A study published in Nature Neuroscience identifies GABA as a key player in regulating energy balance, leading to leaner mice with increased energy expenditure and resistance to diet-induced obesity. The discovery suggests that targeting GABA release may be an effective strategy for tackling obesity and metabolic disease.
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center have developed a new noninvasive method to detect and measure noncalcified plaque using voxel analysis and MDCTA. The technique was shown to be equally effective as catheter coronary angiography in identifying patients at risk for heart disease.
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center have identified a 'food-related clock' that can supersede the body's primary biological rhythms, enabling better coping with changes in time zones and nighttime schedules. By adjusting eating schedules, humans may be able to adapt more quickly to new time zones.
A study led by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center finds that a tumor suppressor protein called PML enables leukemia-initiating cells to maintain quiescence, making them resistant to conventional therapies. Inhibiting PML with an arsenic-based agent successfully treats chronic myeloid leukemia when combined with chemotherapy.
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center have identified a new gene trigger for preeclampsia, a dangerous pregnancy disorder affecting 5% of pregnancies worldwide. A steroid molecule, 2-ME, may serve as both a diagnostic marker and therapeutic supplement for the treatment of preeclampsia.
The COPILOT study found that low-dose peginterferon alfa-2b improved disease-free survival in patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension, especially those who stayed on treatment. In contrast, the medication was not superior to colchicine in overall patient populations.
Research finds Pin1, previously thought to help with Alzheimer's, actually worsens frontotemporal dementia due to specific tau mutations. This study suggests alternative therapeutic approaches and proper animal models are needed.
A new HIV/AIDS vaccine is being tested in a phase 1 clinical trial at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. The vaccine uses a replication-incompetent adenovirus vector encoding an HIV-1 envelope gene, aiming to overcome the problem of preexisting immunity to common vaccine vectors.
A multi-center study found that prostate size and urinary symptoms influence patient satisfaction with cancer treatment. Men with larger prostates may experience improved urination after surgery, while African-American men tend to be less satisfied despite receiving similar care.
Researchers discover that the Warburg effect, a unique metabolic process in cancer cells, is essential for tumor growth. The M2 form of pyruvate kinase (PKM2) plays a critical role in this process, enabling cancer cells to rapidly proliferate and produce energy through anaerobic glycolysis.
A recent study by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center found that the majority of adverse events and device malfunctions associated with biliary stents occur during off-label use. Over 1 million patients received these devices for 'off-label' treatments between 2003 and 2006.
A study published in Clinical Cancer Research demonstrates that a novel mass-spectrometry based proteomic profiling method is more accurate than traditional biomarkers in distinguishing liver cancer patients from patients with hepatitis C liver cirrhosis. The technique, SELDI-TOF MS, identified an 11-protein signature that accurately d...
A study led by Monika Vig and Jean-Pierre Kinet found that calcium ion channels play a crucial role in triggering inflammatory responses, providing new insights into asthma and allergy symptoms. The discovery highlights the importance of CRACM1 calcium channels in mast cell activation.
A study by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center has identified the atrogin-1 gene as a key player in statin-related muscle toxicity. The researchers found that statins activate this gene, leading to muscle damage and atrophy, with potential implications for patients taking these cholesterol-lowering drugs.
Medical errors often lead to guilt, fear and loneliness in patients, families and caregivers, highlighting the need for open communication and emotional support. Honest dialogue can help build bridges and foster forgiveness, leading to closure and improved patient care.
Scientists have discovered that glucose-sensing neurons play an important role in regulating blood glucose levels in mice with obesity-induced Type 2 diabetes. The study found that defects in these neurons contribute to the disease's progression and may be targeted by novel therapies.
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center discovered the key site in the brain where a hormone called prostaglandin E2 causes fever responses during infections. This discovery sheds light on the adaptive function of fever in protecting the body from illness, including increased sensitivity to pain and achiness.
A new triple combination therapy has been successful in abolishing adverse autoimmunity against insulin-producing cells in a mouse model of Type 1 diabetes. The treatment eliminated inflammation and restored normal blood glucose levels by blocking its effects on fat and muscle tissues.
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center discovered the source of cardiac fibrosis, a stiffening of the heart muscle leading to various cardiac diseases. They found that a bone morphogenic molecule, rhBMP7, can reverse the process, offering a new therapeutic target for patients with heart disease.
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center have identified a key mechanism behind the turn of events when high-fat, low-carbohydrate diets cause demonstrable changes in metabolism and subsequent weight loss. FGF21, a liver hormone, is required to oxidize fatty acids and burn calories.
Researchers found that taking breaks from studies, including getting a good night's sleep, enhances relational memory and 'big picture' inferences. This 'off-line' processing period allows the brain to unconsciously mull over information, leading to improved performance on complex tasks.
Research found that students who watched more TV on 9/11 had higher levels of stress in their dreams, while those who talked to family and friends experienced better processing of traumatic events. The study suggests that repeated exposure to horrific images through TV may amplify stress and trauma.
A study found that individuals without health insurance are more likely to forego routine physical exams and have a higher risk of unawareness of high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol levels. Hypertension is the most powerful risk factor for stroke, and those without insurance had poorly controlled hypertension.
Researchers explore relationship between delirium and dementia, finding potential biomarkers, neuroimaging techniques, and cognitive reserve factors. Delirium can be a major expense to healthcare systems, but interventions can decrease its incidence.
A study led by doctors at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center shows that patients treated with the endoscopic Plicator procedure experience a sustained reduction in gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms and medication use. Over half of the patients were able to stop medication completely three years post-procedure.
A new study has identified a set of biomarkers using proteomics that could help diagnose myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and reduce the need for bone marrow biopsies. The findings, reported in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, used serum proteomic profiling to distinguish between MDS patients and healthy controls.
Anthony Rosenzweig and European coordinator Timothy Aitman will lead a five-year, $6 million Leducq Foundation grant to investigate the intersection of heart failure and metabolic disease. The team will focus on understanding common molecular mechanisms contributing to both conditions.
Scientists have discovered that NSAIDs induce the MDA-7/IL-24 gene, which kills cancer cells while sparing healthy ones. This finding could lead to the development of targeted cancer treatments.
Noonan syndrome is a common childhood genetic disorder caused by mutations in the SOS1 gene. Researchers identified this mutation in approximately 20% of cases, promoting excessive activation of RAS and its downstream target, MAP kinase.
The Advancement of Geriatrics Education (AGE) Project will integrate geriatrics into HMS curriculum and provide education to medical and surgical residents, as well as practicing physicians. The program aims to expose physicians to the unique concerns of older individuals and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
A study found that women with disabilities are less likely to receive standard breast-conserving surgery and radiation therapy after diagnosis. Despite this, they have a 29% higher risk of dying from breast cancer, indicating the need for more accessible and equitable treatment options.
A new study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that moderate drinking reduces men's heart attack risk. Among men with healthy lifestyles, those who consumed moderate amounts of alcohol had a 40-60 percent reduced risk of heart attack compared to non-drinkers and very light drinkers.
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center have discovered that carbon monoxide can reverse symptoms of pulmonary arterial hypertension by arresting smooth muscle cell growth and inducing apoptosis. The gas works with nitric oxide to target problematic cells, offering a potential new therapy for the debilitating condition.
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center identified a signaling pathway transforming healthy blood vessels into cancerous tumor vasculature. Rapamycin successfully blocked this pathway and reduced tumor growth and vascular leak in animal models.
A new study finds that automated external defibrillators (AEDs) have a greater than 20% chance of being recalled for potential malfunction over the past decade. The devices, used to resuscitate victims of sudden cardiac arrest, are complex medical devices that can sometimes malfunction.
Researchers found that elevated RBP4 levels are closely associated with insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Exercise therapy can lower RBP4 levels and improve insulin sensitivity in individuals at risk of diabetes.
Researchers have identified a protein associated with severe preeclampsia, which is a major cause of maternal and fetal mortality worldwide. Endoglin acts together with sFlt1 to amplify vascular damage, leading to high blood pressure, edema, and other symptoms.
A new study found that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a key role in the onset of sepsis, a leading cause of organ failure and ICU hospitalizations. The study's findings suggest that VEGF could be a novel therapeutic agent for managing this deadly disease.
Between 1996 and 2005, the FDA issued 52 advisories involving AEDs or accessories, affecting over 385,000 devices. More than one in five AEDs were recalled due to potential malfunctions, with electrical and software problems being the most common causes.
Pacemaker reliability improved between 1990 and 2002, while implantable defibrillator (ICD) failure rates increased significantly between 1998 and 2002. The ICD malfunction rate trended down during the first half of the 1990s but then rose substantially in the latter years.
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center have discovered that bone marrow-derived stem cells can repair damaged kidney tissue in a mouse model of Alport syndrome, leading to improved kidney function and structure. The study offers a promising therapeutic opportunity for children and adults with the disease.
The study found that patients' lung volumes are lower following surgery and general anesthesia, increasing the risk of developing pneumonia, respiratory failure, or worsening existing lung disease. The guidelines provide patient-related risk factors and surgery-related risk factors to assess pulmonary complications.
A new study found that the Pin1 enzyme helps protect against age-related neurodegeneration and establishes a link between amyloid plaques and tau tangles. The researchers discovered that Pin1 regulates APP cleavage and amyloid beta production, preventing plaque formation.
Researchers discovered AKT paradoxically blocks cancer cell motility and invasion abilities, preventing cancer spread. The study's findings suggest targeting AKT may increase cells' properties of motility and invasiveness.
A study identified measurable differences in the skin of diabetes patients, particularly those with peripheral neuropathy, before ulcerative foot disease develops. The findings also showed reduced energy reserves in foot muscles, highlighting microcirculatory changes as a major factor.
Researchers discovered divergent neuronal pathways at the melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R), controlling food intake and energy expenditure. The study provides new insights into the intricate process of maintaining stable body weight, with potential implications for obesity treatment.
Researchers developed a genetic profile of ovarian cancer that predicts survival and identifies key genes involved in chemotherapy response. The study used microarray analysis to identify a gene expression profile known as the Chemotherapy Response Profile, which confirms the importance of genes such as BAX.
A study examining air quality over 37,000 days found a one percent higher risk of hospitalization for ischemic stroke on high-pollution days. The researchers believe that particulate matter in the air promotes inflammation and can lead to changes in heart rate and blood pressure.
The BIDMC research team is studying the hormones and brain pathways regulating body weight and glucose metabolism, with a goal of advancing diabetes treatment and prevention. Jointly funded by the Smith Family Foundation and the American Diabetes Association, this award supports scientists conducting research on type 2 diabetes.
A new study by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center reveals a significant link between heavy drinking and atrial fibrillation. The research, which analyzed data from 16,415 individuals, found that men who drank 35 or more alcoholic beverages per week had a 45% increased risk of developing the hazardous heart rhythm.