The marketing, prescribing, and selling of testosterone and growth hormone as solutions for aging-associated problems is considered disease mongering. The FDA has recently acknowledged that these treatments are not indicated for age-related decline in serum testosterone, with potential risks outweighing benefits.
A recent study found that family support during deployment significantly reduces suicidal thoughts in veterans. The research, published in Anxiety, Stress and Coping, highlights the importance of treating mental health symptoms to prevent suicidal ideation.
A new study published in Fertility and Sterility found that underlying subfertility may account for some of the risks associated with assisted reproductive technology (ART) births. Singletons born to mothers with ART had higher rates of preterm birth and low birth weight, while twins had better outcomes.
Boston Medical Center researchers highlight the need for improved funding and support for social and public health programs to address healthcare disparities among young African-American men. Effective interventions beyond medical care are crucial to addressing social determinants of health.
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine shed new light on tumor metastasis, proposing a hypothesis that reversible epigenetic events regulate different types of metastatic cancers. Epigenetics enables cancer progenitor cells to differentiate into metastatic tumors.
A systematic review of studies on racial/ethnic variations in overuse of health care found that a substantial proportion (43%) suggests white patients receive excessive testing and treatment. Researchers emphasize the need for carefully designed interventions to minimize unintended consequences.
A five-year clinical trial will examine two treatments for acute low back pain, aiming to prevent chronic conditions. BMC researchers will recruit 2,640 patients to test the efficacy of early physical therapy with cognitive behavioral coaching.
New connections in gene regulation have been discovered in normal lung cells that may contribute to lung tumor formation. The researchers found that the transcription factor Nkx2-1 regulates lung cell proliferation, tumor growth, and progression by binding to microRNAs.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine identified a specific genetic signal, miR-10b-5p, that strongly correlates with disease severity and extent of neuronal death in Huntington's disease. This discovery may provide a faster and more effective way to determine the effectiveness of treatments.
Researchers found that expansion of insurance coverage in Massachusetts increased elective knee and hip replacement procedures by 4.7 percent, with greater increases among black and Hispanic patients. The study suggests improved access to healthcare for racial/ethnic minorities, leading to better health outcomes.
A comprehensive review of hormone therapy in transgender adults has found no significant increase in cancer risk despite previous concerns. The study, published in the Journal of Clinical and Translational Endocrinology, provides reassurance for individuals requiring hormone treatments, reducing anxiety and increasing access to care.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) affects 25% of adults in the US, with excessive fat building up in liver cells. Researchers at BMC will investigate molecular mechanisms and identify novel treatments for NAFLD using retinoic acid and its nuclear receptor.
The review article presents a comprehensive analysis of scientific evidence supporting the biological etiology of gender identity in transgender individuals. Research findings include associations with disorders of sexual development, neuroanatomical differences, and steroid hormone genetics.
A new study reveals that genetics curricula are improving, but still lag behind, with minimal instruction in years three and four of medical school. Medical schools are adopting innovative teaching strategies to incorporate genomics into training.
Researchers have identified a peptide called PACAP that reduces food intake and leads to weight loss when administered in the brain's central amygdala. The study suggests PACAP may be a target for medications treating obesity and binge-eating disorders.
A new BU study finds a decline in kidney function among Nicaraguan sugarcane workers, suggesting heat stress and dehydration may play a role in the high rates of chronic kidney disease. The research team recruited 284 workers performing different tasks and found that those with longer employment duration had worse kidney function.
Research suggests that interactive media can be useful for teaching vocabulary and reading comprehension in preschool-age children, but its impact on younger children is unclear. Heavy device use during early childhood may interfere with the development of empathy, social and problem-solving skills.
A new study reveals that participants in overdose education programs are predominantly mothers who financially support their addicted children and witness overdose events. These findings suggest that community-based initiatives targeting these groups could be effective in preventing drug overdose deaths.
Researchers developed a breast cancer risk prediction model specifically for African-American women, using data from 55,000 women. The new model predicts higher risk and is expected to increase the number of African-American women invited to participate in prevention trials.
Researchers have discovered that highly efficient DNA methyl transferase 1 (DNMT1) enzymes found in cancer cells are responsible for the abnormal turning on and off of genes. The findings suggest that a drug targeting this enzyme may be beneficial for cancer treatment, potentially reducing cancer relapse.
Researchers found a link between common dietary fatty acids, CD36, and oxidized LDL uptake in cells. The discovery may contribute to the pathophysiology of diseases like obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Researchers have identified distinct gene pathways altered by infection and diet in vascular tissue, suggesting future therapies may need to be tailored. This discovery sheds light on the complex development of atherosclerosis and its association with infections like Porphyromonas gingivalis and Chlamydia pneumoniae.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health researchers found that higher alcohol taxes strongly protect against binge drinking. The study showed a significant decrease in binge drinking rates with a one-percent increase in tax, associated with a 1.4 percent reduction in the proportion of adults who binge drink.
A recent study published in Journal of Gerontology reveals that cardiorespiratory fitness has a positive impact on long-term memory in older adults. The research found that participants with higher levels of physical fitness performed better on cognitive tasks and showed improved executive function.
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine propose that cell-associated HIV transmission is an important element contributing to the HIV epidemic, challenging traditional views on virus transmission. Genetic evidence suggests that HIV-infected cells populate genital secretions and breast milk, providing a new target for HIV ...
Mothers who use mobile devices while eating with their young children have fewer verbal and nonverbal interactions, potentially affecting child health outcomes. This study found that mothers with the most mobile device use had 20% fewer verbal interactions and 39% fewer nonverbal interactions.
Carmela Abraham, a professor at Boston University School of Medicine, has received the Massachusetts Neuroscience Consortium Award for her research on multiple sclerosis and the life extension protein Klotho. Her work identifies Klotho as a neuroprotective protein that can benefit animal models of Alzheimer's and multiple sclerosis.
A large international study has discovered two common genetic variants associated with memory performance. The findings, published in Biological Psychiatry, suggest that these genetic variants may play a role in the development of age-related memory decline and dementia.
A new study found that a provider-focused intervention improved Human Papilloma virus (HPV) vaccination rates by 10 times for boys and nearly twice as much for girls. The multi-component Performance Improvement Continuing Medical Education (PI CME) intervention was linked to sustained improvements in HPV vaccination rates.
A new vaccine is being developed to prevent canine gum disease, a common condition that affects most dogs by three years of age. The vaccine targets the most common types of bacteria causing periodontal disease in dogs.
Dr. Alford has made significant contributions to health education through his work at Boston University School of Medicine. He received the AMA Award in recognition of his dedication and impact on healthcare education.
Researchers found that memantine, an Alzheimer's drug, reduces binge eating by blocking addictive behaviors in the brain. The study identified the nucleus accumbens as a key area responsible for these behaviors, and applying memantine directly into this area suppressed binge-eating behavior.
Researchers at Boston University will identify biomarkers for TB infection and disease progression, aiming to reduce mortality rates. The study aims to develop new tools for preventing and treating TB, a deadly disease affecting millions globally.
A new study has identified genetic material that recognizes early stages of infection in patients with hemorrhagic fevers, such as Lassa and Marburg viruses. This discovery could lead to the development of better diagnostics and improved treatment outcomes.
Researchers will develop algorithmic methods and models to aid in complex DNA mixture interpretation, including identifying multiple contributors and determining match strength. The goal is to achieve accurate and reliable methods for interpreting forensic data from physical evidence.
Researchers have identified the interleukin-13 receptor ¬ chain variant 2 (IL13R¢) as a potential target for therapy in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Early successes of clinical trials with targeted therapies against IL13R¢ suggest increased survival time for GBM patients.
Boston University will receive a five-year, $1.8 million NIH 'BEST' grant to enhance training for PhD students and postdoctoral researchers in biomedical research, preparing them for careers beyond academia.
A new BU study found that prenatal exposure to tetrachloroethylene in drinking water may increase the risk of stillbirth and placental abruption. The study, which compared over 2,000 pregnancies, found a significant association between PCE exposure and an elevated risk of these pregnancy complications.
Chronic alcohol exposure disrupts normal sleep cycle by over-activating brain chemicals. Targeted medications may help treat sleep issues related to alcohol use disorders, according to Boston University School of Medicine researchers.
A new study found that states with higher gun ownership rates experience a higher incidence of non-stranger firearms homicides, contradicting the claim that gun ownership deters violent crime. The study also found no significant relationship between gun ownership and stranger-on-stranger homicide rates.
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine advocate for standardized assessment tools and evidence-based treatment choices for infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome. Nonpharmacologic interventions like breastfeeding may also help decrease NAS symptoms.
The study aims to test a collaborative care intervention to improve chronic opioid therapy management and reduce prescription opioid misuse among HIV-infected patients. Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine hope to develop an effective model that can be adopted nationwide.
Research suggests that lactation may reduce the risk of estrogen receptor-negative and triple-negative breast cancers in African American women. Parous women had a higher chance of developing these aggressive subtypes if they never breastfed, particularly those with four or more births.
Researchers propose epigenetic drugs to treat cancer resistance and relapse by modifying gene expression. Studies suggest epigenetic changes contribute to cancer progenitor cell formation, drug resistance, and relapse.
A high-protein diet was associated with lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels in healthy adults. Consuming more protein also led to lower long-term risks for high blood pressure. The benefits were evident in both overweight and normal-weight individuals.
The Cardinal Health Foundation awarded Virginia R. Litle, MD, a Thoracic Surgeon at Boston Medical Center, grant funding to study the efficacy of a Caprini Risk Assessment Model and implement an efficient anticoagulation compliance protocol. The initiative aims to reduce venous thromboembolism complications after thoracic surgery.
A new study in Russia highlights the challenges of reducing HIV transmission among heavy drinkers. The study shows that a behavioral intervention did not lead to a reduction in STIs and HIV risk behaviors, emphasizing the need for innovative solutions. Researchers recommend exploring alternative approaches to stem the growing epidemic.
Research found a strong association between low birth weight and type 2 diabetes in African American women, with those born very low weight facing a 40% increased risk. The study's findings shed light on the long-term health effects of low birth weight in this population.
A review of bronchiolitis treatment reveals a tendency to prioritize oxygen saturation levels over other clinical assessment tools. Clinicians are often less likely to admit patients with falsely high oxygen saturation levels, highlighting the importance of considering all available data.
Researchers found that infants exposed to opioids in utero had more severe symptoms of neonatal abstinence syndrome, with higher DNA methylation levels. This study suggests a link between early exposure and lasting epigenetic changes, potentially affecting future sensitivity to addictive substances.