MVP study offers new insights on genetic risk for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

A VA Million Veteran Program study identified 77 locations on the human genome that affect risk for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.... (07/06/2022)

An Accidental AI Professional

Presidential innovation fellow Agata Ciesielski has worked to develop strategies to promote AI solutions across the VA enterprise.... (07/01/2022)

VA ear surgeon studies management of severe hearing loss in Veterans

A VA researcher and ear surgeon in NY Harbor is studying the management of severe hearing loss in Veterans.... (07/01/2022)

Exercise may be useful treatment option for Veterans with PTSD

Based on preliminary evidence, researchers determined that exercise has promise for reducing the severity of PTSD symptoms in Veterans.... (06/28/2022)

Veteran disability payments led to fewer hospitalizations

Increasing disability payments led to fewer hospitalizations for Vietnam Veterans with diabetes, but did not lower death rates.... (06/22/2022)

Air Force Veteran among 10 new awardees in VA diversity, equity, and inclusion research program

VA's Office of Research and Development has issued 10 new research awards to support early career investigators from minority backgrounds.... (06/13/2022)

Height may be risk factor for multiple health conditions

A large genetic study by the VA Million Veteran Program has found that a person's height may also affect their risk for several common health conditions in adulthood.... (06/02/2022)

VA researcher leads project to evaluate Veteran screening for malnutrition

A research dietitian is leading a project at the Phoenix VA to evaluate the malnutrition screening of Veterans admitted to the hospital.... (05/23/2022)

Mapping out the human genome

A VA program that sequences Veterans' genomes is collaborating with an NIH initiative to advance genetic discoveries for Veterans.... (05/19/2022)

VA Launches Scott Hannon Initiative for Precision Mental Health

VA's Office of Mental Health has launched a new initiative to identify brain biomarkers in Veterans.... (05/17/2022)

Self-reliance may affect acceptance of mental health treatment in Veterans

Veterans with anxiety or depression were less likely to use mental health care if they also had high levels of grit, found a VA study.... (05/02/2022)

Study: economic burden of PTSD 'staggering'

A new study finds that the national economic burden of PTSD exceeds the financial cost of other common mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression.... (04/25/2022)

Cultivating the Cancer-Fighting Power of Neoantigens

Select proteins called neoantigens can activate the immune system to help destroy cancer.... (04/22/2022)

Black Veterans receive equal, or superior, lung cancer care in VA

Black Veterans with lung cancer receive comparable care, with equivalent, if not superior, treatment outcomes as white Veterans at VA.... (04/22/2022)

Screening for thoughts of suicide can identify missed chances to save lives, VA study says

A VA case review showed missed opportunities to screen a patient for thoughts of suicide in multiple visits to the emergency department.... (04/11/2022)

Advancing the science of transplantation

Early VA research uncovered knowledge that proved vital to transplanting a pig's heart into a human in a groundbreaking operation earlier this year... (03/24/2022)

Study finds ongoing mental health concerns for Vietnam Veterans

A data analysis finds that Veterans who served in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War have a higher rate of mental health issues, compared with other Vietnam-era Veterans and non-Veterans.... (03/17/2022)

Open mic

Veterans are broadcasting their stories on a new VA podcast that emphasizes the importance of research to improve the lives of former service members.... (03/01/2022)

Help beyond housing

A VA program is helping homeless and recently housed Veterans flourish in their neighborhoods by supporting them in finding work and maintaining contact with family members.... (02/22/2022)

VA research spells out COVID's down-the-road risks for cardiovascular and mental health

In two studies, a team of VA researchers concluded that those infected with COVID-19 may experience long-term cardiovascular and mental health effects.... (02/16/2022)

Research roundup: E-cigs aren't safe

A VA researcher and colleagues summarized the evidence on the health dangers of vaping—including findings from some of their own work—in a recent review article. ... (02/15/2022)

Photos shed light on food insecurity in post 9/11 Veterans

Photographs taken by Veterans can help researchers and community organizations understand the factors that underlie food insecurity.... (02/14/2022)

Teasing out the effects of blasts on mental health

A new VA study finds that blast exposure is related to mental health symptoms in combat Veterans beyond the effects of mild traumatic brain injury or PTSD.... (02/08/2022)

It's just a phage

A review article authored by VA researchers says viruses that target bacteria are showing promise as a treatment for some intestinal diseases.... (02/08/2022)

Hospice benefits ill Veterans

Families report satisfaction with end-of-life care for Veterans enrolled in home-based primary care and hospice, finds VA study. ... (02/07/2022)

Is active surveillance the answer?

A VA physician has become a strong advocate of active surveillance for low-risk prostate cancer patients as an option to surgery or radiation.... (02/04/2022)

Tackling an epidemic

A VA researcher and former White House policy advisor is leading a panel that is recommending solutions to the opioid crisis.... (02/03/2022)

VA researcher aims to help survivors of military sexual trauma with PTSD

A VA study finds trauma-sensitive yoga is an effective therapy for women Veterans who developed PTSD following military sexual trauma.... (01/24/2022)

Prolonged exposure or cognitive processing therapy?

A landmark study comparing VA's two leading psychotherapies confirmed that they both lead to meaningful improvements for Veterans with PTSD.... (01/19/2022)

Lab studies seek hormone-based obesity treatment

Researchers say the findings from a new study could potentially lead to a safe, effective treatment for the problem of obesity, which affects some 4 in 10 Americans.... (01/18/2022)

VA clinicians testing new radioactive tracer drug to track prostate cancer in the body

VA researchers at the Truman VA in Missouri are testing a new radioactive tracer drug for its ability to show whether and where prostate cancer has spread in the body.... (01/12/2022)

Telehealth plus web-based skills training a promising combination for Veterans with PTSD, military sexual trauma

A VA study says a combination of telehealth coaching and web-based skills training can improve outcomes for Veterans who have experienced military sexual trauma.... (01/07/2022)

VA and COVID therapeutics

Experts from VA's Office of Research and Development discuss VA's role in studying drugs and other therapies needed to treat patients with COVID-19.... (01/03/2022)

Can medication ease insomnia in Veterans with PTSD?

A VA study will compare three drugs for their ability to treat Veterans with PTSD who have insomnia, one of the hardest-to-treat symptoms for patients with PTSD.... (12/17/2021)

Study finds strong tie between sexual trauma, suicidal thoughts in Veterans with no history of mental health care

A study finds that military sexual trauma is linked to an increased risk of suicidal thoughts in Veterans without a mental health treatment history.... (12/17/2021)

Which COVID-19 vaccine works better?

Researchers have carried out the first head-to-head effectiveness comparison of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines that protect against COVID-19.... (12/01/2021)

Grape juice may have the potential to improve cognitive performance in Gulf War Veterans

A VA study finds that Concord grape juice contains ingredients that may have the potential to improve cognitive performance in Veterans with Gulf War illness.... (11/24/2021)

Study links statin use with diabetes progression, points to need for further research

A VA study has documented a link between cholesterol-lowering statin drugs and diabetes progression.... (11/18/2021)

Computers ‘learn’ to support high-stakes decisions during heart surgery

VA experts in artificial intelligence are teaching computers to think like "perfusionists"—staff who work heart-lung machines during surgery.... (11/18/2021)

VA to lead new national initiative to improve effectiveness of pre-clinical brain research

A new VA-led initiative on traumatic brain injury is aimed at better advancing pre-clinical TBI research in hopes of creating new therapies.... (11/18/2021)

‘They are hand in glove’

Michael Kilmer, the director of VA Eastern Colorado, lives by the motto that good clinical work supports good research, and good research supports good clinical work.... (11/18/2021)

Filtering out COVID-19

DOD and VA researchers are testing a new device that filters out pathogens from the blood of COVID-19 patients.... (10/26/2021)

Researchers home in on biochemical link between brain injury, Alzheimer's disease

VA researchers have discovered an approach that could prevent nerve cells in the brain from deteriorating after a traumatic brain injury.... (10/21/2021)

VA joins alliance to boost access to ‘decentralized’ clinical trials

VA has joined a nonprofit alliance that is aimed at increasing access to clinical trials through telemedicine, home delivery of study medications, and other methods.... (10/14/2021)

Brain images of healthy middle-aged adults aid in predicting progression of early memory loss

A study shows that brain images of cognitively normal adults in their 50s can help in predicting mild cognitive impairment, a possible precursor to Alzheimer's disease.... (10/12/2021)

Study: Smoking increases risk of death for Veterans with COVID-19

A VA study highlights the importance of assessing for tobacco use among COVID-19-positive patients and recognizes smoking as a risk factor for increased mortality. ... (10/06/2021)

VA study: Moderate alcohol use linked to lower rates of hospitalization, death

A study finds that hospitalization or death from any cause was higher in older Veterans who were nondrinkers or "harmful use" drinkers, compared with moderate drinkers.... (10/06/2021)

VA doctors seek to harness artificial intelligence to target care for sicker Veterans

VA researchers are using artificial intelligence to identify Veterans at high risk of hospitalization or death. This approach can help ensure these Veterans get the best care possible.... (09/21/2021)

VA researchers link PTSD, anxiety fears in women with history of military sexual trauma

A new VA study finds a strong link between PTSD symptom severity and anxiety sensitivity among female Veterans who have experienced military sexual trauma.... (09/21/2021)

VA researchers' guidelines on electronic health records adopted into Medicare policy

VA researchers have developed guides to promote safe use of electronic health records. The guides are part of a new federal policy on Medicare reimbursement to hospitals.... (09/14/2021)

VA grants first diversity, equity, and inclusion research awards

VA supports early career investigators from minority backgrounds through new research awards.... (09/10/2021)

U.S. pullout from Afghanistan

Dr. Joseph Geraci, a VA psychologist, discusses the potential mental and social challenges that may surface for some Veterans following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.... (08/30/2021)

Emotion-based psychotherapy a promising treatment for women with PTSD, eating disorders

A study exploring how PTSD may impact treatment outcomes for women with eating disorders suggests an emotion-based psychotherapy is a promising treatment for patients with or without PTSD.... (08/30/2021)

MVP study shows effectiveness of genetic screening tool for breast cancer risk

A new tool could accurately predict breast cancer risk in some women Veterans.... (08/26/2021)

Battlefield acupuncture

VA researchers are studying "battlefield acupuncture," in which needles are placed on specific points on each ear, as an option for pain relief alongside conventional medications.... (08/26/2021)

VA researcher exploring meditation as a therapy for PTSD

Dr. Ariel Lang, a psychologist at VA San Diego, is exploring five types of meditative practices for their potential to ease PTSD symptoms in Veterans.... (08/25/2021)

Hep C-positive organs, safe and effective for most transplant recipients

Organs that carry the hepatitis C virus are a safe option for patients, finds VA Houston study.... (08/12/2021)

VA in new research agreement with National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

VA is joining forces with another federal agency, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, to expand research on infectious diseases and related topics.... (07/29/2021)

New scanning technology could help diagnose Alzheimer's disease using light

VA researchers developed technology to scan the brain for Alzheimer's disease using light.... (07/28/2021)

One-two punch helps Veterans with weight loss

VA is investigating the effectiveness of weight-loss strategies like dietary changes and medication.... (07/23/2021)

Study yields insight on factors predicting response to PTSD treatments

A VA study on PTSD treatment yielded a surprising finding: Longer time periods between trauma and treatment were associated with bigger improvements in symptoms.... (07/22/2021)

COVID-19 testing

VA researchers are evaluating 3D-printed nasal swabs to guard against future supply chain declines in traditional swabs.... (07/12/2021)

Sailing as a therapy?

A VA psychiatrist is experimenting with sailing, hiking, interaction with horses, and other recreational activities to help Veterans with mental health conditions and substance use disorder.... (07/09/2021)

Study reports on experiences of LGB Vietnam-era Veterans

A new analysis of data from the Vietnam era found that lesbian, gay, and bisexual Veterans who served at the time are reporting PTSD and poorer mental health more often than their heterosexual counterparts. ... (07/08/2021)

‘STARPORT’ trial probes new approach for aggressive prostate cancer

A new VA study is examining an innovative treatment approach for men whose prostate cancer has spread to distant areas despite surgery or radiation.... (07/06/2021)

New VA tool uses artificial intelligence to predict COVID-19 patient mortality

A new VA tool that processes data using artificial intelligence can predict mortality rates within 120 days of when a patient is diagnosed with COVID-19. The tool is being piloted at 13 VA sites.... (06/28/2021)

For VA’s Brandy Wade, making science straightforward is a mission and passion

Brandy Wade of VA's Technology Transfer Program is adept at translating complex scientific concepts into understandable messages for various audiences.... (06/22/2021)

VA researchers use novel approach to gain insight into suicide risk factors

Using an emerging approach in mental health research called network theory, VA researchers gain insight into factors that cause a person to consider dying by suicide.... (06/11/2021)

Genetic testing—the new standard in treatment for advanced prostate cancer

Two VA clinicians explain how Veterans with advanced, or metastatic, prostate cancer can be helped through genetic testing and precision oncology.... (06/11/2021)

From concept to reality

A new VA program is providing education and mentoring for researchers trying to bring their innovations to market.... (06/01/2021)

Genetic risk factors revealed by largest genome study of depression to date

In the largest genetic analysis of depression to date, VA researchers identified many new gene variants that increase the risk for depression.... (05/27/2021)

Amid shortage of face masks, researchers explore 3D options to guard against COVID-19, other infectious diseases

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a high demand for respiratory protection among health care workers in hospitals. VA researchers experimented with 3D-printed masks as a substitute for the widely used N95s.... (05/27/2021)

Can statins help 75-and-overs stay healthy? PREVENTABLE trial will provide answers

Most research on statins—drugs used by many Americans to lower cholesterol—has focused on middle-aged people. Now, a major statin study focused on older people is underway.... (05/11/2021)

Wrist-worn sensor test can predict frailty and functional mobility

A simple test with a wrist-worn sensor can easily assess frailty and mobility in surgery patients, found a recent study. The test could help predict the risk of surgery in patients with mobility limitations. ... (04/28/2021)

VA hospital improvises with new device to prevent in-patient suicides

A block has been installed on all of the bathroom doors in patient rooms in the mental health unit at VA Pittsburgh to prevent someone from using a rope, a sheet, or any other item to carry out a hanging.... (04/27/2021)

VA program using special DNA chip to expand genetic research on minorities

VA's Million Veteran Program has launched a custom-designed DNA chip to expand genetic research leading to targeted treatments for Black and Hispanic Veterans and other racial and ethnic minorities.... (04/26/2021)

VA engineering research center posts another invention: prosthetic hook mouse

The Human Engineering Research Laboratories, which designs and creates wheelchairs, prostheses, and other assistive devices, has another achievement to its name: a prosthetic hook mouse for people with upper-limb amputations.... (04/26/2021)

COVID-19 ‘long-haulers’ face increased risk of death and many other health problems

A large VA study shows that people who have had COVID-19 are at heightened risk of both death and many health problems.... (04/26/2021)

Homeless Veterans largely satisfied with community health care options

Homeless Veterans value the option to receive health care in the community, found VA study, but coordination challenges exist.... (04/16/2021)

New Brain Proteins Suspected of Causing Depression

Using an innovative protein-based approach, VA researchers and their academic colleagues have found genes and corresponding proteins that could point the way to new depression treatments.... (04/12/2021)

Using genetics, researchers identify potential drugs for early treatment of COVID-19

A new study using genetics suggests researchers should prioritize clinical trials of existing drugs that target two proteins to manage COVID-19 in its early stages.... (04/09/2021)

VA telehealth clinic focused on cognitive issues helps Veterans in rural areas

A VA neuropsychologist has led a study on patient satisfaction with a telehealth clinic that serves older Veterans with cognitive aging concerns, mainly those related to Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia.... (04/09/2021)

VA genetics program aims to increase mental health treatments for Veterans

VA's Million Veteran Program, one of the world's largest databases of health and genetic information, plans to survey 50,000 new participants with mental health conditions in hopes of finding better treatments for that cohort.... (04/09/2021)

Study sheds light on interplay among PTSD, combat experience, alcohol use

A new VA study finds that combat experience is linked to a higher risk of alcohol use to cope with PTSD symptoms. But the connection is weaker when accounting for the severity of the PTSD.... (04/01/2021)

Study finds few racial differences in community activity for Veterans with TBI

Researchers with VA, DOD, and other research institutions examined the effects of race and ethnicity on community participation in service members and Veterans with traumatic brain injury.... (04/01/2021)

VA clinical trial examines optimal treatment for Veterans with early stage lung cancer

VA is evaluating two different types of treatment for stage 1 lung cancer—surgery vs. radiation therapy.... (03/30/2021)

Review: For many men with prostate cancer, surgery risks outweigh potential benefits

A VA review found that "watchful waiting" or prostate specific antigen (PSA) monitoring may be the best approach for many men with prostate cancer.... (03/23/2021)

Deep freeze

A VA research facility in Albuquerque is storing Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine in an ultra-cold freezer system for use by Native Americans in four Southwestern states.... (03/11/2021)

Targeting the tumor

In the framework of VA’s Precision Oncology Program, an Army Veteran with aggressive prostate cancer is seeing promising results from an immunotherapy drug targeted to his tumor’s gene profile. ... (02/25/2021)

MVP study reveals new markers of genetic risk for PTSD

A large VA Million Veteran Program study found new genetic markers for posttraumatic stress disorder risk.... (02/24/2021)

Lines of communication

A new VA program has changed how the agency informs patients, the media, and hospital workers about unsafe clinical practices at VA health care facilities.... (02/17/2021)

Study: Delaying colonoscopy following abnormal stool test increases risk of colorectal cancer

A new VA study finds that delays in undergoing colonoscopy following an abnormal stool test increase the risk of a colorectal cancer diagnosis and cancer-related death. ... (02/02/2021)

A new way to prevent pressure injuries

Monitoring fat levels in gluteus muscles may help Veterans and others with SCI avoid painful pressure injuries.... (01/27/2021)

Study: PTSD raises suicide risk for those with prostate cancer

A new VA study finds that patients with prostate cancer and PTSD experienced greater suicide risk than those with prostate cancer and no PTSD. Learn more »... (01/26/2021)

Nanoparticle drug delivery technique shows promise for treating pancreatic cancer

VA researchers have designed a new way to deliver pancreatic cancer drugs that could make fighting the disease much easier.... (01/26/2021)

VA researcher tests condensed form of psychotherapy to treat PTSD patients

A VA leader in PTSD treatment, Dr. Sheila Rauch of the Atlanta VA, is testing a condensed form of the psychotherapy prolonged exposure to treat PTSD patients.... (01/19/2021)

Marine Veteran encourages others to sign up for registry

Marine Veteran John Gutierrez is willing to participate in a COVID-19 vaccine trial so in the end other people will not contract the virus and struggle with it like he has.... (01/13/2021)

VA official encourages minorities to make educated decisions about participating in COVID-19 trials

Dr. Sabrina Clark, an African American, is distinguishing her willingness to be part of the COVID-19 research volunteer list from her willingness to volunteer for a study.... (01/07/2021)

Study of post-mortem brain tissue yields new insights on PTSD

A rigorous study examining post-mortem brain tissue from those with PTSD has identified molecular changes in the brain that may lead to new ways to diagnose and treat the disorder.... (01/06/2021)

Former Navy Surgeon General wants Veterans to know that vaccines are safe and effective for most

Dr. Adam Robinson knows that equal representation in clinical trials is critically important. That's why he signed up to test new vaccines for COVID-19.... (01/05/2021)

Veteran determined to help 'win this war' against COVID-19

After deploying to fight in Iraq and Afghanistan, Navy Veteran Lee Becker is eager to serve his country by supporting COVID-19 vaccine and treatment efforts.... (12/30/2020)

Continuing to serve: Army Veteran signs up for coronavirus research

Veteran Jeremy Wheeler knows how important service can be. He was inspired to sign up for VA's research volunteer list by his wife, who is a clinical scientist.... (12/28/2020)

Putting beliefs into action: fighting COVID-19

Veteran Michele Jones says she volunteered for VA research on COVID-19 to make sure that new vaccines will be effective for a diverse group of people.... (12/22/2020)

Researchers optimistic about ability of anti-inflammatory drug to treat COVID-19 patients

The FDA has approved rapid access to an anti-inflammatory drug that has shown promise in treating hospitalized COVID-19 patients.... (12/18/2020)

Ebola crisis helped prepare director of VA medical center for COVID-19 pandemic

The director of VA Greater Los Angeles, Dr. Steve Braverman, discusses what it's like during the COVID-19 era to lead a VA medical center with one of the largest research budgets.... (12/10/2020)

Genetic risk of alcohol-related cirrhosis uncovered

A large genetic study found a previously unknown human genome location linked to protection from alcohol-related liver damage. The study may help scientists understand how alcohol causes damage to the liver.... (12/10/2020)

COVID-19 vaccine trials: How safe is it to participate?

A health care expert in VA's Office of Research and Development speaks to VA Research Currents about the integrity and safety of the COVID-19 vaccine trials, which are enrolling participants at multiple VA sites.... (11/25/2020)

Alternative fuels

VA scientist is leading an ambitious project to provide continuous power to prostheses and implantable devices with blood sugar.... (11/17/2020)

AI Tech Sprint brings together private industry and innovation to benefit Veterans

VA is accepting applications for the 2020 AI tech sprint. Teams from private industry and government will work together to use AI-enabled data to solve VA's most pressing challenges.... (11/04/2020)

Brain trauma

New VA study finds that repetitive mild brain trauma causes a moderate loss of connection between nerve cells in an area of the brain that is key to memory and cognitive performance.... (10/30/2020)

Insomnia disorder common in post-9/11 Veterans

Post-9/11 Veterans have “alarmingly high rates” of insomnia disorder, according to a VA San Diego Healthcare System study.... (10/20/2020)

COVID-19 ‘collaboratory’ leverages VA treatment data to probe effects of drugs

A VA research initiative is bringing together VA experts to analyze the use and effects of COVID-19 drugs with clinical partners interested in the safety and efficiency of these therapies.... (10/16/2020)

Study: Brain stimulation improves condition of patients with Alzheimer's

A VA pilot study finds that a brain stimulation therapy provided to patients with Alzheimer's disease improved their state of apathy, a profound loss of motivation and initiative and a feeling of social withdrawal.... (10/14/2020)

Study points to race, ethnicity as COVID-19 risk factors

A VA study found that Black and Hispanic Veterans were twice as likely to test positive for COVID-19.... (09/23/2020)

Study: Different emotions may drive male, female Veterans to attempt suicide

A new VA study finds that a much different set of emotions may have driven male and female Veterans to attempt suicide.... (09/17/2020)

Researchers striving to improve detection of kidney disease in VA

Two VA researchers are leading efforts to implement in VA a test they believe to be much more accurate in detecting kidney disease than the one in standard practice for decades.... (09/17/2020)

Pilot study: Fecal transplant helps alcohol cravings

Fecal transplant therapy is safe and can reduce alcohol craving in patients with alcohol use disorder, found a VA study.... (09/10/2020)

VA researcher develops 'smart bandage' technology for chronic wounds

Researchers at the Advanced Platform Technology Center have developed a high-tech bandage that uses electrical stimulation to treat pressure injuries.... (09/09/2020)

VA aims to validate effective treatments for COVID-19 patients through new initiative

New VA initiative is aimed at giving Veterans faster access to COVID-19 treatments and confirming their effectiveness. Its first trial is on convalescent plasma for treating seriously ill patients.... (09/02/2020)

Does smoking block potential benefits from stem cell therapy?

Scientists at VA Palo Alto are studying whether smoking may detract from the potential therapeutic effects of stem cells in the body. ... (09/01/2020)

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