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Boston University School of Medicine


Guidelines needed for interpreting continuous glucose monitoring reports in those without diabetes

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.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Diabetes Science and Technology·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 18, 2025

Study finds inconsistencies in hospital toxicology screening protocols following serious motor vehicle collisions

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.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalAcademic Emergency Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 27, 2025

Atrial Fibrillation: A Review

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.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 16, 2024

U.S. medical students, residents receive limited training on treating current and formerly incarcerated

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.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 10, 2024

New study a first step in understanding current practice patterns of treatment for sarcoidosis

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.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalCHEST Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 10, 2024

Study helps solve mystery between repeated head impacts in sports and location of brain degeneration in CTE

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.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalActa Neuropathologica·TypeImaging analysis·DateDec 9, 2024

Revisiting vitamin D guidelines

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.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalEndocrine Practice·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 2, 2024

First ever study finds sexual and gender minority physicians and residents have higher levels of burnout, lower professional fulfillment

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.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 13, 2024

New concussion sign identified by Mass General Brigham & Concussion Legacy Foundation scientists could identify up to 33% of undiagnosed concussions

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.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalDiagnostics·TypeSurvey·DateOct 23, 2024

Despite national efforts, cancer clinical trials are becoming less diverse, study finds

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.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalHead & Neck·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 15, 2024

BU and BMC researchers establish stem cell repository focused on centenarians

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.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalAging Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 25, 2024

New Alzheimer’s studies reveal disease biology, risk for progression, and the potential for a novel blood test

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.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalAlzheimer’s & Dementia·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 18, 2024

Researchers present ranges of normal glucose levels among non-diabetic adults wearing continuous glucose monitors

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.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 17, 2024

Sickle cell patients who receive lactated ringer’s solution for painful episodes experienced significant improvements compared to those who received normal saline

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.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 9, 2024

Study finds using an AI technology improves sexual and reproductive health education

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.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalBMC Global and Public Health·TypeObservational study·DateSep 5, 2024

“Artificial intelligence will play an increasing role in scientific publications”

Artificial intelligence (AI) is set to revolutionize scientific publication by assisting editors in selecting impactful papers and reviewing manuscripts. AI will help increase the influence of journals by providing an initial 'score' for articles, making triaging faster and more objective.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalEuropean Journal of Emergency Medicine·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 3, 2024

BU researcher receives grant to test whether neurofeedback technique may improve memory in patients with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease

A Boston University researcher is testing whether neurofeedback can improve memory consolidation in patients with early-stage Alzheimer's disease. The study aims to amplify theta oscillatory brain activity during waking rest to boost memory in both healthy older adults and those with the condition.

Black mental health professionals more susceptible to burnout, race-based traumatic stress

A new study reveals that Black mental health professionals experience high rates of burnout and racial trauma, with higher levels of social support and resilient coping predicting lower levels of these negative impacts. The researchers suggest recruiting more Black persons into the mental health professions as a way to build trust with...

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalPsychological Trauma Theory Research Practice and Policy·TypeSurvey·DateAug 12, 2024

Study finds sclerotherapy can be successfully used by patients of all skin types, ethnic backgrounds

A new study from Boston University finds that sclerotherapy is safe and effective in patients with skin of color, but may cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation at a higher rate. The treatment is safe for all skin types when conducted by trained professionals.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Dermatology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 8, 2024

New study reveals alarming increase in suicide rates among young Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) population

A recent study has found a notable increase in suicidal deaths among Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) young adults over the past two decades. The study reveals that male AAPI youth experienced a sharp rise in suicidal rates starting in 2008, with a significant peak in 2019.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalAsian Journal of Psychiatry·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 31, 2024

BU study: Patients with AD have higher frequency of mental health symptoms which can precede memory problems

A new study from Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine found a link between AD pathology and emotional behavioral symptoms. Individuals with AD who decline in memory abilities also experience worsened mental health, which may be due to underlying brain changes.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Alzheimer’s Disease·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, July 16, 2024 Contact: Gina DiGravio, 617-358-7838, ginad@bu.edu New Study Validates Diagnostic Tool for Identifying Amyloid Beta Plaques, Key Hallmark of Alzheimer’s Disease Results could impact the clinical care of patients wi

Researchers at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine have found that electroencephalograms (ERPs) can be used to diagnose Amyotid Beta Plaques in patients with Alzheimer's disease. ERPs may provide a low-cost and non-invasive method for detecting AD pathology in-vivo.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Alzheimer’s Disease·TypeImaging analysis·DateJul 16, 2024

Diagnosing different forms of dementia now possible using artificial intelligence, study finds

Researchers developed an AI framework to diagnose different forms of dementia using clinical data. The tool achieved a high area under the receiver operating characteristic curve and boosted neurologist accuracy by over 26%. This innovation has the potential to support increased demand in targeted therapeutic interventions for dementia.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 8, 2024

Study finds health care providers would recommend human papillomavirus self-collection

A study conducted by Boston University School of Medicine reveals that more than half of healthcare providers would recommend human papillomavirus (HPV) self-collection to their patients if FDA-approved. This technology could help reduce barriers to access and personal medical conditions related to cervical cancer screening.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalWomen s Health Issues·TypeSurvey·DateJul 2, 2024

Review of pathogenesis, research and treatment of amyloidosis published in New England Journal of Medicine

Researchers have made substantial progress in understanding AL amyloidosis, a rare disease that causes progressive organ dysfunction and death, by identifying key determinants of survival such as cardiac involvement and developing new therapies targeting clonal plasma cells and antifibril monoclonal antibodies.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 26, 2024

New report on community-centered approach to providing vaccine education and resources to persons experiencing homelessness during COVID-19

A community-support model provided health resources and education to unhoused people in Boston, addressing gaps in healthcare access. The initiative showed the value of community-centered approaches in driving sustainable public health efforts.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·TypeContent analysis·DateJun 20, 2024

New study helps explain how elderly individuals react differently to COVID-19 than young people

A new study by Boston University researchers found that the immune response of lung endothelial cells is too low in older individuals during early stages of COVID-19 infection, leading to increased severity. The study suggests targeting these immune pathways may have prognostic and therapeutic benefits.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 10, 2024