Researchers found that personal biases and communication styles of providers played a significant role in decreasing HPV vaccination rates among teens. Providers who believed their patients were at low risk for sexual activity delayed vaccine administration, often without readdressing the decision.
Scientists discovered that the Hippo pathway, a tumor suppressor pathway, senses abnormal chromosome numbers in cells and triggers cell cycle arrest. This pathway prevents progression into cancer by halting the proliferation of tetraploid cells with double the number of chromosomes.
Researchers found that states with stronger alcohol policies have a lower likelihood of binge drinking, with higher taxes and reduced outlets accounting for half of the effect. This study highlights the importance of evidence-based policy decisions in reducing alcohol-related deaths and economic costs.
Regular exercise, including brisk walking, is associated with a lower rate of breast cancer in African American women. Women who exercised vigorously for seven or more hours each week were 25% less likely to develop breast cancer compared to those who exercised less.
Scientists have discovered novel properties of special HIV antibodies that can neutralize multiple strains of HIV. The study found that these 'broadly neutralizing antibodies' are more prevalent in HIV-infected individuals than previously thought, suggesting a possible vaccine strategy to elicit them.
A new study published in JAMA finds that two brief counseling interventions did not reduce the continued use of marijuana, cocaine, or opioids. The researchers suggest that clinicians should consider longer and more complex care management strategies to address unhealthy drug use. The study's findings raise questions about the federal ...
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that women with high levels of perchlorate during pregnancy may have children with below-average IQs. Perchlorate, a common chemical contaminant, can affect thyroid function and lead to hypothyroidism, which is associated with cognitive impairment.
A recent study found that 32% of newer drugs received a black box warning or were withdrawn for safety reasons, compared to 21.2% of older drugs. The study suggests that the FDA's expedited approval process may have led to the release of unsafe drugs.
Two rare variants in the AKAP9 gene are associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease in African Americans. Carriers of these variants have a 2.8-3.6 times greater risk of developing AD.
A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology suggests that patient navigation can lead to better breast cancer care for high-risk populations, including minority women. Researchers found that patients assisted by trained navigators were more likely to start recommended treatments, such as hormonal therapy.
A new gene variant, PLXNA4, has been linked to an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. The study found that this gene affects the processing of tau protein, a key hallmark of the disease. This discovery may lead to the development of targeted drug treatments for AD.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have discovered that pre-treatment with the anti-aging protein Klotho can prevent neuron death in the presence of toxic amyloid and glutamate. This finding suggests a potential treatment approach for Alzheimer's disease, which affects millions of Americans.
A study found that minority women who received HPV vaccination even after becoming sexually active had lower rates of abnormal Pap test results. The study suggests that incomplete HPV vaccination may still offer some protection against cervical cancer and its precursors.
Researchers developed a predictive model to identify carcinogenic chemicals using gene expression response in the liver, improving cancer screening and evaluation processes. The new approach enables accurate and cost-effective screening for over 80,000 chemicals currently in commercial use.
A study of over 180,000 women found that imprinted genes, active only when inherited from one parent, influence the age of puberty in girls. These genetic variations were associated with a difference in development between boys and girls.
Participants in the BMC Violence Intervention Advocacy Program experienced reduced retaliation and improved life-changing behaviors after connecting with supportive adults. The program addressed physical, mental, emotional, and social needs, providing essential services like counseling, education, and job skills.
A recent study found that nearly 30% of completed clinical trials in the US remained unpublished after four years, threatening the validity of medical research literature. The lack of transparency was particularly pronounced among industry-funded studies and those with smaller sample sizes.
Researchers found that stress can disrupt the process of fat tissue development, leading to issues with fat storage within cells and in the bloodstream. The study identified a key signaling pathway involving adenosine receptors and stem cell factors that regulates this process.
A new study found that emergency medical service (EMS) responders felt significantly better prepared to respond to active shooter incidents after receiving focused tactical training. The training improved their comfort level with joint rescue operations and perception of their role in such incidents, leading to faster response times.
A study by BU researchers found that people arrested by police were more likely to share needles and overdose, increasing HIV transmission and mortality. The study suggests that policing practices contribute to the HIV risk environment and recommends prevention programs and policy changes to address this issue.
Researchers will analyze data from 6,000 patients with Alzheimer's and 5,000 elderly individuals without the disease to identify rare genetic variants that may protect or contribute to risk. The project aims to develop novel approaches to delay or prevent Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine will analyze genomic data from 11,000 individuals to identify rare genetic variants that may protect against or contribute to Alzheimer's disease risk. The study aims to uncover the biological pathways underlying the disease and potentially lead to novel therapeutic targets.
A study found that most women veterans support routine intimate partner violence (IPV) screening and comprehensive care. They also prefer transparent documentation and access to Veterans Health Administration resources. Researchers believe the VHA can serve as a national model for IPV screening and response.
A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine shows that providing hospitalized patients with addiction treatment during their stay and upon discharge significantly reduces the likelihood of relapse. Buprenorphine, an opioid substitute, was found to curb withdrawal symptoms and lead to fewer days of illicit drug use.
A Boston University School of Medicine study found that women who had their last child after age 33 had twice the odds of living to 95 years or older compared to those who had their last child before age 29. This suggests that women may be driving the evolution of genetic variants that slow aging and increase longevity.
Recent research from BUSM sheds light on the regulatory strategies controlling PPARgamma activity in cells, offering potential avenues for developing effective treatments. By targeting specific subsets of PPARgamma target genes, researchers aim to improve insulin sensitivity and combat type 2 diabetes.
A new study found a surprisingly wide span of three months in leaf-out times among 1,597 woody plant species at eight botanical gardens globally. The observations suggest that species differences in leaf-out times could impact the length of the growing season and animal activities.
Boston Medical Center (BMC) has been awarded a five-year $861,000 grant to train Ugandans in basic research on tuberculosis and emerging infectious diseases. The program will provide rigorous training in basic research approaches and enable Uganda's Makerere University to build capacity for conducting basic sciences research.
Boston Medical Center (BMC) has received a three-year, $2.125 million grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation for the CHAMPS program. The grant aims to improve maternal/infant care in Mississippi, New Orleans, and Southern Texas, with a goal of increasing breastfeeding rates among African American women.
Researchers recommend increasing cervical cancer screenings to reduce rates, regardless of test choice. Co-testing with Pap and HPV detects most pre-cancer, but improvement is small compared to repeat Pap testing every three years.
The GME system faces transparency and accountability issues, with only 20.9% of residents practicing primary care. Recommendations propose fully funding the National Health Care Workforce Commission and requiring transparent spending of GME funds to support a more efficient physician workforce.
A team of researchers suggests that an epigenetic switch could control rapid growth and differentiation in cancer cells, leading to the development of various cancers. This switch is thought to be reversible, allowing cells to change their characteristics and differentiate into new cell types.
A study from Boston University School of Medicine found that a free fitness center-based exercise referral program was not well utilized among low-income, multi-ethnic women with chronic disease risk factors. Despite providing access and support, fewer than half of the women activated their memberships or achieved consistent attendance...
A recent study published in Neuropsychopharmacology suggests that impulsivity may be a risk factor for food addiction and eating disorders. The research, led by Boston University School of Medicine, found that individuals with impulsive tendencies were more likely to engage in binge eating behavior.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine found that the anti-seizure drug ezogabine reduced alcohol consumption in an experimental model, providing a potential new mechanism for treating alcoholism. The study suggests that drugs targeting the Kv7 channel may be effective in reducing drinking behavior.
Research identifies cellular signaling dysfunction causing brown fat cells to lose blood vessels and mitochondria, leading to energy production failure and increased risk of metabolic disorders.
A BUSM study found that expanding health insurance coverage in Massachusetts did not reduce 30-day readmission rates, particularly among African-American and Hispanic populations. The researchers suggest that states need to go beyond expanding insurance coverage to address disparities in access to care.
A new assessment tool for young adults with sickle cell disease has been developed to gauge their readiness for adult care. The tool, which was found to be effective in pinpointing areas of need, includes a comprehensive guidebook addressing personal concerns and knowledge gaps.
Researchers have found that pramlintide reduces amyloid-beta peptides and improves learning and memory in Alzheimer's disease models. The study also suggests lower levels of amylin in blood among AD patients, which could lead to new diagnosis and treatment options.
A recent study published in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases found that allopurinol, a commonly used gout medication, is associated with a reduced risk of death in hyperuricemic patients. The study also suggests that treatment with allopurinol may protect against premature death, outweighing rare but serious adverse effects.
The new guidelines recommend regular screening for pulmonary hypertension in SCD adults, and intensifying SCD therapy for those with PH. Patients with symptomatic PH should be treated, while management is guided by hemodynamic numbers obtained through catheterization.
Sickle cell trait affects 3 million US citizens, with few aware of their status. Researchers call for improved communication of SCT results to primary care clinicians and genetic counseling on reproductive options
A study published in Neurology found that patients with restless legs syndrome had a higher mortality rate than similar men, and were more likely to be diagnosed with cardiovascular disease and hypertension. RLS screening may become more common as a tool for primary care providers to identify patients at risk of serious disease.
A recent analysis found that frequent experiences of racism were associated with a higher risk of obesity among African American women. Women who reported consistently high experiences of racism over a 12-year period were 69% more likely to become obese compared to those in the lowest category.
A study published in PLOS Genetics identified specific small segments of RNA that are highly expressed in Huntington's disease and may act as a mitigating factor, making them potential therapeutic targets. The researchers found that these microRNAs are present in higher quantities in patients with HD and may promote cell survival.
A virtual computer-based world was created to facilitate international healthcare education, engaging participants in a three-dimensional environment. The study successfully demonstrated the effectiveness of this new pedagogy, offering healthcare professionals limited access to traditional education resources.
Researchers found that skin cells from people with type 1 diabetes display elevated calcium levels when exposed to cytokines or fat, suggesting a link between environmental stimuli and genetic predisposition. This discovery may help identify susceptible individuals before disease onset.
Studies suggest that maintaining a normal level of the protein SirT1 may be effective in preventing obesity- and age-related diseases. Researchers have demonstrated that changing three amino acids on SirT1 can produce a 'super-sirt' that functions normally despite metabolic stress.
A large-scale US study reveals that people with multiple sclerosis have a decreased life expectancy compared to the general population. The median lifespan of MS patients was found to be 6 years less than that of non-MS individuals, with annual mortality rates being significantly higher.
A new study found that high levels of depressive symptoms are associated with an increased risk of developing adult-onset asthma in African-American women. Women with depressive symptom scores of 16 or higher had a two-fold increase in asthma incidence compared to those with lower scores.