A community-delivered curriculum, Parenting Journey, reduced perceived parenting stress and improved outcomes in low-income diverse populations. The program increased resilience, self-care, and social networks among participants.
Scientists identified a new biological pathway (RICTOR/mTORC2) as a potential therapeutic target for colon cancer. Targeting this pathway could enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy treatments. The study also highlights the importance of SMAD4 gene mutations in colon cancer progression.
Researchers developed an interactive health counselor to educate women about breast density, with participants showing increased knowledge and satisfaction. The prototype aims to empower women with accurate information throughout the breast cancer screening process.
Researchers from Boston University School of Public Health argue that calling pornography a public health crisis endangers the health of the public by leading to unwarranted policy shifts. The existing evidence suggests negative health consequences for some individuals, but not substantial harm overall.
A new study analyzing thousands of tweets reveals widespread misunderstanding of miscarriage's physical, emotional, and psychological impacts. Celebrity disclosures also sparked personal sharing of experiences, with grief and annoyance being the most common emotions expressed.
A study found that Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) decreased coverage disruptions among low-income adults. The researchers estimated that half a million fewer adults experienced churning annually, leading to improved access to care and reduced emergency department visits.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health finds that Medicaid expansion in Colorado improved access to postpartum care, particularly for mothers with pregnancy/childbirth complications. This narrowing of the 'postpartum coverage cliff' has significant implications for reducing maternal mortality.
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine found that Victoria's Secret models have become thinner over the past 20 years, with smaller busts and hips, but their waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) has remained constant. This trend reflects a changing ideal of beauty that is moving away from the characteristics of average American women.
Researchers studied over 9,500 veterans, finding that former enlisted personnel reported poorer outcomes on well-being compared to officers, while deployed veterans experienced poorer health. Many veterans struggled with chronic health conditions, anxiety, and depression, leading to eroding broader well-being over time.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have discovered the protein c-Cbl has the ability to degrade PD-1, a critical immune checkpoint that helps cancer cells evade the immune system. This finding may lead to new therapies targeting c-Cbl to treat certain types of cancer, including melanoma and non-small lung cancer.
A novel parasitic gene in fruit flies is responsible for destroying eggs in ovaries, similar to human genomes filled with mobile parasitic genes called transposons. The discovery may lead to a better understanding of how human genomes are shaped by transposons and the small RNA molecules used to silence them.
A national survey of women found that DBNs are not achieving their desired effects in reducing breast cancer awareness and screening. The study revealed greater anxiety and confusion among black women with higher incomes, while white women with higher incomes had more knowledge about breast density.
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine identified a three times higher incidence of VTE among African American patients compared to Caucasian patients. The study also found that African American patients were more likely to develop VTE in certain cancer types such as lung, gastric (stomach) and colorectal.
A new Boston University School of Public Health study found that the decline in prescriptions of non-opioid analgesics coincided with a marked increase in opioid prescribing. The study suggests that health risks associated with NSAIDs were one factor that led to increased prescribing of opioids.
Researchers identified novel respiratory cell changes in smokers and pre-cancerous tissue, which may lead to new therapies for lung cancer prevention. The study used single-cell genomics to analyze gene expression in cells from never and current smokers.
A new study from Boston University School of Public Health found that physical illness and injury increase the risk of suicide in men, but not women. The study used machine learning and health data from Denmark to identify complex factors that may predict suicide.
David Coleman, MD, will receive the Robert H. Williams, MD, Distinguished Chair of Medicine Award from the Association of Professors of Medicine (APM) for his exceptional leadership as chair of the Department of Medicine at Boston University School of Medicine and physician-in-chief at Boston Medical Center.
Researchers discovered a link between uremic solutes and Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AHR) activation in CKD patients. This finding may lead to new clinical blood tests and medication development targeting AHR inhibitors for treating CKD complications.
A new Boston University School of Public Health study estimates the non-cancer health effects of breathing airborne PCBs around New Bedford Harbor, affecting thyroid hormones in people living close to the harbor. The levels of PCBs in the air are high enough to raise risks of diabetes, low birth weight, and impaired neurodevelopment.
In an effort to curb opioid misuse, Massachusetts physician assistant programs have adopted a cross-institutional partnership to ensure safe prescribing practices. The initiative aims to educate students on the prevention and management of prescription drug misuse, following a consensus-building process among nine PA programs.
Researchers can now visualize data from samples containing tens of millions of cells with unprecedented resolution, pinpointing previously undetectable features that distinguish diseased samples from controls. This advancement may lead to discovery of novel cell types to therapeutically target diseases.
Researchers identified kynurenine and indoxyl sulfate as key culprits in generating clot formation in cancer patients via AHR signaling. These metabolites can be measured in the blood to predict risk of deep vein thrombosis, and their inhibition may lead to future drug development.
A new study by Boston University School of Medicine found that deaths due to guns have increased since 2014, with years of life lost rising due to gun violence affecting younger people more, especially men and non-Hispanic black populations.
A new Boston University School of Public Health study provides specific data on when young children reach different developmental milestones. The researchers found that a high percentage of children demonstrate behaviors by the ages specified in CDC guidelines, but only half meet certain milestones.
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine have discovered that lung resident memory T (TRM) cells recruit neutrophils to protect the lungs against future bacterial infections. This study has implications for preventing and treating pneumonia, potentially leading to improved treatment options and personalized medicine.
Emelia J. Benjamin, a renowned researcher and cardiologist, has received two prestigious awards from the American Heart Association for her significant contributions to clinical cardiology and her dedication to mentoring young investigators. She is recognized for over 600 publications and substantial NIH grant support.
A new study finds that integrating behavioral health services into pediatric primary care increased visits by children with mental health diagnoses without raising Medicaid costs. This integrated model, called TEAM UP, has measurable value and potential for long-term cost savings.
A recent study found that Vietnam-era women veterans continue to struggle with stress-related mental health conditions, including PTSD, major depression, and generalized anxiety disorder. Exposure to sexual discrimination and harassment while deployed was a significant risk factor for poor health outcomes and increased disability.
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine have developed a novel computational method, iEDGE, which identified several candidate breast cancer drivers and multiple pan-cancer drivers, including TRIP13 and TPX2.
A new study from Boston University School of Medicine finds that yoga can improve symptoms of clinical depression and major depressive disorder. Both short-term and long-term yoga sessions show significant improvements in sleep quality, tranquility, positivity, and symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Dr. Daniel P. Alford received the John P. McGovern Award for Excellence in Medical Education and Substance Use Research at AMERSA's annual conference. He is a renowned expert in addiction medicine and has trained over 165,000 healthcare professionals through his SCOPE of Pain program.
Skull shape differences were found among Asian and Asian-derived groups, enabling more nuanced ancestry estimations in forensic casework. The study provides population-specific methods for estimating biological profiles, aiding victim identification in mass disasters.
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine found that Dominican and Haitian individuals can be differentiated with statistical certainty despite their close physical proximity. The study highlights the importance of conducting research on understudied groups to aid forensic specialists in identifying missing persons.
Simone Vais, a fourth-year medical student at Boston University School of Medicine, has been awarded the AMA Foundation Physicians of Tomorrow Scholarship. The $10,000 award will assist in covering her medical education expenses as she applies for residency in family medicine and focuses on improving healthcare access for underserved p...
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine have found that examining the distal humerus (elbow) bone is superior to previous techniques for identifying sex in a non-Asian population. The study used over 600 modern, documented skeletons from Thailand and found that the shape of the elbow differs between females and males.
Researchers analyzed brain samples from two mutant HD gene positive individuals and found massive inflammation and similar gene expression patterns in the striatum compared to the prefrontal cortex. Unique patterns were also observed in the striatum, suggesting active neurogenesis during the disease process.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine found that chronic cyclic pattern of overeating can reduce the brain's ability to feel reward, leading to compulsive eating behaviors. The study suggests that future treatments should focus on rebalancing the mesolimbic dopamine system.
A new BU School of Public Health study reveals people with PTSD are 1.8 times more likely to develop any infection compared to those without the condition. The study found distinct effects on men and women, with PTSD increasing a woman's risk of urinary tract infections, while having a greater impact on men's risk of skin infections.
A new study reveals that hip and knee steroid intra-articular injections can lead to accelerated arthritis and joint destruction in some patients. Researchers found serious complications such as osteonecrosis and rapid progressive osteoarthritis in eight percent of patients who received the injections.
The Bob Woodruff Foundation has awarded Boston University a grant to expand the Strength at Home program, which prevents and treats intimate partner violence in veteran populations. The program has been shown to be effective in addressing trauma-related violence and utilizing a trauma-informed approach.
Boston University School of Medicine professor David Felson has received a P30 Center Grant to conduct clinical research in rheumatology, focusing on osteoarthritis and related conditions. The grant will support collaborations among researchers from diverse disciplines at Boston's top medical institutions.
A new study quantifies the strength of relationship between playing American football and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) severity. The study found that each additional year played increased CTE risk by 30% and severe CTE odds doubled for every 5.3 years played.
Patients who first see a chiropractor or physical therapist are less likely to be prescribed opioids, reducing the risk of short- and long-term use. The study found that state-level policy regulations impact opioid prescribing, with patients in states with limited access more likely to receive opioids.
Megan Young, MD, assistant dean and geriatrics professor at Boston University School of Medicine, received the 2019 Women Physicians Section Inspiration Award. She is known for her infectious enthusiasm, thoughtful approach to teaching, and dedication to mentoring students.
Nidhi Lal, a clinical assistant professor of family medicine at Boston University School of Medicine, has received the Women's Health Award from the Massachusetts Medical Society. She is recognized for her work advancing women's health in Massachusetts through various initiatives.
Boston University School of Medicine researchers have developed a new protocol to produce large quantities of AAVs, which can deliver specific genes into humans and animals. The advanced technique bypasses developmental effects, saving time and reducing the number of animals used in research.
Research found that individuals raised in families with higher socioeconomic status were more optimistic in midlife and lived longer. In contrast, those experiencing more psychosocial stressors had greater risk of dying due to increased stressful life events in adulthood.
A new study evaluated the impact of a child CSE prevention program, My Life My Choice, on young teenagers. The results show that participants reported half as many episodes of sexually explicit behavior and were 24% less likely to experience dating abuse after completing the curriculum.
A new study by Boston University School of Medicine found that CAUTI rates decreased significantly after the implementation of value-based incentive programs, but not due to improved patient outcomes. The change in definition likely led to artificial inflation of hospital performance scores.
Researchers found that individuals with higher optimism levels live up to 11-15% longer and have a 50-70% greater chance of reaching 85 years old compared to those with lower optimism. Optimism may be linked to healthier habits, better emotional regulation, and increased resilience.