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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
Research finds that individuals with newly diagnosed osteoarthritis and contraindications to NSAIDs continue to be prescribed these drugs. They also report higher opioid use and slightly lower physical therapy use, contradicting treatment guidelines for OA.
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.
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.
A study of 481 deceased athletes found that most developed parkinsonism due to CTE pathology, not classic Parkinson's disease. Researchers identified a link between contact sport participation and severe brain cell death in the brainstem.
A new BU study found that prolonged nerve injury reduces MEF2C expression in the nucleus accumbens, a brain region regulating emotion and pain processing. This led to alleviating pain-like and anxiety-like behaviors while correcting neuronal dysfunction.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers propose that amyloid deposits modulate calcific aortic valve disease and accelerate degenerative calcification. The study suggests blocking amyloid formation may be a novel therapeutic target for CAVD and other diseases involving degenerative calcification.
A new study from Boston University finds that increased Black incarceration rates contribute to rising firearm violence in Black communities. The research highlights the impact of mass incarceration on social disorganization and single-parent households, exacerbating violence in already vulnerable populations.
A Boston University study suggests that in-hospital mortality for patients with sepsis may not accurately reflect true short-term mortality rates, potentially harming safety-net hospitals. The researchers found no difference in 30-day mortality between safety-net and non-safety-net hospitals, contrary to previous reports.
Boston University researchers have identified 10 drug compounds that can reduce PrP Sc levels in infected cells and prevent toxicity, five of which are already used in humans. The study has significant public health implications for prion disease treatment, particularly considering the absence of effective treatments.
Researchers found a significant increase in time dedicated to LGBTQI+ health content in medical school, but gaps persist in curriculum and faculty training. The median time dedicated to these topics increased from 6 hours in 2011 to 11 hours in 2022.
Researchers found that undernourished household contacts were three times more likely to progress to TB disease than well-nourished individuals. The study suggests that undernutrition fails to contain the infection when it occurs, leading to increased risk of severe illness and death.
Researchers describe a new technique for minimally invasive removal of benign pancreatic tumors, preserving organ functionality and reducing complications. The retro-laparoscopic approach allows safe and effective tumor removal without removing healthy pancreatic tissue.
Researchers at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine introduce a quality improvement initiative to enhance screening for ADHD in pediatric primary care. The ADHD Detection Quality Improvement (ADQI) program shows improved recognition of positive Attention Subscale scores and follow-up evaluation for ADHD.
Researchers have identified two sex-specific blood biomarkers linked to faster memory decline in middle age, specifically higher HbA1c and plasma insulin levels in women. The findings provide valuable insights into the etiology of dementia and may aid in the development of prevention and treatment strategies.
A new study compares fracture patterns in fatal and survived intimate partner violence cases, finding that fractures were more frequent in the upper face and cranial vault regions. The study also identified that most fractures were comminuted or linear, with a significant variability in skeletal trauma associated with IPV.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine created a new scale for hyperpigmentation, the Post-inflammatory Dyspigmentation Area and Severity Index (PIDASI), which performs well in patients with varying skin tones.
A new study from Boston University found that older men's ability to cope with stressors is crucial for their longevity. The researchers analyzed data from 743 men and discovered that the overall effort put into coping was more important than specific strategies or perceived stress levels. This finding suggests that older adults who st...
Researchers support increased genomic sequencing of dengue for better understanding of genetic diversity, transmission dynamics, and virulence. This could lead to the development of vaccines that don't require pre-screening for serotypes, enabling more efficient vaccination campaigns against this global disease.
Researchers at Boston University have identified a signaling molecule, CKLF, that increases tumor aggression and suppresses anti-tumor immune responses in high-risk neuroblastoma. The study suggests disrupting CKLF represents a promising approach to battle certain tumors.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have identified a gene, DEK, involved in the degeneration of neurons vulnerable to Alzheimer's disease. By manipulating the levels of this gene, they found that it leads to the accumulation of tau and degeneration of these cells.
A new study found that many professional medical societies are taking steps to eliminate the use of harmful race-based algorithms that misuse race as a proxy for biology. This shift aims to address racial health inequities by implementing anti-racist algorithms and reparative approaches.
New research by Boston University School of Medicine found that while few clinicians have adopted the 2020 ACS cervical cancer screening guidelines, most are open to change if supported by scientific evidence and recommended by professional organizations. The study identified logistical issues and concerns about missed detection as bar...
A new study by Boston University researchers found robotic-assisted surgery for gallbladder cancer to be as effective as traditional open and laparoscopic methods, offering added benefits in precision and quicker post-operative recovery. The study's findings suggest robotic surgery may pave the way for wider adoption and improve patien...
A new study from Boston University School of Medicine found that surgery significantly reduces the risk of death and major adverse cardiovascular events in hyperthyroid patients. Compared to medication, surgery resulted in a 47% lower risk of death and a 24% lower risk of major cardiovascular events.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have found that calcium crystal deposits in the knee can contribute to worsening of joint damage. The study, using computerized x-ray imaging, detected a higher amount of deposits than previously found by plain radiographs, and found an increased risk of cartilage damage.
Researchers found one in six individuals with high-stage CTE had low tau pathology in the neocortex, but higher concentrations in the medial temporal lobe and brainstem. This form, called cortical-sparing CTE, may be a distinct subtype with different underlying biology and clinical implications.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine describe a new technological platform that enhances the accuracy and efficiency of drug discovery related to GPCRs. The biosensors can detect the activity of GPCRs in their native cellular context and in real time, allowing for unprecedented fidelity and relative ease.
A new article suggests incorporating open-response questions with partial credit grading into medical school curriculum to improve critical thinking and problem-solving skills. This approach is inspired by engineering education, which emphasizes repeated exposure to problems with increasingly complex solutions.
Researchers found that attempted suicide risk increases as individuals move up the economic ladder in prosperous neighborhoods, highlighting the need for universal suicide screening and prevention strategies. The study's findings call for more research on risk and protective factors at community and societal levels.
Researchers at the BU CTE Center found a clear dose-response relationship between CTE pathology and cognitive and functional symptoms, including memory and executive function issues. This study provides valuable insights into diagnosing CTE in living patients, potentially leading to new treatments.
In a new study, researchers have identified a specific epigenetic pathway involved in the development of therapy resistance in melanoma. The study found that targeting this pathway with a small molecule inhibitor called corin can successfully resensitize therapy-resistant cancers to targeted therapies.
A new study from Boston University School of Medicine found that early whole blood transfusions improve survival in severely bleeding trauma patients. The researchers analyzed 1,394 patients and found that the earlier the patient received whole blood transfusion, the greater the chance of survival.
A new study from Boston University School of Medicine found that Black women who reported experiencing racism in employment, housing, and interactions with the police had a significantly higher risk of developing coronary heart disease. The researchers evaluated data from 48,000 individuals enrolled in the Black Women’s Health Study ov...
Researchers developed a disease model using induced pluripotent stem cells from children with ABCA3 mutations, revealing key differences between diseased and healthy cells. The study opens doors for therapeutic discovery and highlights the utility of pluripotent stem cells for disease modeling.
A review paper highlights N-AIDS as a key determinant and comorbidity of TB, emphasizing the need for action on malnutrition to detect, prevent, and eliminate TB. The study found that nutritional interventions can significantly reduce TB incidence among household contacts.
A new article in Radiology discusses AI applications for musculoskeletal radiology, highlighting its potential to improve complex tasks like disease prognostication and prediction of clinical outcomes. However, challenges such as data quality and multi-institutional collaboration need to be overcome for successful implementation.
Researchers found that ChatGPT generated only 32% of acceptable questions with correct answers and explanations. The AI model struggled to provide explanations for incorrect answers, raising concerns about its effectiveness in medical education. Despite limitations, the study suggests that ChatGPT may still be useful for creating pract...
A systematic analysis by researchers at Boston University School of Medicine finds that funding for key TB risk factors, such as undernutrition and alcohol use, is significantly lacking. The study highlights the need for increased NIH funding to address these comorbidities and realize global TB elimination goals.
A new program, Educational Fellows, trains medical students in teaching skills through near-peer interprofessional learning with PA students. The curriculum enhances patient education and communication, leading to improved patient outcomes.
The study reveals that apoE-amyloid interactions depend on the exact amyloid structure, termed polymorph. The researchers used four different structures of Aβ fibrils from brains of patients with Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases to build models of apoE in complexes with different fibrils.