Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have found that individual BET bromodomain proteins work independently, reducing the effectiveness of pan-BET inhibitors. This discovery paves the way for more fine-tuned experiments and treatments in breast cancer patients with varying levels of protein expression.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health researchers found a strong association between structural racism and racial disparities in fatal police shootings at the state level. States with higher levels of residential segregation had higher rates of unarmed black victims killed by police, even controlling for arrest rates.
Joseph Kaserman, MD, receives $225,000 award to study risk of liver disease in Alpha-1 carriers using induced pluripotent stem cells and CRISPR technology. The research aims to find new treatments for Alpha-1 related liver disease and address concerns of carrier individuals.
Researchers found that 15% of adult ibuprofen users exceed the maximum recommended dose in a one-week period. Those who do tend to have medical factors such as chronic pain and poor physical state, attitudes conducive to ignoring label recommendations, and poor knowledge of those recommendations.
Boston University researcher Michelle T. Long has received a five-year, $1 million NIH grant to continue her research on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Her study will focus on the clinical and genetic traits associated with hepatic fibrosis in 3,500 participants.
Research reveals exposure to air pollution during high school is correlated with menstrual cycle irregularity, potentially affecting reproductive health. The findings suggest reducing emissions could mitigate human disease implications.
A new medical school elective at Boston University School of Medicine combines standard education with direct patient care experience to increase confidence and improve care outcomes for transgender patients. Students reported significant increases in comfort and knowledge after participating in the elective.
A new study published in LGBT Health found that young men who have sex with men are less likely to receive school-based HIV education than their female-only sex partners. The study associated HIV education with reduced sexual risk behaviors, particularly among young MSM.
A new study published in Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health found that marijuana use among couples does not lower their chances of getting pregnant. The researchers surveyed over 4,000 women and their male partners, finding that conception probabilities were similar between those who used marijuana and those who did not.
A Boston University study identified evidence of early Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) brain pathology after head impact, even in the absence of signs of concussion. The researchers found that head impact caused persistent changes in brain electrical functions and damaged blood vessels, leading to CTE.
A randomized controlled trial analyzed 126 adults with PTSD, concluding that trauma-focused therapy WET was just as effective as CPT in reducing symptoms. The findings have important implications for treating PTSD, addressing a significant barrier to care by identifying time-efficient treatment options.
A new study by Boston University researchers confirms the link between chronic kidney disease and increased risk of blood clots, identifying specific tryptophan metabolites as key players. The findings provide a promising approach for risk stratification and potential treatment strategies for CKD patients.
A new study found that brains of people with Huntington's disease (HD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) show similar responses to a lifetime of neurodegeneration, despite being distinct diseases. Most genes related to immune response and inflammatory pathways are common in both diseases.
Karen Cheng, a third-year medical student at Boston University School of Medicine, has created an automated device that kills mosquito larvae in rooftop water tanks, reducing the spread of Zika and other viruses. The invention was recognized with a $3,500 award from the Clinton Global Initiative University Conference Innovation Fund.
A new AI model based on convolutional neural networks (CNN) significantly improves the analysis of kidney biopsy images, enabling accurate quantification of kidney damage and prediction of life remaining in the kidney. This technology has the potential to act as a surrogate nephropathologist, particularly in resource-limited settings.
The STARS (Students and Trainees Advocating for Resource Stewardship) program at Boston University School of Medicine aims to help medical students develop skills to identify the appropriate amount of patient care. Through the program, students will review ABIM Foundation's Choosing Wisely value-based care campaign and use tools like t...
Researchers have developed a novel compound called Corin that specifically targets epigenetic changes in melanoma cells, potentially leading to significant improvements in treatment outcomes. The new compound inhibits the growth of melanoma cells by targeting specific proteins involved in epigenetic modifications.
Researchers have identified several genes responsible for Alzheimer's disease, including those affecting brain structure and function. These findings provide insight into the biological mechanisms leading to AD, particularly in the pre-symptom stages, and may lead to new treatments.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine discovered a possible biomarker for Huntington's disease, which may help evaluate treatment effectiveness and potentially delay disease onset. The study found altered levels of microRNAs in individuals carrying the HD gene mutation twenty years before symptoms appear.
A strong relationship was discovered between self-efficacy and exercise among women veterans with fibromyalgia, revealing positive effects on exercise adoption and maintenance. The study highlights the importance of tailored exercise programs to individual needs, aiming to improve overall quality of life and functioning.
African American women face significant disparities in breast cancer care, including delayed treatment and follow-up. The TRIP project aims to reduce these disparities by integrating three evidence-based strategies into a cohesive package across six hospitals.
Researchers at Boston University are developing a novel approach to deliver anti-retrovirals directly to lymphatic tissues to combat HIV replication. This targeted approach aims to improve drug penetration and eradicate virus reservoirs.
A BU researcher has been awarded a three-year grant to study the effectiveness of SHUTi, an internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy program, in reducing health disparities among black women with insomnia. The study aims to adapt SHUTi for black women and compare its effectiveness with standard care.
A new therapeutic paradox targets thrombo-vascular complications in kidney disease by boosting a regulatory protein called STUB1, which interacts with tissue factor to trigger clotting. This approach may offer an alternative to standard heparin treatment while maintaining a balance between pro-clotting and anticoagulant factors.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that starting antiretroviral therapy (ART) immediately following an HIV diagnosis dramatically improves retention in clinical HIV care. Patients who were eligible for ART at diagnosis were 25 percentage points more likely to start therapy and 18 percentage points more likely to remain in care at...
Mucosal healing is crucial in treating ulcerative colitis, as it reduces the risk of colorectal cancer. The study by Flores and colleagues reaffirms that ongoing inflammation increases cancer risk and may impact surveillance colonoscopies.
A unique model for Alzheimer's disease has been developed, suggesting a new approach for treating the condition. By reducing stress granule proteins, nerve cell health and memory can be improved.
Researchers found that topical application of Resolvin E1 on gum tissues prevented and treated gum disease, while also reducing the likelihood of advanced arterial plaque rupture. The study suggests effective preventive and therapeutic treatments for heart disease and gum disease without unwanted side effects.
African American women with type 2 diabetes have a higher risk of developing estrogen receptor negative (ER-) breast cancer, a more aggressive form of the disease. Chronic inflammation from diabetes may contribute to this increased risk, which could help explain the higher incidence of ER- breast cancer in African American women.
Researchers have created an artificial protein that inhibits G protein activators, leading to the potential blockage of malignant properties in cancer cells and correction of birth defects. The findings may pave the way for identifying new molecular targets for therapeutic intervention.
A study published in Environmental Research found that while ambient air pollution decreased in Massachusetts between 2003 and 2010, exposure remained higher in predominantly Hispanic and non-Hispanic black communities. The researchers tracked disparities over space and time using data from the 2000 and 2010 Census and the American Com...
A research team led by BU School of Medicine professor Avrum Spira is developing diagnostic tools to intercept lung cancer at its earliest stage using innovative approaches like nasal swabs and blood tests. The goal is to confirm whether lung abnormalities found on chest imaging are benign lung disease or signs of cancer.
Research at Boston University School of Medicine found that frequent marijuana use is associated with cognitive dysfunction in people with HIV who have an alcohol or other drug use disorder. The study suggests that marijuana may have detrimental effects on cognitive function in this population, particularly as they age.
Researchers discovered that mothers with high levels of neutralizing antibodies were more likely to pass on HIV to their infants through breast milk. Infants born to these mothers were also at higher risk of serious illness or death from the virus.
Studies found that female athletes in track and field experienced more bone stress injuries and tendon abnormalities than other Olympic events. Researchers recommend early MRI imaging for early detection of bone stress reactions and pre-competition screening data for chronic lesion detection.
The American Cancer Society has awarded Boston University School of Medicine with a three-year, $270,000 Institutional Research Grants program award to support early-stage cancer research by junior faculty. This funding will provide grants per year and is valued for its opportunity to establish proof-of-concept.
Adam Hsieh, a second-year medical student at Boston University School of Medicine, has received the $10,000 TYLENOL Future Care Scholarship. He aims to pursue a career in medicine to better understand health and disease and extend compassionate care.
A new study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that permissive concealed-carry laws are associated with significantly higher rates of handgun-related homicide. The study suggests that current trends towards more lenient gun laws are inconsistent with promoting public safety.
Lawreen H. Connors is awarded a $411,459 NIH grant to study wild-type transthyretin amyloidosis, a fatal protein deposition disease affecting millions of older Americans. Her research aims to improve recognition, monitoring, and treatment of the condition.
A BU researcher received a three-year award to investigate factors associated with non-fatal firearm injuries across different regions of the US. The goal is to understand how regional differences impact gun injury risk, ultimately aiming to tailor prevention efforts to specific areas.
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine are developing an app to capture health data using mobile devices, with the goal of reducing cardiac risks. The project aims to test various approaches to getting people to use these technologies over long periods of time and compare mobile health data collected in the research center.
A study published in the Journal of Women's Health found that women veterans with mental health conditions like depression are at a higher risk for coronary artery disease (CAD). The research team analyzed data from 157,000 women veterans over 45 and discovered a significant correlation between CAD and multiple mental health diagnoses.
A stepped care approach is more effective in reducing PTSD prevalence than usual care in the aftermath of hurricanes. The study found that stepped care delivered greater reach, treatment effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness than usual care when it came to hurricane-related PTSD.
Hui Feng's research aims to understand why T-ALL is so aggressive and resistant to treatment. The grant will support further studies on the role of a novel protein contributor to leukemia's aggressiveness and its potential targeting through available drugs.
Boston University School of Medicine researcher Hugo J. Aparicio is studying the associations between novel vascular biomarkers and cognitive dysfunction in a community-based study. The goal is to identify potential biomarkers for aging-related dementia, which could lead to earlier detection and treatment.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that a significant proportion of South Africans with diabetes do not receive adequate care, with nearly twice the proportion of cases being undiagnosed. The research highlights gaps in screening, diagnosis, treatment, and control of the disease, particularly among adults aged 40-plus.
Scientists have developed a way to generate and correct specific lung cells using pluripotent stem cells, which could lead to new therapies for conditions like neonatal respiratory distress and COPD. The corrected cells were able to produce essential surfactant, previously an elusive milestone.
Julie Palmer, a BU researcher, was awarded for her work on breast cancer disparities. She aims to reduce mortality by identifying factors that influence hormone receptor negative breast cancer.
Researchers have discovered a possible biomarker, CCL11, that may allow CTE to be diagnosed in living individuals. The study found elevated CCL11 levels in the brains of former football players with CTE compared to non-athletes and those with Alzheimer's disease. This discovery could lead to targeted treatments for CTE sufferers.
Researchers argue that acellular vaccines' inability to prevent infections contributes to the disease's resurgence. The study highlights differences in mucosal immunity between whole-cell and acellular pertussis vaccines, which may have led to the increase in cases.