Researchers have identified microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) as a pivotal protein in the maintenance of melanocytes and survival of melanoma cells. A chemical inhibitor of MITF has been found to prevent growth of human melanoma cells, suggesting that MITF expression levels can predict sensitivity to such therapies.
A study found that a specific klotho genotype interacts with severe PTSD symptoms to accelerate cellular aging. This interaction highlights the potential role of klotho as a therapeutic target for protecting against age-related inflammation and loss of neural integrity.
Two Boston University School of Medicine students have received a national award for their innovative project, which uses Uber Health to eliminate transportation barriers to healthcare access for urban OBGYN refugee women. The pilot study found significant decreases in patient no-show rates and improved patient satisfaction.
A study of over 800 medical residents found that standardized training is needed to address the unique clinical needs of LGBTQ patients, who face significant health issues due to discrimination and harassment. Despite improvements in knowledge after online training, resident training years had no impact on baseline scores.
A new study finds that occupational heat exposure is linked to a decline in kidney function and chronic kidney disease (CKD) in artisanal brick makers in Nicaragua. The researchers found 12.1% of the sample had stage 3-5 CKD, with risk factors including operating ovens, less education, older age, and inadequate water intake.
Vasan Ramachandran, a renowned BU researcher, discussed the fundamental concepts of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and its sociological factors. He highlighted how structural, macrosocial, economic, cultural, and societal factors influence human behavior and lifestyle choices, leading to CVD risk factor development and progression o...
Catherine Costello has made a lasting impact in proteomics with her groundbreaking research on biologically important polymers and their structures. She is the author of over 375 scientific papers and has received numerous awards for her contributions to mass spectrometry.
A novel treatment targeting solitary B cells improved lung disease in CVID patients, offering a safer alternative to broad immunosuppressive therapies. Researchers identified elevated IgM levels as a marker of lung disease progression, allowing for precise timing of treatment and potential future therapeutic targets.
Longitudinal cohort studies provide an excellent learning environment for early researchers, offering high-quality data and mentorship opportunities. These studies, such as the Framingham Heart Study, can help investigators launch their careers by publishing research with higher impact and gaining valuable experience.
Two BU medical students created a first-of-its-kind video on preventing falls from operating room tables, exploring the risks and strategies to mitigate these accidents. The award-winning video aims to educate healthcare providers on patient safety in operating rooms.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health evaluates the Novartis Access program in Kenya, demonstrating that robust, 'gold standard' methods can be used to assess major pharmaceutical companies' access programs. The study found that the program significantly increased availability of two medicines in health facilities bu...
Erika J. Wolf receives $346,000 grant from NIA to investigate PTSD-related accelerated cellular aging in brain tissue. The study aims to gain insight into the physiological mechanisms and consequences of accelerated epigenetic aging.
Research finds that trauma-exposed individuals, regardless of PTSD status, struggle with suppressing memories. Neuroimaging data reveals reduced activation in the right middle frontal gyrus, a critical region for memory suppression, among trauma-exposed participants.
Boston University School of Medicine has been awarded a five-year, $482,400 NIH grant to bolster the development of physician-scientists. The grant will support a summer research program for first-year medical students, providing them with research experience and opportunities to present their work at national conferences.
A new computational tool, Candidate Driver Analysis (CaDrA), has been developed to identify combinations of factors causing specific diseases. The tool recognizes the complexity of diseases and can discover novel features associated with invasive phenotypes.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have discovered an enzyme and biochemical pathway that can be inhibited in Alzheimer's disease to decrease amyloid production. This target is also found in anti-cancer therapies, highlighting the potential for a disease-modifying pill.
A new study found sufficient evidence to raise concerns about prenatal BPA exposure's effects on ovarian development and function. The researchers believe their findings are relevant to both fetal and women's health, particularly in relation to infertility and endocrine disrupting chemicals.
A new study found no evidence that value-based incentive programs linked to hospital performance improved patient safety or reduced catheter-associated urinary tract infection rates in US hospitals. However, the research did show modest improvements in the use of urinary catheters and decreased risk for associated infections.
Researchers compared two groups of patients who underwent clot retrieval with either a balloon-guided catheter or a conventional guide catheter. Patients treated with the balloon-guided catheter showed improved restoration of blood flow scores and clinical outcomes, highlighting its potential to enhance stroke patient care.
A recent study found that 10% of firearm injury survivors will be readmitted to the hospital within 90 days, highlighting a significant burden of morbidity. The researchers also discovered a 30% increased risk of readmission among those with firearm injuries compared to occupant motor vehicle injury patients.
Researchers have discovered a method to 'turn off' mutated melanoma, developing a promising therapeutic option for NRAS mutant cancer. A specific inhibitor targeting the STK19 gene has been designed to prevent NRAS activation and development of NRAS mutant melanoma in an experimental model.
A new study found e-cigarettes to be more effective than nicotine-replacement therapy in quitting smoking, with a one-year abstinence rate of 18% compared to 9.9% for NRT. However, health experts caution against recommending e-cigarettes as a primary treatment due to unknown health risks and long-term use concerns.
The Boston University Oral Health Sciences (OHS) master's program has been successful in preparing minority students for dental school admission. The program's academic foundation positions graduates for personal and professional success, with a strong predictive power of successful admission to dental school.
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine suggest narrow searcher spacing and double passes can increase detection rates. This new methodology aims to improve the recovery of skeletal remains, making it easier to find missing individuals.
A new study reveals that US youth suicide rates are significantly higher in states with higher levels of household gun ownership. The research found a strong correlation between household gun ownership and youth suicide rates, suggesting that easy access to firearms contributes to an increase in actual suicides.
The PumpStart program demonstrates effectiveness in teaching high school students life-saving skills and providing medical students with public health education opportunities. High school students showed significant improvements in CPR technique and confidence, while medical students gained higher confidence levels in teaching and ment...
Researchers discovered bone and tooth specimens of wild camels, elephants, horses, and antelopes at Azraq Basin site, providing insights into ancestral human adaptation to changing environments. The team found evidence of butchery and suggests that humans may have faced challenges from predatory competitors like lions and hyenas.
Researchers found that relationship impairment interferes with treatment seeking among post-9/11 military veterans, particularly men, while facilitating treatment seeking among women. The study suggests a sex difference in the role of relationships on treatment use.
Researchers identified gamma delta T cells as a key driver of 'inflamm-aging' in both HIV-infected individuals and the general geriatric population. The study found that targeting these immune cells could potentially reduce the onset and severity of inflammation-related diseases.
A new study reveals that black Americans' life expectancy is decreasing due to firearms, with a two-fold loss compared to white Americans. The researchers found that substantially higher homicide rates among blacks up to age 20 drive this gap.
Researchers found African Americans had significantly more weight regain than Caucasians, while both groups experienced rapid weight gain over time. The study highlights the need for future research into racial differences in bariatric surgery outcomes.
Stephen Christiansen, MD, received a Senior Achievement Award for his significant contributions to ophthalmology and pediatrics. Babak Eliassi-Rad, MD, was awarded an Achievement Award for his research and clinical work on glaucoma and cataract.
Two new studies link high blood pressure to premature cardiovascular disease in adults younger than 40, emphasizing the need for better understanding of its causes and prevention strategies. Experts suggest that lifestyle measures such as regular physical exercise and weight management can help maintain optimal blood pressure levels.
A study by Boston University School of Public Health found that Twitter users proposed many effective strategies to prevent sexual violence, but also perpetuated misinformation and myths. The researchers analyzed over 1,400 tweets using the #HowIWillChange hashtag and identified gaps in prevention strategies.
A genetic variation in TMEM106B has been identified as a potential risk factor for chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) disease severity and pathology. The study found that this variation may predict increased CTE pathology and brain inflammation, and is associated with a higher risk of developing dementia.
Researchers found four subgroups with varying degrees of pain sensitization, with the highest degree associated with persistent knee pain. Identifying these subgroups may lead to novel approaches for preventing persistent knee pain.
Researchers found that half of the Spanish-speaking women did not receive letters in their native language, leading to confusion and misinterpretation of key messages. The study highlights the importance of culturally sensitive communication and timely follow-up for women with dense breasts.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine discovered a strong link between chronic inflammation and increased risk for Alzheimer's disease in ApoE4 carriers. Sequential measurements of C-reactive protein revealed that ApoE4 linked with chronic low-grade inflammation significantly increases AD risk.
A randomized controlled trial found that a nurse-led care approach with a treat-to-target strategy significantly lowered uric acid levels and reduced the risk of gout flares and tophi compared to usual care. The study suggests that educating patients and providing regular follow-up can improve treatment adherence and outcomes.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine developed a simplified procedure called SEAL to remove scar tissue and adhesions that contribute to post-surgical low back pain. The study found short-to-moderate term pain relief in 74% of patients, with over 40% experiencing greater than 50% pain relief after three years.
BU PhD student Michael Rosario has received a four-year Health Policy Research Scholarship to study the impact of racial discrimination on brain changes associated with early Alzheimer's disease. The research aims to generate important hypotheses about the role of racial discrimination in inducing such changes.
Researchers found that patients taking full-dose allopurinol for gout flares had a lower risk of developing Stage 3 Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) compared to non-users. The use of allopurinol may be beneficial in reducing kidney disease risk, contrary to previous concerns.
A new study combines imaging and neuropsychological testing to more accurately assess cognitive status, distinguishing individuals with mild cognitive impairment from those with normal cognition. The combined data model achieved an overall accuracy of over 90%, surpassing individual models alone.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health researchers found that higher levels of stress are associated with lower odds of conception for women, but not for men. Women with high perceived stress were 13% less likely to conceive than those with low perceived stress.
A new course at Boston University School of Medicine aims to educate students and trainees on machine learning concepts, preparing them for the growing data science revolution in healthcare. The authors emphasize the need for embedding ML curriculum into medical education to enhance clinical decision-making and management.
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine shed light on mechanisms underlying prion disease progression and identified a potential target for treatment. Inhibiting p38 MAPKα enzyme prevents nerve connection damage and promotes recovery.
A recent study suggests that individuals who are physically active before suffering a stroke tend to have better outcomes, with milder symptoms. This protection is attributed to the maintenance of a complex network of blood vessels within the brain, which is promoted by exercise.
A study of college students reveals significant disparities in mental health treatment across race and ethnicity, with white students receiving more treatment than students of color. The study found that half of white students received treatment, compared to one-quarter of African American and Asian students.
Gonorrhea is a rapidly worsening public health threat with over 550,000 new cases reported in 2017 and global yearly incidence estimated at 106.1 million cases. Researchers warn that animal models, like mouse models, may not accurately reflect the infection's severity or human immune responses.
Researchers have discovered a key role for O-GlcNAc modifications in enhancing neuronal regeneration after injury. Altering sugar levels on proteins can alter metabolism, leading to improved regeneration outcomes.