EurekAlert! National Institutes of Health

Latest news releases from NIH-funded organizations

Funded Research News

Updates every hour. Last Updated: 14-Jul-2025 11:11 ET (14-Jul-2025 15:11 GMT/UTC)

6-Feb-2025

Essential genome of malaria parasite Plasmodium knowlesi mapped

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A new, comprehensive map of all the genes essential for blood infections in Plasmodium knowlesi (P. knowlesi), a parasite that causes malaria in humans, has been generated by researchers at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and colleagues. The map contains the most complete classification of essential genes in any Plasmodiumspecies and can be used to identify druggable parasite targets and mechanisms of drug resistance that can inform the development of new treatments for malaria.

Journal: Science
Funder: NIH/National Institutes of Health, NIH/National Institutes of Health, NIH/National Institutes of Health, NIH/National Institutes of Health, Swiss National Science Foundation Postdoc Mobility, Swiss National Science Foundation Postdoc Mobility, Food and Drug Administration Intramural Research Program

6-Feb-2025

Improved brain decoder holds promise for communication in people with aphasia

University of Texas at Austin
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A new AI-based tool can translate a person’s thoughts into continuous text, without requiring the person to comprehend spoken words. This latest advance suggests it may be possible, with further refinement, for brain computer interfaces to improve communication in people with aphasia.

Journal: Current Biology
Funder: NIH/National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, Whitehall Foundation, Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, Burroughs Wellcome Fund

6-Feb-2025

Research in fruit flies pinpoints brain pathways involved in alcohol-induced insomnia

University of Utah Health
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Research in fruit flies has identified specific groups of cholinergic brain cells that are involved in alcohol-induced insomnia. This work could ultimately lead to targeted treatments for alcohol-related sleep loss, helping people recover from alcohol use disorder.

Journal: Current Biology
Funder: NIH/National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, NIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse, NIH/National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, NIH/National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, NIH/National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, NIH/National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, NIH/National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Huntsman Mental Health Institute, University of Utah Health

6-Feb-2025

Fear of breast cancer recurrence: Impact and coping with being in a dark place

Regenstrief Institute
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A new study of breast cancer survivors has found this psychosocial challenge impacts almost every important domain of their lives – the emotional, behavioral, cognitive, relational and professional. A larger number of domains was affected, and they were affected more frequently in those with greater fear of recurrence. The majority of study participants indicated that they sought senses of purpose, belonging, control and connection with others.

Journal: Supportive Care in Cancer
Funder: NIH/National Cancer Institute, Walther Cancer Foundation

6-Feb-2025

Corn’s ancient ancestors are calling

Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Peer-Reviewed Publication

CSHL Professors Thomas Gingeras and Rob Martienssen have launched a new genomic encyclopedia called MaizeCODE. Their latest study uses MaizeCODE data to help explain how corn became domesticated 9,000 years ago. The public research program stands to aid farmers in improving their maize crops.

Journal: Nature Communications
Funder: NIH/National Institutes of Health, U.S. National Science Foundation, Howard Hughes Medical Institute