A new study by Boston University researchers indicates that citizens are likely to know a gun violence victim, highlighting the issue's prevalence in American society. The study used CDC data from 2013 and found that nearly all Americans have a 99.85% chance of knowing someone who has experienced gun violence.
Researchers argue that treating gout to avoid symptoms may not effectively address the underlying high uric acid levels causing the condition. They propose a 'treat-to-target' approach to reduce uric acid levels to prevent crystallization and alleviate symptoms.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have discovered a potential treatment option for ovarian cancer by combining calpeptin with epigenetic inhibitors. The therapy shows promise in killing cancer cells and preventing their growth, offering new hope for women affected by the disease.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have discovered a genetic risk factor for binge eating, linked to decreased myelination. The findings could lead to novel therapeutic treatments targeting eating behaviors.
Researchers have determined that combining CX-4945 and JQ1 can efficiently kill T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells while sparing normal blood cells. The findings provide new hope for the treatment of refractory/relapsed T-cell leukemia, a form of cancer with a high mortality rate.
African American women are diagnosed with breast cancer at younger ages and face higher mortality rates due to more aggressive ER-negative tumors. Researchers identified modifiable risk factors, including breastfeeding and waist-to-hip ratio, that may help reduce personal risk of ER-negative breast cancer.
Boston University School of Medicine professor Sudha Seshadri has been awarded three grants totaling $20 million to study healthy brain aging, stroke, and dementia. Her research aims to identify biomarkers for AD and explore reversible lifestyle and vascular risk factors that contribute to dementia risk.
The new opioid urgent care center provides a full continuum of treatment services, including detoxification and follow-up care, to patients with substance use disorders. Faster Paths integrates BMC's existing addiction services to streamline access to treatment.
Researchers found that nearly half of pregnancy-associated deaths were due to unintentional injuries, homicide, or suicide. The study suggests addressing psychosocial contributors to health during pregnancy can effectively prevent maternal deaths.
Researchers will examine the intersection of alcohol use and comorbidities in people living with HIV, including tuberculosis, cardiovascular disease, and falls. The five-year grants aim to improve health outcomes for alcohol-using individuals living with HIV.
A new BU study reveals that the nation's two largest soda companies sponsored at least 96 national health organizations from 2011 to 2015, dampening efforts to combat obesity and reduce soda consumption. The companies' tactics include using relationships with health groups to develop positive associations for their brands.
Replacing maximum SNAP allotment with a real-cost benefit and expanding WIC eligibility to age 6 can help families who experience food insecurity. Additionally, maintaining CEP for school meal programs can increase access to food for children in low-income households.
A new therapeutic target has been identified for the treatment of compulsive binge eating, targeting the brain receptor TAAR1. Activation of this receptor shows promise in reducing maladaptive feeding behaviors and blocking addiction-like behavior to junk food.
A new study found that transgender women on hormone therapy have a higher rate of smoking cessation compared to the general population, with 64% of current smokers quitting after starting treatment. Researchers believe this may be due to the life-changing event of hormone therapy and the associated health risks.
Researchers mapped the first active human apoptosome, a wheel-like structure that recruits proteases to dismantle proteins and induce cell death. The study provides insights into how this process is regulated and may lead to treatment options for cancer, AIDS, and neurodegenerative diseases.
Boston University researchers have identified a new strategy to treat colon cancers driven by the mutant KRAS gene. The study found that inhibiting MEK and TAK1 genes suppresses the growth of these cancer cells, providing a potential avenue for precision medicine.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have discovered a new role of the protein c-Cbl in degrading ?-catenin, a vital protein involved in cancer initiation. This finding could lead to new strategies to suppress Colorectal Cancer growth and improve patient survival.
A group of pediatricians is urging the pediatric workforce to address opioid addiction among young people, highlighting the need for evidence-based treatment including medication-assisted treatment. Many young people continue to see their pediatric provider well into young adulthood, when they first struggle with opioid addiction.
A two-year study of over 37,800 live births in Zambia found that chlorhexidine washes did not reduce neonatal mortality, contradicting previous results in south Asia. The study suggests that the treatment may not be effective in lower mortality settings with more facility-based deliveries.
A study in rural Nepal found that poverty and lack of support are key barriers to institutional births, despite the known safety benefits. Only 30% of women had their babies in a hospital or health post, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to address socioeconomic and structural barriers.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine discover a novel protein called PTRF linked to type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance. The study finds that most obese individuals develop insulin resistance despite having normal fat cells.
A recent study found that fertility clinic websites have limited information on assisted reproductive technology (ART) for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) couples compared to heterosexual couples. The study suggests a potential gap in access to fertility services by LGBT persons.
Unproven stem cell therapies are on the rise for lung disease patients, despite promise of new treatments. Researchers warn that aggressive marketing and lack of regulation are exacerbating perceptions of these therapies.
A recent study by Boston University School of Medicine found that US maternal mortality rates are significantly higher than previously reported, with an estimated rate of 23.8 per 100,000 live births in 2014. The study highlights the need to improve maternity care and prevent maternal deaths in the US.
Researchers discovered a link between slow walking speeds, weak grip strength, and increased risk of Alzheimer's disease and stroke in individuals over 65. These simple tests may help identify high-risk patients, providing hope for early detection and prevention.
A study published in PLOS ONE found a significant racial disparity in opioid prescriptions for black patients with vague pain-related conditions, suggesting discrimination and potential unintended consequences. Researchers used the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey to examine five-year data from 2007-2011.
Researchers studied how epigenetics regulate vital functions in bacteria, simple eukaryotes, and complex organisms like humans. The study reveals that epigenetic mechanisms play a crucial role in regulating development, gene expression, and disease susceptibility.
CityLab will partner with Fordham University and local squash organizations to provide engaging STEM experiences for students from diverse backgrounds. The program aims to develop a national model for informal precollege biomedical science education, inspiring careers in STEM fields.
A unique dermatology residency program at Boston University School of Medicine aims to develop well-rounded dermatologists with careers focused on teaching, patient care and research. The program provides personalized career development courses and structured mentorship for junior faculty members.
Researchers have identified a modified human protein essential for Ebola virus replication, offering new targets for therapeutic development.
Researchers have created a diagnostic model called the Framingham Steatosis Index (FSI) that can accurately predict nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The FSI is highly predictive and may become a cheaper alternative to screen for liver fat.
Researchers found an association between atrial fibrillation and smaller frontal lobe brain volumes in a recent study published in Heart Rhythm. The study examined the relationship between AF and brain volume using MRI, revealing that AF was associated with reduced frontal lobe volumes even after adjusting for other factors.
The BMC Vital Village Network has received a $500,000 strategic planning grant to develop infrastructure supporting children entering kindergarten at a healthy weight. The project aims to promote healthy growth and development through a two-generation approach, involving community settings from preconception to age 5.
A recent study reveals that nearly 60 percent of people have preclinical heart failure stages A and B, with stage B individuals at increased risk for death. The findings highlight the importance of targeting prevention efforts at the earliest HF stages to avoid death, particularly among men and older adults.
Researchers are seeking to understand why African-American women die at a higher rate and experience more aggressive breast tumors than white women. The new study aims to identify genetic variants related to breast cancer in African-American women, which may lead to better treatments and prevention.
Researchers have found a brief, simple test to effectively screen for cognitive impairment in Alzheimer's disease (AD), including mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and AD dementia. The King-Devick test can accurately distinguish between cognitively healthy individuals and those with cognitive impairment over 90% of the time.
Researchers have developed a lung-targeted gene therapy strategy that may improve treatments for inherited diseases like emphysema. The new approach, which delivers a normal copy of the gene to lung cells, shows promise in reducing disease severity and increasing protein production.
Emelia Benjamin, a renowned cardiologist and researcher, has received the American Heart Association's (AHA) highest award for her leadership and contributions to cardiovascular research. She has propelled the AHA's research mission through her work as associate editor of the AHA journal Circulation and chair of multiple committees.
A recent study published in BMJ found that mandatory treatment for substance use disorders is not effective in reducing drug use and may violate human rights. The authors suggest community-based approaches such as methadone and buprenorphine treatment, harm-reduction programs like needle exchanges, and education on overdose medications.
A BU researcher has received a $2.95 million grant to investigate the relationship between immune cells and type 2 diabetes, with the goal of developing new treatments for both conditions.
After health insurance reform, minority-serving hospitals in Massachusetts saw a significant increase in minority discharges, with 62% of 'safety-net hospital users' continuing to receive care at these facilities. The study suggests that interventions like raising Medicaid reimbursement rates could benefit these vital resources.
Women with severe depressive symptoms have a decreased chance of becoming pregnant, while psychotropic medication use does not appear to harm fertility. The study found a 38% decrease in the average probability of conception among women with severe depressive symptoms.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine found similarities in genetic and epigenetic alterations between breast and ovarian cancers. The study suggests that better understanding of these changes may lead to more effective chemotherapeutics and strategies to circumvent drug resistance.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health researchers found that firearm ownership is closely tied to suicide rates, with states having higher gun ownership levels experiencing higher gun-related suicides. The study analyzed 33 years of data and found that firearm ownership explained 71% of the variation in state-level g...
Researchers found that excessive drinkers would pay nearly $3 in $4 of the increased cost of alcohol following state alcohol tax increases. In contrast, non-excessive drinkers would pay less than $10 per year, regardless of hypothetical tax increase amounts.
Parents of children with asthma who experienced a teachable moment and received motivational smoking cessation counseling were more than twice as likely to quit smoking. Long-term in-home and telephone counseling also improved quit rates and reduced hospitalizations and missed school days due to asthma.
A clinical trial found that same-day initiation of antiretroviral therapy improved ART uptake and viral suppression rates. Patients who started treatment quickly had better health outcomes, despite some loss to follow-up.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have discovered a reliable marker (PDGFRβ) to detect carcinoma-associated fibroblasts in oral cancer tissues. This finding could lead to the development of more effective cancer therapies by combining anti-PDGFRβ treatment with existing tumor treatments.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine found that 87% of patients misusing drugs and alcohol suffer from chronic pain. Many use substances to alleviate physical pain, highlighting the need for comprehensive treatment strategies.
A newly discovered pathway in Alzheimer's disease may provide new treatment approaches by targeting the formation of tau-stress granules. Reducing key stress granule proteins prevents tau aggregation and nerve cell degeneration.