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.
A study by Boston Children's Hospital reveals that respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes significantly more acute respiratory illnesses, ED visits, and hospitalizations among young children compared to seasonal flu. RSV-related illnesses lead to increased missed workdays for parents.
A study by Boston Children's Hospital researchers suggests three optimal scenarios for school closures: single-day absentee rate of 5%, consecutive days of 4% or more absenteeism, and three consecutive days of 3% or more. Scenario #2 is preferred for its balance between sensitivity and specificity.
A large nationally representative study found that up to 20% of US children have suboptimal vitamin D levels, with Hispanic and black children at particularly high risk. The researchers recommend vitamin D supplements for all children, especially those in high latitudes, to improve health outcomes.
A study published in Nature Neuroscience reveals that Mst3b, an enzyme previously identified in the lab, is essential for regenerating damaged axons in both peripheral and central nervous systems. The findings suggest that activating Mst3b could lead to a possible treatment for brain and spinal cord injuries.
A new study has established that the CRAFFT diagnostic test can identify teens at risk of engaging in high-risk sexual behaviors, including unprotected sex and multiple partners. The test also found a significant association between substance use and increased odds of having sex without protection.
A $4.5 million grant will fund whole-genome sequencing of children with autism using new technologies. Researchers aim to discover noncoding DNA regions controlling gene activity and relate clinical autism to genetic variations in DNA and gene expression.
Scientists have created an implantable device that utilizes magnetism to control the release of medication, allowing for precise and repeatable dosing. The device uses nanoparticles that heat up when exposed to a magnetic field, causing the drug to be released into the body.
The introduction of new prenatal tests for Down syndrome has led to a steady decrease in births of babies with the condition since their introduction. Experts argue that existing tests may not be providing accurate information, leading to difficult conversations between physicians and expectant parents. To address this, researchers are...
Research highlights the negative impact of social stigma on LGBT teens' health, leading to substance use, risky behaviors, and suicidal ideation. Clinicians are called upon to provide high-quality, confidential care to address these disparities.
A growth factor called neuregulin1 can spur heart-muscle growth and recovery of cardiac function when injected systemically into animals after a heart attack. Researchers were able to restart the cell cycle with NRG1, stimulating cardiomyocytes to divide and make copies of themselves - even though they are not stem cells.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital have developed a drug-dispensing contact lens that can gradually release medication to the eye. The prototype lens dispensed antibiotic ciprofloxacin for up to 30 days in laboratory testing, with potential applications in conditions like glaucoma and dry-eye.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital developed a protein detectable in urine as a potential biomarker for appendicitis. The leucine-rich alpha-2-glycoprotein (LRG) marker showed near-perfect sensitivity and specificity, and was strongly elevated in diseased appendices.
Scientists have discovered a protein called prosaposin that inhibits tumor metastasis by blocking blood vessel growth. The study found that prosaposin significantly reduces lung and lymph node metastases in mice, increasing survival time.
A study published in Nature found that fat cells in bone marrow suppress blood production, making it harder for patients to recover from chemotherapy or radiation. Blocking this fatty infiltration could enhance blood recovery after transplant.
Researchers discover halofuginone, a compound from traditional Chinese medicine, inhibits Th17 cells and reduces disease pathology in mouse model of autoimmunity. Halofuginone may offer a new treatment option for autoimmune disorders with potential for oral administration.
A protein that maintains cell 'stemness' has been linked to various advanced human cancers, including liver cancer, ovarian cancer, and Wilm's tumor. Increasing its production can prevent mature tumor-suppressing microRNAs from maturing, leading to a more cancerous state.
Research in mice and human stem cells identified specific new therapeutic targets for treating cancer, including a gene called Dscr1 that suppresses angiogenesis and tumor growth. The study suggests that people with Down syndrome may benefit from an extra dose of one or more cancer-protective genes.
Researchers have discovered that a beating heart and blood flow are necessary for the development of the blood system, which relies on mechanical stresses to cue its formation. Compounds that modulate blood flow had a potent impact on the expression of a master regulator of blood formation, known as Runx1.
Researchers from Boston Children's Hospital use online surveillance tools to track emerging infectious diseases, providing up-to-the-minute information. HealthMap.org aggregates real-time data on swine flu outbreaks, highlighting the potential of internet mining for public health support.
A longitudinal study found that children who watched more adult-targeted TV during childhood were more likely to become sexually active earlier in adolescence. The study tracked 754 participants from age 6 to 18 and found a 33% increase in sex among those exposed to adult content over two sample days.
A new study evaluated the community's response to Indivo, a personalized health record system. The two-year study found that issues such as health literacy, accessibility, and privacy were relevant factors in PCHR adoption. Researchers advocate for continued evaluation of PCHRs and discussions on technical and policy approaches to adva...
Researchers at Children's Hospital Boston demonstrate that the brain can recognize objects quickly and consistently, even under different lighting conditions, size, and rotation. This finding could lead to advancements in teaching computers to see and improving brain-computer interfaces for individuals with visual impairment.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital have created a slow-release anesthetic drug-delivery system, showing promise for prolonged pain relief without toxicity in rats. The formulation, using liposomes to package saxitoxin, produced nerve blocks lasting two days or seven days when combined with dexamethasone.
A study from Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School found that low-income families with children who have chronic conditions are more likely to be enrolled in high-deductible health plans. The study analyzed data from 839 families who were switched from traditional plans to high-deductible plans, revealing a higher perce...
Researchers propose a platform model for health information infrastructure that would improve healthcare delivery, increase productivity and stimulate job growth. The model aims to support applications for clinical care, public health, and research, with key characteristics including data liquidity and substitutability of applications.
A team of researchers has created a microdevice that uses magnetism to remove pathogens from the bloodstream, showing promise as a potential treatment for sepsis. The device, developed by Chong Wing Yung and Don Ingber, achieved over 80% clearance of fungi in contaminated human blood.
A study by Children's Hospital Boston found that half of glass-table injuries could have been prevented or less severe with safety glass. Tempered glass can significantly reduce these types of injuries, which often result in severe lacerations and disfiguring scars.
A longitudinal study of infants found that TV viewing before age 2 does not improve language and visual motor skills. Maternal, child, and household characteristics are more influential in a child's cognitive development.
Researchers developed a statistical model using genetic information from 569 patients, predicting an individual's lifetime risk of cardioembolic stroke with 86% accuracy. The model identifies interactions between multiple genetic factors and provides a network of predictive factors contributing to stroke.
A study by Boston Children's Hospital researchers has identified lipocalin 2 as a protein that triggers the epithelial to mesenchymal transition in human breast cancer cells, increasing invasiveness and metastasis. The protein is detectable in urine samples, suggesting it may be used for prognostic testing.
A large study of 704 babies found no cases of bacterial meningitis in children with simple febrile seizures. The researchers suggest that lumbar punctures may not be necessary for well-appearing children who have had a single, uncomplicated seizure.
Children's researchers found that ER stress and unfolded-protein response block leptin action in the brain; chemical chaperones can re-sensitize the brain to leptin, leading to significant weight loss. Leptin-sensitizing agents may bring new hope for obesity treatment
Researchers silenced genes that prevent mature neurons from regenerating, causing them to recover and re-grow vigorously after damage. Up to 50% of injured neurons survived, and up to 10% showed significant re-growth of axons over long distances.
A recent study published in Cancer Cell reveals a potential therapeutic approach for MLL-AF4 leukemias, a subtype of acute lymphoblastic leukemia that accounts for 70% of infant cases. By inhibiting the histone-modifying enzyme DOT1L, researchers hope to reverse cancer-promoting genes and improve treatment outcomes.
Researchers developed a new diagnostic marker called procalcitonin to identify infants at high risk for serious bacterial infections. The test showed high sensitivity and was able to establish a threshold value to identify low-risk infants.
Neuroscientists identified Npas4 as the first known master switch to orchestrate inhibitory synapse formation and maintenance. This factor regulates over 200 genes involved in calming down over-excited cells, restoring balance that's thought to go awry in neurologic disorders.
Researchers discovered that a rare genetic disorder, tuberous sclerosis complex, may be linked to neurological disorders such as autism, epilepsy, and mental retardation. The study found that abnormal neuronal structure can lead to excess brain connections, which may contribute to these conditions.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital have discovered a new mechanism of immunity that could lead to the development of a more effective pneumococcal vaccine. The study identified specific protective T-cells called TH17 cells, which release protein IL-17 to kill pneumococcus in the nose, significantly reducing the risk of infection.
Abnormal tumor blood vessels are 'leaky' and 'twisty', hindering chemotherapy drug delivery. Researchers identify a key factor: tumor capillary cells' inability to sense mechanical forces, leading to irregular vessel formation. Normalizing these forces may improve therapy effectiveness.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital have developed 20 disease-specific stem cell lines for conditions such as Parkinson's Disease, Down Syndrome, and Muscular Dystrophy. These lines were created using the iPS technique and will be made available to researchers worldwide.
Scientists at Boston Children's Hospital have identified the Otx2 protein as a key factor in triggering brain plasticity, allowing the brain to rewire and adapt. This discovery has implications for understanding developmental disorders like autism and potential treatments for improving learning and cognitive function.
Researchers identified five gene variants that could predict sickle cell disease severity and offer potential therapeutic targets. These variants influence fetal hemoglobin levels, which affect symptom severity in the disease.
A study of Middle Eastern families with a high incidence of autism identified six new genes involved in the brain's ability to form new connections. The findings suggest that autism may stem from disruptions in experience-dependent learning, which is essential for learning and memory.