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.
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.