A recent study published in Radiology shows that tomosynthesis is more beneficial in diagnosing knee osteoarthritis than conventional X-ray imaging. The study detected more osteophytes and subchondral cysts in the knee joint, improving sensitivity by up to 29% and 50% respectively.
Researchers found that healthcare provider attitudes toward vaccinating young males against HPV can influence the implementation of new guidelines. Targeted education on HPV's association with certain cancers in men is crucial for achieving vaccination goals.
Breast imaging tests have been shown to be ineffective in improving patient outcomes and healthcare quality for women with breast pain. The study analyzed over 900 cases, revealing that these tests did not provide significant reassurance or diagnostic value.
A new study by BUSM researchers found that most medical students in Yemen believe khat chewing is harmful to health, but they won't advise patients to quit. The study highlights conflicting attitudes towards khat use among Yemeni medical students, with cultural factors possibly influencing their views.
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine find that yoga may be effective in treating patients with stress-related psychological and medical conditions. Yoga is hypothesized to work by relieving symptoms in many common disorders through a theory based on neurophysiology and neuroanatomy.
Researchers found no association between intrauterine cocaine or marijuana exposure and lower academic achievement scores. However, children exposed to low levels of alcohol showed decreased scores in math reasoning and spelling, even after controlling for other factors. These findings suggest that children with histories of low-level ...
Scientists at Boston University School of Medicine have identified a key protein, Fur, that controls the expression of hundreds of genes in Neisseria gonorrhoeae, a pathogen responsible for the second most common infectious disease worldwide. This novel pathway may lead to new treatment methods and therapeutic interventions for gonorrhea.
A new study from Boston University has discovered 13 genetic loci associated with the age of menopause onset, providing insight into hormonal regulation and DNA repair. The research team found that genes related to immune function and auto-immune disease are also linked to menopause timing.
Researchers at Boston University identified genetic variants that play a critical role in conferring exceptional longevity. The study found that genes associated with age-related diseases also influence survival beyond 100 years of age.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine debunked the concept that excess salt causes high blood pressure by stimulating the sympathetic nervous system to produce adrenalin, causing artery constriction. The study suggests that diuretics may not be enough to treat hypertension cases associated with renal failure and recommend...
A new study led by Patricia Coogan found that cumulative levels of nitrogen oxides increase the risks of type 2 diabetes and hypertension in African-American women. Exposure to particulate matter also showed a significant association with increased risk, but evidence was weaker.
A team of scientists from Boston University School of Medicine has identified a novel compound that inhibits viruses from replicating, including poxviruses such as Monkeypox. The compound works by inactivating an essential piece of virus machinery, preventing the virus from amplifying itself.
Researchers analyzed the whole-genome sequences of two supercentenarians, aged over 114 years, and found a mix of common and rare genetic variants. Despite carrying many disease-associated genes, they lived exceptionally long lives, suggesting other protective mechanisms are at work.
Coogan will investigate the effects of air pollution on hypertension and diabetes incidence in African American women, using data from the Black Women's Health Study. The study aims to inform public policy on air quality regulation and provide insight into a novel pathway whereby air pollution causes cardiovascular events.
A study found that emergency contraception misinformation is common in low-income neighborhoods, with pharmacies incorrectly stating the age limit for over-the-counter access. This misinformation can restrict access to emergency contraception, a vital service for adolescents and individuals of childbearing age.
A recent study published in the Journal of Urban Health found that one in 13 teenage girls reported having group-sex experience, which was often pressured or coerced. The study highlights the need for additional research on this topic and provides insights into the potential risks to sexual and reproductive health.
Phthalates, including dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and diethyl phthalate (DEP), are used in FDA-approved medications to target delivery of active ingredients. The study found over 100 products containing phthalates, with potential health effects of human exposure unknown.
A study by Boston University School of Medicine researchers found a direct link between diesel exhaust particulates, house dust extract, and pulmonary inflammation that aggravates asthma. Cleaning can reduce some allergen exposure, but DEP is harder to avoid in urban environments.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have identified the A2b adenosine receptor as a potential new target for preventing early stages of atherosclerosis. The study found that the receptor plays a key role in regulating liver lipid profiles and reducing atherosclerosis in mice on high-fat diets.
Professor Michael F. Holick received the American College of Nutrition Communication Media Award for his outstanding media contributions promoting better nutrition. He was also a keynote presenter at the ACN Conference, highlighting the importance of vitamin D in good health.
Research from Boston University School of Medicine found no association between depression and delayed diagnostic resolution after abnormal mammograms or Pap tests. Women with psychiatric disorders face disparities in cancer screening and outcomes, but this study suggests pre-existing depression is not a significant barrier to resolution.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine identified a specific enzyme that regulates the wake-sleep cycle, which could lead to more effective sleep aid medications. The study found that blocking or activating this enzyme triggers an important shift in consciousness between sleep and wakefulness.
A recent study by researchers at Boston University School of Medicine found that severe sepsis and new-onset atrial fibrillation are associated with a higher risk of hospital stroke and death. Patients diagnosed with these conditions during hospitalization had three times the risk of stroke and a seven percent increased risk of mortality.
A recent study found that primary care providers (PCPs) fail to report a significant number of suspected child abuse cases. The researchers validated the PCPs' decisions using expert review and provider self-assessment, revealing a high sensitivity but low reporting rate. The study highlights the need for improved education on recogniz...
Researchers have for the first time obtained an image of the structure and arrangement of apoA-I molecules using x-ray crystallography. This breakthrough may lead to the development of new drugs to treat diseases such as atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.
A study published in the journal Pain found that opioid-dependent patients treated with escitalopram experienced significant reductions in pain severity and interference. The findings suggest that antidepressants may be an effective alternative to non-opioid pharmacologic therapies for managing chronic pain in this population.
A BUSM researcher has received two NIH grants totaling over $11 million to study systemic sclerosis (SSc), a rare and complex rheumatic disease. The funding will support clinical research, molecular studies, and identification of biomarkers to accelerate the understanding of SSc and develop new treatments.
The New England Regional Spinal Cord Injury Center at Boston Medical Center has been awarded a five-year grant to continue as the leading center in New England for spinal cord injury care, education, and research. This designation underscores the center's commitment to staying on the cutting edge of spinal cord research and treatment.
Treatment with high-dose melphalan and autologous stem cell transplantation achieved a high organ response rate and increased overall survival, even in patients without hematologic complete response. The study found that careful patient selection and experienced management can lead to low treatment-related mortality rates.
Researchers at Boston University present a new approach to accessing novel, biologically active molecules by remodeling natural product derivatives. The method involves highly efficient chemical reactions and has the potential to identify pharmacological tools for CNS research, oncology, and anti-infective agents.
Researchers at Boston University have discovered how Wolbachia bacteria alter insect reproduction, leading to increased egg production and reduced death rates. The study provides insights into the cellular mechanisms behind this relationship, which could inform novel approaches to disease control.
A collaborative research team has developed an effective therapy against Hendra virus, giving an anti-virus human monoclonal antibody therapy after exposure protected animals from lethal disease. The study demonstrates promising results and offers a real potential treatment for Hendra virus infection in people.
The Boston University School of Medicine is developing novel technologies to detect lung cancer early, using advanced imaging techniques and molecular biomarkers. The goal is to reduce mortality among high-risk individuals by identifying those at risk for future development of the disease.
The Boston University School of Medicine has been awarded a five-year, $316,875 training grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to investigate inflammatory disorders. The program will provide students with a solid academic background in immunology and multi-disciplinary approaches.
Pediatric researchers found that higher SNAP benefits were associated with a 15% increase in young children being classified as 'well children'. The benefits protected against major health impacts and supported healthy development. The study highlights the importance of adequate nutrition for early childhood development.
A team of researchers from Boston University's School of Medicine and College of Engineering have been awarded a $4.8 million NIH grant to develop a low-cost, multiplexed virus detection platform capable of rapidly detecting viral pathogens such as Ebola, Lassa Fever, and Marburg. The resulting diagnostic platform should be able to det...
Researchers found that non-English speaking patients had significantly worse treatment outcomes compared to those who spoke English, despite similar racial backgrounds. The study highlights the importance of interpreter services in cancer care for linguistically diverse patients.
Researchers from Boston University Schools of Medicine and Public Health are part of a $10 million grant to examine the consequences of alcohol on HIV disease. The study aims to understand how alcohol affects HIV clinical manifestations and develop more effective treatments.
A meta-analysis of 22 studies from around the world found a strong association between alcohol consumption and an increased risk of colorectal cancer. The study suggests that even moderate drinking can increase the risk, particularly at higher levels of consumption.
Researchers from Boston Medical Center will study neurological and brain abnormalities in former extremely low gestational age newborns (ELGANS) with a $13 million NIH grant. The study aims to identify infants at high risk for neurodevelopmental disorders and establish a method for prophylactic interventions.
African American women with higher BMI levels are at increased risk of death, according to a new study. A larger waist size was also associated with a higher risk of death among non-obese women, highlighting the importance of maintaining a healthy weight and reducing waist size.
A review article by BUSM professor Judith A. Linden outlines comprehensive protocols for evaluating and treating adult victims of sexual assault in emergency departments and primary care settings. The article highlights the importance of evidence collection, emotional support, and medical follow-up appointments to provide optimal care.
A collaborative study of African-American women's breast cancer will investigate genetic and non-genetic risk factors using a large population of 11,000 participants. The researchers aim to discover prevention methods for this deadly disease.
A study by Boston University's Slone Epidemiology Center found that high parity was associated with a 50% increase in the incidence of estrogen-receptor negative (ER-) breast cancer, but only among women who had not breastfed. Breastfeeding was also linked to a reduced risk of ER- breast cancer, particularly in African-American women.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine found flexible-fiber CO2 lasers to be safe and effective in endoscopic assisted transsphenoidal craniotomies, with low complication rates. The study demonstrated the utility of this technology for treating pituitary tumors and other sellar lesions.
Deborah Anderson is leading a research study on plant-based antibodies to prevent HSV and HIV infections in women. The project aims to create affordable and large-capacity manufacturing systems for biopharmaceuticals, ensuring access to treatments for at-risk populations worldwide.
Researchers will create the largest library of sickle cell disease-specific iPS cell lines to study the disease's genetic context and develop new therapies. The goal is to understand how specific genes behave in different tissues and clarify the mechanisms by which a gene associated with a disease affects tissue biology.
The study found that risk factors for PTSD among OEF/OIF male veterans were similar to those observed in Vietnam veterans, but identified novel mechanisms of risk for OEF/OIF female veterans. Family relationships during deployment played a more prominent role in explaining PTSD in female veterans than in male veterans.
Researchers from BUSM and BMC will implement a clinical model to coordinate narcology and HIV systems of care in Russia, aiming to increase engagement in medical care among HIV-infected IDUs. The LINC project aims to address the missed opportunity of delayed or non-receipt of HIV medical care in Russia.
Boston Medical Center has received a grant to expand its HIV/AIDS clinic and provide more comprehensive case management services. The new facility will enable collaboration between infectious diseases and primary care departments, improving the quality of care for patients with HIV/AIDS.