Katya Ravid, a Boston University professor, has been awarded a Fulbright Scholar Award to conduct innovative interdisciplinary research in hematopoiesis and megakaryocte/platelet biomedical research in France. She will serve as an advisor to ongoing institutional programs at the University of Strasbourg and INSERM.
A study found that one in five underage youths consumed jello shots, which were associated with heavier drinking, physical fights, and increased risk of adverse consequences. The study's findings have important public health implications and suggest the need for interventions to address this consumption.
A new study found that dense breast notifications are often poorly readable and understandable, creating uncertainty for women making decisions about supplemental screening. The study suggests that efforts should focus on enhancing the readability of these notifications to inform women accurately about their breast density status.
Researchers found a novel neuron regeneration pathway in C. elegans that could lead to treatments for human spinal cord injury and paralysis. The discovery sheds light on the adult human nervous system's ability to regenerate, which is essential for restoring health to people with permanent neurological damage.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine discovered a new gene, FOXF2, linked to ischemic stroke caused by small vessel disease in the brain. The study suggests that unraveling the mechanisms of small vessel disease could lead to better treatments for this major cause of stroke and dementia.
Kitt Shaffer, MD, PhD, received the 2016 Alliance of Medical Students Educators in Radiology (AMSER) Excellence in Education Award. She has made significant contributions to medical student radiology education through her work on curriculum development and faculty mentorship.
Researchers have identified a link between adult-onset diabetes and certain cancers, highlighting the role of bromodomain (BRD) proteins. The study suggests that targeting BET proteins may be beneficial for both conditions.
Researchers will analyze data from DECAMP consortium to advance targeted therapeutics for COPD and lung cancer using molecular biomarkers. The goal is to screen people at risk, predict disease progression, and intercept disease.
A new study provides insight into the role of RNA editing in cancer, identifying over 2,000 genes with significant changes in RNA editing levels between tumor and normal tissues. Researchers found that these changes may be linked to different clinical outcomes.
A new study found that conflicting expectations between parents and medical providers about scheduling follow-up appointments is the most common reason for patients not completing the HPV vaccine series. Researchers suggest improving education and dialogue between providers and parents to increase vaccination completion rates.
A new study by Boston University researchers found that three state laws - requiring firearm identification, ammunition background checks, and universal background checks - can substantially reduce gun deaths. Implementing these laws nationwide could project a national mortality rate of 0.16 per 100,000 people.
The Ambulatory Diagnostic and Treatment Center (ADTC) Outpatient Clinic at Boston University School of Medicine emphasizes education alongside patient care, offering complex diagnoses and literature review opportunities. This model aims to reduce costs and readmissions by concentrating health care efforts on unstable patients.
A team of researchers discovered that people with Down syndrome have altered white matter insulation in their brains, affecting nerve transmission. This finding may lead to new treatments for DS patients and has implications for other developmental disabilities like autism.
A new study demonstrates that pediatric patients with asthma who received their medications in hospital are more likely to avoid emergency department visits. The 'Meds-in-Hand' program, which provides on-site pharmacy delivery, significantly reduced ED visits and improved patient outcomes for discharged children with asthma.
A particular enzyme called DLST in the TCA cycle supports the growth and survival of T-cell leukemia cells. Inhibiting this enzyme's activity can effectively kill these tumor cells.
The Boston Center for Refugee Health & Human Rights is expanding its services to provide novel programs and support medical, behavioral and social services for torture survivors and their families. The center will gather outcomes data and build critical infrastructure related to new initiatives and programs.
Researchers found computerized cognitive rehabilitation significantly improves attention and executive functioning in TBI and stroke patients, with trends toward significance also observed. The treatment can reduce wait time and cost, improve quality of life and reduce caregiver burden.
A new study based on the Framingham Heart Study data reveals a progressive decline in dementia incidence over nearly 40 years, with a 20% reduction per decade since the 1970s. The decline was more pronounced in persons with high school education and above, suggesting the importance of effective prevention strategies.
A new study reveals that low-income families with children who have special health care needs are at a high risk for food insecurity, even when they receive government assistance. The researchers suggest re-evaluating criteria for nutritional assistance to decrease this risk.
Researchers have developed a new sunscreen called Solar D that maximizes vitamin D production while maintaining its SPF. The study found that Solar D allowed for up to 50% more production of vitamin D in-vitro compared to a popular commercial sunscreen, potentially reducing the risk of vitamin D deficiency and related health problems.
Zika virus, a mosquito-borne disease, can cause microcephaly in infants and mild flu-like symptoms in adults and children. The US is at risk of introduction, particularly with the presence of Aedes species mosquitoes in many states.
A study has identified the replication stress response protein SMARCAL1 as a key player in the Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres (ALT) pathway, which is active in approximately 10% of all cancers. This pathway allows cancer cells to maintain telomere length and avoid cell death, making it a potential target for new therapies.
A recent perspective recommends individualized care through careful benefit-risk assessments and education to address the prescription opioid-misuse epidemic. Clinicians face challenges in managing severe chronic pain due to limited tools and reimbursement systems favoring medication-only treatment.
A new report by a Boston University School of Public Health researcher links Gulf War toxins to illness in veterans, citing pesticide and nerve gas exposure as causally associated with Gulf War Illness. The study found structural and electrical abnormalities in the central nervous systems of deployed troops with GWI.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health researchers found a substantial association between state-level firearm ownership rates and killings of women by guns. State gun ownership rates explain 40 percent of the variation in women's homicide victimization rates, compared to just 1.5 percent for men.
A study of over 6 million newborns found that pre-pregnancy obesity is strongly associated with increased infant mortality rates, particularly from preterm-related causes and congenital anomalies. The risk of infant death was 32% higher for obese mothers, even after controlling for demographic factors.
Researchers discovered a novel pathway involved in blood vessel occlusion by increasing LOX activity in platelets. This led to reduced clotting time and increased blood clot formation, pointing to the specific receptor responsible for platelet adhesion.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health researchers found that geographic location significantly affects the quality grades assigned to Medicare Advantage insurance plans. The study suggests that accounting for geographic differences is essential to allow for fairer comparisons among plans.
A team of researchers at Boston University School of Medicine has discovered a previously unknown cellular defect in patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease. The findings suggest that the cells' dysfunction of calcium homeostasis can determine whether certain neurons live or die.
A study found that exposure to smoky coal causes similar gene expression patterns in buccal epithelial cells as active cigarette smokers. Researchers identified 282 genes associated with smoky coal emissions, which elicited similar physiologic effects as tobacco use.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine identified a metastasis suppressor gene called serum deprivation response (SDPR), which plays a role in breast cancer progression. Over-expression of SDPR reduces the incidence of metastatic disease in models of aggressive, metastatic breast cancer cells.
A new Boston University study found that most obesity research relying on one-time measures of body mass index (BMI) overlooks the health impacts of weight change over time. The researchers argue that using 'weight histories' in studies clarifies the risks of obesity and shows they are much higher than appreciated.
A study by Boston Medical Center found that nearly 3,000 individuals with chronic pain who experienced a nonfatal opioid overdose continued to be prescribed opioids, with 70% receiving prescriptions from the same provider. Patients who took high dosages were twice as likely to have another overdose at two years of follow-up.
A global research team has identified 52 genetic variants associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a disease affecting 150 million people worldwide. The discovery may lead to personalized medicine approaches and new treatments for this debilitating condition.
A $16 million NIH/NINDS grant will fund a seven-year study to create methods for detecting and diagnosing chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) during life. Researchers will examine risk factors, develop clinical criteria, and investigate genetic and head impact exposure risks.
Benjamin Wolozin receives award for his research on Alzheimer's disease and neurodegenerative diseases. He has made significant contributions to the current field of understanding these conditions through publications and patents.
A consensus panel of neuropathologists confirms CTE has a distinct pathognomonic signature in the brain, differentiating it from other tauopathies. The criteria define progressive degeneration of brain tissue, including abnormal protein buildup, leading to memory loss and dementia.
Researchers found that including patient decisions about life-sustaining treatments in hospital mortality rankings resulted in substantial changes to hospital rankings. Hospitals admitting more patients who chose a 'DNR' status tended to have greater patient satisfaction and high performance on pneumonia care measures.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have identified a gene, Hnrnph1, that is casually associated with the behavioral response to methamphetamine. This finding may have implications for understanding the genetic basis of methamphetamine addiction and developing novel therapeutics.
Researchers found that hip x-rays are unreliable for diagnosing hip osteoarthritis in most cases, potentially delaying treatment and missing affected individuals. The study suggests that patients with suspected hip OA should be treated regardless of x-ray confirmation.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine used non-invasive Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to detect vulnerable atherosclerosis plaques, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes. The study showed that MRI can discriminate between high-risk and stable plaques at early stages.
Researchers found that aerobic exercise improves the volume of the entorhinal cortex, an area crucial for memory, in healthy young adults. This study suggests that regular physical activity may be beneficial for brain health and cognitive function in younger generations.
A new study found that underage drinkers prefer certain beer brands more than others based on their age and ethnicity. Bud Light was the most popular brand across all demographic groups, while Smirnoff Malt Beverages ranked high among racial and ethnic groups.
Postmenopausal African American women who use female hormone supplements containing estrogen and progestin are at a 50% increased risk of estrogen receptor positive breast cancer. The study found greater increases in risk for recent and long-term users, highlighting the importance of limiting combination therapy.
A new study has found that older adults who take more steps perform better on memory tasks than those who are more sedentary. The association between physical activity and memory was strongest with a task requiring recalling face-name associations.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have identified Th17 cells and Th1 as key players in obesity-associated type 2 diabetes. The study reveals a biomarker that can predict the development of Type 2 diabetes in 75% of people with obesity, offering new potential targets for prevention.
A national insurance database analysis revealed that 1 in 352 women had unsuspected cancer after undergoing minimally invasive gynecologic surgeries. The study highlights the need for safer alternatives to power morcellation to avoid worsening a woman's prognosis.
A team of researchers discovered a molecular mechanism responsible for familial amyloidosis and other life-threatening diseases, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. They found that specific mutations can alter the protein's structure, leading to abnormal clumping and organ damage.
Recent SPRINT trial results suggest lowering systolic blood pressure below 120 may be associated with a lower incidence of cardiovascular disease and reduced mortality by 25%. The study's findings, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, may lead to a reevaluation of blood pressure goals for non-diabetic individuals over 50
Researchers identified a key protein secreted by basal-like breast cancer cells that supports cancer stem cells. Disrupting this protein or its receptor leads to reduced CSCs and impaired tumor formation.