Boston University researchers have developed artificial genes called biosensors that can detect changes in signaling molecules, which are molecular on/off switches inside cells. These biosensors have the potential to improve drug development by allowing researchers to study G-proteins more accurately and easily.
Researchers at Boston University and Boston Medical Center have assembled the largest repository of patient-derived stem cells from AATD patients. The cells can be used to study genetic diseases and potentially find new treatment approaches for AATD.
A Boston University study found that 48% of teens in relationships have been stalked or harassed by a partner, while 42% have done the same to someone else. The research highlights the need to address non-physical dating abuse as a significant public health concern.
A large study analyzing living patients found an association between repeated head impacts and later-life symptoms of depression and cognitive decline. The study revealed that exposure to repetitive head impacts had a stronger effect on depression symptoms than traumatic brain injury alone.
A new study finds that high deductible health plans are widening the racial health gap among black and white cancer survivors. Black cancer survivors on these plans face significant cost-related barriers to care, including skipping medication or delaying refills.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health and the University of British Columbia finds that thousands of US deaths may be caused by heat each year. The researchers estimate that moderate heat killed 3,309 people per year in the counties included in the study, while extreme heat killed 2,299 people annually.
Researchers inhibited a specific protein to decrease megakaryocyte numbers in an experimental model, showing promise for treating myeloproliferative neoplasms. The study's findings suggest a potential complementary or alternative therapy for this debilitating disease.
Boston University School of Medicine's Women Veterans Network (WoVeN) has received a $1.9 million grant from the Bob Woodruff Foundation to provide online groups, peer support, and social connections for female veterans. The program aims to improve mental health, social support, and well-being for women veterans across the US.
A new Boston University study finds that inflation has reduced American alcohol tax rates by 70% since 1933, with the average tax rate now lower than its 1933 value. The study suggests that revamped taxes could provide governments with much-needed revenue without harming industries.
The importance of documenting sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) in clinical care is crucial for addressing health disparities affecting LGBTQIA+ individuals. SOGI data collection can facilitate more accurate assessments, improve care, and inform research and public health interventions.
The USPSTF recommends screening for unhealthy drug use in all adult patients, despite limited evidence on its effectiveness. While the practice may have some benefits, such as reducing stigma, it also poses risks, including exposure to stigma and poor counseling outcomes. Dr. Richard Saitz argues that alternative strategies should be d...
The study found that LTCFs account for a significant proportion of COVID-19 deaths, with some states reporting over 70% of deaths occurring in these facilities. The authors attribute this to the asymptomatic spread of the virus and inadequate measures to prevent its entry into facilities.
Defective ACLP protein causes cellular stress and induces fibrosis in multiple organs, including lungs, livers, and adipose tissues. The study identifies a novel variant of EDS-causing mutations and reveals the protein's role in maintaining connective tissue integrity.
High blood pressure during and after exercise is associated with a higher risk of hypertension, preclinical cardiovascular disease, and death in middle-aged to older adults. Regular physical activity and monitoring blood pressure numbers can help lower this risk.
Researchers found that African American women have a higher risk of breast cancer due to shared genes with white women, including BRCA1, BRCA2, and PALB2. Current breast cancer testing panels can be used for African American women, increasing the chances of early detection and prevention.
Researchers found a significant association between coronary artery calcium and changes in the left ventricular mass index and aortic root diameter. This suggests that higher calcium scores may be linked to potential adverse effects on heart function, emphasizing the need for a healthy lifestyle to prevent calcification of arteries.
A new type of specially designed footwear has been shown to significantly reduce the pain associated with knee osteoarthritis. The biomechanical footwear was found to be effective in reducing pain scores, and may also have potential benefits for people with hip or back pain.
A new study found that a brief motivational interview with a health professional can reduce drug use among occasional users. Six months after the intervention, participants reported less frequent use of their main drug.
The International Society of Hypertension has released the first global practice guidelines for managing hypertension, developed by a world-wide panel of experts. The guidelines aim to simplify treatment approaches in resource-poor settings, addressing the challenge of accessing cutting-edge medical equipment and technology.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health found detectable levels of DDT and other banned organochlorine pesticides in the blood of over 60% of Detroit-area black women. The chemicals were linked to tobacco, alcohol, and water consumption, posing hormonal and metabolic issues.
A new AI algorithm can predict Alzheimer's disease risk with high accuracy using a combination of brain MRI scans, cognitive impairment tests, and demographic data. The algorithm also provides interpretable visualizations of individual disease risk, leading to more accurate diagnoses.
Researchers have identified ROBO2 as a potential therapeutic target for treating kidney diseases, including glomerular diseases and chronic kidney disease. High ROBO2 protein levels are found in injured kidney models and can lead to reduced podocyte adhesion, making it a promising area of investigation.
A new guidance statement has been developed by a team from the Society of Vascular & Interventional Neurology (SVIN) to improve ways to treat acute large vessel occlusion strokes during the COVID-19 crisis. The recommendations aim to minimize exposure to healthcare workers while providing optimal care to patients.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health found that Black, Native American, and lower-income people are more likely to have underlying conditions increasing the risk of severe illness or death from COVID-19. The researchers analyzed data from over 330,000 people and estimated that 43% of American adults have at least on...
Ann McKee will lead a collaboration to characterize brain donors with and without a history of RHI and/or TBI, determining their neuropathological and clinical phenotypes. The goal is to identify the neuropathological features of TBI-related neurodegeneration and its association with dementia and parkinsonism.
A zero-emissions Boston could avoid nearly 200 deaths each year, with significant reductions in cardiovascular and respiratory illness across the region. The city's climate policies would also save $1.7 billion in Suffolk County and $2.4 billion for the entire 75-square-mile zone.
A study of over 9,500 women veterans found that those with PTSD or moral injury are more likely to experience negative pregnancy outcomes and postpartum depression. The researchers highlight the importance of screening for these conditions in obstetric settings.
Two studies from Boston University School of Public Health found that patients with higher BMIs were up to 158% more likely to use prescription opioids long-term. Osteoarthritis, other joint disorders, and back pain accounted for most opioid prescriptions linked to obesity.
Research highlights increased cardiovascular disease risk among people with HIV worldwide, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. The study explores how geographic location and income level influence the distribution of cardiovascular risk factors, shedding light on potential differences between lower- and higher-income countries.
A BU MED student, Thomas Cheng, received a $3,000 award and two-year Journal of Vascular Surgery subscription for studying patient presentation and outcomes for dialysis in immigrant and refugee populations. The goal is to identify areas for improvement in this vulnerable population.
A new study found that women are significantly overrepresented as authors and disseminators of physician compensation studies, which are largely unfunded. This may contribute to slow progress in addressing pay disparities.
Dr. Emelia J. Benjamin, a renowned researcher and educator, has been recognized with the Alliance for Academic Internal Medicine Diversity Award for her tireless efforts to promote ethnic, racial, and gender diversity within Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center.
A study published in JAMA Cardiology found that individuals who maintain intermediate to ideal cardiovascular health for longer periods are 33% less likely to develop hypertension and other diseases. This suggests that promoting healthy behaviors throughout life may be beneficial for reducing the risk of chronic diseases and mortality.
A new study by Boston University researchers estimates that nearly 62,530 cancer survivors in the US are transgender, with trans men being twice as likely to receive a cancer diagnosis. Transgender individuals also face higher rates of diabetes, heart disease, and depression compared to cisgender counterparts.
Researchers found that liver fibrosis is tied to a specific type of heart failure, known as preserved ejection fraction heart failure (HFpEF), which affects people with and without HIV and hepatitis C. The study suggests that preventing liver fibrosis may be crucial in reducing the risk of HFpEF.
Pairing clinician and basic science educators can help improve retention of information in medical school curriculum design. This integration, starting from the initial stages, facilitates the transfer of knowledge to clinical settings. By shadowing clinicians, basic scientists can better understand how to communicate information with ...
BU's PREP program supports recent bachelor's degree recipients from underrepresented groups in biomedical sciences, providing research experience and mentorship to advance their PhD training or career prospects. The five-year grant will foster diverse talent pipeline for STEM education.
A new Boston University School of Public Health study found that couples conceive quickest in late fall and early winter. Seasonal patterns in conception also varied among Northern states, Scandinavia, and the US, with stronger effects in southern states.
A new BU School of Public Health study scores states on alcohol policy, finding even Utah has room for improvement. The research found that laws to reduce excessive drinking also have an independent effect on reducing impaired driving.
A new commentary highlights how collaborations between schools and health departments can create vulnerabilities for students' private health information. To address these gaps, researchers recommend creating clear privacy protocols and mapping out processes to anticipate potential issues.
A Boston University School of Public Health study found that LGBQ teens face high rates of attempted suicide, despite a doubling in identification from 2009 to 2017. The proportion of LGBQ teens attempting suicide remained nearly four times the rate for straight peers.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine found a link between yoga and increased Gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) levels, which may help alleviate depressive symptoms. Completing one yoga class per week can maintain elevated GABA levels.
A new Boston University School of Public Health study found that two million more Americans avoided health care because of inability to pay or lack of insurance at the end of 2017 compared to 2016. The reversal was particularly pronounced in non-expansion states, where low-income residents were hardest hit.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have identified the unique genetic program behind primordial lung progenitors, a rare and transient cell type. This discovery may lead to improved stem cell protocols for treating respiratory diseases such as COPD, cystic fibrosis, and lung interstitial disease.
Using a combination of pluripotent stem cells and machine learning, researchers have improved how they generate lung cells. This technique enables the growth of lung cells in a laboratory for over a year, allowing for better modeling of lung diseases and potential personalized treatments.
A review by Boston University School of Public Health researchers calls for recognition of 'take-home' exposures as a public health hazard. The authors propose a multi-tier intervention approach to prevent chronic, low-level exposures that harm developing children.
After recovering from pneumonia, alveolar macrophages transform and retain a memory of their prior experience, influencing future responses to infections. This finding may lead to improved lung defenses against pneumonia in young adults.
Researchers found daratumumab to be safe and successful in treating patients with relapsed AL amyloidosis, a condition characterized by organ failure. The treatment was well-tolerated and effective when used with appropriate pre- and post-infusion medications.
Primary care physicians should discuss 'virginity' testing as part of comprehensive sexual education, building trust and assessing knowledge, attitudes and practice in at-risk patients.
A new study by researchers from Boston University School of Public Health and Chulalongkorn Universities identified strengths and weaknesses in Thailand's diabetes care. The majority of Thai adults with diabetes were never diagnosed, but most who were diagnosed received treatment and controlled their condition.