Starting at age 25 prevented marginally more deaths, but with more testing and emotional stress. All annual screening approaches save lives, with a combined approach of both breast MRI and mammography beginning at age 25 preventing the most deaths.
A new study by Boston Children's Hospital found that reducing resident physicians' work hours can worsen patient safety if caseloads are too high. The study discovered that residents who cared for more patients experienced a higher rate of medical errors, highlighting the need for better staffing standards.
Scientists discovered a cell signaling pathway that could lead to new treatments for tuberous sclerosis complex, a neurological disorder causing non-cancerous tumors and epilepsy. The heat shock protein cascade restored normal mTOR activity in TSC cells, offering potential drug targets.
A recent study found that type III interferons can fight viral infection while limiting inflammatory damage, but also increase the risk of life-threatening bacterial superinfections in the lung. The researchers caution that these interferons may be more harmful than beneficial when given later in the course of COVID-19.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital successfully recreate human skin with hair, nerves, and fat using a novel culture technique. The breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize wound treatment, burn care, and cosmetics testing, as well as aid in the development of new treatments for diseases such as Merkel cell carcinoma.
Researchers used a new genetic engineering technique, known as base editing, to repair a single mutation in the Tmc1 gene, restoring partial hearing in mice. The technique has potential for treating other genetic forms of hearing loss and diseases.
A new global mapping method provides accurate estimates of human mobility at a fine-grained resolution, capturing movements of 300 million mobile phone users. The study reveals patterns influenced by local geography, infrastructure, and income, with implications for disease propagation and disaster response.
Researchers create a mouse model that can identify different cell types as they emerge and what genes each is turning on, providing a greater understanding of development, aging and disease. This system uses CRISPR gene editing technology and 'barcoding' to track thousands of cells simultaneously.
The Overcoming COVID-19 study seeks factors increasing vulnerability to the novel coronavirus, collecting data from over 800 hospitalized patients and up to 400 for detailed observation. Researchers aim to understand why some children get very ill with COVID-19 and how to protect kids.
A predictive computer model can identify patients at risk for attempting suicide from patterns in their electronic health records, with an average accuracy of 2.1 years ahead of time.
A new study reveals that only a small percentage of respiratory and intestinal cells express the necessary receptors, making them susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Interestingly, the virus may exploit one of the body's main defenses, interferon, to gain entry into these cells.
A new study identifies several small molecules that selectively lengthen telomeres in stem cells, potentially treating telomere diseases such as dyskeratosis congenita. The compounds, including BCH001 and RG7834, boost TERC levels and restore telomere length, showing promise for a clinical treatment.
A study using CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology has identified potential treatments for facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy by targeting genes involved in hypoxia signaling. The research found that knocking out key genes can desensitize cells to DUX4 toxicity, preventing cell death and improving muscle function.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital developed a new version of botox B with improved binding to nerves, leading to more effective paralysis, longer-lasting results, and reduced systemic toxicity. The enhanced toxin showed higher therapeutic efficacy and better safety range in a mouse model.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital have discovered a new approach to cancer immunotherapy by reactivating the gasdermin E gene, which can convert 'cold' tumors into 'hot' ones that the immune system can target. The team showed that re-introducing gasdermin E in mouse models triggered pyroptosis and suppressed tumor growth in var...
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital have successfully used gene therapy to reverse cardiac dysfunction and scarring in two mouse models of Barth syndrome. The treatment, which replaced the mutated TAZ gene, prevented progressive cardiomyopathy and restored heart function in both whole-body and heart-only TAZ deletion mice.
Child access prevention laws, enacted in half of US states, reduced firearm fatalities in children under 15 by 13% compared to states with no regulations. States with the most restrictive laws had a 59% reduction, preventing an estimated 4,000 deaths.
A new type of heart valve, inspired by human venous valves, has been designed to adapt to a child's growth without losing functionality. The biomimetic two-leaflet design has shown promising results in benchtop studies and large animal models, potentially reducing the risk of blood clots and improving long-term device durability.
The guideline provides a framework for diagnosing and treating complex ADHD in children and adolescents, emphasizing the importance of psychosocial interventions to improve function. Key action statements include comprehensive assessment, behavioral and educational interventions, and monitoring throughout life.
Research from Boston Children's Hospital shows a strong association between poverty levels and suicide rates among children and teens. The study found that counties with higher poverty rates had nearly 37% higher suicide rates compared to those with lower poverty rates.
Commonly used TB vaccines differ significantly in live bacteria content and cytokine responses, sparking concerns about their equivalence. The study highlights the need for a large-scale clinical trial to standardize BCG vaccine formulations.
Researchers have developed a new tool to study Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome, a disease that affects bone marrow production. The bone marrow-on-a chip mimics the behavior of diseased bone marrow and has shown impaired blood cell production in patients. This discovery provides new research directions for developing treatments for SDS.
Researchers have found that abatacept significantly reduces severe acute GvHD in high-risk patients, with a one-year survival rate of 85%. The drug suppresses effector T cells, which can also trigger infections or relapse in cancer patients.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital used online data to track alcohol use in states with varying policies, finding clear associations between online behavior and drinking habits. The study suggests that mining online data could help monitor the effects of local alcohol control policies.
A study of people with prosopagnosia after stroke reveals that face blindness involves an entire network, rather than a single area, potentially opening the door for improving face recognition. The findings also suggest that face processing deficits in autism may be causal or result from the condition.
A study published in JAMA Network Open found that 86% of diet trials amended their primary outcomes. This discrepancy raises questions about the rigor of these trials and potential biases. Researchers are calling for more investment in rigorous diet research to pin down the effects of dietary changes.
A study found that probiotics can cause bloodstream infections in ICU patients, with 1.1% of cases linked to Lactobacillus bacteria. Genetic analysis revealed a mutation that made the bacteria resistant to antibiotics, highlighting the need for caution when using probiotics in critically ill patients.
Researchers discovered that enhancing RNA sensor activities can inhibit Mtb growth and increase production of interferon and IFITM3, key elements of the immune response against tuberculosis. A repurposed antiparasitic drug called nitazoxanide may complement traditional regimens by boosting host defenses.
A new analysis found that 21% of adolescents and 32% of young adults used prescription opioids in the past year. Misuse rates were higher among young adults, with 57% obtaining them from friends or relatives. The study highlights the importance of screening for opioid use in this vulnerable population.
The Genomics Research and Innovation Network (GRIN) will expand its data-sharing collaboration to new institutions using a multi-year federal grant. The goal is to create a larger 'federation' of medical centers equipped to share genomic information while protecting patient privacy.
Researchers developed a customized drug treatment that targets a single child's unique mutation, slowing disease progression and stabilizing symptoms. The 'n of 1' clinical trial was completed in less than a year, offering hope for future personalized treatments.
Researchers identified a specific subgroup of helper T cells driving MS and found that targeting the CXCR6 protein prevented and reversed the disease in mouse models. Elevated levels of CXCR6-positive cells were also found in inflamed joints of patients with inflammatory autoimmune arthritis.
A study found that only 4% of adolescents with nicotine use disorder received counseling, and 1.2% were prescribed medications to help them quit. Medical professionals are largely missing opportunities to intervene and prevent long-term health consequences of nicotine use disorder.
A new study in Nature explores the role of chromatin loops in V(D)J recombination, a gene assembly process that generates diverse antibodies. The research reveals how cells exploit loop formation to mix and match genetic code, leading to the creation of new antibodies.
Research reveals how breast cancer cells use exosomes to bypass the blood-brain barrier and spread to the brain. Exosomes trick endothelial cells into taking them up, allowing cancer cells to metastasize, and can also manipulate astrocytes to facilitate tumor growth.
Boston Children's Hospital scientists have received funding from the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative to support two projects focused on mapping specific tissues and improving imaging tools. The grants will help advance understanding of childhood diseases and develop better therapies.
A new CRISPR gene editing system, encapsulated in a nanolipogel, effectively targets and knocks out the Lcn2 oncogene, curbing tumor growth in mice, providing a potential genetic treatment for triple-negative breast cancer.
Researchers have identified a combination of treatments that may be more powerful than current therapy alone for children with Ewing sarcoma. The new approach combines FAK inhibitors with aurora kinase B targets to kill cancer cells and inhibit tumor progression.
A recent study using single-cell sequencing has revealed that glioblastoma, a deadly brain cancer, can shift among four distinct cell types, each requiring separate targeted therapy. The findings indicate a need for combination treatments and provide new insights into the cancer's plastic nature.
A new study suggests that nitazoxanide, an FDA-approved anti-parasitic drug, could potentially treat Ebola by enhancing the immune system's ability to detect the virus. The drug inhibited Ebola replication and worked by broadly amplifying the interferon pathway and cellular viral sensors.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital are developing an opioid vaccine to protect people with opioid use disorder against accidental fentanyl overdoses. The two-year project aims to enroll patients and test responses to candidate vaccines, with the goal of eventually testing the vaccine in humans.
Researchers have developed an AI algorithm that can detect abnormal pupil dilation and heart rate patterns in mice with autism-like features. In a study, the algorithm accurately identified 80% of girls with Rett syndrome and showed promise for early diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder.
Scientists at Boston Children's Hospital create human tissue models of CPVT and reverse the condition using gene therapy in a mouse model. The study opens up possibilities for single-dose gene therapy treatments for inherited arrhythmias like atrial fibrillation.
A study by Boston Children's Hospital scientists reveals that the absence of certain beneficial bacteria in the human gut makes children susceptible to food allergies. Transplanting these bacteria into mice with food allergies prevents the disease and even reverses it, suggesting a new approach to treatments.
Researchers discovered that rare recessive mutations are more common in autism than previously thought, explaining up to 5% of all cases. The study identified 41 genes that were knocked out only in individuals with autism, providing a likely explanation for the underlying biology of the disorder.
Researchers developed a slow-release formulation of tetrodotoxin that efficiently penetrates nerves, providing a safe and highly targeted nerve block for up to three days. The toxin was paired with a chemical penetration enhancer to increase safety and effectiveness.
A five-year study at Boston Children's Hospital reports success with a program bringing behavioral health services into primary care pediatricians' offices. The program increased children's access to behavioral health care, with only minor increases in cost, and got high marks from participating pediatric practices.
Scientists have identified the entry portal for C. difficile toxin A and found that it can be blocked with molecules already in development. The study's results provide hope for new treatments that don't rely on antibiotics, a leading cause of severe diarrheal illness.
Researchers describe an effective, unbiased method for choosing the best algorithm for prioritizing GWAS results, called Benchmarker. Combining multiple strategies often gives the best results and certain algorithms perform best when looking for genes for specific traits.
A recent study found that children with cancer wait an average of 6.5 years longer than adults to access new drugs. Researchers at Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center are advocating for improved pediatric trial timelines. The delay can lead to a lack of effective treatments for life-threatening diseases.