A randomized controlled trial led by Cara Ebbeling and David Ludwig found that a six-month beverage-focused intervention reduced sugary drink intake in teens by 82% and resulted in significant weight loss. The study suggests that making noncaloric beverages available to adolescents can have a substantial impact on body weight.
Researchers have identified CatSper as a crucial channel facilitating calcium ion entry into sperm tails, enabling hyperactivation and motility. This breakthrough enables direct testing of modulators to block CatSper, potentially leading to the development of a male contraceptive.
A new mechanism for regulating brain function has been discovered using microRNAs, fine-tuning synaptic connections to enhance information storage and computational capacity. The research suggests a link between microRNA miR-134 and disorders such as mental retardation and autism.
A new study at Boston Children's Hospital found that most children with severe congenital heart defects can safely participate in exercise programs. The 12-week program improved cardiac function and reduced anxiety in the children, who were motivated by games and activities tailored to their interests.
Researchers found that a diuretic called bumetanide can inhibit seizure activity in newborns by lowering chloride levels and making nerve cells responsive to GABA activation. This is promising news for the treatment of seizures in newborns, as conventional anticonvulsants are ineffective due to differences in brain chemistry.
Scientists from Boston Children's Hospital successfully engineered tracheas using mesenchymal stem cells from amniotic fluid, allowing fetal lambs to breathe spontaneously after birth. This breakthrough technique aims to fix life-threatening tracheal defects in utero.
A study by Catherine Limperopoulos, PhD, found that the cerebellum grows rapidly late in gestation and is tightly interconnected with the cerebral hemispheres. Premature babies with cerebellar damage experience significant developmental delays, including motor problems, functional limitations, and global developmental delays.
Research using real-time surveillance data found that preschoolers lead influenza epidemics, spreading the disease to vulnerable groups. The study suggests shifting immunization focus from high-risk individuals to those who are transmitting the disease.
During lowest-rated games, emergency room visits were 15% above normal volume due to fans showing up in the emergency department. However, after the Red Sox won a game, visits dipped by 5-15%. The study found an inverse relationship between Red Sox viewership and ER visits.
The study found two relapse peaks after surgery for breast cancer, with 20% of premenopausal patients relapsing within 10 months. Calculations predict that surgery-induced angiogenesis accelerates disease by two years and produces early deaths among screened young women.
Researchers identified a rare syndrome resulting from a HOXA1 gene mutation, affecting horizontal eye movement, hearing, motor skills, and cardiovascular development. The study provides new insights into the role of HOXA1 in human brain development and may lead to ongoing research directions in developmental biology.
A randomized trial found that hand sanitizer reduced the incidence of secondary GI illnesses by 59% in families with day care children. Families who used hand sanitizer also showed a lower risk of transmitting respiratory illnesses, although this effect was not statistically significant.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital developed a new screening test, CHr, to detect iron deficiency in infants. The test identified 83% of iron-deficient infants correctly, compared to only 26% with the standard hemoglobin test.
A study of adolescents aged 12-18 found that body image concerns and media influence play a significant role in supplement use. Nearly 20% of teens reported using supplements to improve muscle mass or definition, with creatine and protein powders being the most commonly used products.
Researchers found mutations in the TACI gene in patients with CVID and IgA deficiency, linked to recurrent infections and low immunoglobulin levels. This discovery may lead to a new test for diagnosis of these immune deficiency syndromes.
Researchers discovered elevated levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in patients with vascular anomalies, correlating with disease progression. Urine testing may help predict aggressive lesions and inform treatment decisions.
Gordon wins the award for her research on treating bone loss in anorexic patients, while Mandl is recognized for his development of a real-time automated biosurveillance system to monitor bioterrorist attacks and outbreaks. The PECASE awards aim to nurture outstanding beginning scientists and engineers.
Scientists have discovered an enzyme that suppresses heart cell replication, and by inhibiting it, they can enable heart cells to proliferate. This breakthrough could lead to new strategies for regenerating tissue after heart attacks and may be a more practical alternative to stem-cell therapy.
A study published in Neuron reveals that inhibitory cues affect nerve fiber growth by activating proteins that repel or steer the axon. The findings identify possible targets within axons to block inhibitory signals, enabling damaged axons to regenerate and potentially restoring nerve function.
Researchers have discovered that natural protection against pneumococcal disease may not rely solely on antibodies. Long-lasting immunity to pneumococcus was found in mice exposed to live bacteria or a whole-cell vaccine, which stimulates CD4+ T-cells to provide protection at the earliest stage of infection.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital found that high cholesterol levels accelerate prostate cancer growth by activating a cell-survival pathway. Cholesterol-lowering drugs like simvastatin may inhibit tumor growth by inhibiting this pathway.
The prevalence of child obesity will continue to rise, affecting ever-younger age groups and minority groups hardest. The long-term consequences of childhood obesity have yet to be seen, with potential devastating effects on public health.
Researchers have elucidated the structure of gp120 before its shape change, providing crucial insights into how the protein binds to the CD4 receptor and enables HIV membrane fusion. This knowledge may lead to the development of new compounds that inhibit this shape change, offering a promising route for HIV treatment and prevention.
A new urinary marker, thymosin ß15, has been identified as a potential more accurate screening test for prostate cancer. When combined with PSA testing, it detects prostate cancer more often with fewer false-positives.
Research by Ingber and colleagues found that manipulating mechanical force in developing mouse lungs can slow down or speed up growth, which could lead to novel treatments for lung conditions. This study sheds light on the importance of mechanobiology in understanding normal lung development and potential intervention pathways.
Researchers genetically engineered zebrafish to develop black-pigmented moles with mutated human BRAF and p53 genes. The study shows that BRAF mutations are necessary for mole development, but insufficient for cancer. The model provides insights into how gene mutations contribute to melanoma
Researchers found Celebrex significantly reduced adhesions after surgery, with 55% of mice completely adhesion-free. The study suggests COX-2 inhibitors could prevent adhesions in adult surgical patients, offering a new treatment option.
A study found that physicians frequently advise mothers to consider adoption or are insensitive in their delivery of the diagnosis. However, mothers with positive birth experiences had physicians who talked positively about Down syndrome. The study offers a 10-point prescription for improving communication.
Researchers will enroll 100-150 children with autism, along with their parents and unaffected siblings, to conduct detailed behavioral evaluations and DNA analysis. The study aims to identify genetic differences and patterns that mark different autistic spectrum disorders, providing clues to their biological causes.
Researchers found that low-glycemic-load diets resulted in smaller decreases in resting energy expenditure and less hunger compared to standard low-fat diets. The study also showed significant improvements in insulin resistance and risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
A recent study found that most pediatricians significantly underestimate the severity of adolescent substance use, with only 10% accurate assessments of 'dependence'. The use of a structured screening tool, like the CRAFFT test, can help improve identification of adolescents at risk.
Children's Hospital Boston geneticist Dr. Kunkel has made significant contributions to understanding muscular dystrophy, from identifying genes to developing new therapies. His work aims to find patterns common to all muscular dystrophies and those distinct to specific forms of the disease.
The hospital will test a scheme to improve flu control using secure electronic health records and public-health information systems. Dr. Kenneth Mandl and Dr. Aneel Advani will lead projects to develop an automated call center for large-scale epidemiologic investigations during outbreaks.
Researchers have identified a rare genetic syndrome, Timothy syndrome, characterized by cardiac arrhythmias and atypical autism. The syndrome arises from a single gene mutation that impairs a fundamental calcium channel, leading to widespread cellular overloading. Calcium-channel blocking drugs may provide treatment for symptoms.
Researchers have developed a novel gene regulation strategy using ribozymes, which can be controlled with virtually any drug, offering a safer alternative to existing methods. The technique enables the easy turn on and off of genes, allowing for potential applications in therapeutic and research settings.
A large-scale study validates the benefits of low-GI diets in rats, showing significant reductions in body fat, blood glucose and insulin levels. The study suggests that glycemic index is an independent factor contributing to major chronic diseases.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital have made a breakthrough in understanding how rotavirus enters cells, paving the way for a new and safer vaccine. The study used crystallography and electron microscopy to determine the geometric structure of the virus's surface protein VP4, revealing its entry mechanism.
Scientists at Boston Children's Hospital have uncovered a crucial mechanism that enables B cells to produce unique, specialized antibodies by selectively targeting specific stretches of DNA. This discovery has significant implications for understanding the immune system and potentially preventing cancers like lymphomas.
A national survey of 2,500 American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery members found that 45% of physicians reported a recent medical error in their practice. The most common errors were technical mistakes during procedures, medication errors, and testing errors.
Researchers will investigate the link between atopic dermatitis and severe skin reaction EV in a nationwide research network. The study aims to better understand how atopic dermatitis predisposes individuals to EV after smallpox vaccination.
Two projects aim to study angiogenesis and anti-angiogenic therapy, as well as the interaction between hormones and growth factors in prostate tumor growth. The ultimate goal is to develop new treatment strategies that suppress metastases by prolonging dormant states.
A US study of nearly 500 infants found that higher levels of endotoxin in the home were associated with a lower risk of developing eczema during their first year of life. Infants living in homes with dogs also had a reduced risk of eczema, but this relationship was weakened when adjusting for endotoxin exposure.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital have found that a compound blocking AMPA glutamate receptors can dampen excitotoxic brain injury in premature infants. The study suggests topiramate may be useful in preventing cerebral palsy and epilepsy in newborns.
Researchers found that genes critical for learning and memory are reduced in older brains, while those associated with stress and repair mechanisms are elevated. These changes suggest that gene damage may be contributing to age-related cognitive decline.
Researchers at Children's Hospital Boston have unraveled the biology behind chronic inflammatory anemia and propose new drug targets. They found a key regulator of hepcidin, a hormone controlling iron levels, and suggest that inhibiting it may improve treatment for patients with anemia of chronic disease.
A study by Children's Hospital Boston found that lesbian and bisexual teenage girls are at a heightened risk for tobacco use, likely due to antigay stigma and harassment. The study suggests that these girls may be more susceptible to nicotine addiction and require targeted prevention efforts.
Awards honor Alt's groundbreaking discoveries on genomic instability, leading to new directions in cancer prevention. His work has sparked extensive additional research and transformed our understanding of oncogene amplification and translocation.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital found that minocycline reduces later-stage tissue loss by blocking mitochondrial cytochrome c release, potentially improving quality of life for those with spinal cord injuries. The study suggests a novel post-trauma strategy using a safe, FDA-approved drug.
Scientists at Boston Children's Hospital discovered that Sir2 regulates a group of proteins known as FOXO transcription factors, which confer stress resistance by detoxifying free radicals. This interaction may help reverse age-related disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease and cancer.
Researchers developed a two-pronged approach to stimulate nerve cell growth and overcome inhibitory proteins, achieving triple the axon regeneration achieved with growth factors alone. The technique aims to restore vision and treat spinal cord injuries, strokes, and neurodegenerative diseases.