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.
A new study suggests that COVID-19 patients with obesity have poor outcomes, but this is not due to increased inflammation. Instead, respiratory issues and other factors may play a role. The researchers found that patients with obesity had lower inflammatory markers on hospital days, which could contribute to their poor clinical outcomes.
A new study has found that bullied lesbian, gay, and bisexual students are more likely to carry weapons. The research also reveals that bullying and harassment are strongly associated with weapon carrying among sexual minority youth.
Karol Serafin, a fourth-year medical student at Boston University School of Medicine, has been awarded the 2021 STFM Foundation Student Scholarship. The scholarship recognizes her commitment to academic family medicine and potential career in academia.
The study reveals that the SARS-CoV-2 virus rapidly causes damage to human lung cells by exploiting core resources and inducing abnormal changes in protein abundance and phosphorylation. The researchers also identified 18 pre-existing clinically approved drugs that can be potentially re-purposed for COVID-19 therapy.
A new study finds that Medicaid expansion increases health insurance coverage, ability to see a physician, and foot examinations among patients with diabetes. However, it does not improve follow-up examinations, care, or treatment for diabetes, highlighting the need for additional structural changes.
David T. Felson, a renowned Boston University rheumatologist, has been honored with the Lee C. Howley Prize from the Arthritis Foundation for his groundbreaking research on osteoarthritis (OA). His work has led to significant advances in understanding OA risk factors, treatments, and outcome measurement.
A peptide called PACAP has been identified as a key player in the regulation of compulsive alcohol drinking. The protein acts on the Brain Nucleus of the Stria Terminalis to exert its effects, which are characterized by anxiety-like behavior and spontaneous compulsive alcohol drinking.
The Karen Toffler Charitable Trust has gifted Boston University School of Medicine a $40,000 grant to support early-stage, future-focused brain science research. The funding will enable young researchers to explore high-impact ideas that could push the future of humanity in a brighter direction.
Researchers from Boston University School of Public Health found that e-cigarette use is associated with a 21% increase in respiratory disease risk and a 43% increase in chronic bronchitis risk. Current e-cigarette users are also at higher risk for emphysema, COPD, and asthma.
A recent study found that racial/ethnic minorities comprise only a small percentage of patients with AL amyloidosis, despite being theoretically at higher risk. Younger age and more severe illness were observed among minority patients, who were also less likely to undergo aggressive treatment with stem cell transplantation.
A study of nearly 3,000 middle-aged Framingham Heart Study participants found that approximately nine percent had clinically significant liver fibrosis. Liver stiffness correlates with the degree of scarring, which is associated with more adverse cardiometabolic risk factors.
A new BU study finds that bisexual youth are twice as likely to start smoking compared to their straight peers. Coming out as lesbian or gay did not increase the risk of smoking. The research highlights the need for targeted public health interventions to address the unique challenges faced by bisexual young people.
A Boston University study reveals that physical distancing policies had little effect on lower-income individuals, who were more aware and motivated to protect themselves but lacked the means to stay home. The research used anonymized mobility data from smartphones in over 210,000 neighborhoods across the US.
A Boston University School of Medicine study reveals a widening gap between high deductible health plan (HDHP) enrollment and the availability of health savings accounts (HSAs), exacerbating health inequities among Black, Hispanic, and lower-income populations.
Dr. Thea James has been recognized with the inaugural Dr. Thea James Social Emergency Medicine Lifetime Achievement Award, created in her honor. The award recognizes her outstanding contribution to advancing social emergency medicine and improving health equity through her work.