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.
A study found that consuming brown seaweed soup daily during the postpartum period can lead to excess iodine intake, potentially causing hypothyroidism and other health issues. The researchers recommend educating healthcare providers about Korean-American dietary habits to provide guidance on healthy eating.
A study by Boston University School of Medicine shows that the quality of fat tissue, not just its quantity, contributes to inflammation and vascular disease in obese individuals. The research identified that 30% of obese subjects demonstrated reduced fat inflammation, less insulin resistance, and similar vascular function.
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine found that traditional Korean medicine SCRT treatment alleviates asthma-like pulmonary inflammation via suppression of specific chemokines or proteins. The study, published online in Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, suggests a potential mechanism for reduced inflammation.
A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that BMC conducts a high rate of thyroid function testing in pregnant women. The study detected approximately 80 percent of cases of mild hypothyroidism that may have gone undiagnosed without routine testing.
Researchers at Boston University have found four new genetic variants associated with a higher risk of systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus) in African American women. The study, based on data from the Black Women's Health Study, reveals that these genetic factors may be shared among women of different genetic ancestries.
Barbara E. Corkey, PhD, is being honored by the American Diabetes Association for her 35-year contributions to understanding diabetes and its treatment. Her work has shown that oscillations in beta cell Ca2+ fluxes influence insulin secretion and that elevated glucose and lipids cause tissue malfunction in diabetes.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have identified a possible new approach to treating myelofibrosis by inhibiting an enzyme that forms scar tissue in the bone marrow. The study found that inhibiting this enzyme resulted in a significant decrease in the burden of myelofibrosis, offering a potential new avenue for treat...
Jeffrey H. Samet, MD, a professor of medicine at Boston University School of Medicine, has been selected as a 2011 NIDA International Program Awards of Excellence winner. He is recognized for his commitment to mentoring scientists in patient-focused drug abuse research and treatment.
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine found that measuring carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT) biomarker was a poor method for detecting unhealthy drinking among HIV-infected adults. The study suggests that CDT is not sufficiently sensitive for use in screening for unhealthy alcohol use in people with HIV infection.
Michael F. Holick, a renowned expert in vitamin D and skin research, has been awarded The Delbert A. Fisher Research Scholar Award from the Endocrine Society. He received this honor for his groundbreaking contributions to understanding the history of endocrinology.
A groundbreaking study published in Journal of Abnormal Psychology suggests female military service-members are equally resilient to combat-related stress as men. The research, conducted by Boston University School of Medicine, analyzed the mental health of veterans returning from deployment to Afghanistan or Iraq.
A Boston University School of Medicine study found that higher adherence to the DASH diet reduced excess weight gain in adolescent girls over a 10-year period. The study, which examined a racially diverse sample of girls aged nine and 10, discovered that those with the highest intake of DASH-like food groups had smaller gains in BMI.
A BUSM study reveals gabapentin may cause anorgasmia in older men, a previously underreported side effect. The medication, commonly used for neuropathic pain and seizures, appears to be dose-dependent, with orgasm returning once dosage is reduced or stopped.
Researchers found that targeting patient navigation to black and non-English speaking patients increased CRC screenings by 33.6% compared to usual care. These patients were also more likely to undergo colonoscopy and have adenomas detected.
A prospective study of 59,000 African American women found that those with diets rich in vegetables and fruit gained less weight than those with diets low in these foods. This association was strongest among younger women, who experienced significant weight gain over the 14-year period.
Balicatib, a new osteoporosis treatment, causes skin hardening syndromes in patients. Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine found that the drug inhibits CathepsinK, leading to collagen and elastin degradation.
A study found that many gastroenterologists are not knowledgeable about the appropriate immunizations to recommend to IBD patients. In fact, over half of gastroenterologists did not regularly ask their patients about immunization history. This lack of knowledge can lead to IBD patients being vulnerable to vaccine-preventable illnesses.
Researchers found unhealthy substance use is a barrier to completing recommended preventive services, including mammograms and flu shots. The study suggests targeting individuals with substance use problems for tailored interventions to improve service adherence.
Researchers found an 81% increase in PE incidence after CTPA introduction, with a decrease in mortality and case fatality rates. However, CTPA also led to a significant increase in presumed anticoagulation complications, highlighting the need for more precise diagnostic tools.
Heparan sulfate on human cells modifies growth factor proteins' connection to cell surfaces. The structure and interaction of heparan sulfate chains with growth factors determine normal cell growth.
Researchers from Boston University's Center for Regenerative Medicine have demonstrated that induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can differentiate into definitive endoderm cells in vitro, with similar functional potential to embryonic stem cells. This finding is significant given the controversy surrounding iPSCs and their potential...
The study reveals that human proteins with Dermatan Sulfate affinity can become autoantigens, driving autoreactive B-1a cell responses and autoantibody production. Researchers identified over 200 autoantigens, including novel ones, which could lead to better diagnostics and personalized treatment for autoimmune diseases.
A recent study found that medication use among pregnant women is widespread and varies by socioeconomic status, maternal age, race/ethnicity, and state of residence. The study also revealed a significant increase in the use of prescription medications during the first trimester, with antidepressants showing dramatic increases.
A new pulse oximetry training video, featuring Boston Medical Center (BMC) physician Rafael Ortega, MD, is featured in the New England Journal of Medicine. The video offers best practices for physicians using pulse oximeters, aiming to ensure patient safety.
Researchers found that 60% of substance-dependent individuals reported fair or poor oral health, with opioid users experiencing worse oral health over time. The study suggests that addressing oral health concerns may facilitate medical care discussions for addicts.
A study of 82 diabetic patients undergoing CABG found aggressive glycemic control did not improve survival rates. Instead, it led to a higher incidence of hypoglycemic events without significant benefits in major adverse effects.
A study comparing pelvic anatomy after robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) and open prostatectomy found significant differences in pelvic distances. These findings may impact post-operative radiation therapy for patients requiring this treatment.
A nutrient sensing pathway has been identified as responsible for disrupting cellular lipid homeostasis in obese and insulin-resistant mice. This discovery may lead to the development of new drugs to slow or stop diabetes progression, as well as improve current treatments.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have identified Neuropilin-2 as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for melanoma. The novel cell screening method clarifies the process behind tumor metastasis and may allow the identification of biomarkers for other aggressive cancers.
A new study found that omalizumab improves asthma control, nearly eliminates seasonal exacerbations, and reduces controller medication need in inner-city children. Omalizumab treatment reduced asthma symptoms by 25% and exacerbations by 30%.
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine found that African-American women who live in more densely populated urban areas tend to gain less weight over a six-year period. The study, which analyzed data from the Black Women's Health Study, suggests that policies promoting denser and urban residential development may help ad...
A collaborative care approach with nurse care managers significantly improves treatment outcomes for patients with opioid addiction. The study found that 51% of patients achieved successful treatment at 12 months and 93% were no longer using illicit opioids after three months.
The Boston Medical Center will receive a $245,000 grant to enhance its Centering Pregnancy program, which has been shown to decrease late preterm delivery by up to 40% and increase pregnancy knowledge and satisfaction with care. The grant aims to promote preventive care and address health disparities in Massachusetts.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have identified a novel mechanism for controlling gene expression, which is evolutionarily conserved in humans. This process, called transcriptional attenuation, involves the blocking of premature termination complexes to allow genes to be expressed under certain stress conditions.
The END Diabetes Program aims to show that lifestyle changes can prevent or delay the onset of Type 2 diabetes, thus reducing cardiovascular disease risk. The six-month program offers educational workshops, free membership, individual coaching, and regular exercise sessions for at least 200 adults.