Researchers found that heavy alcohol consumption is associated with altered immune function among people living with HIV, leading to higher levels of biomarkers linked to mortality. The study highlights the potential harms of heavy drinking on people with HIV and emphasizes the need for further research.
Researchers will track three Boston-based cohorts for over half a century and analyze data on socioeconomic, environmental, and psychosocial factors that impact Alzheimer's disease, cardiometabolic disease, and premature death.
Researchers at Boston University School of Public Health found that patients who start long-term buprenorphine treatment before discharge from a short-term inpatient program are less likely to relapse and more likely to keep up treatment. This approach reduces the risk of overdose and improves outcomes for opioid users.
Researchers found microneedling improves acne scar appearance by decreasing inflammation and scarring, with increased patient satisfaction when combined with other treatments.
A Boston University study finds that laws restricting who can have a gun are most effective in reducing firearm homicides, with different laws more effective in urban and suburban/rural areas. Universal background checks and stringent concealed carry laws show promise in reducing urban and suburban/rural rates.
A new study uses AI to predict food product recalls from Amazon reviews with 74-percent accuracy, identifying thousands of potentially unsafe products. The researchers trained an existing AI called BERT on customer reviews to identify recalled foods and found terms associated with FDA recalls in 20,000 other reviews.
A new pilot study led by Boston University School of Public Health found that a youth empowerment program targeting one dietary behavior - replacing sugar-sweetened beverages with water - could prevent obesity risk among youths. The program, which had Worchester youths create their own narratives about reducing sugary drink consumption...
The article highlights the need for a new contraception revolution to provide options for populations not currently served by modern birth control. New concepts like male contraception and multipurpose prevention technology are being developed to fill the gap.
A group of scientists recommends large-scale collaborative research to tackle dry macular degeneration, with proposed methods including integrated collaboration and biorepository development. The panel aims to bring about meaningful clinical results by promoting multidisciplinary investigator teams.
A Boston University study found that serious workplace injuries significantly increase the risk of suicide and overdose death, especially among women. The research suggests that improved pain treatment and substance use disorder treatment may help reduce mortality rates from workplace injuries.
A new study found that lower-income communities tend to lack access to resources encouraging a healthy lifestyle, highlighting the need for targeted interventions. The research used social media data to show how different populations feel about various physical activities.
Michelle Long, MD, MSc, assistant professor of medicine at Boston University School of Medicine, has been awarded a three-year, $495,000 Doris Duke Clinical Scientist Development Award to investigate the relationship between physical activity and NAFLD. The study aims to identify biomarkers of early disease and risk for progression.
Boston University School of Medicine researcher Tarik F. Haydar received a $453,750 NIH grant to develop human stem cell-derived cultures for studying white matter abnormality in Down syndrome. He aims to understand how neural stem cells generate the cerebral cortex.
A study by Boston University School of Medicine researchers found that people entering treatment for heroin use prefer being called
A recent study has deciphered the near-atomic structure of filaments called 'pili' that extend from the surface of bacteria causing traveler's diarrhea. This breakthrough may lead to the development of new treatments and vaccines for the disease.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health found that racial residential segregation explains greater racial disparities in fatal police shootings. The ratio of Black to White victims of police shootings increases by 44% for each percent of a city's Black population that would need to move for an equal distribution.
Boston University researchers suggest making buprenorphine available behind the counter with age and quantity limitations to increase access for treating opioid use disorder. This could lead to reduced health costs, lower drug-related crime, and more lives saved.
The BU program, Integrating the Educators, successfully trained biomedical science trainees in the skills of being a medical educator. Trainees gained insights into how to teach basic science topics to a clinical audience and modified their lesson plans accordingly.
Increasing Klotho levels improves neurological deficits and prolongs life span in an experimental ALS model. Brain immune cells also play a crucial role in protecting the brain against inflammation and motor neuron loss.
A new study reveals that close-range blast exposure among Iraq and Afghanistan war vets may lead to degradation of white matter, a key factor in neurodegeneration. Veterans with the APOE ε4 allele, a well-known genetic risk factor for AD, are more susceptible to these effects.
A new study published in Health Affairs finds that a veteran-directed care program with flexible budgets for at-home caregivers is as effective as other purchased-care services. The program allows veterans to hire personal care workers or family members as paid caregivers, enabling them to live at home. Researchers found similar hospit...
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health found no consistent association between iron consumption and conception. However, non-heme iron intake was associated with a slightly increased chance of pregnancy in certain groups, such as women who had previously given birth or experienced heavy menstrual cycles.
Researchers now believe that beauty preferences are partly an effect of a rudimentary cognitive process. The perception of attractiveness has fluctuated over time, influenced by both physical features and environmental factors.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine identified salivary microRNAs that differentiate people with alcohol dependence from healthy controls. The study uses machine learning to predict alcohol dependency with high accuracy, offering potential for early diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers found that being an occupant in a motor vehicle accident increases the risk of heart failure or stroke in older adults. The study used U.S. and Danish hospitalization data to confirm these findings.
A new longitudinal cohort study aims to understand the causes of high burden of heart, lung, blood and sleep disorders in rural Southern US communities. The RURAL study will examine 4,000 participants from 10 low-income counties, using a self-contained mobile examination unit and smart phones to collect health data.
A study led by Boston University researchers discovered high levels of toluene and ethyl acetate in nail technicians' blood, but improved ventilation significantly reduced air pollutant exposure. The findings highlight the importance of active ventilation in reducing solvent levels in salon air.
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine have discovered a previously unknown role of Serum Amyloid A (SAA) in rapidly removing lipid debris from damaged cells. This process is crucial for tissue healing and survival during acute events such as injury, infection, or inflammation.
Researchers found that patients with benign hyperpigmentation are willing to spend significant time and money to be cured. The study suggests that these conditions have a substantial impact on quality of life, particularly when facial skin is involved.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have discovered that inhibiting the BRD4 protein can consistently regulate prostate cancer cell migration and invasion. The study provides promising insights into preventing the spread of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), a highly aggressive form of the disease.
Researchers found that the risk of stroke at middle age declined by 39% and at older age by 53% between 1998-2005 and previous periods. Lifestyle choices like exercise and a healthy diet can reduce stroke risk across all ages.
A new study found that weight loss medications are extremely lowly used among eligible veterans, with only about one percent receiving treatment. Barriers such as insurance coverage, age, and ethnicity drive underuse of these medications, highlighting the need for additional research to better understand obstacles.
A Boston University School of Medicine study found significant variation in social determinant screening practices among community health centers. Researchers suggest tailoring these processes and involving staff and providers in implementation decisions can help overcome issues with time, workflow, and knowledge.
A Boston University School of Medicine study found that wearing tight-fitting jeans or pants four or more times a week doubles the risk of vulvodynia, while removing hair from the mons pubis nearly triples it. The condition affects an estimated 16% of women over their lifetimes.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine examined coatings on drug-coated balloon catheters using microscopy and cell cultures to improve delivery efficiency. They found that coating shape affects drug transfer, leading to better device performance and potential outcomes.
Research from Boston University School of Medicine found that alcoholic men have diminished brain activity in emotional processing regions compared to women. The study suggests that gender-specific prevention and treatment approaches may be necessary for effective management of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD).
The Center for Translation Neurotrauma Imaging (CTNI) aims to pioneer biomarkers, diagnostics, and therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases. The facility will create novel brain imaging techniques to track subtle changes in the brain after neurotrauma.
Patients who undergo vascular surgery for major blood vessel injuries due to firearm wounds have the highest injury severity scores, leading to increased risk of death and complications. The study highlights the need for improved trauma care and long-term treatment strategies for gun violence survivors.
Researchers found that light-intensity physical activity is associated with larger brain volume and healthy brain aging. The study suggests that achieving even moderate levels of physical activity may be beneficial for preventing dementia.
The Framingham Heart Study, the nation's longest-running cohort study, has been renewed for an additional six years and $38 million from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Researchers will examine the elderly groups and younger cohorts to better understand aging and determinants of health and disease in older people.
Researchers found elevated tau protein levels in brain regions affected by CTE in living former NFL players with cognitive and mood symptoms. The study also discovered a correlation between years of tackle football played and tau protein levels.
Researchers from Boston University Schools of Medicine have developed a fast and accurate approach to assessing the carcinogenicity of chemicals. The new method uses machine learning algorithms to distinguish between carcinogens and non-carcinogens, providing a cost-effective solution for prioritizing chemicals for further testing.
Community Noise Lab, launched by Dr. Erica Walker, explores the relationship between community noise and health through real-time sound monitoring, lab experiments, and community engagement. The lab aims to inform, empower, and impact communities, sharing ride-sharing science to advance public health research.
A new study has discovered that the enzyme STK25 regulates Hippo signaling in a novel manner, leading to its deregulation in human cancers. This finding may enable the development of new anticancer therapeutic options.
A new study found that HIV-infected veterans with elevated depressive symptoms have a 23% higher mortality risk compared to those without HIV. In contrast, depression was not significantly associated with increased mortality in HIV-uninfected individuals.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health found that Medicare Advantage networks are becoming broader, with a share increase from 80.1% to 82.5% between 2011 and 2015. This expansion was linked to rural areas having around 85% broad-network plans.
Two rare genetic variants, NOTCH3 and TREM2, linked to Alzheimer's disease have been discovered. The NOTCH3 variant is more frequent in Ashkenazi Jews and may lead to a diagnostic test for AD in this population.
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine propose revisions to visa categories and licensing laws to host foreign medical graduates for short-term clinical training experiences in the US. This would improve educational impact and equity in global health partnerships.
A new Boston University study reveals that states with universal background check laws for all gun sales had 15% lower homicide rates compared to those without such laws. The study also found that laws limiting the sale of guns to people convicted of violent misdemeanors were associated with a more dramatic reduction in homicide rates.
African American women with poor oral health may face a substantially increased risk of developing pancreatic cancer. Researchers found that adult tooth loss and periodontal disease prevalence were associated with a higher risk, particularly among those who had lost at least five teeth.