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.
Patients with hyperpigmentation are more likely to use sunscreen, but few report reapplying it regularly. The study found that women and white/Hispanic patients were more likely to wear sunscreen, highlighting the importance of targeted education for these groups.
A new study reveals that veterans with a history of physical or sexual abuse before 18 have reduced ability to concentrate compared to those without abuse. The study found abnormal brain connectivity, particularly between the amygdala and frontal areas, associated with concentration issues.
Researchers have discovered a protein called PorB, found on the exterior of bacteria, which can increase both antibody production and stimulate cytotoxic T cells to fight off infections. The study demonstrates the potential for this protein to enhance vaccine effectiveness against various diseases, including cancer and HIV.
A new study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that individuals with a maximum BMI in the overweight or obese categories had an elevated risk for all-cause death and deaths from cardiovascular disease, cancer, and respiratory disease. Participants who experienced significant weight loss were at the highest risk for death.
The study found that 1.5 million more low-income adults reported having a dental visit in 2014 than in 2010, with improved access among childless adults. However, poor parents saw a decline in dental visits, suggesting strain on the limited capacity of dental providers.
Colleen LaBelle, director of Boston Medical Center's Office-Based Addiction Treatment program, has been awarded the 2017 Advocate State Award for Excellence by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. LaBelle's work on expanding access to substance use disorder treatment through her 'Massachusetts Model' has been instrumental i...
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have developed a novel approach to generate airway cells from stem cells using the Wnt signaling pathway. These cells can be grown into three-dimensional spheres and used to study lung diseases such as cystic fibrosis.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine studied Zika virus-infected cells using light and electron microscopy, revealing dramatic changes in cell architecture. These findings support the development of new therapeutics targeting both Zika and related viruses like Dengue.
A new study recommends that pharmacies offer naloxone universally to patients taking opioid medications, without a prescription requirement. This could lead to a significant decrease in opioid-related overdose deaths.
Researchers found that inhibiting Toll-like receptor 4 activation can silence Ebola virus-infected macrophages, a potential treatment option. The study also suggests this approach could work for other hemorrhagic fever viruses.
Lauren Sweetser, a fourth-year medical student at Boston University School of Medicine, has won the 2017 U.S. Public Health Medical Student Service Award for her work with homeless children. The award recognizes students who are involved in public health issues and aims to increase awareness of public health services.
Researchers are developing new biomarkers to identify high-risk blood clots in cancer patients, with the goal of increasing survival rates. The study will analyze blood samples from underrepresented populations to standardize and validate existing biomarkers.
A new study aims to improve treatment access for low-income women with postpartum depression by evaluating two interventions in primary care settings. The research will determine when during pregnancy and postpartum periods screening for depression is most accurate, as well as the effectiveness of peer-based engagement and problem-solv...
A new study found that a diabetes drug called amylin improved learning and memory function in AD patients and reduced AD pathology in their brains. The findings suggest a potential blood test for AD using pramlintide.
Denise Sloan, a professor of psychiatry at Boston University School of Medicine, has been named the 2017 recipient of the Toy Caldwell-Colbert Award. The award recognizes her excellence in mentoring clinical psychology graduate students and junior faculty.