Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center


Transparency through open notes

A study by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center investigated the effects of transparency through open notes, revealing mixed views among doctors and patients regarding the benefits and drawbacks. The trial involved over 100 primary care doctors and 25,000 patients, who reviewed their medical records online.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJul 19, 2010

Investigators identify gene associated with kidney disease in African-American population

A study by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center investigators identified the APOL-1 gene as a key factor in kidney disease among African Americans. The researchers found that variants in this gene are more common in individuals of recent African ancestry and may have evolved as a survival mechanism against parasitic disease in Africa.

Pathologists call for new training program to support personalized medicine

Experts in pathology are advocating for a comprehensive training program to integrate genomics and personalized medicine into daily practices. The proposed curriculum would cover laboratory medicine, genetic counseling, and health information technology, enabling pathologists to serve as primary consultants for physicians and patients.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Pathology·DateJun 30, 2010

The language of RNA decoded: Study reveals new function for pseudogenes and noncoding RNAs

A new study reveals that thousands of noncoding RNAs have a regulatory role independent of their protein-coding function, communicating with each other to influence cellular microRNAs. This discovery introduces 'competitive endogenous RNAs' and doubles the size of the functional genome, offering new insights into cancer and human disease.

Subtle changes in PTEN tumor suppressor gene can determine cancer susceptibility

A new study reveals that even slight reductions in PTEN expression can significantly increase cancer susceptibility in specific tissues, implying that environmental factors like diet and carcinogens may drive tumor development. This finding has implications for the development of diagnostic tests targeted to these gene alterations.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalNature Genetics·DateApr 23, 2010

Low-carb diets linked to atherosclerosis and impaired blood vessel growth

A study led by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center found that mice on low-carb diets developed significantly more atherosclerosis and had impaired ability to form new blood vessels compared to those on Western or standard diets. Standard markers of cardiovascular risk, including cholesterol, were not affected.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 24, 2009

Could new government regulations lead to increased use of physical restraints?

A leading gerontologist warns that new regulations may lead to a resurgence in physical restraints, which can cause medical complications and erode two decades of progress in reducing their use. Alternative strategies, such as the Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP), are more effective in preventing falls and maintaining patient safety.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 3, 2009

Patients reveal willingness to trade hands-on medical care for computer consultations

A study by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center found that patients want full access to their medical records, are willing to make some privacy concessions, and expect computers to play a major role in their care. Patients prioritize transparency and online access over traditional face-to-face doctor visits.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateMay 18, 2009

Cost containment focus could have consequences for health care delivery

Physicians warn that assigning monetary value to every aspect of a doctor's time could impair quality and increase costs. Experiments show money-primed subjects are less willing to help others in need. A new trend in primary care, the 'patient-centered medical home,' aims to restore balance by compensating for unreimbursed time.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 7, 2009