A study led by Boston University School of Medicine found that a lack of liver protein SIRT1 is associated with lower levels of FGF21, leading to fatty liver disease and obesity. Elevated FGF21 levels, however, transformed white fat cells into brown fat cells, producing heat and burning calories.
A recent study led by Boston University School of Medicine found that hospitals caring for more sepsis patients have significantly lower mortality rates than those with lower volumes. The superior outcomes were achieved at similar costs, suggesting improved processes of care for patients with severe sepsis.
Researchers at Boston University are developing a new approach for detecting esophageal adenocarcinoma using a sponge-containing capsule. This non-invasive method could lead to wider screening, earlier detection, and improved survival rates for patients with Barrett's Esophagus.
A study found that pro-inflammatory molecules were strongly associated with increased mortality in alcohol-abusing HIV patients. IL-6 was identified as the molecule most closely linked to mortality, regardless of antiretroviral therapy use. This research may inform strategies to improve mortality rates among this vulnerable population.
A new video training from the Boston University School of Medicine provides expert guidance on endotracheal extubation techniques. The video aims to improve early removal of breathing tubes, reducing complications and improving patient outcomes.
Boston Medical Center implemented a cost-effective approach to reduce audible alarms, resulting in a 89% decrease in cardiac monitor and telemetry alarms. The pilot study showed significant improvements in patient and clinician satisfaction, with increased time for direct care and interaction with patients.
A study of geriatric health care professionals found they experience emotional struggle while caring for their own aging relatives, but also benefits from this dual role. The researchers emphasize the need for support and tools for all caregivers to navigate difficult conversations with providers and family members.
A new study led by Boston University School of Public Health researcher Dr. Richard Saitz found that a single screening question may detect unhealthy substance use, including 88% for alcohol dependence and 97% for drug dependence, outperforming longer screening tools.
Researchers analyzed data from 294 participants with HIV and injection drug use history to identify risk factors for non-fatal overdoses. Injection frequency and anti-retroviral therapy were found to be associated with a higher risk of non-fatal overdose within the previous three months.
A recent study led by Boston University School of Medicine researchers found that diflunisal successfully reduced neurological decline and preserved quality of life in patients with familial transthyretin amyloidosis. This repurposed generic drug demonstrates an effective alternative to liver transplantation for this devastating disease.
The study found that high levels of depressive symptoms may be associated with delayed antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation among HIV-infected Russian drinkers. Cognitive symptoms of depression were also linked to poorer ART adherence in this population.
A recent study found that eating burgers from restaurants at least twice a week was associated with a 26% increased risk of obesity in young African American women. Higher sugar-sweetened soft drink consumption also significantly contributed to obesity risk, with a 10% increase seen in those who drank two or more per day.
A new study finds that states with stronger alcohol policies have significantly lower binge drinking rates. The study analyzed 29 alcohol policies and found that stronger policy environments can reduce binge drinking rates by one-fourth, even after accounting for demographic factors.
Researchers found that aerobic fitness and hormones, including BDNF, predict recognition memory in healthy young adults. High levels of BDNF at high fitness predicted improved memory accuracy.
A study led by Boston University School of Medicine researchers reveals that methylation signaling regulates VEGFR-2, leading to angiogenesis and tumor growth. This finding provides a promising new approach to blocking cancer growth by targeting this biochemical process.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center are developing a next-generation condom that uses nanoparticle technology to increase comfort, strength, and sensation. The goal is to make condoms more appealing to use and reduce the stigma associated with them.
A new study published in the Journal of School Violence reveals that nearly 10% of US high school students have been physically hurt by their romantic partners in the past year. The prevalence rate has remained stable over the past 12 years, with black and multiracial youth being disproportionately affected.
A recent study published in Environmental Science and Technology found that competitive gymnasts have a higher exposure to potentially harmful flame-retardants than the general population. The average concentration of PentaBDE in gymnasts' blood sera was 4-6.5 times higher than in general U.S. population groups.
A recent study from Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center found that severe sepsis mortality rates decreased significantly between 1991-1995 (47%) and 2006-2009 (29%). The decline occurred without the development of new pharmacological treatments for severe sepsis.
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine found that only about half of patients with newly diagnosed high cholesterol were screened for thyroid dysfunction. Current guidelines recommend TSH blood tests to rule out hypothyroidism in these patients.
A study found that Boston-area military veterans diagnosed with PTSD experienced flashbacks and unwanted memories after the Boston Marathon Bombing in April 2013. The researchers urge healthcare systems to be prepared to treat individuals affected by such tragedies.
Researchers have generated disease-specific induced pluripotent stem cell lines from a patient with familial transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR), a lethal protein-folding disorder. The study successfully recreates essential aspects of the disease in vitro, validating this iPSC-based system as a platform for testing therapeutic strategies.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine suggest epigenetics as a target for cancer therapy. Epigenetic changes mediate the development of cancer progenitor cells, which can grow rapidly to become full-fledged cancer.
Over 15 million children are exposed to intimate partner violence annually, with significant health consequences. Healthcare providers can mitigate this impact by screening for IPV and collaborating with community programs.
Dr. Avrum Spira has received the Alton Ochsner Award for his seminal research contributions to understanding the biological response of lung tissue to tobacco smoke. His work has led to the development of early detection biomarkers for lung cancer and molecular biomarkers for COPD treatment guidance.
The I-GAP consortium has identified 11 new regions of the genome involved in Alzheimer's disease, providing insights into its molecular mechanisms. These findings confirm biological pathways and immune response involvement, opening avenues to understanding the causes of AD.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have discovered a regulatory molecule, miR-4423, that is less abundant in people with lung cancer and inhibits lung cancer cell growth. This molecule may aid in diagnosing lung cancer in earlier stages and treating the disease when at healthy levels.
A recent study by Boston University School of Medicine researchers found that women with multiple social barriers to healthcare faced longer delays in cancer screening follow-up. The study, which looked at 1,493 subjects enrolled in the Boston Patient Navigation Research Program, showed that social barriers were a significant obstacle ...
Research finds obesity may significantly increase the risk of C. difficile infection, particularly in those with no prior healthcare exposure. Additionally, patients with inflammatory bowel disease are also at higher risk, highlighting the need for improved clinical surveillance and monitoring.
Scientists have captured images of the SecY/Sec61 channels in cell membranes, revealing how nascent proteins are transported to their target destinations. This discovery provides valuable insights into the mechanisms of protein transport and cell function.
An observational study found that testosterone treatment reduced total cholesterol, LDL, triglycerides, and increased HDL in hypogonadal men. Testosterone therapy also lowered systolic and diastolic blood pressure, suggesting a reduction in hypertension.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have identified a novel mechanism by which fatty acids enter cells, bypassing traditional protein-mediated transport. This discovery has significant implications for the development of new drugs targeting fatty acid metabolism in diseases such as diabetes and obesity.
BMC has been approved to receive two research awards from PCORI, focusing on socio-legal barriers in cancer care and effective treatments for chronic pain. The hospital's commitment to innovative health care delivery is highlighted through these studies.
A recent study found that high-risk travelers, including those with medical comorbidities and pregnant women, account for nearly 20 percent of patients using the Boston Area Travel Medicine Network. These travelers often visited destinations with malaria and typhoid risk, highlighting the need for pre-travel care.
Researchers found that trauma-related psychophysiologic reactivity is a strong predictor of PTSD diagnosis in the general adult population. This biological marker shows promise for diagnosing PTSD, which affects approximately seven to 12 percent of US adults who have experienced trauma.
A study by Boston University School of Medicine found that patients with high activation levels were less likely to be readmitted to the hospital within 30 days. Patients with low activation had nearly twice the risk of 30-day post-discharge hospital service utilization, highlighting the need for tailored patient education.
A study by BUSM found that the majority of family medicine residency program directors believe complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is essential for resident training, but few have specific learning goals or adequate evaluation methods in place. The study also highlighted significant differences between strong and weak CAM/IM p...
A new screening tool, HITS, has been developed to detect intimate partner violence (IPV) in women veterans, accurately identifying 78 percent of abused individuals within the past year. The tool assesses psychological IPV and can be used in under four minutes.
A study published in Behaviour Research and Therapy found that Transdiagnostic cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) was more effective than progressive muscle relaxation therapy (PMR) in reducing heavy drinking among anxious alcoholics. The addition of medication to either CBT or PMR did not decrease alcohol consumption.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a vital public health program that reduces food insecurity, enhances nutrition, and improves child outcomes. Cuts to SNAP would be a misguided investment in American children's health and future success.
Researchers found no evidence of an increased risk for specific major birth defects in mothers who received the flu shot. However, there was a slight increase in preterm delivery rates among vaccinated women during certain seasons.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine studied 589 adults and found no association between marijuana frequency and health status, healthcare utilization, emergency room visits, hospitalizations, or medical diagnoses.
A new study from Boston University's Slone Epidemiology Center found no evidence to support suggestions of increased risks of certain birth defects associated with antihistamine use in pregnancy. The study considered over 20,000 new mothers and commonly-used antihistamines available OTC or by prescription.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health researchers finds a robust correlation between estimated levels of gun ownership and actual gun homicides at the state level. The study, covering 30 years, found that each 1 percentage point increase in gun ownership is associated with a 0.9% increase in firearm homicide rate.
Researchers found that weight loss significantly improved vascular function in obese individuals, particularly those with high insulin levels. The study suggests that reversing insulin resistance and endothelial dysfunction may represent key therapeutic targets for cardiovascular risk reduction.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine advocate for a more individualized approach to diagnosing obesity, considering factors beyond Body Mass Index (BMI). This shift could help identify healthier obese individuals and prevent unnecessary medical interventions.
A study of 36 male athletes with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) found that the disease initially affects behavior or mood and later impacts memory and thinking abilities. The researchers discovered notable differences in symptoms between those experiencing behavior problems and those with memory and thinking issues.
A study by Boston University researchers found that vigorous physical activity was associated with a lower risk of obesity among young African-American women. The study, which followed 20,259 women for 14 years, revealed that increasing levels of vigorous exercise resulted in a 23% lower incidence of obesity.
Research from Boston University found that African-American women who reported frequent experiences of racism were more likely to develop adult-onset asthma. The study, which followed 38,142 women over 14 years, also discovered a significant link between increased racism and asthma incidence.
Patricia Resick, PhD, ABPP, received the American Psychological Association's Division of Trauma Psychology Award for Lifetime Achievement in trauma psychology. She has made outstanding contributions to science, practice, advocacy, and education, developing Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for PTSD treatment.