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.
A study of 81 T-rated video games found that many contained violence, sexual themes, and profanity not mentioned on the game box. Researchers recommend more uniform and complete information about game content to help parents make informed decisions.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital created a continuously growing line of mouse embryonic germ cells, providing an opportunity to study the process in the Petri dish. These cells have implications for understanding parental imprints, cancer research, and reprogramming cells.
Researchers found that zebrafish mutants with severe anemia had a mutation in the cdx4 gene, which led to improved blood cell development when hox genes were injected. This study provides insights into normal blood formation and may lead to more effective treatments for devastating blood disorders like leukemia.
Researchers analyzed variability in demand for hospital services and found that scheduled surgical ICU caseload is a potentially reducible source of stress on ICUs. Smoothing this type of variability can improve patient flow and preserve access to critical services.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital successfully implanted collagen grafts to induce nerve regeneration in rats, promoting partial penile repair. This breakthrough brings the organ closer to complete replacements and paves the way for future tissue-engineered penises.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital found that providing extra nitric oxide through inhalation may reverse or stop vaso-occlusive crisis symptoms. The treatment reduced pain scores and morphine use in patients with severe sickle cell disease, warranting further investigation.
A new study from Boston Children's Hospital found that parents' reports of no history of trauma in children with neurological symptoms after head injuries were highly indicative of abuse. The research used medical test results and histories to assess the likelihood of abuse, finding that even low-impact traumas were predictive of abuse.
Children's Hospital Boston researchers have successfully regenerated zebrafish heart muscle after injury, regenerating cardiomyocytes with minimal scarring. This study provides new insights into the mechanisms of cardiac regeneration and may lead to novel therapeutic strategies for repairing human heart damage.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital present findings on using amniotic fluid cells for tissue engineering, reducing complications in fetal biopsy. The hospital also highlights concerns about children's health in the event of a bioterrorism attack and environmental factors affecting school-going children.
A boy with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and severe combined immune deficiency (SCID) had bone marrow donor cells present in his muscle fibers 13 years after a transplant. Mesenchymal stem cells from the donor's bone marrow may be continuing to produce muscle cells, potentially reducing disease severity.
A study found that 14- to 18-year-olds have a high prevalence of alcohol and drug disorders, with over half having used substances in the past year. A new screening tool, CRAFFT, was effective in identifying teens at risk.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital used therapeutic cloning to create functional tissue in cows, including heart, muscle, and kidney tissue. The cloned cells showed no rejection response, a promising development for treating diseases with stem cells.
Young women with anorexia nervosa exhibit varying reactions to bone density results, with some finding motivation for recovery later in their course. The timing of the measurement seemed to be a key factor in these responses.