A new 'molecular switch' regulates epidermal stem cells, controlling skin growth and development. The study provides clues to new treatments for squamous cell carcinoma and burn patients.
A new long-acting local anesthetic, neosaxitoxin, has been shown to significantly reduce postoperative pain and speed up recovery in surgical patients. The compound, derived from algae, provides local anesthesia for more than 24 hours, potentially eliminating the need for opioid analgesics.
A noninvasive EEG test using machine-learning algorithms can identify infant autism risk at 9 months with 80% accuracy, suggesting a safe and practical approach to early diagnosis. The test captures differences in brain organization and function, allowing for behavioral interventions before traditional testing.
Researchers developed a new protein-based vaccine candidate that successfully inhibited pneumococcus from establishing a foothold in the body, providing near-complete protection. The vaccine stimulates TH17 cells, which provide natural immunity to pneumococcal infection.
A study found that nearly 20% of hospital admissions were accounted for by patients who were readmitted four or more times within a year. Improved inpatient and outpatient care coordination may prevent these avoidable readmissions, particularly among children with complex chronic conditions.
The study found significant variations in quality and safety across diabetes social networks, with room for improvement. Researchers recommend increasing moderation, making credentials of moderators visible, and improving privacy policies to protect patients' health information.
Researchers created a model predicting a drug's likelihood of causing birth defects by analyzing genes targeted by the medication. The model showed 79% accuracy in classifying drugs as safe or known to be teratogenic.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital have begun testing mecasermin, a drug that may reverse features of Rett syndrome by enhancing synapse maturation. The three-year pilot study aims to improve neurodevelopment and cardiorespiratory function in girls with the condition.
A new study suggests that influenza virus infection in young mice protected against the development of allergic asthma. The study also found that a compound isolated from Helicobacter pylori activated a subset of natural killer T cells, which may prevent asthma.
A retrospective study found that 31% of adult acute care visits in Massachusetts involved patients visiting two or more hospitals, resulting in higher costs and increased hospitalizations. The study highlights the need for health information technology to address fragmentation and improve patient safety.
Researchers have identified six subtypes of childhood brain cancer medulloblastoma with distinct molecular profiles, allowing for more precise and individualized treatment. The study's findings could lead to the development of biomarkers for improved patient outcomes and more effective treatment strategies.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital discovered that some HIV antibodies target the protein in its final form, making them ineffective. The team proposes designing immunogens to trap the protein in an intermediate state, preventing further structural rearrangements and blocking membrane fusion.
Researchers at Children's Hospital Boston identified a novel human pain gene, α2δ3, associated with different sensitivity to acute and chronic pain. Minor variations in this gene were found to be linked to reduced pain sensitivity, while certain polymorphisms were also associated with increased risk of chronic pain.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital have developed new stem-cell and gene-therapy techniques to treat Fanconi anemia, a fatal genetic blood disease. The three-year grant aims to create induced pluripotent stem cells from patient skin or tissue and transform them into genetically repaired hematopoietic stem cells.
Researchers have found that a cholesterol-lowering drug can reduce enlarged prostates in hamsters to the same extent as a commonly used BPH treatment, working even better when combined. The study suggests lowering cholesterol may reduce BPH in men, potentially preventing its development through exercise and diet.
A collaborative study identified 180 genetic loci influencing height, clustered around genes in six biological pathways. The findings shed light on the complex genetics of height and its relationship to other traits.
A national epidemiologic study finds a strong link between adult diabetes and particulate air pollution, persisting after adjustment for other risk factors. The relationship was seen even at exposure levels below the current EPA safety limit.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital discovered a new approach to treating polycystic kidney disease by inhibiting c-Met receptor activity, reducing cyst size and number. The compound showed promise in animal models, potentially leading to clinical trials in humans.
A large population-based study found that excess maternal weight gain is a strong predictor of high birth weight, regardless of genetic factors. The study highlights the importance of weight management efforts before birth to reduce the risk of obesity and related diseases.
A comprehensive review of 546 clinical trials found industry-funded trials reporting positive outcomes 85% of the time, compared to 50% for government-funded and 72% for non-profit funded trials. The researchers call for greater transparency in study protocols to reduce bias and publication bias.
Researchers found that induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells) retain a 'memory' of their tissue of origin, making it harder to differentiate into other cell types. However, additional steps or drugs can erase this memory, making iPS cells comparable to nuclear transfer stem cells.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital have discovered a new epigenetic player that affects gene activity in boys with X-linked mental retardation and facial birth defects. The study reveals an enzyme, PHF8, works to maintain active gene transcription.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital found a gene that regulates transcriptional elongation, enabling the body to rapidly produce mature red blood cells. This discovery may have implications for treating severe anemia and leukemia by understanding how the body can quickly switch on production of red cells.
Cancer stem cells have been identified in a model of human lung cancer, but their uniqueness varies between tumors depending on the tumor's genetic signature. The study suggests that targeting specific cancer cell populations based on the tumor genotype may lead to personalized and effective treatments.
A new study uses fuzzy logic to predict how cell aging progresses, uncovering a protective and adaptive mechanism that extends lifespan. The model helps decipher the underlying connections and networks in cellular mechanisms, offering insights into age-related diseases.
Peroxisomes, organelles inside cells, can detect virus invasion signals and launch a limited antiviral offensive. Mitochondria follow up with a more definitive counterattack, indicating a potential new approach to rare conditions like peroxisome biogenesis disorders.
The article reviews HealthMap's H1N1 surveillance efforts, demonstrating the value of informal data in producing a comprehensive real-time global health picture. The analysis identified disparities in international public health systems, with countries having high GDP reporting confirmed cases faster than those with low GDP.
A new study compares induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells and embryonic stem cells in modeling fragile X syndrome, a genetic disorder. The research reveals that the two cell types behave differently in the disease model, with iPS cells not fully replicating the gene silencing process.
A new study from Children's Hospital Boston finds that TRPV3 is a key regulator of skin and hair growth, leading to thinner, less intact skin when knocked out. The researchers suggest that stimulating TRPV3 activity could lead to new treatments for skin conditions, hair growth, or unwanted hair growth.
The four-year project will investigate and prototype approaches to achieving a standardized health information technology platform model. The SMArt architecture aims to provide core services and support extensively networked data from across the health system.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital have identified a new strategy to treat type 2 diabetes by activating a cellular pathway that fails in obese individuals. The approach normalizes blood glucose levels in severely obese and diabetic mice, suggesting potential benefits for human treatment.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital discovered a possible way to kill off leukemia stem cells and prevent relapse. The study found that targeting the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway can suppress leukemia recurrence by inhibiting beta-catenin, a crucial player in leukemia stem cell development.
A large six-year review found that many children with severe food-related allergic reactions needed a second dose of epinephrine, highlighting the importance of carrying multiple doses. The study recommends that all children at risk for food-related anaphylaxis carry two doses of epinephrine.
A new study reveals that resident dendritic cells capture and present flu viruses to B-lymphocytes, activating an immune response. Harnessing this function could lead to more effective vaccines.
Researchers have discovered that infantile hemangiomas originate from stem cells. Steroids target these stem cells specifically, inhibiting their ability to stimulate blood vessel growth. This finding opens the way for more specific and safer therapies for hemangioma.
A large study finds that chromosomal microarray analysis has about three times the detection rate for genetic changes related to autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) than standard tests. The test detects tiny sub-microscopic deletions or duplications of DNA sequences, offering greater resolution than standard karyotyping.
A gene regulator, miR-125b-2, has been identified as a key player in the development of leukemia typical of Down syndrome. The over-expression of this microRNA is found to be necessary for the disease's progression. Further studies suggest that miR-125b-2 silences tumor-suppression genes and regulatory microRNAs, spurting the leukemia.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital discovered that people with anorexia nervosa have high levels of fat within their bone marrow. This unexpected finding may help track the effectiveness of hormonal therapies aimed at improving bone mass in individuals with this condition, who often experience bone loss and osteoporosis.
A new study finds that infants who die from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) have lower levels of serotonin in their brainstem compared to those who die from other causes. This deficiency may impair the function of brainstem circuits, putting babies at risk for sudden death during sleep.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital have discovered a novel anesthetic approach that selectively blocks pain sensation in nerve cells while preserving motor function. This breakthrough could lead to the development of longer-lasting local anesthetics for childbirth and musculoskeletal disorders, with minimal impact on mobility.
A proteomics study reveals prohibitin1 as a protein involved in taxane resistance, which could be targeted with drugs to make cancers more susceptible to chemotherapy. Suppressing prohibitin1 may also serve as a biomarker for predicting patient response to chemotherapy.
Researchers at Children's Hospital Boston discovered that melanoma stem cells produce molecules inhibiting the immune system, triggering regulatory T-cells to dampen anti-tumor responses. These cells also stimulate surrounding cells' production of IL-10, suppressing the immune system.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital found that mutations in TSC2 cause improper axon guidance, leading to abnormal brain connectivity. The study suggests that autism may involve sensory overload or lack of filtering of information.
The Pediatric Cardiac Genomics Consortium aims to identify genetic and epigenetic causes of congenital heart disease. The collaboration seeks to discover preventive strategies, targets for treatment, and better diagnostic information for families.
Researchers identified a genetic cause of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), a devastating kidney disease that forces children and young adults onto dialysis. The INF2 gene, which regulates actin in podocytes, may hold clues to developing treatments for the disease.
A study from Boston Children's Hospital found that holiday decorations, particularly glass ornaments, lead to an average of five ornament-related injuries per year. Parents are advised to be vigilant during the holiday season and take precautions to prevent such incidents.
A new study published in Neuron suggests that deleting a suppressor of inflammatory signaling in mice promotes vigorous axon regeneration after injury. The research also identifies a key growth factor involved in the process and provides potential therapeutic targets.
A study published in Neuron found that deleting a gene called SOCS3 allows mouse axons to regenerate vigorously after injury. The research suggests that the mTOR pathway and JAK/STAT signaling pathway can be manipulated to promote axon regeneration, potentially leading to improved recovery from brain or spinal cord injuries.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital have discovered a gene enhancer responsible for activating cancer-causing genes in B cells, leading to the development of a new target for lymphoma therapy. The study suggests that targeting this regulatory component could potentially arrest lymphomas and other blood-related cancers.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital have found a promising new approach to treating sickle cell disease by silencing a gene that suppresses fetal hemoglobin production. Inactivating the BCL11A gene led to a significant increase in gamma-globin production, potentially compensating for defective adult hemoglobin.