A new study suggests that food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic in Southern India contributed to increased tuberculosis (TB) mortality. Researchers found that households faced significant financial struggles and made nutritional sacrifices due to lockdowns, leading to worsened health outcomes.
Researchers from Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine have found a new role for the transcription factor Traffic Jam in promoting female fruit fly fertility. The discovery solves the 30-year-old mystery of how Flamenco gets activated to protect fruit fly ovaries from genetic parasites.
A new study from Boston University School of Medicine found that X-rays can predict common low back pain problems in approximately 75% of cases. In these instances, X-rays may be a preferred initial imaging study, reducing the need for MRI scans and associated costs.
The Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine's Master of Science Physician Assistant (PA) Program has risen 34 places to tie for 26th among all PA programs in the country. The seven-semester program focuses on addressing a critical shortage of physicians and prepares students to care for vulnerable populations.
The peer review process in biomedical journals is expected to undergo a significant transformation with the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) by 2025. AI will assist editors in making decisions on which articles to send out for external peer review, potentially increasing efficiency and effectiveness.
Allegations of research misconduct threaten the validity of science, requiring medical journals to have transparent and consistent processes for evaluation and correction. Journals should apply uniform definitions of misconduct consistently to maintain trust in science.
Venetia Zachariou, a BU professor, receives a Distinguished Investigator award to research G protein pathways in opioid analgesia. The goal is to block addiction-related effects while enhancing analgesic properties.
Boston University researchers have introduced a novel computational framework that applies pitch-shifting to protect speaker identity while preserving acoustic features essential for cognitive assessment. The framework achieved accurate diagnosis of normal cognition, mild cognitive impairment, and dementia in 62% and 63% of datasets.
Craig Noronha has been elected to the Association of Program Directors in Internal Medicine (APDIM) Council, bringing his expertise in faculty development and residency education. As a councilor, he will focus on program development and advocacy.
A new study introduces an online tool to guide surgical decisions for gallbladder cancer, identifying key risk factors that can help predict futile surgery. The tool may improve overall survival rates and reduce unnecessary risks for patients with advanced-stage disease.
Sun Lee, MD, MSc, receives AACE's Rising Star in Endocrinology Award for outstanding leadership and innovative research on thyroid disorders and iodine nutrition. The award honors physicians who demonstrate actionable outcomes in patient care, scientific endeavor, and education.
A new study by Boston University researchers reveals that insulin resistance increases the aggressiveness and brain metastasis of triple-negative breast cancer. The findings highlight the need for personalized treatments and monitoring for patients with obesity-driven diabetes and aggressive breast cancer.
A new study has found that widely used consumer-grade digital devices like smartphones and smartwatches can be effective in assessing cognitive health. This allows for early education and detection of cognitive changes, enabling individuals to enact lifestyle modifications and slow or prevent decline.
The Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) has published new evidence-based guidelines for ICU design, emphasizing a patient- and family-centered approach. The recommendations aim to improve clinical practice, patient safety, and staff work environment.
A new review highlights the shortcomings of existing methods for assessing socioeconomic status in TB studies, calling for more accurate and comprehensive measures. Adopting tools like the global multidimensional poverty index could lead to targeted interventions and stronger policy recommendations.
Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine. Dr. Wendy Kuohung's research aims to identify drugs that could treat this disorder, particularly in Black women who are at higher risk due to genetic mutations.
A new study found high discordance among clinical experts on interpreting CGM reports from individuals without diabetes, highlighting the need for more research and guidelines. Experts recommend follow-up and specific reasoning for their decisions, despite having extensive CGM experience.
Researchers describe successful tumor removal in a patient with advanced liver cancer and cirrhosis using immunotherapy and targeted radiation therapy, expanding surgical indications for high-risk populations. The 'Arantius-first' technique minimizes risk of liver damage during laparoscopic surgery.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine found significant inconsistencies in hospital toxicology screening practices following serious motor vehicle collisions. The study highlights the need for standardized, equitable reporting protocols to ensure every patient receives consistent care.
A new study found that patients in ICU rooms with windows were more likely to develop delirium than those without windows. Researchers analyzed electronic medical records and observed a 5% increase in delirium cases in windowed rooms compared to non-windowed rooms.
A new study found that increased videoconferencing use drives people to scrutinize their appearance, leading to a higher demand for cosmetic treatments. Frequent self-viewing is strongly associated with an interest in obtaining cosmetic procedures.
Researchers aim to understand MYCN-driven immune escape in neuroblastoma, a common childhood cancer, and develop targeted therapies to enhance immunotherapy responses. The study will investigate the potential of inhibiting tumor-secreted CKLF1 to alleviate immunosuppression and improve treatment outcomes.
The review article summarizes the current evidence on atrial fibrillation's epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management. Research found a significant increase in AF incidence and prevalence over time, particularly among older adults and men, with diseases like hypertension and valvular heart disease associated with AF.
Blast injuries are classified into primary, secondary, tertiary, quaternary, and quinary types, each with distinct characteristics. A comprehensive management approach involves a high index of suspicion for silent blunt injuries, tailored to individual patient needs.
A new study reveals that medical schools are not teaching doctors to care for the incarcerated or formerly incarcerated population, who face significant chronic health issues. Approximately 95% of those incarcerated will return to the community, but medical providers are not prepared to serve them.
Researchers found variation in practice patterns of sarcoidosis treatment, particularly in the use of nonsteroidal immunosuppressive medications and sequence of administration. The study highlights the need for future randomized trials and comparative effectiveness studies to ascertain optimal treatment algorithms.
Researchers at Boston University Alzheimer's Disease and CTE Center found that cumulative repetitive head impacts drive specific patterns of brain degeneration in chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). The study also identified tau protein accumulation as a key mechanism in neuronal loss and synaptic changes.
The largest study of CTE in male ice hockey players found that 18 of 19 NHL players had the disease, but only zero of six who played fewer than six years did. The odds of having CTE increased by 34% with each year played.
Priscilla Slanetz, a breast radiologist and professor at Boston University School of Medicine, has received the 2024 Marie Sklodowska-Curie Award for her outstanding contributions to advancing women in radiology. She is recognized for her clinical research, educational efforts, and leadership in promoting diversity and inclusion.
The Endocrine Society's 2024 guidelines for Vitamin D testing and supplementation have been criticized for being too restrictive, with limited benefits for healthy individuals. The new guidelines recommend limiting supplementation to specific risk groups and advise against routine 25-hydroxyvitamin D testing in healthy individuals.
A new commentary by Boston University School of Medicine suggests that decisions about health care structures and spaces should be made by a diverse group of stakeholders. The proposed working group includes clinicians, patient advocates, community leaders, certified healthcare architects, and non-clinical staff. This approach aims to ...
The digital age is transforming cosmetic dermatology, with technologies like AI and telehealth pushing boundaries. However, challenges arise from social media's influence on skin advice and the need for in-person exams to ensure patient safety.
Researchers Florian Douam and Jessica Fetterman at Boston University School of Medicine received the award to pursue high-impact ideas in their respective fields. They will focus on developing new experimental models for arbovirus transmission and creating innovative gene editing approaches for mitochondrial diseases.
Boston University School of Medicine has received a $400,000 grant to create continuing education programs for primary care providers on treating opioid use disorders. The program aims to address knowledge gaps and promote behavior change among healthcare professionals.
Researchers found teaching artistic observation to neurology residents contributed to their development as skilled clinicians and compassionate healers. The project improved observational skills, communication, and empathy among the residents.
A first-of-its-kind study found that LGBTQ+ physicians and residents have higher levels of burnout and lower professional fulfillment compared to their non-LGBTQ+ peers. The study, published in JAMA Network Open, highlights the importance of retaining a diverse clinician workforce to improve patient care.
David Flynn, associate professor at Boston University School of Medicine, has been recognized by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) for his outstanding contributions to peer review. He is a senior research librarian and expert in medical education, systematic reviews, and bibliometrics.
A new study by Boston University researchers found that women veterans who participated in a peer support program experienced improved mental health outcomes, including reduced PTSD and depression. The program also boosted their sense of belonging and quality of life.
Researchers found that LGB veterans have a higher risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, even after adjusting for risk factors. Sexual minority males and females are more likely to smoke and develop alcohol use disorders, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
Researchers have discovered a new concussion sign called Spontaneous Headshake After a Kinematic Event (SHAAKE) that can identify up to 33% of undiagnosed concussions. Athletes report exhibiting SHAAKEs in association with concussions, and the study found that this motion is a reliable signal that a concussion may have occurred.
A new study from Boston University School of Medicine found that cannabis use among young adults in Georgia did not increase following recreational use legalization. However, they discovered an age of first use increased significantly and cannabis use was associated with other risk behaviors.
A study by Boston University School of Medicine found that cancer clinical trials in head and neck cancer are becoming less racially and ethnically diverse over time. The situation has worsened in the last 10 years, with only 7-12% of participants being Black or Hispanic compared to 58% in some local trials.
Researchers found altered synaptic architecture in neurons expressing mutant PrP before primary symptoms appear. Treatments targeting synapse health may help combat the diseases' symptoms.
Recent randomized trials confirm the benefit of endovascular therapy over medical management in reducing disability in selected patients. Patient selection criteria based on clinical and imaging criteria can be used to determine eligibility for endovascular therapy up to 24 hours after symptom onset.
Researchers have established a unique resource of induced pluripotent stem cells from centenarians and their offspring to better understand human longevity and aging. The largest library of iPSCs allows for studies on healthy aging, disease resistance, and the development of novel therapeutics for aging-related diseases.
Researchers discovered microRNA biomarkers that can diagnose mild cognitive impairment and predict dementia conversion, offering a novel blood test for early detection. The findings provide insights into molecular mechanisms driving the disease and may inform therapeutic targets.
Non-diabetic adults who use continuous glucose monitoring sensors spend significantly more time with elevated glucose levels than previously thought. The study found that normoglycemic participants experienced glucose levels above 140mg/dL for an average of three hours per day.
Researchers compared tumor characteristics and survival outcomes of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and adenocarcinoma (ADC) in bile duct cancer, revealing SCC tumors are larger and more advanced at diagnosis, leading to shorter survival times.
A new study found that hospital-admitted patients with sickle cell disease who received Lactated Ringer’s solution had shorter hospital lengths of stay, fewer readmissions, and less pain control medication compared to those who received normal saline. This shift in practice may improve patient outcomes and lower healthcare costs.
A study published in BMC Global and Public Health found that using an AI-powered conversational agent (ECA) improved knowledge about family planning methods, folic acid use, and healthy eating among young women in Lesotho. The ECA model was adapted to the local culture and used a professional nurse midwife persona to engage users.