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Boston University School of Medicine


Automated cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia delivered over the internet shown to be highly effective in Black women

A randomized trial found that an internet-delivered CBT-I program tailored for Black women resulted in significant improvements in insomnia symptoms and sustained gains at 6 months. Compared to a standard program, the culturally-tailored version improved engagement with treatment and led to better sleep outcomes.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateApr 20, 2022

Boston University CTE Center study of former Notre Dame football players finds college players more likely to have brain disorders

Former Notre Dame football players from 1964-80 teams found to have higher risk of brain disorders like CTE and ALS compared to general population. However, the study also reveals positive long-term health outcomes in former college players with lower mortality rates and fewer cases of lung cancer and heart disease.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeSurvey·DateApr 20, 2022

Researchers use skull CT scans to estimate assigned sex at birth

A new study proposes a 'population-inclusive' method for estimating assigned sex at birth from 3D volume-rendered computed tomography (CT) scans of skulls, without relying on ancestry or population affinity. This approach shows statistically similar results to existing methods and can be used in cases where population affinity is unknown.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalForensic Sciences·TypeImaging analysis·DateMar 28, 2022

New findings suggest that ‘one size does not fit all’ with regard to breast density education

A new study found that women have varying preferences for learning about their personal breast density, with higher rates among Non-Hispanic Black and Asian women. The study suggests that current breast density notifications may not meet the needs of all women, particularly those with lower literacy levels.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalPatient Education and Counseling·TypeSurvey·DateMar 21, 2022

BU researchers find “genetic baggage” accumulates in the genomes of aging mutant animals

A new study from Boston University School of Medicine reveals that transposons, repetitive DNA sequences, accumulate in the genomes of older animals with mutations, leading to genomic instability. The researchers successfully improved RNA interference pathways, which helped prevent transposon accumulation and increased lifespan.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalPLOS Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 3, 2022

Extreme heat linked to increase in mental health emergency care

A nationwide study found that days with higher-than-normal temperatures during the US summer season were associated with increased rates of emergency department visits for any mental health-related condition, particularly substance use and mood disorders. The impact of heat on mental health was similar across age groups and regions, hi...

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·TypeCase study·DateFeb 23, 2022

Construction workers at risk of unintentionally exposing families to multiple toxic metals

A new study reveals that construction workers are at high risk of tracking multiple toxic metals into their homes, including arsenic, chromium, and lead. The study found a range of factors, such as lack of work lockers and poor hygiene practices, can impact metal concentrations in home dust.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalEnvironmental Research·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 18, 2022

Bu study: Racism, discrimination likely key drivers of racial inequities in preterm birth rates among black parents

A new study found significant variation in preterm birth rates among Black parents by region, country of origin, and nativity. Despite adjusting for socioeconomic, health, and behavior factors, the researchers suggest that racism and discrimination may be key drivers of these inequities.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalMaternal and Child Health Journal·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 18, 2022

A possible cure for sickle cell?

A recent study suggests that gene therapy could be a possible cure for sickle cell disease, with the added benefit of preventing complications and extending lifespan. However, the high cost and limited accessibility of this treatment pose significant challenges for patients worldwide.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateFeb 16, 2022

BU researcher performs forensic anthropological analysis on Baroque-period marble sculpture

Researchers performed forensic anthropological analysis on a Baroque-period marble sculpture, revealing precise anatomical features that could be examined like real skulls. The study provides insights into the working methods of great artists of the past, including Gian Lorenzo Bernini.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalThe Seventeenth Century·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 16, 2022

BU study: infant deaths from RSV are much higher than previously known

A new BU study found that nearly one in ten infant deaths under 6 months old were caused by RSV, with two-thirds occurring outside of hospitals. The virus was primarily concentrated in infants under 3 months old, and preventative measures such as maternal vaccinations could effectively reduce mortality rates.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 27, 2022

BU researchers identify a new protein that enables SARS-CoV-2 access into cells

A team of researchers from Boston University School of Medicine has identified extracellular vimentin as an attachment factor facilitating SARS-CoV-2 entry into human endothelial cells. The study found that depletion of vimentin significantly reduces SARS-CoV-2 infection, while over-expression with ACE2 increases the infection rate.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 26, 2022

New study reports on how veterans’ health, well-being changes during the first three years after discharge

A study of 3,733 veterans found that most aspects of their health and broader well-being worsened over the first three years after leaving military service. Women veterans particularly faced declines in health and well-being, highlighting the need for targeted interventions and support services.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·TypeSurvey·DateJan 24, 2022

New study reinforces previous research that lottery-based incentives do not increase COVID-19 vaccination rates

A new study from Boston University School of Medicine found no association between state-based vaccine lotteries and increased COVID-19 vaccination rates. The research expands on previous findings, suggesting that other strategies targeting underlying reasons for vaccine hesitancy may be more effective.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 4, 2022

Autism screenings in early intervention services can increase diagnoses by 60 percent

A new study found that implementing a multi-stage screening protocol for autism spectrum disorder in early intervention services can lead to a significant increase in ASD detection, particularly among Spanish-speaking children. The increased rate of ASD detection was nearly twice as high for Spanish-speaking families as for non-Spanish...

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 4, 2022

Boston University School of Public Health professor joins nationwide reporting venture to reveal COVID’s hidden deaths

A Boston University School of Public Health professor is providing mortality data and modeling to identify underreported COVID-19 deaths in US counties. The true number of COVID deaths is likely much higher than recorded, with approximately 20% excess deaths occurring at home.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeNews article·DateDec 22, 2021

BU study suggests replacing the term ‘race’ with underlying factors that increase risk for heart attacks, strokes, in Blacks compared to whites

Researchers found that for 20% of risk factor combinations, Black-white differences in predicted risk can result in different treatment decisions. They also observed large differences in predicted risk, with Blacks being prescribed statins more often due to perceived higher risk.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Digital Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 21, 2021

Gains in HPV vaccination coverage after interventions sustainable for several years

A new study found that multi-level interventions promoting staff training and early HPV vaccination starting at age 11 can sustain on-time vaccinations over several years. These findings suggest that targeted public health investments can improve vaccination rates, saving lives from HPV-related cancers.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Lower Genital Tract Disease·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 20, 2021

New lung cancer screening guidelines increases the eligibility for African American women by 50 percent

The updated guidelines lower the age eligibility from 55 to 50 years and reduce pack-years of smoking from 30 to 20. This shift increases the proportion of Black women eligible for screening, from 22.7 percent under previous guidelines to 33.9 percent, with some former smokers now also eligible.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Oncology·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateNov 29, 2021

Children with CMV infection by age 1 more likely to develop tuberculosis in childhood

Infants who contract cytomegalovirus (CMV) before age 12 months are at a significantly higher risk of developing TB later in their childhood. The study found that babies infected with CMV were more than three times more likely to develop TB after age 1 than children who had not become infected with CMV.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·TypeObservational study·DateNov 17, 2021

During COVID, majority of newly unemployed adults in NC did not receive Medicaid

A study by Boston University School of Medicine found that only 15% of North Carolina residents who became unemployed gained Medicaid coverage, with higher rates in socially vulnerable counties. The state's high uninsurance rate overall underscores the need for Medicaid expansion to ensure access to healthcare.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalHealth Affairs·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 18, 2021

Depression rates tripled and symptoms intensified during first year of COVID-19

A new study found that depression rates among US adults tripled during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, with those experiencing multiple stressors and lower incomes being disproportionately affected. The study used data from over 5,000 respondents to track changes in depression prevalence before and during the pandemic.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Americas·TypeObservational study·DateOct 4, 2021

Clinicians say there is limited clinical guidance for how to help people lose weight after pregnancy

A new study reveals that few recommendations exist for postpartum weight loss, with a focus on diet and exercise. Researchers emphasize the importance of supporting individuals with excessive weight gain or retention during pregnancy and the postpartum period to prevent obesity-related chronic diseases.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 14, 2021