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.
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.