A new study has identified seven distinct subphenotypes of pneumonia based on pulmonary histopathology, revealing different patterns of inflammation and damage in the lungs. These findings suggest a foundation for developing targeted therapies for patients with varying disease profiles.
Researchers found strong associations between better cumulative cardiovascular health in young and mid-adulthood and lower risks of cardiovascular disease and death. Higher LE8 scores were associated with a 73% lower risk of CVD compared to those at the lowest quartile.
A five-year, T32 grant supports a multidisciplinary training program in cardiovascular epidemiology, graduating postdoctoral scholars in four tracks. The program aims to reduce global cardiovascular disease mortality by identifying risks and prevention strategies.
A recent study found that genetic variations in the vitamin D receptor polymorphisms can affect the protective benefits of vitamin D supplementation on diabetes risk. Individuals with certain genotypes showed a reduced risk of progressing to type 2 diabetes, while others received no benefit from vitamin D treatment.
Researchers used high-throughput RNA sequencing to identify many more insect viruses in mosquitoes, some of which are globally distributed while others are unique to specific continents. By studying viral small RNAs, they can discover new viruses and understand how mosquitoes enable viral disease transmission.
PhysMAP is a machine learning algorithm that separates individual cell type signals within electrical noise, enabling the study of how cell types shape healthy computations and pathological states. The tool has been trained on seven open datasets and can be applied to new datasets without requiring additional experiments.
The study found that women's cardiovascular disease is biologically different from men's, with greater sensitivity to cumulative risk exposure and more severe downstream consequences. Researchers emphasize the need for continued investment in CVD research to address sex-specific disease mechanisms and life-course risk accumulation.
A new study suggests that minimally invasive surgeries like robotic and laparoscopic approaches can be successful for gallbladder cancer in carefully selected patients. The review found that these procedures often resulted in less blood loss, shorter hospital stays, and more lymph node removals, with comparable long-term cancer outcome...
Researchers found that subtle cognitive features, including patterns of errors and response styles, can predict dementia more than five years before diagnosis. This new approach may improve early detection and intervention for individuals at risk.
A new study from Boston University School of Medicine has discovered distinct blood metabolite patterns in centenarians that diverge from typical age trends. The findings suggest unique higher levels of certain primary and secondary bile acids and preserved levels of several steroids, linked to lower death risk. These metabolic signatu...
Higher left atrial end-systolic dimension and left ventricular mass are associated with a higher risk of adverse health outcomes, including mortality, cardiovascular disease, dementia, hypertension, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease. Lifestyle changes and heart-healthy habits can help maintain optimal values of these measurements.
Researchers have identified genes that predict lung cancer recurrence and developed a machine-learning predictor to detect vascular invasion in small biopsy samples. This breakthrough enables surgeons to select the right surgical approach and improve patient outcomes.
A new study found that therapist flourishing is linked to lower client dropout rates, while burnout was not significantly associated. The researchers suggest investing in supporting therapist well-being to improve early retention and reduce inequities in therapy.
Stephen P. Christiansen receives Outstanding Humanitarian Service Award from AAPOS for his dedication to quality patient care, education, and research globally. His extensive work in pediatric ophthalmology has improved lives on a global scale, fostering a sense of community and unity.
Researchers found that nearly 80% of patients with elevated Lp(a) >50 mg/dL did not initiate lipid-lowering therapy, highlighting selective responses to elevated Lp(a). PCSK9 inhibitors and aspirin initiation were also less common among patients with elevated Lp(a).
A new study has created a large single-cell atlas that maps the diverse cell types in head and neck tumors, showing how specific cell mixtures and interactions relate to tumor behavior. The atlas highlights candidate targets for improving immunotherapy responses and for overcoming chemotherapy resistance.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine successfully remove caudate lobe tumor using robotic surgery, combining guidance tools to clearly mark boundaries and protect major vessels. The technique enables tumor removal with less pain, blood loss, and quicker recovery.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have discovered protein and sugar level changes that occur with aging and Alzheimer's disease brains. The study uses a unique mass spectrometry technique to capture detailed molecular information, providing new avenues for biomarker discovery and potential treatments.
Researchers found that poorly written questions disproportionately affect weaker students, while high-performing students can navigate flaws more easily. The study suggests that improved faculty training and rigorous test question review are necessary to ensure fair assessments.
Researchers found that discharges to hospice after ICU admission increased from 5.6% to 6.8% over the study period, while in-hospital mortality trends remained stable. This shift suggests a real change in how end-of-life care is delivered to seriously ill patients.
A new framework, BPR-LTC, integrates scientific research and bioethics into architectural planning for long-term care spaces. This approach aims to improve the health and well-being of residents by systematically incorporating evidence-based design principles.
Researchers have identified a microRNA that may enable abnormal cells to evade detection by the immune system, promoting progression to lung cancer. The study found that overexpressed miR-149-5p reduces expression of genes involved in immune recognition, leading to fewer immune cells in close proximity to abnormal cells.
A new study identifies 36 genetic regions associated with bicuspid aortic valve disease, suggesting a polygenic contribution. The findings support the notion that BAV is an inherited disease caused by a combination of common genetic variants.
A study of 116 individuals with hypermobile Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (hEDS) identified three key biological systems affected by genetic variations. The analysis found a higher burden of variants in the collagen biosynthesis pathway, HLA/adaptive immune axis, and mitochondrial respiratory chain compared to unaffected family members.
Researchers assembled a single-cell atlas of human breast tissue, combining data from 138 patients and 600,000 single cells. The atlas identifies new cell populations and links them to tumor features and patient outcomes.
Dr. Robert Vinci has been recognized for his pioneering work in reshaping pediatric education, workforce policy, and access to care for vulnerable populations. His innovative approaches have guided hundreds of trainees over four decades and transformed the field of pediatrics.
Researchers identified CTE as a cause of dementia in advanced cases, with those having the most severe form having four times increased odds for developing dementia. The study also found that CTE is often misdiagnosed during life, leading to inaccurate diagnoses of Alzheimer's disease.
A new perspective in the Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience explains that unconscious perceptual mechanisms represent an ongoing timeline, which is then consciously remembered. The synthesis of theories suggests that consciousness is a simulation created by the brain, with the purpose of explicit memory to understand the present moment.
Researchers found that individuals with Alzheimer's disease have reduced brain complexity in response to magnetic stimulation compared to healthy controls. This suggests that brain stimulation may be used to evaluate the integrity of conscious processing in people with AD.
Researchers found that guanfacine, a selective alpha-2 adrenergic drug, reduced heavy alcohol consumption and improved certain cognitive deficits without sedation. The study suggests that stimulating alpha-2 receptors may restore balance to the noradrenergic system, reducing drive to drink while improving prefrontal cognitive functions.
Venetia Zachariou, a BU researcher, has been recognized as a Class of 2025 Fellow of the American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics. She is known for her work on signal transduction and epigenetic mechanisms of neurological disorders.
A new framework, called Humane Intelligence, aims to make AI in older-adult mental health care safer and more human. The framework has four pillars and a Moral Grid Operational Index to guide clinicians and health systems. It emphasizes relational intelligence, transparency, reciprocity, and ethical governance.
A large patient population study found that weight gain increases the risk of developing low back pain, with a 7% increase in risk for every BMI unit or 10 pounds over ideal weight. The study suggests maintaining a healthy weight or BMI may help avoid low back pain.
A new study found that sex affects OSA diagnosis using the 4% scoring rule, while race does not. Female patients have lower odds of meeting the threshold, potentially limiting treatment access.
A new study found that both EBOV and MARV are capable of infecting human gut epithelial cells and disrupting fluid secretion, mirroring severe symptoms. The researchers developed a mini-gut model using induced pluripotent stem cells and discovered key signaling pathways involved in ion and fluid transport.
Lori Lerner, a BU researcher, has received the Distinguished Contribution Award from the American Urological Association (AUA) for her work on benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). She has spent over two decades developing responsible surgical approaches and advocating for patient-centered care.
Casey Taft, a BU professor, has been awarded the Barbara Thompson Excellence in Research on Military and Veteran Families Award for his work on preventing intimate partner violence. His randomized controlled trial found that couples-based programs can prevent IPV on military installations.
Researchers found that a treatment of extracellular vesicles can slow and even reverse certain aspects of normal age-related memory decline. The study showed that the vesicles helped maintain memory skills and improved communication between brain areas over a period of two years.
A new study found that forensic anthropology lacks standardization in case reporting practices, with areas of division and disagreement among practitioners. The researchers believe a robust standardization is needed to ensure the objectivity and quality of reports.
A recent study found that people with gout who took colchicine had a 12% lower risk of joint replacement, while those with both conditions saw a 23% reduction. Colchicine may offer benefits beyond symptom relief.
A review of medications for adolescents with substance use disorders found only 36 studies in the past 25 years, highlighting a significant gap in research and treatment options. The study emphasizes the need for additional research and policy initiatives to support medication treatments for diverse youth with SUD.
A new study from Boston University School of Medicine found that consuming 30% fewer calories for over 20 years can slow signs of brain aging. The study used an experimental model closely related to humans and found calorie-restricted brain cells were metabolically healthier, with increased expression of myelin-related genes.
The study compares the Massachusetts and federal models of community behavioral health clinics, highlighting similarities and differences in policy backbone, clinical design, and service structures. The findings suggest that states can tailor their approaches to individual capacity, equity priorities, and statutory authority.
Researchers found a genetic difference in the TMEM106B gene increases brain inflammation, making individuals more vulnerable to serious brain problems like CTE and dementia. The study provides new insights into the role of genetics in CTE development.
Neil Singh Bedi, a fourth-year medical student at Boston University School of Medicine, was awarded the 2025 Paul Ambrose Outstanding Student Award from the American Medical Student Association (AMSA) and other organizations. He is recognized for his advocacy efforts, particularly in forming the Stop Shackling Patients Coalition to imp...
A study by Boston University researchers has found that a prison superintendent's recommendation and an applicant's inability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) are the only factors with a statistically significant correlation to medical parole being granted. This suggests that the superintendent's recommendation plays a cruc...
Robert D. Oates, a professor and urologist at Boston University School of Medicine, has been recognized for his groundbreaking work on male reproductive medicine and surgery. He is being honored with the SMRU Lifetime Achievement Award for his numerous contributions to the field.
Researchers found that mucus plugs alter lung gene activity in a way similar to chronic bronchitis, suggesting shared underlying causes. The study aims to identify new therapeutic targets and improve treatment outcomes for people with COPD.
Researchers discuss major advances in contraception but highlight substantial gaps, particularly in underserved populations. The study emphasizes the need for improved contraception choices to enhance women's health, economic status and well-being.
Researchers developed a highly sensitive imaging technique using birefringence microscopy and AI to detect myelin damage in the brain. The study found that this approach can reliably count and map myelin damage across whole sections of the brain, providing insights into the spatial distribution of myelin debris.