Researchers at BUSM propose a new epigenetic hypothesis linked to tumor production and suggest epigenetic drug treatments could be beneficial in treating cancers. They explore the role of DNA methylation and demethylation enzymes in regulating gene expression, suggesting potential therapeutic targets.
A new study found that a commonly used breast cancer risk prediction model developed for African Americans tends to underestimate risk in certain subgroups, particularly those who first gave birth at an older age. The researchers conclude that a better risk model is needed for estrogen receptor-negative breast cancer, a subtype disprop...
Research from Boston University School of Medicine found that alcohol consumption is a major contributor to cancer deaths and years of potential life lost in the US. The study showed that reducing alcohol consumption can be an effective cancer prevention strategy.
Research reveals that marijuana use among Russian HIV-infected individuals with risky drinking habits is associated with increased sharing of needles, multiple sexual partners, and unprotected sex. This finding may help clinicians identify those at higher risk of transmitting HIV.
Researchers found that African-American women with pre-pregnancy obesity and excess weight gain during pregnancy are more likely to have macrosomia, or newborns weighing over 4,000 grams. This increased risk is linked to energy accumulation by the fetus from increased maternal glucose concentrations and insulin resistance.
A study found that overdose education and naloxone distribution programs in Massachusetts led to a significant reduction in opioid overdose death rates. The programs educated people at risk of overdose and provided them with naloxone rescue kits, which are safe and effective antidotes for reversing life-threatening opioid overdose effe...
A BUSM study found that low-income and minority parents/guardians are inclined to accept HPV vaccination for boys with the aim of protecting them from cancer and other diseases. However, racial/ethnic differences emerged in attitudes regarding school-entry mandates.
Researchers at BUSM demonstrate that tissues derived from patient-specific induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells are not rejected when transplanted back into genetically identical recipients. The study finds that differentiated iPS cells can mature into various cell types, including neuronal, hepatocyte, and endothelial cells, without i...
A new study found a strong association between childhood abuse and an increased risk of uterine fibroids in adulthood among African-American women. Women who experienced physical or sexual abuse before age 11 had a higher incidence of fibroids, with the risk increasing with severity.
Barbara Gilchrest, a renowned dermatologist at Boston University School of Medicine, has been elected as a 2012 Charter Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors. She is being honored for her prolific spirit of innovation in creating outstanding inventions that have improved quality of life and economic development.
A new study by Boston University School of Medicine found that African-American women who suffered abuse before age 11 had a greater likelihood of developing adult-onset asthma. The study followed 28,456 women and found an increased incidence of asthma among those who experienced physical abuse during childhood.
A recent study at Boston University School of Medicine describes 68 cases of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) among deceased athletes and military veterans. The research, the largest case series to date, found that CTE can only be diagnosed postmortem but may not progress in all individuals.
Health-care providers can help reduce intimate partner violence (IPV) by screening and referring patients to resources. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that 35.6% of women are raped or stalked by intimate partners, with significant annual healthcare costs.
A study found that heavily indebted medical students choosing primary care face significant financial challenges. To mitigate these issues, they must consider alternative repayment strategies or lifestyle adjustments, such as living in a more affordable area or opting for an extended repayment plan.
This study analyzed data from over 1.3 million middle-aged women in the UK, finding that moderate alcohol consumption was associated with a lower risk of lymphoid malignancies. Smoking, on the other hand, was linked to an increased risk of these cancers.
A study from Boston University School of Medicine found that achieving SCIP benchmarks for glycemic control may not be relevant among patients undergoing CABG surgery who receive perioperative continuous insulin infusions. These patients had excellent glycemic control, despite being outliers in the SCIP guidelines.
Collaboration between lawyers and physicians can help address health disparities by providing access to essential services. A recent report estimates that 50-85% of healthcare users experience unmet legal needs, impacting their health.
A BUSM study has pinpointed the two main areas of the brain most severely impacted by Huntington's disease, the striatum and outer cortical regions. The research also found significant variation in the extent of cell death across individuals, with some experiencing severe damage while others appear virtually normal.
Boston Medical Center is implementing a two-year grant program to train healthcare providers in Massachusetts about incorporating screening and intervention for unhealthy alcohol and other drug use into their practices. The program aims to reduce risky behavior and promote early intervention and prevention strategies.
Researchers found that patient navigation services significantly decreased the time to diagnosis for female patients with abnormal breast or cervical cancer screening results. The study supports recent standard recommendations for all cancer care centers to provide patient navigation services.
A recent genome-wide evaluation by Boston University School of Medicine researchers has found specific genes and alterations in their expression to be associated with an increased risk of developing Parkinson's disease. The study identified cis-effects in the MAPT region and trans-effects involving SNCA, MAPT, and RIT2 genes.
Boston University School of Medicine is receiving a $250,000 grant to build on existing policies and programs promoting professional and personal balance. The award will support initiatives such as midcareer faculty development and online mentorship databases.
A meta-analysis found a detectable increase in the risk of oral cavity and pharynx, esophagus, and female breast cancers associated with light drinking. However, no association was found with colorectum, liver, and larynx cancers.
A meta-analysis of 17 studies found that quitting alcohol significantly lowers the risk of esophageal cancer, with about half of this reduction occurring within 4-5 years. The study also suggests that moderate alcohol consumption may have beneficial health effects on cardiovascular disease and other conditions.
A recent study identified a gene linking age-related cataracts and Alzheimer's disease, suggesting common etiologic factors between the two conditions. The study found correlations between cortical cataract formation and brain degeneration measures, as well as poorer cognitive performance.
A study led by BUSM researchers has found that the compound Gly-His-Lys (GHK) may halt the progression of emphysema and reverse some of its damage. The study demonstrates potential impact of genomic technologies in identifying new treatments for diseases using existing drugs and compounds.
A study by BUSM researchers reveals that approximately 90 percent of knees with no signs of osteoarthritis using X-ray showed clear signs of osteoarthritis using MRI. The findings suggest that MRI is not a useful diagnostic test for knee pain in this age group.
A multicenter observational study found that Black patients with the V122I mutation have a median survival time of 26 months after diagnosis, with declining heart function and quality of life. The study establishes an increased risk of death from cardiac amyloidosis among carriers of this mutation, particularly after age 60.
A study published online found that long-term alcohol abuse affects white matter brain volume differently for men and women. Women tend to recover their lost white matter volume more quickly than men with abstinence, while excessive drinking is associated with increased ventricular size in alcoholic women.
Scientists have identified a new gene, RORA, linked to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), suggesting that it may play a role in the development of the condition. The study found a significant association between variations in the RORA gene and PTSD, highlighting a potential new avenue for research on how the brain responds to trauma.
Researchers at Boston Medical Center are implementing a new model of care in primary care settings to decrease opioid misuse and addiction among patients with chronic pain. The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of standardized practice guidelines and tools to improve provider monitoring and patient care.
Researchers from BUSM found a 49% increase in risk for early onset menarche among women who reported childhood sexual abuse, and a 50% increase in risk for late onset menarche among those with severe physical abuse. This study highlights the complex relationship between child abuse and health outcomes.
Researchers found that activation of A2b-type adenosine receptor reduces insulin and glucose levels and improves symptoms of high-fat diet-induced type 2 diabetes. The study identified a novel link between A2bAR and insulin signaling, providing new insights into the regulation of glucose and insulin homeostasis.
A study conducted in India found that non-disclosure of HIV serostatus to sex partners is a significant issue among female sex workers and their clients, with rates ranging from 17-86%. The study suggests that improving basic HIV knowledge, reducing alcohol consumption, and increasing awareness about partner status can help increase di...
Researchers identified 12 genetic markers associated with sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels, which regulate testosterone and estrogen in the bloodstream. The study found that SHBG levels are influenced by multiple factors, including genes related to liver function, metabolism, and type 2 diabetes.
A new study found that prenatal and early childhood exposure to the chemical solvent tetrachloroethylene (PCE) may be associated with poorer color-discrimination abilities. People exposed to higher levels of PCE from gestation through age 5 exhibited greater visual impairments, suggesting irreversible effects.
Researchers identified a distinct subset of individuals with PTSD characterized by high symptoms of dissociation and a history of sexual assault, contributing to the understanding of PTSD's course and accurate classification.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine found a strong association between childhood abuse and obesity in adulthood. The study analyzed data from over 33,000 African-American women and estimated that those who experienced the highest level of physical and sexual abuse were 30% more likely to be obese.
A BUSM in vitro study discovered a potent combination therapy for breast cancer, including triple-negative and hormone-refractory cases. The treatment re-expressed imprinted tumor suppressor genes, inhibiting cancer cell growth and promoting death.
A genome-wide association study identified several genes associated with hippocampal atrophy, a key feature of Alzheimer's disease. The study found novel associations between brain degeneration and genes in the APOE, F5/SELP, LHFP, and GCFC2 gene regions.
Researchers at BUSM found increased expression of FOXO1 gene in Parkinson's disease brain tissue samples. Two single-nucleotide polymorphisms associated with age at onset were also discovered, providing new insights into the genetic mechanisms of Parkinson's.
A recent study found that gout and hyperuricemia affect 8.3 million and 43.3 million Americans, respectively, with high rates of related medical disorders like hypertension, chronic kidney disease, and obesity.
A BUSM study found that blocking the Sigma-1 receptor reduced binge eating and caused eaters to eat more slowly, suggesting a potential therapeutic treatment target for binge eating disorder. The researchers also observed improved decision-making in experimental subjects.
A study by Boston University School of Medicine researchers found that patients receiving take-home methadone doses had 74% lower odds of hospitalization compared to those not receiving these doses. The study suggests that successful addiction treatment, including better overall health and reduced healthcare utilization, is a key facto...
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have identified a new group of RNA-binding proteins that accumulate in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease. These findings may lead to novel diagnostic approaches and a better understanding of the disease progression.
A new study found that African American women from low-income backgrounds experience greater weight gain and increased obesity risk due to socioeconomic factors. Women with higher education levels are less likely to become obese, suggesting education as a protective factor against weight gain.
The study found that non-elderly, lower- and medium-income populations, as well as Hispanics and whites, experienced increased inpatient surgical procedures after Massachusetts health reform took effect. Improved access to outpatient care for vulnerable subpopulations is a key finding of the study.
A study of 700 people living with HIV in Russia found that approximately half reported not disclosing their status to all partners. The findings suggest that risky alcohol use is common, but does not contribute to nondisclosure, emphasizing the importance of counseling and encouraging disclosure to prevent further HIV spread
Researchers discovered a brain pathway regulating renal excretion of sodium and blood pressure control. Gαi2 protein levels change with dietary sodium intake, influencing blood pressure and kidney function.
Longitudinal studies suggest that light-to-moderate alcohol consumption may lower the risk of cognitive decline and dementia by approximately 35-45%. Moderate drinking patterns may also offer cardiovascular benefits. However, further research is needed to understand the optimal pattern of drinking for protection against cognitive decline.