Also known as: NIH, U.S. National Institutes of Health, US National Institutes of Health
A study in Diabetologia shows type 2 diabetes in lean Africans is driven by insulin shortage, not insulin resistance, and may require different treatment than standard guidelines. The study analyzed data from over 3,300 African adults and found distinct complication patterns between lean and overweight patients.
Biotechnology is now a national security issue in Washington, with investment restrictions, export controls, and procurement bans targeting China. The Pentagon designated WuXi AppTec as a Chinese military company, sparking a legal challenge. Policymakers also warn about supply chain dependence, biosecurity, and the dual-use dilemma.
A drug-free wearable device that generates low-intensity electric fields reduced tumor growth and spread in preclinical models of triple-negative breast cancer. The treatment appeared to boost immune activity around tumors and will be tested in an upcoming NIH-sponsored clinical trial.
Semaglutide may lower risks of adult-onset seizures and alcohol-related hospitalizations, new studies find. Brazil approved five semaglutide injectables, and a commentary updates obesity care with GLP-1 drugs.
NIH expanded its All of Us dataset, linking 535,000 whole genome sequences to 482,000 EHRs from 747,000 participants. The release includes 1.3 billion variants and aims to advance precision medicine, prioritizing underrepresented populations.
Federal and international funders have announced life sciences and biotech funding opportunities: NIH awards up to $30 million, NSF fellowships, and roundups exceeding $900 million. Scholarships and grants are open worldwide, with AI and local eligibility as key criteria.
A study of over 85,000 women found that insurance coverage and healthcare access significantly affect folic acid use, increasing preventable birth defect risks. The findings support fortification efforts, while a University of Houston initiative aims to address pharmacy access barriers.
Penn joined 35 universities in an amicus brief supporting Harvard’s lawsuit against a $2 billion federal research funding freeze. The brief warns that such cuts endanger basic research and innovation, as Penn itself faces over $400 million in recent funding freezes and cuts.
Lawmakers opened national security probes into Merck, AbbVie and others over China drug trials. A survey finds China closing in on U.S. biotech leadership, and HHS launched clinical trial reforms to counter the rise.
The Astera Institute invests $500M in Radial to build AI-friendly biology infrastructure. Meanwhile, AI tools flood computer science publishing, AI-assisted NIH grants lean toward less innovation, and a new platform lets AI agents hire human helpers.
