A new study reveals that the IGPR-1 protein plays a critical role in colon tumor growth and drug resistance, identifying it as a potential target for treatment. Blocking IGPR-1 with an antibody or shRNA inhibits tumor growth, suggesting significant therapeutic potential.
A recent study published in Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology found that the HPV vaccine is associated with improved fertility in some women, particularly those with a history of sexually transmitted infections. The research, led by Boston University School of Public Health, suggests that vaccinated women with an STI history have s...
A new study found an association between youth tackle football before age 12 and impaired mood and behavior later in life. The study, published in Nature's Translational Psychiatry, showed that participants who started playing at a younger age had twice the risk of behavioral regulation problems and three times the risk of depression.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have identified a new lung cell type implicated in innate immune defense against Streptococcus pneumoniae, one of the leading causes of pneumonia worldwide. The discovery may lead to new therapeutic strategies for combating this pathogen.
A new study found that states with laws requiring people at high risk of committing intimate partner abuse to relinquish firearms have significantly lower rates of intimate partner homicide and firearm-specific IPH. The study suggests that effective enforcement procedures are key to the law's impact.
Research published in Scientific Reports shows that RayVio's UV LED is more efficient than sunlight at producing vitamin D3 in skin samples. The study found that skin exposed to the LED for just 0.52 minutes produced more than twice as much vitamin D3 as samples exposed to 32.5 minutes of sunlight.
Boston University School of Medicine has received a two-year, $300,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to engage undergraduate students from underrepresented groups in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The project, BEST BET, aims to broaden career exploration options beyond traditional tracks.
Researchers have identified a molecule called miR-124 in non-small cell lung cancer cells that plays a regulatory role in programmed cell death. The findings may offer a new target in the fight against non-small cell lung cancer, particularly for mesenchymal-like cells resistant to chemotherapy.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health researcher Jacob Bor found that counties with lower life expectancy gains saw a significant increase in Republican votes, while Democrats lost votes in these areas. The findings suggest that voters' health needs may be driving their electoral decisions.
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine discovered that enhancing palmitoylation in the variant MC1R protein of redheads can reduce cancer risk for melanoma. This finding offers a potential alternative strategy to prevention by reducing sun exposure, which has been the focus of public health work.
The Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Center has received a three-year grant from the NIH to advance research on Alzheimer's disease. The center aims to develop tests for early diagnosis and interventions to prevent or delay the disease.
A new study has found a significant link between malnutrition and tuberculosis (TB) in southern India. The research, published in PLOS ONE, reveals that more than 61% of TB cases in women are attributable to malnutrition, while up to 75% of male TB cases could be eliminated if alcohol use was reduced.
A study published in Neurology found that less REM sleep and longer sleep latency are associated with a higher risk of developing dementia. Research followed 321 participants over 12 years, revealing a nine percent increase in all-cause dementia risk for each percentage reduction in REM sleep.
Kolachalama's research aims to improve cardiovascular treatments by developing models for smarter artery care and improving drug-coated angioplasty balloons. The $231,000 Scientist Development grant will support his three-year study on the mechanisms of drug-coated balloon therapy.
A new study shows significant improvement in sexual and urinary function as well as quality of life for hypogonadal men undergoing long-term testosterone replacement therapy. Testosterone therapy is found to increase bladder emptying, improve erectile/sexual health and overall quality of life.
A new study found that nearly one in five family medicine physicians accepted payments from pharmaceutical companies related to opioids, while anesthesiologists received the most total annual payments. The study suggests that pharmaceutical companies may have a stronger hold on how doctors prescribe opioids than previously known.
A study found that older adults who visit emergency departments for falls are less likely to participate in fall prevention programs. Despite this, patients reported discussing their falls with healthcare providers and family members, suggesting room for improvement in the healthcare response.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have discovered how acidic conditions trigger the formation of toxic protein clusters in cells, leading to the death of vital organs. The study may help design new treatments for secondary systemic amyloidosis (AA), a life-threatening disorder that affects millions worldwide.
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has helped close gaps in healthcare access between poor and higher-income households. In states that expanded Medicaid, the gap fell by 46%, while in non-expansion states, it declined by 23%. Despite gains, many low- and middle-income residents still lack coverage or avoid care due to cost.
A team-based primary care model, TOPCARE, has been shown to decrease prescription opioid use among patients with chronic pain by 40 percent. This study, conducted in four primary care practices, found that TOPCARE patients had lower opioid doses and were more likely to adhere to AAPM guidelines.
Researchers found that using a black light helps dermatologists determine the extent of melasma, a hyperpigmentation condition that causes brown and gray patches on the face. This can lead to early detection and treatment, reducing the risk of the condition worsening over time.
A standardized discharge planning program called Project ReEngineered Discharge (RED) improves patient experience by providing a clear plan for self-care at home. The study found patients who received the RED intervention were more likely to feel comfortable caring for themselves, with higher satisfaction rates.
A new study examined the relationship between traumatic brain injury (TBI) and age-related cognitive change, finding no significant difference between participants with TBI and those without. The researchers suggest that future studies should collect more information on past TBIs to better understand their impact on cognitive decline.
Researchers found that overweight or mildly obese individuals have better survival rates after a stroke compared to those with normal body weight. The study suggests that increased weight may provide a 'metabolic reserve' that helps recovery from severe disease.
BUSM is developing a secure data-sharing platform using advanced cryptographic tools to share clinical, molecular and cellular datasets between India and the US. The project aims to analyze information on diabetes and other diseases in both countries, addressing infrastructure gaps and foreign hacking threats.
A new study found that only one in four young adults with opioid use disorder receive life-saving medications for treatment. The study highlights a critical gap in addiction treatment for teens and young adults, emphasizing the need for increased access to effective medication-based care.
Orly Leiva, a fourth-year medical student at Boston University School of Medicine, has been named to the 2017 Minority Medical Student Award Program. The program supports underrepresented minority students pursuing hematology research projects with $7,000 funding and mentorship.
The three-year $392,000 grant will develop a comprehensive educational program to train future physicians in refugee health, addressing physical, emotional, and social trauma. The initiative aims to increase cultural competence among medical students and provide patients with culturally sensitive care.
A five-year study screened over 2,200 mothers for depression risk, using lay health workers to deliver a depression prevention intervention within the Head Start program. The study found a 40% reduction in clinically significant depressive symptom episodes, with a 61% reduction among those with low initial screening levels.
A new study provides further evidence for the genetic factors underlying addictions, linking dysfunction of the CSNK1E gene to increased opioid addiction susceptibility and binge eating vulnerability. The findings suggest that shared genetic factors may underlie behavioral traits associated with addictions and eating disorders.
Researchers discovered anthranilic acid as a circulating compound associated with the risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer's disease. The study identified promising findings in new biological pathways and potential drug targets for prevention.
Third-year graduate student Emily Oot has received a $106,887 grant from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism to investigate neurobiological predictors of alcohol use onset during adolescence. The study aims to identify risk factors for substance use in early teens and inform prevention and intervention strategies.
A new study found that even brief exposure to tobacco during pregnancy can lead to long-term negative impacts on executive function in adolescents. The study controlled for demographics and other substance exposures, showing a strong association between tobacco exposure and impaired executive functioning.
Research highlights the complex interplay between deployment stressors, mental health, and post-deployment well-being in veterans. The study found that specific military exposures have implications for functioning and satisfaction in work and family domains, with gender differences in risk and reaction to these exposures.
Researchers have discovered a molecular mechanism behind prion protein's role in neurodegenerative diseases, including Creutzfeldt-Jakob and Alzheimer's. The study found that copper biases the prion protein towards its 'off' state, which reduces toxic signals to nerve cells.
BU researcher Avrum Spira recognized for his work on early detection of lung cancer using Percepta RNA biomarker, as well as development of new drugs for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). His research has made a direct impact on diagnosis and daily care of patients with lung cancer and COPD in the past 20 years.
A comprehensive national database of state firearms laws has been developed to gauge the impact of laws intended to reduce firearm-related violence. The study found a significant increase in enacted state firearm provisions nationwide, but also identified disparities and inconsistencies between states.
A new study found that early-onset hypertension (before age 55) is associated with a greater risk of cardiovascular death and may be linked to an inherited predisposition. This knowledge can help clinicians assess an individual's cardiovascular risk more effectively.
A study reveals that recovery from bacterial pneumonia leaves behind immune cells called resident memory T cells, which may be responsible for increased susceptibility to pneumonia. Manipulating these cells could provide novel treatment options for curing pneumonia.
A new study published in the STD Journal found that a two-dose HPV vaccine provides the same level of protection against genital warts as three doses. The study, which looked at nearly 400,000 girls, confirms the CDC's updated recommendations for a two-dose vaccine schedule.
A patient-centered medical home model successfully treated 66 patients with HCV, demonstrating that general internists can deliver effective care. The multidisciplinary team approach and enhanced social work services show promise for broader implementation of HCV treatment in primary care settings.
Joseph Park, a second-year student at Boston University School of Medicine, has been awarded his third Howard Hughes Medical Institute's (HHMI) Medical Research Fellowship. He will delve into the cell biology of chlamydia to advance knowledge of the disease and become a physician-scientist.
A recent study published in Endocrine Practice found that only 35% of transgender patients chose to undergo any form of gender-affirming surgery. Transmen were more likely to have surgery, with over half opting for chest surgery, while transwomen were less likely to undergo genital surgery.
Scientists have successfully generated lung tissue using Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs), which can be used to test new treatments for various lung diseases. The study reveals key genes controlling lung formation and creates mini-lung organoids for further research.
A retrospective study found that 27% of naloxone recipients were family members of active opioid users and were responsible for 20% of all rescue attempts. Educating these individuals on overdose prevention and how to administer naloxone can significantly reduce fatal overdoses.
Boston University School of Medicine's team science approach has led to numerous publications, new research grants, and training opportunities. The Evans Center for Interdisciplinary Biomedical Research has facilitated successful biomedical partnerships, resulting in 421 highly cited scientific publications.
Health promotion advocates in pediatric emergency rooms identify young people experimenting with substances and connect them with necessary resources and treatment. Over four years, advocates screened 2,149 patients for risky behaviors and referred 81% to substance use disorder treatment services.
The new cogen facility will save BMC about $1.5 million in heat and energy costs annually by operating at 70 percent efficiency compared to traditional power plants. The cogeneration plant, located on the Yawkey roof, can heat and power hospital's inpatient units for months if the electric grid goes down.
Researchers discovered rare genetic variants on chromosomes 4 and 7 linked to extended survival and lower risks of cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer's. The study highlights the importance of studying rare cases to identify combinations of common and rare variants associated with extreme longevity.
BMC is expanding its baby-friendly hospital initiative in Mississippi with a $1.5 million grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. The program aims to increase breastfeeding rates and reduce disparities by providing technical assistance to hospitals in achieving the Baby-Friendly designation.