A new study estimates that US COVID-19 deaths may be 20% higher than reported, with excess deaths not attributed to the virus more common in low-socioeconomic counties. The research emphasizes the need for policy changes addressing widening health and racial inequities.
A new study finds that 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 is an effective treatment for vitamin D deficiency in patients with fat malabsorption syndromes, including gastric bypass surgery and obesity. This water-soluble form of vitamin D3 is better absorbed in these patients and does not get diluted by body fat.
Researchers have created human cells containing a green fluorescent protein (GFP) that can report on the innate immune response to viral infections. This new tool enables convenient investigation of the human innate immune response to coronaviruses and other viruses.
A Boston University study finds that state-level racial disparities in COVID-19 deaths are greater when accounting for age, revealing a significant impact of structural racism. The study quantifies these disparities and models their relationship with structural racism at the state level.
Fadie Coleman, assistant professor of medical sciences and education at Boston University School of Medicine, has been awarded the 2021 Metcalf Award for Excellence in Teaching. She is recognized for her innovative strategies to prepare undergraduates from underrepresented backgrounds for success in the biomedical/STEM workforce.
Boston University School of Medicine director Ridiane Denis has received a Distinguished Service Award for her outstanding contributions to the university. The award recognizes her tireless efforts in supporting research projects and staff, particularly during challenging times like COVID-19.
A new bone shape measure, SBL, has been identified by researchers using AI to determine the severity of knee osteoarthritis. The study found that SBL values were consistently different from knees without joint space narrowing and associated with greater pain and disability.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have identified a panel of genes that are active in smokers and ex-smokers who experience faster loss of lung function. These genes may be useful to predict which people are most at risk for smoking-related decline in lung function, offering hope for early diagnosis and treatment.
Patients with transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR) are at higher risk for severe COVID-19 due to multisystem disease overlap and comorbidities. Experts recommend specialized care, social distancing measures, and increased vigilance for ATTR patients developing COVID-19.
Researchers discovered that deleting the aryl hydrocarbon receptor from oral cancer cells results in a robust tumor-specific immune response, allowing mice to reject the cancer. This finding provides a new target for cancer immunotherapy treatment, potentially leading to more effective treatments.
Individuals from long-lived families demonstrate improved baseline cognitive performance compared to their spouses. The study also found a slower rate of cognitive decline in younger generations within these families, particularly on the symbol coding test.
Researchers describe a rare case of atrial flutter followed by supraventricular tachycardia in a newborn with Turner syndrome. The study highlights the need for early and precise investigation of cardiovascular rhythm disorders in infants and children with Turner syndrome.
Researchers discovered that damage to lung epithelial polarity drives pre-cancerous growth, providing insight into disease onset. Targeting specific signals, such as Neuregulin-1, may allow for prevention and treatment of pre-cancer lesions.
A new study highlights the importance of comprehensive NICU discharge planning in preparing parents to care for their medically needy infants at home. Families who were both satisfied and prepared had better outcomes than those who were not, with higher-risk groups benefiting from additional education and training.
A new study found a marker of PTSD in brain regions associated with emotional regulation, particularly in those with impaired executive function. The researchers suggest that this subgroup may respond best to specific treatments targeting cognitive and brain functioning.
Researchers created human induced pluripotent stem cells-derived intestinal organoids to study SARS-CoV-2's effects on the gut. This new model enables testing of potential therapeutics and identifying common disease mechanisms that can be targeted by drugs.
A study published in Alzheimer's & Dementia found that progressive memory loss and issues with executive function are more useful for predicting CTE pathology than mood and behavior symptoms. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new therapies and improved patient care.
The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened pregnancy and chronic disease-related inequities, researchers argue. Primary care clinicians must adopt holistic approaches to address interconnected health risks, including virtual medicine and self-monitoring tools.
A study of over 254,000 stroke hospitalizations worldwide found a 11.5% decrease in admissions and 13.2% decrease in clot-busting drug administration during the first four pandemic months. Despite this decline, recovery of stroke hospitalization volume was noted in subsequent months.
Persistent midlife loneliness is linked to a higher risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer's disease, while transient loneliness may actually reduce the risk. Researchers found that recovering from loneliness after 18 years may also lead to lower risk of dementia onset.
A new study reveals nearly 30% of forensic anthropologists have worked on cases involving transgender individuals, but most are unfamiliar with gender-affirming surgeries. The research highlights the need for a bio-cultural and queer theoretical perspective in forensic sex estimation to recognize signs of gender-affirming procedures.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have found that PXS-LOX_1 and PXS-LOX_2 can slow primary myelofibrosis's disease progression in experimental models by inhibiting lysyl oxidase. These findings represent a possible novel avenue for treatment, potentially slowing cancer progression and easing symptoms.
A study found no racial disparities in simulated patient prioritization for resource allocation using crisis standards of care guidelines at two Miami hospitals. However, experts warn that further research is needed to ensure these guidelines do not disproportionately harm marginalized communities during public health crises.
A study found that women with diabetes are less likely to use effective contraception after their diagnosis, contradicting the American Diabetes Association's recommendation. The researchers hope to improve comprehensive care for pregnant women with diabetes by providing full range of safe and effective contraceptive options.
The new NINDS Consensus Diagnostic Criteria for Traumatic Encephalopathy Syndrome provide a standardized approach to diagnose CTE's clinical manifestations during life. These criteria require substantial exposure to repetitive head impacts and progressive cognitive impairment or neurobehavioral dysregulation.
The study uses a generative adversarial network to classify Alzheimer's disease with improved accuracy. The model learns from low- and high-quality brain images, generating images of better quality that predict disease status more accurately than traditional models.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health found that children's preventive healthcare costs decreased dramatically under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The proportion of checkups with out-of-pocket costs dropped from 54.2% in 2010 to 14.5% in 2018.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine identified novel transcription factors that influence HIV expression and provided insight into cellular networks controlling activation and repression. Understanding these mechanisms may help target the latent reservoir of virus, allowing for potential treatment advancements.
A study analyzing verbal autopsies from 230 families found that almost 83% of infants experienced delays in care, including family decisions and transportation issues. Simple low-tech interventions can potentially save many infant lives by addressing these complex issues.
A plant-based diet, such as the Mediterranean Diet (MIND), was found to slow down heart failure and lower the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. The study of 2,512 participants showed that a diet rich in berries and green leafy vegetables can positively impact cardiac function.
Tau oligomers form droplets within TIA1 droplets selectively, producing highly lethal effects on neurons. The study provides a tool to screen compounds that can inhibit tau oligomer formation, offering hope for Alzheimer's and frontotemporal dementia treatment.
A new study found that nearly 1 in 5 recently deceased people in Lusaka tested positive for COVID-19, highlighting the need for proper diagnostics and testing. The study's findings have important implications for global health decision makers, emphasizing the importance of equitable access to vaccines.
A study of over 7,100 veterans found that those with a combination of high depression, low social support, and low psychological resilience reported poor well-being. Higher psychological resilience mitigated the impact of depression on well-being.
Researchers found that MB66, a vaginal film product containing monoclonal antibodies, is safe and effective in preventing HIV-1 and HSV-2. The product provided excellent antiviral protection for up to 24 hours after use, with high acceptability among women.
A new study from Boston University School of Medicine has discovered a drug that can inhibit the growth and spread of melanoma in human cells and experimental models. The researchers found that this drug acts through a specific pathway to prevent cancer cell growth and metastasis.
Research highlights subtle racist undertones in kidney function reporting, which may perpetuate biological basis for race. Physicians and scientists have a moral obligation to address historical practices rooted in racist ideology.
A Boston University School of Public Health study reveals that receiving unemployment insurance cuts the risk of food insecurity in half, and larger supplements provide even bigger reductions. The research also highlights significant disparities in food insecurity among jobless individuals, including Indigenous and Hispanic participants.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health suggests that investing in cycling and walking infrastructure could save up to 770 lives per year across the Northeastern US, with a monetary value of $7.6 billion annually.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have identified genetic dependencies in tumors that have undergone whole genome doubling. The study found that WGD tumor cells possess unique vulnerabilities that can be targeted by new therapeutics.
A new study introduces mRNA-LNP as a safe therapeutic intervention for liver regeneration, utilizing the same science used in COVID-19 vaccines. Researchers successfully induce rapid expansion of functional liver cells and recovery of liver function in injured livers.
A new report from Boston University School of Medicine identifies key research priorities for detecting undiagnosed AF, including developing evidence-based screening strategies and investigating diverse patient subgroups. The study aims to improve diagnosis, management, and prognosis of patients with undiagnosed AF.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine are developing a novel brain imaging technique to detect chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in living patients. A two-year study involving former NFL players and controls aims to identify the tau protein associated with CTE using a second-generation tau PET tracer.
Researchers have discovered viral small RNAs in mosquito cells, shedding light on the transmission of viruses like yellow fever and dengue fever. This study provides a comprehensive platform for comparing the characteristics of small RNAs across four mosquito species.
Researchers found that approximately half of AD cases are mild, while one-fifth are severe. Early intervention in the mild stage is crucial to slow decline and prevent progression.
A new study suggests that Dense Breast Notifications (DBNs) have achieved partial success in informing women about their breast density, with higher rates of notification and discussions with providers in states with mandated DBN laws. However, the study also found disparities in knowledge and awareness among women of different race/et...
A recent study by Boston University School of Public Health found that vaping does not reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease when used in conjunction with cigarette smoking. In fact, dual use of e-cigarettes and traditional cigarettes may be as harmful to cardiovascular health as exclusive cigarette smoking.
A new study found that a quarter of young adults in the US rely on porn for information on how to have sex. Heterosexual men were more likely to use porn than female respondents, who preferred their partners as sources of guidance. The study emphasizes the importance of comprehensive sex education and communication skills.
A retrospective study of patients with ovarian torsion found that older age, larger ovarian size, and gynecologic oncologist performance were linked to increased oophorectomy rates. The study suggests that surgeon ability to diagnose necrosis is poor, and patient race does not impact the likelihood of oophorectomy.
Researchers will develop a human, three-dimensional model system for IPF using induced pluripotent stem cells to better understand its mechanisms. The study aims to provide insights into the development of IPF and potential new treatments.
A review article highlights the need for improved understanding and prevention of adverse events in interventional radiology. Most procedures are successful, but complications can lead to significant morbidity and increased risk of harm.