Latest news releases from NIH-funded organizations

Funded Research News

Updates every hour. Last Updated: 28-Oct-2026 16:16 ET (28-Oct-2026 20:16 GMT/UTC)

8-Jul-2026

 

Gut bacteria linked to malnutrition may pass to younger generations

WashU Medicine
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A new study led by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis suggests that an intestinal disorder linked to malnutrition and stunted growth may be transmitted from one generation to the next via the small intestinal microbiome.

Journal

Nature Microbiology

Funder

Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Helen Hay Whitney Foundation, BJC Investigator Award

8-Jul-2026

 

MIT engineers whip up a more breathable hydrogel

Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Peer-Reviewed Publication

MIT engineers developed a hydrogel that is both hydrated and aerated. The stretchy material can be worn for longer periods of time compared to conventional hydrogels, without causing skin irritation. It can also reduce sweat buildup, even during exercise.

Journal

Nature

Funder

MIT Hatsopoulos Faculty Fellowship, Uncas and Helen Whitaker Professorship, MIT HEALS seed grant, Department of Defense Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs

8-Jul-2026

 

Globally, youth are not eating enough healthy plant-based foods

Tufts University
Peer-Reviewed Publication

New global analysis of childhood diets over nearly 30 years in 185 countries finds that children around the world are still consuming low amounts of healthy plant-based foods. 

Journal

BMJ Global Health

Funder

Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation

8-Jul-2026

Social media influencers who match racial, ethnic identity of their audiences have a bigger—and unhealthy—impact

New York University
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A new study by a team of psychology and health researchers finds that racial and ethnic minority youth reported paying more attention to influencers who looked like them and shared their racial identity. Moreover, this heightened visual interest was associated with stronger engagement with social media posts and a stronger preference for unhealthy foods.

Journal

Journal of Experimental Social Psychology

8-Jul-2026

New platform combines precision gene targeting with brain-wide delivery

University of Rochester Medical Center
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Researchers developed a gene therapy platform that combines engineered viral vectors with the brain's glymphatic transport system to deliver therapeutic genes broadly and selectively throughout the brain, offering a promising new approach for treating neurological diseases.

Journal

Nature Biotechnology

Funder

Dr. Miriam and Sheldon G. Adelson Medical Research Foundation