimorbidity disease cluster patterns, prevalence and health risk factors across Ireland, England, The United States and Canada, reveal important findings that could have health implications for public health policy.The study investigates lifetime prevalence of 10 common chronic, cardiovascular and mental health conditions among 62,111 older adults aged 52-85 years of age across the four countries, and uncovers how differences in demographics, socio-economic status and health behaviours affect the combination of diseases within and across four countries.

Scientists assemble a biological clock in a test tube to study how it works

Daily cycles in virtually every aspect of our physiology are driven by biological clocks (also called circadian clocks) in our cells. The cyclical interactions of clock proteins keep the biological rhythms of life in tune with the daily cycle of night and day, and this happens not only in humans and other complex animals but even in simple, single-celled organisms such as cyanobacteria. A team of scientists has now reconstituted the circadian clock of cyanobacteria in a test tube, enabling them to study rhythmic interactions of the clock proteins in real time and understand how these interactions enable the clock to exert control over gene expression.

COVID-19 Vaccines While Pregnant or Breastfeeding

Healthcare personnel who are pregnant or breastfeeding may get vaccinated for COVID-19, but there are many considerations that go into that decision.

COVID-19 Vaccines for Moderately to Severely Immunocompromised People

CDC recommends that moderately or severely immunocompromised people receive an additional dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine at least four weeks after a second dose of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.

COVID-19 Vaccines and Severe Allergic Reactions

Learn about the types of allergic reactions you should watch out for, like anaphylaxis, and what to do if you experience one after getting a COVID-19 vaccine.

Clean air matters for a healthy brain

Researchers say their studies on air pollution and cognitive decline -- one involving humans and one with mice -- provide evidence that cleaner air may reduce risk for Alzheimer's and other dementias.

CDC's Diagnostic Multiplex Assay for Flu and COVID-19 and Supplies

CDC's multiplex assay simultaneously detects influenza A virus, influenza B virus, and SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

Pollution from freight traffic disproportionately impacts communities of color across 52 US cities

In urban areas across the U.S., low-income neighborhoods and communities of color experience an average of 28% more nitrogen dioxide (NO2) pollution than higher-income and majority-white neighborhoods. The disparity is driven primarily by proximity to trucking routes on major roadways, where diesel trucks are emitters of NO2 and other air pollutants.

Health Departments: Information on COVID-19

Resources for State, Local, Territorial and Tribal Health Departments

Nature-based activities can improve mood and reduce anxiety

Outdoor nature-based activities are effective for improving mental health in adults, including those with pre-existing mental health problems, a new study has found.

Researchers identify new drug target for blood cancer, potentially solid tumors

Researchers have shown for the first time how mutations affecting a cellular process called RNA splicing alter cells to develop myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and other hematologic malignancies and solid tumors.

SARS-CoV-2 Testing Strategy: Considerations for Non-Healthcare Workplaces

The purpose of this document is to provide employers with strategies for consideration of incorporating testing for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, into a workplace COVID-19 preparedness, response, and control plan.

Think a census of humans is hard? Try counting their brain cells!

In 2013, the U.S. government began investing $100 million to decipher human brain anatomy in a large collaborative project called the BRAIN Initiative. Researchers built tools and set standards for describing all the cells in the brain. On October 7, 2021 the initiative reached a major milestone, publishing a comprehensive census of cell types in the mouse, monkey, and human primary motor cortex.

Neuroscientists map major circuit in the mouse brain

A mouse study reveals new insights into the wiring of a major circuit in the brain that is attacked by Parkinson's and Huntington's disease. The findings could hone scientists' understanding of how these disorders arise in the human brain and pinpoint new therapeutic targets.

Neuroscientists roll out first comprehensive atlas of brain cells

While researchers have discovered numerous cell types in the brain, this atlas of all cell types in one area -- the primary motor cortex -- is the first comprehensive list and a starting point for tracing cellular networks to understand how they control our body and mind and how they are disrupted in mental and physical disorders.

Advancing efforts to treat, prevent and cure brain disorders

It takes billions of cells to make a human brain, and scientists have long struggled to map this complex network of neurons. Now, dozens of research teams around the country have made inroads into creating an atlas of the mouse brain as a first step toward a human brain atlas. The results describe how different cell types are organized and connected throughout the mouse brain.

Mapping the mouse brain, and by extension, the human brain too

Researchers further refine the organization of cells within key regions of the mouse brain and the organization of transcriptomic, epigenomic and regulatory factors that provide these brain cells with function and purpose.

Naloxone access doesn’t make heroin seem less risky

The medication naloxone is so effective at saving the lives of opioid overdose victims that some people worry that it might make drug users think heroin and related drugs are no longer risky. But a new study suggests that is not the case.

Physical athletes’ visual skills prove sharper than action video game players

Athletes still have the edge over action video gamers when it comes to dynamic visual skills, a new study shows.

A study of skull growth and tooth emergence reveals that timing is everything

Paleoanthropologists have wondered how and why humans evolved molars that emerge into the mouth at specific ages and why those ages are so delayed compared to living apes. It is the coordination between facial growth and the mechanics of the chewing muscles that determines not just where but when adult molars emerge. This results in molars coming in only when enough of a 'mechanically safe' space is created. Molars that emerge 'ahead of schedule' would do so in a space that, when chewed on, would disrupt the fine-tuned function of the entire chewing apparatus by causing damage to the jaw joint.

COVID-19 Vaccines for Older Adults

The risk of severe illness from COVID-19 increases with age, which is why the CDC recommends older adults receive COVID-19 vaccines.

Smoggier skies, lower scores? A Brazilian study examines the effects of air pollution on students’ cognitive performance

A new study looks at the causal relationship between outdoor air pollution levels on nationwide university entry examination day and students' cognitive performance in Brazil.

Better understanding of cystic fibrosis

New understanding of cellular defects related to Cystic Fibrosis (CF) could help pave the way for treatment.

Years of exposure to air pollution and road traffic noise may raise heart failure risk

A study including more than 22,000 female nurses in Denmark evaluated exposure over 15-20 years to air pollution and road traffic noise to evaluate the impact on heart failure. Exposure to small particulate matter and road traffic noise over three years was associated with an increased risk for heart failure. The risks were greater among women who were former smokers or women who had high blood pressure.

Small molecule may prevent metastasis in colorectal cancer

The compound works by hindering a key pathway that cancer cells rely upon to hoard energy, and is already undergoing clinical trials.

Common diabetes drug promising against rare childhood brain tumor in laboratory studies

Metformin, a drug commonly prescribed against diabetes, holds promise against a rare type of childhood brain tumor in laboratory studies, an international team of researchers.

Onset of Allergies including asthma and hay fever not directly causally linked to mental health traits

Allergic diseases such as asthma, atopic dermatitis and hay fever do not cause the onset of mental health conditions or vice versa, according to the new findings.

‘The mother of all cannabinoids’: Anti-seizure compounds discovered in cannabis

Scientists have found that three rare cannabinoids reduce seizures in mice. They using the information to develop a better cannabis-based treatment for Dravet syndrome, an intractable childhood epilepsy.

Research shows exercise-related proteins can suppress tumor growth

New research shows bed and rest might not be the best treatment for people suffering from cancer -- in fact, the opposite may be true. Researchers have discovered the proteins created by the body when exercising - called myokines -- can suppress tumor growth and even help actively fight cancerous cells.

Scientists identify role of protein behind rare Norrie disease; and find clues for treating hearing loss

Researchers have identified the mechanism that can lead to deafness in the rare syndrome, Norrie disease, which may lead to promising treatment targets for the incurable disease and other forms of profound hearing loss.

Structure formation in mini-organs

The development of alveoli in organoids derived from mammary-gland tissue follows the same physical principles as the formation of discrete droplets in a water jet.

Differences in brain structure between siblings make some more susceptible to developing severe antisocial behavior

A new study reveals differences in brain structure between antisocial and non-antisocial members of the same families which could explain why some show violent behavior whilst others do not.

Making self-driving cars human-friendly

Automated vehicles could be made more pedestrian-friendly thanks to new research which could help them predict when people will cross the road. Scientists investigating how to better understand human behavior in traffic say that neuroscientific theories of how the brain makes decisions can be used in automated vehicle technology to improve safety and make them more human-friendly.

Getting Your CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card

Information about how to get a CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record card, what to do if you have documentation from vaccination in another country, and how to recognize vaccine card fraud.

New way to image whole organisms in 3D brings key skin color pigment into focus

To understand the biological underpinnings of skin and hair pigmentation and related diseases such as albinism or melanoma, scientists and doctors need quantitative, three-dimensional information about the architecture, content and location of pigment cells. Researchers have developed a new technique that allows scientists to visualize every cell containing melanin pigment in 3D, in whole zebrafish.

Chronic pain treatment should include psychological interventions

New research examines psychological interventions for the treatment of chronic pain, including the gap between the evidence of the effectiveness of several psychological interventions and their availability and use in treatment.

Color-coded nutrition labels and warnings linked to more healthful purchases

A new analysis has integrated findings from 134 studies of the impact of color-coded nutrition labels and warnings found on the front of some food packaging, indicating that these labels do indeed appear to encourage more healthful purchases.

Increase in fatal opioid overdoses after hospital discharge

The period after hospital discharge is a high-risk time for people who use illicit opioids such as heroin, according to new research. Fatal opioid overdoses are four times more likely in the first two days after hospital discharge than at other times, and people who use illicit drugs need extra support when being discharged from hospital.

One in three kids with food allergies say they’ve been bullied because of their condition

Living with a food allergy can greatly impact a child's everyday life -- from limiting participation in social activities to being treated differently by peers. While previous research indicates many kids experience food allergy-related bullying, a new study found that offering kids with food allergies a multi-question assessment gives a more accurate picture of the size and scope of the problem.

Undiagnosed endometriosis compromises fertility treatment

Women with undiagnosed endometriosis will have difficulty falling pregnant without IVF, according to a new study.

Simultaneous optical and electrical tracking of heart activity

It is still elusive to what extent interactions between different cell types of the heart influence the normal heart rhythm and possibly trigger life-threatening arrhythmias. A new measurement method combines optical and electrical recording of cardiac ventricular activation which, in conjunction with optogenetics, will permit finding comprehensive answers to these questions.

Study detects origins of Huntington's disease in two-week-old human embryos

The findings shed new light on the root causes of this disease, which leads to the degeneration of neurons in midlife.

Manganese makes its mark in drug synthesis

Chemists find manganese far superior to silver and cerium as a way to make building blocks for drug design and manufacture.

Spider silk’s supposed 'healing properties' might have no basis in science

As far back as ancient Rome, spider silk has been used as a remedy to treat everything from skin lesions to warts. In the past, doctors have covered open wounds in cobwebs or advised patients to place cocoons on infected teeth. In modern times, however, the literature contains conflicting reports of whether or not spider silk has antimicrobial properties. Researchers have now revisited these old experiments and debunk the myth of antibiotic spider silk.

New study uncovers brain circuits that control fear responses

Researchers have discovered a brain mechanism that enables mice to override their instincts based on previous experience.

Long-lasting pain relief without opioids: Novel, local treatment for chronic pain

An investigation into the origins of the sensation of pain has led to the development of a novel and durable treatment for inflammatory pain that could be a promising alternative to opioids.

Super-enhancers: The villain fueling certain cancers

Researchers identified a small RNA molecule called miR-766-5p that reduces expression of MYC, a critical cancer-promoting gene. This microRNA reduces levels of proteins CBP and BRD4, which are both involved in super-enhancer (SE) formation. SEs form in areas of DNA that can fuel MYC expression and tumor progression. This study provides strong evidence for developing miR-766-5p as a novel therapeutic to treat MYC-driven cancers.