A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that participating in twice weekly yoga classes, combined with home practice, significantly reduces depressive symptoms. The intervention targets the parasympathetic and gamma aminobutyric acid system, providing a new avenue for treatment.
Researchers will measure circulating biomarkers in over 17,000 persons enrolled in the Framingham Heart Study to identify new biomarkers for cerebral small vessel disease. The goal is to develop a gold standard for early detection and intervention with treatment.
A study found that family medicine physicians are unprepared to intervene with male patients known to have perpetrated intimate partner violence (IPV). Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine and Public Health conducted interviews with primary care physicians who reported experiences with such cases. The findings highligh...
Boston University will launch the Women Veterans Network (WoVeN), a nationwide network of structured support groups for female veterans. The program aims to enhance wellness, quality of life and family relationships for women who have served in the military.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have found a genomic biomarker in the nasal passage that can accurately determine lung cancer likelihood. This non-invasive test may spare patients from costly and risky procedures by identifying those at low probability for having lung cancer.
A study by Boston University School of Medicine researchers has identified common and unique patterns of protein synthesis associated with increased longevity. This discovery could lead to the development of new therapeutic targets for human diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease.
Maunil Bhatt, a Boston University School of Medicine resident, received a Global Surgery Research Fellowship Award for his project on screening esophageal squamous cell cancers in rural India using the EsophaCap device. He plans to train and teach in low-income countries to address disparities in access to surgical care.
A study found that people who sleep for over nine hours each night have smaller brain volumes and double the risk of developing dementia in ten years. Early detection of cognitive impairment and dementia can lead to better healthcare decisions and improved quality of life.
A new study found that long-term testosterone therapy improves vigor and vitality, while reducing the risk of death due to cardiovascular disease in men with hypogonadism. The research suggests that testosterone therapy is an effective approach for secondary prevention in hypogonadal men with a history of cardiovascular events.
Research at Boston Medical Center found that stronger alcohol policies in states reduce the number of young people who die in crashes caused by drunk driving. The study used an alcohol policy scale to assess 29 policies across the US, correlating them with the number of underage deaths in alcohol-related crashes.
A study analyzing over 100,000 shoulder replacement surgery cases found that patients with Medicaid or no insurance had significantly higher complication rates compared to privately insured patients. Disparities in postoperative outcomes were attributed to lack of access to preoperative and postoperative care due to socioeconomic factors.
Researchers found significant increases in miscarriage rates among women undergoing IVF with a prior pregnancy loss when embryo transfers occurred during daylight savings time. The study suggests that circadian rhythm changes may impact fertility.
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine developed a new software tool to measure energy production in human immune cells, using Extracellular Flux technology and the SHORE analytical tool. This tool enables accurate comparisons between healthy individuals and those with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
Researchers developed a diagnostic test to identify patients with cardiac amyloidosis, a condition caused by abnormal protein deposits in the heart. The new test uses retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) to estimate the likelihood of ATTR amyloidosis in patients with congestive heart failure.
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine have discovered an efficient way to generate thyroid cells using genetically modified embryonic stem cells. The findings, published in Stem Cell Reports, are the first step towards developing a protocol using human stem cells to model thyroid disease and develop therapies.
A systematic review of 23 studies found associations between food insecurity and adverse childhood developmental-behavioral outcomes in infants, toddlers, preschoolers, school-age children, and adolescents. Food insecurity is linked to impaired cognitive development, academic performance, mental health symptoms, and behavioral problems.
Researchers advocate for a multi-drug treatment strategy to tackle vaso-occlusive crises in sickle cell disease, targeting different processes in the pathogenesis. The new approach has shown promising results in reducing crisis episodes, but further studies are needed to confirm its efficacy.
Researchers found association between sleep-disordered breathing and cognitive impairment in older adults, emphasizing need for clinicians to screen for both conditions. Treatment of sleep apnea may improve quality of life but does not delay or prevent cognitive decline.
A new analysis published in PLOS ONE found that the proportion of US deaths attributable to diabetes is as high as 12%, three times higher than estimates based on death certificates. Diabetes was estimated to be the third leading cause of death in the US in 2010, after heart disease and malignant neoplasms.
Researchers found that even modest levels of physical activity decreased insulin resistance and biomarkers of inflammation, while sedentary time increased levels of satiety-related chemicals in the blood. The study suggests that physical activity and inactivity may operate through different pathways to modulate disease risk.
Dr. Joseph P. Mizgerd, a Boston University School of Medicine professor, has received an NIH award to study the biology of pneumonia, which kills more children worldwide than any other disease. He aims to advance lung defense against pneumonia and identify prevention strategies for chronic disease of aging.
Researchers found disruptions in brain network communication affect memory regions in individuals with PTSD, linked to avoidance symptoms. The study suggests treatments targeting enhanced communication may improve PTSD symptoms.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine are creating an induced pluripotent stem cell-based library for sickle cell disease, offering a valuable resource for disease modeling and treatment development. The library comprises diverse patient samples, enabling the study of genetic backgrounds and potential therapies.
A recent study found that mutations in blood cells of elderly humans may contribute to atherosclerosis, a leading cause of death. The research suggests that hematopoietic mutations could be an age-dependent risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
Researchers from top universities issue an agenda for action on gun safety, promoting discourse around gun safety rather than control. They propose collaborations with opponents, engaging private industry in evidence-based initiatives to reduce gun-related injuries and deaths.
Researchers found that older, fitter adults outperformed younger counterparts in memory tasks, with increased brain activity observed in regions typically declining with age. This suggests that cardiorespiratory fitness may contribute to brain maintenance and serve a compensatory role in age-related memory decline.
New research found that concussions accelerate brain atrophy and cognitive decline in people with a genetic risk for Alzheimer's disease. The study, published in the journal Brain, suggests that even mild traumatic brain injuries may increase the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers developed new performance measures to improve warfarin management, resulting in better clinical outcomes and cost savings. The study, published in Annals of Pharmacotherapy, found that these measures could prevent 48 strokes and 68 major bleeding events annually, with a potential annual savings of over $4 million.
New international guidelines aim to improve healthcare for nearly 300,000 pregnant women with thyroid disease each year. The guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations for diagnosis, treatment, and management of thyroid illness during pregnancy.
Researchers at Boston University have discovered patterns of biomarkers that predict how well people age and their risk for future age-related diseases. The study, led by Paola Sebastiani and Thomas Perls, used data from over 5,000 participants to identify 26 different predictive biomarker signatures.
A study published in the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment found that black and Hispanic patients, as well as unemployed individuals and those with hepatitis C, are more likely to disengage from treatment programs for opioid dependence. Long-term engagement in therapy is crucial for treating this chronic condition, similar to hypert...
A national sample of post-9/11 veterans found that most successfully navigate the transition to civilian life, with high employment rates and job satisfaction. However, PTSD was associated with impairments in work and family functioning, highlighting the need for interventions to mitigate its negative effects.
Richard Myers is investigating the Cyclin G-associated kinase (GAK) gene and its role in Parkinson's disease. His research aims to understand how increasing GAK levels may prevent cell death in PD.
A widely publicized initiative has placed over 95% of individuals with substance-use disorders into detoxification or treatment programs. The Gloucester Police Department's Angel Program has filled a needed gap in accessing substance-use treatment services, with 376 people seeking help in the first year.
Researchers developed a new heart imaging test that analyzes longitudinal strain to predict patient survival after stem cell transplant. The test outperformed conventional biomarkers and detected improvements before changes in traditional echocardiographic measures.
A review article in EMBO Reports highlights how flawed clinical research is often publicized with hype and sensationalism by the media, leading to devastating effects on patients and society. Experts suggest strategies to prevent distorted study results from being accepted by medical professionals and the general public.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have discovered that the hippocampus is crucial for constructing scenes in one's mind when imagining the future. This finding sheds light on how the brain supports the capacity to imagine the future and identifies key brain regions involved.
A study published in BMJ Open found that Tai Chi significantly improved the symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in veterans, including managing intrusive thoughts and physiological arousal. The program was well-received by participants, with nearly 94% reporting favorable impressions.
Boston University researchers discovered a novel molecular pathway needed to regulate kidney podocytes, critical in maintaining normal kidney function. This finding may help identify a new drug target for chronic kidney diseases associated with podocyte loss.
BMC's Comprehensive Epilepsy Center will lead a program that aims to reach 1,000 children and youth with epilepsy through advanced telemedicine applications. The 'Telehealth Epilepsy Care Collaborative' seeks to identify signs of seizures in infants, children, and adolescents.
A new method for identifying illicit drugs has been developed, offering high sensitivity and fast results. This technique uses multi-dimensional chromatography combined with a micro-extraction method, allowing for rapid analysis in under 20 minutes.
Philip A. Wolf, a Boston University School of Medicine professor, has been recognized for his excellence in research and clinical trials by the American Heart Association. He is renowned for his work on stroke epidemiology, dementia, and cognitive decline, with over 350 publications to his name.
A new study has identified BRD4 protein as a crucial driver of breast cancer cell dissemination, offering a promising new target for therapy. The findings may provide hope for patients with triple-negative breast cancer, the most aggressive and difficult-to-treat subtype.
The Center for Regenerative Medicine at Boston Medical Center and Boston University School of Medicine has received three prestigious NIH awards totaling over $9 million to further its commitment to induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) research and education. These awards will support the development of stem cell-based treatments for v...
A noninvasive Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) method has been proposed to detect bone marrow cancer, potentially changing the way this disease is diagnosed. The researchers used T2-weighted MRI to identify a pre-fibrotic state of the disease with a clear bright signal.
Research reveals a strong connection between fatty liver disease and cardiovascular disease, with individuals with fatty liver at higher risk of developing high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.
A novel technique using Direct Sample Analysis Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (TOFMS) can identify NBOMe compounds on blotter paper in under 15 seconds. This method will help forensic laboratories efficiently analyze growing caseloads of designer drugs, potentially reducing the risk of fatalities and severe injuries.
Dr. Michael E. Charness has made significant contributions to understanding the effects of alcohol on the nervous system and has developed drugs that block alcohol toxicity. He is a leading expert in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders and has cared for patients with neurological disorders throughout his career.
Researchers identify direct link between brain inflammation and CTE, with longer football careers predicting increased inflammation and disease progression. The study suggests that treating inflammation could prevent or lessen CTE development, offering potential biomarkers for early identification.
Claudia Satizabal, a Boston University researcher, has received an Alzheimer's Association research grant to investigate the impact of midlife obesity on brain aging and dementia. Her study aims to understand the mechanisms by which obesity increases the risk of dementia and AD.