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.
Boston University researcher Diana Anderson has received a $270,418 grant to investigate the relationship between nursing home architecture and health outcomes. The study aims to assess associations between evidence-based design features and critical resident-centered outcomes, such as ambulation and physical function.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine found that younger women and women with fewer prior pregnancies are more likely to be misdiagnosed with interstitial ectopic pregnancy. This study highlights the importance of awareness among radiologists and gynecologists to improve accuracy in transvaginal ultrasound screening.
Jillian C. Shipherd, a professor of psychiatry at Boston University School of Medicine, has received the 2025 Charles Silverstein Lifetime Achievement Award in Social Justice for her significant contributions to advancing social justice initiatives, particularly in LGBTQ+ health policy and research. Her work focuses on the intersection...
Ann McKee, MD, a renowned neurologist, has received a $4.2M NIH grant to investigate the long-term effects of repetitive head impacts on brain health. Her research aims to identify early-life biomarkers for dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
A new study found knowledge gaps among emergency and primary care physicians in post-self-managed medication abortion (SMMA) care. Physicians at Catholic health systems reported feeling curtailed in their ability to provide SMMA care, emphasizing the need for improved training.
Researchers identified novel genes, including ADAMTS2, significantly more active in brain tissue from African American donors with Alzheimer's disease. This study provides crucial insights into the genetic architecture of Alzheimer's risk in African Americans.
A new study found that young adults with high and improving heart health have low risk for heart attacks and strokes, while those who decline in heart health face increased risk. Improving heart health early on can lead to a longer and healthier life.
Researchers Denise M. Sloan and Brian P. Marx developed Written Exposure Therapy (WET) to help trauma survivors manage PTSD symptoms. The therapy involves writing about traumatic experiences to build tolerance, reducing physical responses and promoting new ways of thinking.
A recent study found that engaging in cognitively stimulating activities such as reading, writing, and playing games can help maintain good cognitive function in older adults. People without a family history of longevity who participated in these activities matched the same level of cognitive functioning as those with familial longevity.
A new study found that deployment to a combat zone can have long-lasting effects on intimate partners, including increased stress and poor relationship quality. Researchers followed a sample of U.S. Army soldiers from before deployment to eight years later, discovering a link between veterans' cognitive decline and partner stress.
A new study by Boston University School of Medicine researchers found that dedicated RCU's in emergency departments improved patient outcomes while reducing hospital stays and costs. The study showed that RCUs led to improved efficiency, documentation, and reimbursement for the hospital.
A study from Boston University School of Medicine found that a wristband cooling device significantly reduced severe hot flash episodes among participants with breast cancer, prostate cancer, and postmenopausal women. The device was shown to reduce severe hot flash episodes by 46% and daily hot flashes by 18%.
A new study finds that student-led personal storytelling initiatives improve medical education by enhancing empathy, community, and understanding of patients' experiences with illness. By sharing their own stories, students become more emotionally aware and better prepared to support their patients.
A new study by Boston University School of Medicine reveals a cascade of brain injuries in young former contact sport athletes, leading to neuron loss, inflammation, and vascular damage. Many changes were seen in athletes before the onset of CTE.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine will create a detailed postmortem cardiac and blood vessel tissue repository to study the relation between cardiovascular risk factors and structure. The project aims to identify new biomarker signatures for cardiovascular disease, advancing our understanding of CVD risk.