A pilot study found that meditation and mindfulness-based stress reduction improved functional connectivity in the brain, reducing hippocampal atrophy associated with Alzheimer's disease. Researchers suggest this intervention may contribute to improved quality of life for patients with cognitive decline.
A recent study analyzing 1.6 million results from 46 commonly ordered lab tests found that 30% of tests are probably unnecessary, while equally as many necessary tests may be going unordered. The research suggests that ordering the right tests during initial evaluations can lead to fewer errors and better patient care.
A small proof-of-concept study found that intranasal insulin can improve cognitive function in patients with type 2 diabetes. The treatment worked by improving vascular functions and regulating signaling among neurons, leading to better learning and memory performance.
A study analyzing over 1 million hospital admissions found that over 50% of nonsurgical patients were prescribed opioids, with high doses and late discharge increasing the risk of adverse events. Regional variation in prescribing rates was also observed, with a 37% difference between the highest and lowest regions.
Researchers have discovered that monoclonal antibodies can effectively treat HIV by directly targeting free virus and virally infected cells. The treatment resulted in rapid decline of virus levels in monkeys and boosted their immune responses against the virus, offering a potential new therapy option for humans.
A new HIV vaccine has demonstrated partial protection against simian-human immunodeficiency virus in rhesus monkeys, with an 87-90% reduction in infection rate. The vaccine uses optimized antigens that mount antibody and cellular immune responses to diverse strains of the virus.
Three BIDMC researchers, Mark Andermann, Zoltan Arany, and Daniel Leffler, receive Dvorak Young Investigator Awards for their work on brain pathways, blood vessels in pregnancy, and monitoring sedation. The awards aim to advance research programs at BIDMC.
A study published in Neurology found that alpha-synuclein, a protein associated with Lewy bodies, is elevated in the skin of people with Parkinson's disease. This could lead to the development of a biomarker for early diagnosis and improved treatment options.
Researchers analyzed the riboproteome to gain a better understanding of translation and its impact on cancer. The study uncovered dynamic components of the ribosome that can be altered in cancer, highlighting potential therapeutic targets.
Researchers at BIDMC are investigating a new noninvasive therapy called Spinal Associative Stimulation (SAS) that combines TMS and peripheral nerve stimulation to activate weakened muscles in patients with spinal cord injuries. SAS aims to increase voluntary activation of residual undamaged spinal-cord fibers, promoting clinical recovery.
Researchers discovered that the MC1R gene mutation responsible for red hair also promotes a well-known cancer-causing pathway, increasing the risk of developing melanoma. The study provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying this increased susceptibility, potentially leading to the development of targeted treatments.
A BIDMC research team will assess the use of microRNAs as biomarkers in predicting complications in patients who have suffered heart attacks. The goal is to identify microRNA biomarkers that can predict poor health outcomes after heart attacks.
George Tsokos, MD, has received a prestigious MERIT Award from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for his longstanding work investigating molecular T-cell defects underlying systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The funding will support his project and provide insights into disease diagnosis and therapeutic targets.
A research team has identified a new approach to enhance normal tissue growth, which could have widespread therapeutic applications for patients with various medical conditions. The study found that epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) play a critical role in accelerating tissue growth and regeneration.
Researchers found a significant rise in discordant treatments, such as advanced imaging and narcotics, while NSAIDs or acetaminophen use declined. This trend may lead to increased healthcare costs and potential disparities in pain management.
Researchers have identified microRNA-22 as a driver of both cancer onset and metastasis, particularly in breast cancer and blood cancers. The study suggests that inhibiting miR-22 through a 'decoy' method could offer a novel therapeutic option for treating these diseases.
Andermann's work aims to understand how hunger affects the brain and its potential consequences for obesity and eating disorders. He will use novel imaging technologies to assess neural responses to food cues.
A new study from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center found that doctors treating patients with kidney failure are reluctant to discuss a difficult prognosis, leading to distorted expectations about probable outcomes. The study suggests improved communication could help with end of life decision making.
The endothelium, a cellular layer lining blood vessels, has an efficient barrier function maintained by its ability to heal micro-wounds. New research shows that biomechanical signals trigger the recovery response, generating reactive oxygen species to close gaps and restore functionality.
BIDMC's Dennis P. Wall has developed a new method to diagnose autism in young children quickly and accurately, enabling rapid online assessments. This approach has shown promise in clinical environments, with the potential to improve early diagnosis and treatment outcomes.
Mark Andermann, PhD, received a three-year $300,000 award to investigate the effects of hunger on cognition. His research aims to understand the neural pathways controlling hunger and attention, with potential applications for treating obesity and eating disorders.
James Mier's research focuses on tumor angiogenesis in renal cell carcinomas and overcoming resistance to VEGF inhibition. He aims to block the dual-survival strategy of kidney cancer using HDM2 inhibitors and VEGF-targeted drugs.
A new study identifies a link between carbamylated albumin protein and increased risk of heart disease in kidney dialysis patients. Researchers found that measuring carbamylated albumin may help doctors monitor dialysis patients and identify those at risk of cardiac complications.
Researchers from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center have discovered a second B-cell attachment receptor for the Epstein-Barr virus, which could lead to the development of a vaccine. The new finding also raises questions about the virus's possible relationship to malaria and autoimmune diseases.
Researchers have found that doctors can experience their patients' pain and relief when treating them, with brain activity similar to placebo therapies. The study also shows that physicians' ability to empathize with patients affects their satisfaction during treatment.
Researchers develop SAPS algorithm to identify significant prognostic gene sets associated with patient survival, overcoming limitations of previous methods. The study found new prognostic signatures in breast and ovarian cancer subtypes, suggesting shared therapeutic targets and potential for improved diagnostics and treatments.
A new scoring system developed by researchers identifies independent risk factors associated with gastrointestinal bleeding in non-ICU hospital patients. The system enables clinicians to selectively use acid-suppressive medications when needed, saving costs and avoiding side effects.
A new study applies quantitative modeling to genomics, estimating the time and money required to use genomics to cut drug-related adverse outcomes in half. The model suggests a cost of less than $10 billion spread out over approximately 20 years.
A five-year NIH grant supports a program to develop resident genomic pathology curriculum, expanding pathologists' role in interpreting and acting on genomics data. The initiative aims to bridge the gap between genetic research and practical application in patient care.
Researchers developed reverse dynamization, which accelerates healing of large segmental bone defects by varying stiffness levels. This approach showed promising results in rat models, with improved bone mineral content and mechanical strength compared to traditional methods.
Only three percent of patients receive stress management counselling, highlighting the need for restructuring primary care delivery to include this crucial service as prevention. Stress management counseling is associated with longer office visits, underscoring the importance of providing this support earlier in the disease process.
Researchers identified a common gene variant that influences the circadian clock, affecting people's sleep-wake patterns and even predicting their mortality time. The variant affects approximately an hour of daily rhythm, with those having the AA or AG genotype dying earlier in the day.
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center have discovered how MSCs traffic from circulation to damaged tissues, revealing a rate-limiting step that may explain their inefficiency in entering inflamed areas. The findings suggest enhancing MSC homing could improve delivery and therapeutic efficacy.
Researchers found evidence of worsened pregnancy outcomes with SSRI antidepressants, no benefits, and increased risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, and congenital abnormalities. The study suggests prescribing these medications with caution and counseling for women trying to get pregnant.
Research at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center has uncovered new insights into energy balance, a complex interchange between the brain's hypothalamus and energy expenditure. The study reveals that GABA neurotransmitter selectively drives energy expenditure and helps explain the fat-burning properties of brown fat.
A new study has identified a genetic marker for the placebo response in Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) patients, which could influence patient care and clinical trial design. The findings suggest that individuals with a specific genotype have a higher response to placebos when treated by a warm, supportive healthcare provider.
Breast tumor cells interact with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in the tumor microenvironment, triggering production of lysyl oxidase (LOX), a gene that enables cell migration and metastasis. This process, called epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), allows cancer cells to spread to bones and other parts of the body.
A recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that patients who had access to notes written by their doctors felt more in control of their care and reported better understanding of their medical issues. The majority of doctors also reported enhanced trust, transparency, and communication with their patients.
Researchers at BIDMC and Diagnostics For All have created a simple and reliable point-of-care liver function test that can be conducted for pennies per test. The device uses a droplet of blood from a finger prick to deliver results in 15 minutes, with greater than 90 percent accuracy compared to the gold standard automated platform test.
Scientists discovered that invariant natural killer T-cells (iNKT) in fat tissue regulate inflammation and protect against obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. iNKT cells can be restored through weight loss and activated by alpha-galactosylceramide, a lipid known to improve metabolism.
Hartzband and Groopman argue that expert recommendations often ignore vital dimensions of life and are based on flawed calculations. They propose a new approach for individual patients to weigh risk and benefit, and emphasize the importance of nuanced judgment in medical decisions.
Researchers identified a novel mechanism that explains the power of placebos and nocebos, demonstrating the unconscious mind plays a key role in pain experiences. Studies showed that patients can show clinical improvement even when receiving treatments devoid of active ingredients or known therapeutic efficacy.
Studies reveal paradoxical roles of PML in regulating fat-burning metabolism and its impact on breast cancer cells, hematopoetic stem cell maintenance, and obesity. Enhanced cellular metabolism provides energy to breast cancer cells, while inhibition of fatty acid oxidation poses a risk to replenishment of HSCs.
Researchers analyzed data to determine if a higher diagnostic cutoff of A1C level should be used to diagnose diabetes in blacks than in whites. The study found that black people may be more vulnerable to high A1C status, and could benefit from earlier monitoring for early diabetic complications.
Researchers developed a new method to map how physicians share patients, revealing practice variation and potential for improving patient outcomes at lower costs. The study suggests that natural networks formed by shared patient-sharing can shed light on the spread of innovation and influence practice differences across geographic areas.
A novel model of a rapid response team, called Triggers, was evaluated for its effectiveness in detecting and managing clinical instability. The study found that this approach yielded similar outcomes as traditional rapid response teams staffed with intensive care specialists.
A team of scientists at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center has identified the mechanism responsible for inhibition of AMPK activity in the hypothalamus, a crucial integration point where multiple signaling pathways converge. This discovery could lead to new treatments for metabolic diseases and cancer.
A new study suggests that moderate coffee consumption may offer protection against heart failure, with a reduced risk of 11% observed among moderate drinkers. The research found that four to five cups of coffee per day provides the strongest protection, while excessive consumption may pose potential harm.
A new antibody treatment has shown promising activity in patients with advanced kidney cancer, melanoma and lung cancer. Patients who received the treatment experienced a positive response without severe side effects.
A study presented at the American Urological Association Annual Meeting found that early stage prostate cancer treatment can alleviate lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in a subgroup of men. Radical prostatectomy surgery was shown to improve urinary function, while radiation therapy and brachytherapy had less favorable effects.