A study from Boston University School of Medicine identifies pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) as a critical player in heavy alcohol consumption. PACAP's action in the brain's bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) region is found to be linked to increased stress responses and excessive drinking behavior.
A new study found that frequency and content of clinician-patient breast density discussions varied by women's race, ethnicity, and literacy levels. Women from different racial and ethnic groups reported varying experiences in discussing their breast density with clinicians.
A new study from Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine found that hospital discharge patterns changed after long-term acute care hospital closures, with patients receiving prolonged mechanical ventilation discharged to skilled nursing facilities more often. Overall spending on mechanically ventilated patients decre...
Researchers from Boston University have developed a novel tool called DecontPro to identify and remove unwanted background noise in single-cell sequencing data. This approach enables more accurate analysis of cells and their molecular characteristics, offering new insights into diseases and conditions.
A new study found that Black women who reported experiencing racism in employment, housing, and interactions with police had a 38% increased risk of stroke. Racism may act as a psychosocial stressor, elevating systemic inflammation and impairing endothelial function, contributing to racial disparities in stroke incidence.
Researchers at Boston University developed a new bedside cardiac assessment curriculum to improve patient-centered communication and medical training. The curriculum, called 'Listen Before You Auscultate,' uses an active-learning approach to teach students the skills needed for effective bedside care.
Researchers from Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine summarize current evidence on hyperthyroidism management, focusing on Graves' disease and toxic nodular disease. The review highlights the importance of recognizing clinical signs and treating underlying causes to minimize health impacts.
A new study found that public health interventions, including testing, tracing, and quarantine, effectively controlled SARS-CoV-2 transmission within Boston University. The researchers identified only two major outbreaks during the spring 2021 semester, highlighting the effectiveness of systematic intervention strategies in limiting re...
Researchers propose a new approach to testing treatments for osteoarthritis by focusing on individuals who sustain knee trauma, such as ACL tears. This approach identifies a high-risk group of patients with early disease, allowing for targeted treatment and prevention strategies.
A large study of hair relaxer use among Black women found a significant association between frequent or long-term use and an increased risk of uterine cancer. Postmenopausal women who used chemical hair relaxers more than twice a year or for over five years had a greater than 50% increased risk.
A new study by Boston University researchers found that Black women aged 18-65 have a 20% higher risk of suicide compared to white women in the lowest income bracket. The study analyzed data from the National Inpatient Sample database and identified factors associated with self-inflicted injuries among female hospital patients.
Researchers discovered that in obesity, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) does not function normally, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. However, after bariatric surgery, LDL quality improves and correlates with weight loss, suggesting a lower risk of CVD.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have improved methods for identifying glycopeptides, which are proteins with attached carbohydrates. Conventional mass spectrometry methods are sufficient for peptides with one glycan, but an additional step is necessary for those with two or more glycans.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have identified abnormal interactions between platelets and immune cells that promote lung fibrosis. Blocking histones using antibodies alleviated the disease, providing novel mechanistic insights into its development.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have discovered a novel protective gene, TMIGD1, that may unravel the mechanism of how kidney damage continues to happen once triggered. The study found that when toxins inactivated the TMIGD1 gene, models were more susceptible to kidney injury.
The medical community should build systems responsive to the LGBTQI+ population, providing safe spaces for refugees and asylum-seekers. Clinicians need to know how to probe and document experiences of childhood trauma and abuse to provide effective support.
A new study published in JAMA Neurology found that over 40% of young contact and collision sport athletes have CTE, a degenerative brain disease caused by repetitive head impacts. The study also highlighted the importance of assessing symptoms and clinical presentation of CTE in living athletes.
Researchers from the Center for Regenerative Medicine at Boston University School of Medicine have discovered a novel approach for engrafting engineered cells into injured lung tissue. They successfully reconstituted the stem cell compartment of injured airways and alveoli using cells engineered from pluripotent stem cells, resulting i...
A new commentary suggests that vitamin D supplementation can improve survival outcomes for patients with digestive tract cancers, particularly those with a high-risk genetic makeup. The study found that patients with antibodies to control the production of mutated p53 protein saw improved survival rates when taking daily vitamin D3 sup...
A new study by Boston University researchers found that Serum Amyloid A (SAA) acts as a universal protein detergent to clear cell membrane debris from wounds and inflammation sites. However, high levels of SAA can also promote fibrous deposits in vital organs like the kidney and liver, leading to life-threatening disease AA amyloidosis.
Researchers found a significant link between playing tackle football and the risk of parkinsonism or PD diagnosis, even after accounting for known risk factors. Players who played at higher levels of competition experienced increased odds for having a reported diagnosis of PD.
Researchers from Boston University propose a data-driven approach to stratify individuals with mild cognitive impairment based on their risk of progressing to Alzheimer's disease. The study uses deep learning and survival analysis to identify key brain regions relevant to AD, enabling early interventions for those at high risk.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine successfully treated four patients with resistant TB using a six-month regimen of bedaquiline, pretomanid and linezolid. This novel approach achieves superior outcomes with less side effects in a shorter period, improving health equity for MDR TB patients.
A recent commentary emphasizes the importance of including sexual and gender minority (SGM) populations in medical research to ensure their health and well-being. Researchers have found that SGM adults experience higher prevalence of anxiety, depression, and HIV diagnosis compared to non-SGM adults.
A new hypothesis suggests that obesity is linked to the consumption of ultra-processed foods and exposure to environmental toxins. Researchers believe that these toxins can generate misinformation in the body, leading to weight gain and obesity.
Researchers from Boston University found that tianeptine provides rapid and lasting pain relief with a low risk of addiction, offering a safer alternative to current treatments. The study contributes to a larger set of data supporting the use of tianeptine for chronic pain conditions.
A new study found that more than one-third of New England colleges and universities do not offer PrEP, a medication that reduces HIV incidence by over 90%. The lack of access hinders HIV prevention efforts among young gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, who account for 80% of new HIV infections among youth ages 13–24.
A new study by Boston University researchers found that the volume of liver resected during gallbladder cancer surgery does not significantly affect overall survival rate when all cancer is removed. In contrast, larger liver resections were associated with more complications and longer hospital stays.
A recent study found that lifestyle interventions have limited impact on postpartum blood pressures, with most studies showing improvements in other outcomes like weight loss. Black women are underrepresented in these studies, despite being disproportionately affected by high blood pressure during and after pregnancy.
A new study found that Black women with a history of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDOP) have an estimated 66% increased long-term risk of stroke. Researchers analyzed data from 59,000 Black women and found the association was present across different age groups and body mass indices.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine found activation of mTORC1 by b-catenin/CBP to drive partial epithelial-mesenchymal transition in head and neck cancer. This process, also known as p-EMT, is an early predictor of nodal metastasis and may be targeted therapeutically.
Researchers from Boston University compiled a list of federal and state wiretap laws to educate people about the implications of audio recording. The study highlights the need for awareness among clinicians and the general public, as violations can result in significant punishments.
Lung mesenchymal cells have been identified in a new experimental model, enabling the study of pulmonary diseases such as fibrosis and interstitial lung disease. The researchers used an iPSC line carrying a lung mesenchyme-specific fluorescent reporter to test growth factors and small molecules, finding that stimulating retinoic acid a...
A Boston University study found that healthcare workers experienced high levels of burnout, with 80% citing lack of workplace support as a major contributor. The pandemic's impact on their mental health and family members was also significant.
A new study at Boston University School of Medicine found that specific subpopulations of hypothalamic neurons play a major role in regulating thyroid hormone levels. The researchers also discovered that these neurons respond to fasting and weight loss, shedding light on the central control of metabolism.
Researchers from Boston University identified several new genetic risk factors for Alzheimer's disease in a study of approximately 3,500 individuals of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry. The study found strong associations with previously known variants and novel genes, including RAB3, SMAP2, and ZNF890P.
A new training program for primary care pediatricians significantly reduces wait times for autism screening, making it more accessible to children. The developmentally trained clinicians assess patients in a streamlined referral process, resulting in a decrease in average days to initial developmental assessment.
Researchers have identified a previously unknown protein called MINAR2, which plays a crucial role in the development of obesity and diabetes. The discovery opens up new possibilities for the development of effective therapies targeting obesity and related metabolic disorders.
A recent study has identified a brain marker that indicates an individual's likelihood of attempting suicide in the future. Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine found that changes in brain connectivity between cognitive control and self-referential thought processing networks were present in individuals with a history of...
Joseph P. Mizgerd receives ATS Recognition Award for his work on lung immunology and respiratory infection, focusing on mechanisms of immune resistance and tissue resilience. He is also a dedicated mentor to lung scientists through the NHLBI-funded T32 training program.
A new study found that SARS-CoV-2 infection can cause lasting damage to spinal nerves, leading to persistent sensory-related symptoms. The researchers discovered thousands of genes were affected by the virus even after it was cleared, suggesting a unique pathway for pain induction.
Researchers have identified a standard for gallbladder cancer surgery, highlighting its impact on short- and long-term postoperative outcomes. The benchmark group showed significantly better overall survival rates compared to non-benchmark groups.
A multicenter study found diabetes to be associated with post-reconstruction limb loss and racial disparities in wound infection rates. The study also revealed that vascular interventions prior to reconstruction correlated with higher complication rates, as did free flap types, which led to longer hospital stays.
A recent study found that telephone-based health coaching intervention was ineffective in reducing postpartum weight gain among low-income, Latina individuals. Despite this, the intervention was well-received and potentially beneficial for those who spoke English or perceived a high diabetes risk.
Researchers have identified low CD4 counts, high viral loads and inconsistent antiretroviral therapy use as possible risk factors for aneurysm formation and growth in adults living with HIV. A history of more severe illness may also be associated with a higher risk of brain aneurysm growth.
A new study by Boston University School of Medicine found that non-Hispanic Black, Asian, and Hispanic women, as well as those with low literacy, experience increased anxiety and confusion when receiving breast density information. These groups are also less likely to feel informed about their breast cancer risk.
A recent study from Boston University School of Medicine found no significant differences in mortality among patients treated with propylthiouracil (PTU) or methimazole (MMI) for thyroid storm. The researchers compared the two drugs using a national database of hospitalization data and found no significant differences between the groups.
Researchers found centenarians have distinct immune cell type composition and activity, enabling them to recover from disease and live exceptionally long. These findings provide a foundation for investigating mechanisms of immune resilience contributing to extreme longevity.
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine have found that ETEC pili are fine-tuned for their preferred microenvironment, allowing the bacteria to cause disease. By understanding how pili work, scientists may develop new therapeutics that target only disease-causing bacteria, leaving beneficial microbes intact.
A large multicenter study finds that combining hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone reduces death rates and hospice discharge among patients with septic shock. The regimen outperformed hydrocortisone alone, with a four percent lower mortality rate.