The report, authored by David Rosenbloom, recommends using mobile technology, such as geotargeting, to address heavy drinking on campuses. It also suggests developing credible messaging to discourage excessive drinking through web/mobile design and programming.
A new genomic test has been validated for detecting lung cancer with high sensitivity, allowing physicians to identify patients at low probability of having the disease. This test can spare patients from costly and risky procedures, improving diagnosis and patient anxiety.
Two Boston University medical students, Joseph Park and Jacqueline Estevez, have been selected to conduct full-time biomedical research in the Medical Research Fellows Program. They will receive mentored research training from top biomedical scientists, focusing on Vibrio parahaemolyticus and cytokine profiles for liver cancer treatment.
A new study published in Annals of Family Medicine found that more than half of patients who report 'weekend-only' drug use expand their use to weekdays. Primary care clinicians should monitor these patients, as weekend-only users are less likely to increase frequency and severity of use compared to those with non-weekend-only use.
A large study by Boston University School of Medicine researchers found no evidence of an association between Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and cancer incidence. This contradicts plausible theories suggesting a link between stress and cancer, but is consistent with previous population-based studies.
A study found that repetitive head injuries can lead to the build-up of beta-amyloid in the brain, increasing the risk of dementia. Boxers were most affected, with four times more likelihood of developing beta-amyloid deposits and worse disease outcomes.
Researchers found a positive association between cardiorespiratory fitness and white matter structural integrity in the brains of older adults. Exercise, particularly walking, was identified as a potentially effective strategy for delaying cognitive decline and improving quality of life.
Researchers discovered structural brain abnormalities in white matter among those experiencing loss of consciousness due to mTBI, linked to decreased verbal memory performance. The study highlights the importance of diffusion tensor imaging in detecting subtle white matter changes associated with mild TBI.
The BMC protocol provides a set of predetermined guidelines for processing and preserving forensic evidence in surgical specimens after a terrorist attack. Key findings include the importance of identifying a team to handle all surgical specimens, obtaining labeled photographs and x-rays, and storing forensic evidence securely.
A new study found a 19% drop in prescription opioid supply and a 20% decrease in overdose rates following the introduction of abuse-deterrent OxyContin and propoxyphene's removal from the market. The drop was partially offset by an increase in heroin overdose deaths.
Local physician Jeffrey H. Samet recommends retiring the term opioid substitution therapy due to its unintended adverse consequences, suggesting the use of opioid agonist treatment instead. This change in terminology could have broad and substantial impact on patient care for opioid use disorders.
A study published in Western Journal of Emergency Medicine found that emergency departments can provide a promising venue for addressing opioid deaths through education on overdose prevention and naloxone rescue kit distribution. The program reached a high-risk population, equipped them with kits, and encouraged witness intervention.
Researchers have created a disease signature for alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), which may lead to new treatments. The study found that liver cells derived from AAT deficient iPSCs are more sensitive to drugs that cause liver toxicity than normal cells.
A new study found that Massachusetts health reform did not decrease preventable hospitalizations or close the racial gap in such rates, contrary to expectations. Access to outpatient care remained limited due to high copays and financial barriers.
A study by Boston Medical Center researchers finds that new Hepatitis C treatments are highly effective but only cost-effective for patients with advanced liver disease or those who have previously failed treatment. The therapy's wholesale cost of $85,000 per course is prohibitively expensive for healthier patients.
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.