Selected Research Results by Date
Research spotlights of selected studies are shown below. For a full list of published NCCIH Research to-date, see PubMed.
Spotlights for 2013
New secondary analyses of data from the Trial to Assess Chelation Therapy (TACT) suggest that the EDTA-based chelation treatments produced a marked reduction in cardiovascular events and death in patients with diabete
(November 2013)
Results of a recent study cofunded by NCCAM suggest that one day of intense mindfulness by experienced meditators led to biological changes including expression of certain genes that play roles in inflammation and pai
(November 2013)
A recent clinical trial has added to knowledge about what goes on in the body and brain when people with chronic low-back pain receive spinal manipulation (also known as spinal manipulative therapy).
(October 2013)
Findings from the largest and most rigorous, randomized dose-response study of spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) for chronic low-back pain suggest that 12 sessions (SMT) may be the best “dose” for people w
(October 2013)
Although the number of studies involving mind and body research for smoking cessation is small, results of a recent review suggest that yoga and meditation-based therapies may help people quit the habit.
(September 2013)
Results of a recent study in mice suggest that omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) can target immune cells—specifically B cells, a type of white blood cell—and enhance immunity.
(August 2013)
An analysis of research conducted on acupuncture as an adjuvant (booster) treatment to in vitro fertilization (IVF) found that, overall, acupuncture did not increase pregnancy rates.
(July 2013)
Results of an NCCAM-funded study found that once-weekly yoga classes relieved pain, improved function, and reduced the need for pain medication just as well as twice-weekly classes in minority and low-income populatio
(July 2013)
Chronic pain is a widespread health problem. A new review by NCCAM researchers in Nature Reviews Neuroscience looks at recent research on pain and the brain.
(May 2013)
Grapefruit “nanovectors” may be a step toward new drug-delivery systems.
(May 2013)
Regular and long-term practice of yoga may improve pain tolerance, according to a recent study.
(May 2013)
Results of a recent study suggest that a new technique to distinguish between nearly identical compounds in the milk thistle plant may allow researchers to study highly complex natural products more powerfully and eff
(March 2013)
Preliminary study results suggest that a biomarker may be associated with the ability of young and middle-aged people to fight off a cold caused by a particular rhinovirus.
(February 2013)
A recent NCCAM-funded study measured the physical demands associated with seven commonly practiced yoga poses in older adults.
(January 2013)