The SNMMI Annual Meeting will focus on precision medicine, developing new diagnostic methods and treatments for cancers, brain diseases, and cardiac conditions. The event will feature breaking news and research in nuclear medicine and molecular imaging.
A new study from Boston University School of Medicine highlights disparities in leadership roles and academic rank among women and underrepresented groups. Women are less likely to be promoted to professor or in leadership positions, with educational roles being undervalued.
Researchers at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine defined 11 subsets of cells found in esophageal tissue using single cell gene-expression profiling. This study could help clinicians diagnose or treat certain types of cancer by identifying functional cell types contributing to cancer progression.
Dr. Anil N. Makam, Assistant Professor of Medicine at UCSF, received the fifth Arti Hurria Memorial Award for Emerging Investigators in Internal Medicine Who are Focused on the Care of Older Adults. His research focuses on long-term acute care hospitals and evidence-based medicine.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine have found that an enzyme called ART1 can modify a receptor on tumor-fighting immune cells, triggering their death. Blocking ART1 increased the presence of these immune cells within tumors and slowed or stopped tumor growth in animal models.
A study by the University of Washington School of Medicine found that home-based flu tests are comparable in accuracy to rapid diagnostic tests. The tests enable earlier diagnoses and reduce time to care for patients.
A Johns Hopkins Medicine study analyzed over 3,800 patients with prediabetes and found that only 13% received formal diagnosis, nutritionist referral, or metformin prescription. The researchers recommend improved screening and treatment options to prevent disease progression.
A study by Michigan Medicine reveals that 25% of young American men experience both delivering and receiving technology-facilitated abuse. Healthcare providers should consider addressing this issue, as men who have mental health care visits are more likely to be involved in abusive relationships.
A bibliometric analysis of Annals of Family Medicine submissions from 2015 to 2020 found that women represented 46.33% of all manuscript submissions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Women submitted fewer original research articles and briefs than men, potentially impacting future promotions.
Researchers found that exposure to addiction medicine consult teams led to a significantly reduced risk of death within three months of discharge. Medication played a key role in reducing mortality for patients with opioid use disorders, while other components may be crucial for those with alcohol use disorder.
A study by Indiana University School of Medicine researchers suggests that reperfusion therapy may not be as effective in halting muscle damage during heart attacks as previously thought. The team's findings indicate that internal bleeding within the heart muscle can continue to cause damage even after the blocked coronary artery is op...
The grant will fund a new curriculum focused on diagnosing and treating people with opioid use disorder (OUD), including guidance on medications for addiction treatment (MAT). The program aims to train hundreds of medical students and residents to diagnose, treat, and care for individuals with substance use disorders.
Researchers at Indiana University have developed a silicon device that can change skin tissue into blood vessels and nerve cells. The technology, called tissue nanotransfection, is being explored for use in treating conditions such as stroke and diabetes-related nerve damage.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine are studying breast cancer as a series of inflection points to identify potential intervention points and develop therapeutics for triple negative breast cancer. The goal is to create a large repository of organoids from tissue samples to study gene expression, epigenetic changes, and immune response.
The NUS Medicine team developed a series of thrombin inhibitors from tick transcriptome-derived sequences, offering potent anticoagulants with reduced bleeding risks. These next-generation anticoagulants hold promise for treating conditions like heart attacks, strokes, and SARS-CoV-2 infections.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that chlorthalidone significantly lowered blood pressure by 11mmHg in patients with stage 4 chronic kidney disease. The results also showed a 50% reduction in albuminuria, suggesting potential benefits for reducing kidney failure progression and hospitalizations.
A review board comprising healthcare professionals from various disciplines has sharply reduced opioid prescribing at an OHSU internal medicine clinic. The clinic uses a systematic approach to review high-risk cases and coach primary care providers on tapering patients off opioids.
A report highlights the challenges faced by underrepresented physicians in medicine, particularly in surgery. The authors emphasize the importance of enhancing mentorship and sponsorship relationships to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion.
A national task force endorses a new diagnostic equation for measuring kidney function, which removes racial data to increase access to transplantation for Black patients. The recommendation is supported by Penn Medicine research and aims to reduce disparities in healthcare.
The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine recommends keeping lactating mothers and their infants together, using direct breastfeeding over pump use whenever possible. The new guidelines also emphasize the importance of considering fluid needs, infection control, and creating a policy to support lactating mothers and breastfeeding children.
A new precision medicine test has been developed using blood proteins to identify patients with idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease (iMCD) most likely to respond to siltuximab. The study also reveals Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors as a promising alternative treatment option for those who do not respond to siltuximab.
The Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine and local partners receive an NSF grant to develop a regional regenerative medicine educational network. The project aims to address the workforce needs of the rapidly evolving field, focusing on skilled technician development in biomanufacturing.
A new Dartmouth-led study found that white patients receive higher annual doses of prescription pain medicine than Black patients, even when treated by the same health system and team of clinicians. The researchers suggest that systematic racial bias is a major contributor to these disparities.
A national survey reveals a pronounced lack of needed skills in the regenerative medicine biomanufacturing workforce, highlighting key findings and recommendations to address this gap. The study suggests five strategies for developing the workforce ecosystem, including faculty development opportunities, work-based learning, and policy ...
Vasan Ramachandran, a renowned cardiovascular epidemiologist, has been awarded the Louis and Artur Lucian Award for his groundbreaking work on hypertension. His research has significantly impacted clinical practice and cardiovascular health by shedding light on high blood pressure progression and screening guidelines.
The German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina hosted a virtual symposium to discuss cancer research, particularly pancreatic cancer, and palliative care. Experts shared insights into the development of rare pancreatic tumors, mechanisms leading to metastasis formation, and resilience in palliative care.
Scientists developed a new technique, sci-Space, to map gene expression over time and location at single-cell resolution in mouse embryos. They observed thousands of genes whose expression was anatomically patterned, including spatially restricted profiles in brain and heart cells.
Dr. Charlene Gamaldo receives inaugural Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Leadership Award for her efforts to increase diversity in sleep medicine and close health disparities. The award is presented by the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, a joint initiative of American Academy of Sleep Medicine and Sleep Research Society.
The American Medical Association has awarded Penn State College of Medicine $1.8 million to develop residency education programs that prepare physicians for the complexities of modern healthcare. The project aims to equip residents with health systems science knowledge and skills to deliver high-quality patient care.
A new Northwestern Medicine study found that routine check-ups have several health benefits, including better detection and treatment of chronic illnesses, increased vaccinations and screenings, and improved patient-reported outcomes. These benefits are particularly important for at-risk populations.
The SNMMI Virtual Annual Meeting will convene over 6,000 attendees to share breaking news and research in precision medicine, focusing on early diagnosis, effective therapy delivery, and optimized treatment monitoring. The meeting features hundreds of scientific abstracts and a cutting-edge exhibit hall.
Researchers developed a unique pre-clinical model of long-term HIV infection using subset of human CD4 cells, excluding those prone to attacking mouse tissue. The model showed that memory CD4 cells can be infected and killed by HIV or protected by anti-HIV drugs, paving the way for T-cell based therapies
A recent case study by Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers provides evidence that medical marijuana may be an effective treatment for patients with chronic itch. The team found that THC, a compound in cannabis, attaches to brain receptors and reduces inflammation, leading to a reduction in skin sensations such as itchiness.
The University of Chicago Medicine's emergency department continued routine HIV screening alongside COVID-19 testing during the pandemic. The number of HIV tests remained at pre-pandemic levels, while the rate of acute HIV diagnoses rose. This successful implementation is attributed to targeted efforts and a strong partnership between ...
Intellihealth, a medical obesity treatment platform co-founded by Dr. Katherine Saunders, was selected as the first winner of the Women at Weill investment competition. The company's software platform Evolve generates personalized treatment plans for patients and is integrated with Epic, a widely-used electronic health record system.
A randomized trial found that droperidol was more effective than lorazepam or ziprasidone for sedation in patients with acute undifferentiated agitation. Additionally, it was associated with lower rates of respiratory depression compared to the other medications. The study suggests that larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Dr. David Lyden, a Weill Cornell Medicine physician-scientist, has been inducted into the Association of American Physicians for his pioneering work on cancer metastasis and spread. His research reveals that tumors produce factors that prime distant organs to become hospitable sites for cancer growth.
The HINTS exam, a bedside ocular motor test, is not accurate for central cause identification. The test is frequently misused in patients without nystagmus or intermittent symptoms.
IU School of Medicine researchers have developed a blood test that can distinguish between severe depression and bipolar disorder, as well as predict future episodes. The test uses RNA biomarkers to inform tailored medication choices, offering a promising precision medicine approach to treatment.
Researchers at Penn Medicine have developed an RNA therapy that reversed blindness in a patient with a rare genetic disorder, improving vision over a 15-month period after a single injection. The treatment's durability and effectiveness provide new avenues for treating other ciliopathies.
A study published in the Journal of Public Health Management and Practice finds that the number of preventive medicine physicians is not likely to match population needs in the US. The specialty is aging, with nearly half of physicians over 60 years old, and new trainees are scarce.
The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened pregnancy and chronic disease-related inequities, researchers argue. Primary care clinicians must adopt holistic approaches to address interconnected health risks, including virtual medicine and self-monitoring tools.
A study of over 61,000 patients with acute pulmonary embolism found that disposition practices vary significantly between hospitals, resulting in high emergency department revisit rates. Most return visits did not lead to hospitalization, highlighting the need for standardized care and improved outpatient management protocols.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has announced its 2021 award recipients, recognizing excellence in clinical practice, research, education, and advocacy. M. Safwan Badr, Terri Weaver, Scott Williams, and Indira Gurubhagavatula are among those honored for their dedication to advancing sleep care and enhancing sleep health.
A new educational curriculum in longevity medicine for physicians has been developed, outlining the benefits of promoting healthspan and lifespan. The course provides a comprehensive introduction to theoretical and practical basics of longevity medicine, including molecular mechanisms, biomarkers of aging, and geroprotector regimens.
The Diversity-Mentorship Collaborative program will provide innovative support for URM faculty, including research assistance and competitive career development awards. The grant aims to boost the number of URM faculty through recruitment, retention, advancement, and mentoring.
A recent Loyola Medicine study found that reducing the standard dose of IV-administered ketamine in half is as effective as the larger dose in reducing pain in adults. The study involved 98 patients and showed similar results at 30 minutes, with lower adverse event rates in the low-dose group.
A new health equity curriculum at Wake Forest School of Medicine improved students' knowledge and confidence in addressing social determinants of health. The program, implemented in 2018, included simulations, online modules, and community-based partnerships.
A study published in Academic Emergency Medicine found that methoxyflurane administration resulted in lower pain scores compared to standard care. However, it did not achieve the desired substantial reduction in pain as prescribed.
A Johns Hopkins Medicine study reveals that emotional stress promotes symptoms of genetic heart disease and worsens its progression. Physicians and patients are advised to focus on good mental health, in addition to exercise avoidance, to keep patients healthy.
Researchers found that a widely used cell type for brain research was misidentified as an endothelial cell, but could be reprogrammed to resemble one using gene expression manipulation. This study highlights the importance of rigorously evaluating stem cell models before embracing them.
Scientists discovered that DCM-causing LMNA gene mutations disrupt the 'identity' of heart muscle cells by altering nuclear lamina-genome interactions and epigenetic marks. This disruption leads to abnormal gene regulation and loss of mechanical elasticity in heart cells.
Researchers propose a new field of study converging AI, basic research, and medicine to extend human lifespan. The framework uses deep learning to predict age-related changes, enabling the development of a new field of medicine - longevity medicine.
The American College of Physicians and Annals of Internal Medicine hosted a third virtual COVID-19 vaccine forum, discussing the allocation and distribution of available vaccines. Researchers also published an observational study finding that early therapeutic anticoagulation in critically ill patients with COVID-19 did not affect surv...
A study found that patients with more adverse social factors, such as low income and educational attainment, were significantly more likely to die of coronary heart disease. Using a simple count of these factors can help doctors estimate their patients' health risks and provide more aggressive treatment.
Dr. Benjamin Arenkiel's research identified a convergent brain circuit that combines sensory perceptions and motivational state, linking basal forebrain circuits to behaviors such as anxiety, anorexia, addiction, and more. His work offers a new approach to treating severe eating disorders, obesity, and addictive behaviors by manipulati...
A new protocol has been established to evaluate patients for elective surgeries following COVID-19, taking into account the high risk of complications and clinical uncertainty. The guidelines include minimum recovery times, patient history assessments, and objective testing to determine safe surgery procedures.
A new study published in The American Journal of Pathology reports that neutralizing tumor necrosis factor (TNF) can prevent rejection and tissue injury after cell transplantation, improving graft survival and regenerative medicine outcomes. TNF is identified as a master switch for orchestrating cytokines and inflammatory signals.
The American College of Physicians (ACP) hosted a virtual COVID-19 Vaccine Forum II to address barriers to optimal vaccine uptake. Panelists emphasized the need for comprehensive public health communications campaigns to refute misinformation and build trust among disproportionately affected minority communities.
Researchers argue that NCITs fail to accurately identify infected individuals, with only one person out of 85,000 screened being positive for SARS-CoV-2. Additionally, NCIT readings can be misleading during fever spikes and drops, making it difficult to determine actual fever presence.