Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have discovered that the APOE4 gene is unique to patients with Alzheimer's disease and causes specific defects in human brain cells. The study provides new insights into the underlying mechanisms of the gene, which may lead to new therapeutic strategies to combat the condition.
Researchers developed a new testable model to improve understanding and treatment of metabolic diseases. The model integrates various aspects of cell signaling, addressing how calorigenic nutrients activate cells.
Researchers developed AI models that can accurately diagnose dementia by considering multiple conditions and data sources. The models outperformed experts in a comparative study, offering hope for improved patient care.
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine provide comprehensive information on mass spectrometry-based studies of the brain's extracellular matrix in neurological disorders. The study highlights changes in ECM molecule expression associated with neurodegenerative diseases, providing new avenues for treatment and diagnosis.
A Boston University School of Medicine study finds that virtual reality technology enhances interprofessional training to address social determinants of health, making it a feasible learning model. The study shows improved patient engagement strategies, healthcare leadership capacity, and increased collaboration among disciplines.
ALS researchers identified distinct patterns of symptoms and related microscopic brain and spinal cord changes in a study. The ALS functional rating scale-revised was found to be associated with different patterns of muscle weakness symptoms, which correlated with more severe microscopic changes.
A new study reveals racial and ethnic disparities in stroke survival, with Black and Hispanic patients facing higher mortality rates for specific types of strokes. The research found that these disparities vary by stroke type and may be attributed to factors such as access to healthcare, high blood pressure, and structural racism.
A new study found that most currently and previously pregnant women with hypothyroidism received adequate counseling on thyroid hormone replacement therapy during pregnancy. However, approximately one-third of patients who had never been pregnant received counseling, indicating a gap in care.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have developed a novel AI algorithm, Graph Transformer (GTP), to classify lung cancer subtypes based on whole slide images. The framework outperforms current state-of-the-art methods and has implications beyond digital pathology for computer vision applications.
A new study found that most caregivers are unsure about giving their child opioids post-operatively due to concerns about addiction. The survey, which assessed demographic information and attitudes towards opioid use, revealed that caregivers who had taken opioids in the past were more likely to feel comfortable using them.
A new study from Boston University School of Medicine highlights disparities in leadership roles and academic rank among women and underrepresented groups. Women are less likely to be promoted to professor or in leadership positions, with educational roles being undervalued.
An international study found that nearly 13% of hospitalized COVID-19 patients developed serious neurologic manifestations, including encephalopathy, stroke, and seizures. Patients with these symptoms had poorer outcomes, including longer hospital stays, increased need for ICU interventions, and higher mortality rates.
A new study by Boston University School of Medicine explores how youths of color conceptualize health during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research uses Photovoice methodology to identify themes related to individual and community health, including inequitable access to resources and mistrust in healthcare. The findings emphasize the need...
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine found Universal Health Coverage (UHC) to be the dominant approach in low- and middle-income countries' health systems, which may not guarantee equal access to services. The study highlights the need for critical examination of UHC's history, definition, and who's involved in its pursuit.
Researchers found a dose-response relationship between football play level and CTE diagnosis, with high school players having the lowest risk. After adjusting for selection bias, college and professional football players were found to have significantly higher risks of CTE.
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.
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.
Researchers warn that telehealth's potential to reduce health inequities is threatened by digital redlining, digital fluency, and lack of health advocacy. To address these barriers, they propose a three-pronged approach to increase access and healthcare literacy.
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.
Researchers found that lower HDL cholesterol and high triglyceride levels measured in blood as early as age 35 are associated with a higher incidence of Alzheimer's disease several decades later. High blood glucose measured between ages 51-60 is also linked to risk of AD in the future.
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.
A new study found that knowledge about breast density and its risks is linked to women's race/ethnicity and health literacy. While most women correctly understand some facts, significant variations were observed across racial and ethnic groups and health literacy levels.
Researchers developed a digital pen tool to measure cognitive function, identifying novel markers of dementia. The study found associations between digital metrics and cognitive functions like processing speed and physical abilities.
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.
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...
Researchers discovered that obesity causes macrophages to become senescent, leading to fibrosis and accelerating cellular aging in fat. This finding suggests a potential new approach for treating obesity-related complications.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The study identifies NEURL4, a mitochondrial ADP-ribosyltransferase enzyme, which plays a critical role in maintaining mitochondrial DNA integrity. The research suggests potential new strategies for treating diseases with a mitochondrial component, such as cancer, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders.
Researchers discovered that the placenta reduces ACE-2 levels in women with COVID-19 in pregnancy, which may block SARS-CoV-2 transmission to the fetus. This finding could provide insights into preventing other SARS-CoV-2 infections.
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.
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.
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.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health investigators finds that COVID-19 vaccination in either partner does not impair fertility. In contrast, males who test positive for COVID within 60 days of a cycle have reduced fertility compared to uninfected men.
A new study found that the advance Child Tax Credit (CTC) payments reduced food insufficiency among US households with children by 26 percent. The program, which provided extra $250-$300 per month to eligible families, also lifted 3.5 million children out of poverty.
A new study found that federally qualified health centers administered 61.4% of vaccines to people of color, compared to 40% in the general US population. FQHCs played a critical role in increasing COVID-19 vaccination rates among marginalized communities.
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.
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...
The study provides a comprehensive model of the yeast nuclear pore complex, shedding light on its core scaffold and functional adaptations. This discovery may help understand how viruses infect cells and alter their physiology to cause disease.
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.
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.
A new study found that AI can help physicians interpret x-rays after an injury and suspected fracture. AI-assisted diagnosis reduced missed fractures by 29% and increased sensitivity by 16%, improving efficiency and accuracy.
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.
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.
The study aims to dismantle frameworks supporting racial biases in medicine and presents a blueprint for schools to identify problematic instances of racism. Key recommendations include challenging biological notions of race, embedding structural practices, and promoting institutional climate change.
A new study found that days of extreme heat were associated with a higher risk of emergency department visits among adults aged 18-64, compared to adults over 75. Younger adults and middle-aged individuals faced the highest risk, particularly those between 45-54 years old.
Exosomes from insulin-resistant adipocytes promote more aggressive breast cancer changes than those from non-diabetic cells. Identifying biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment could improve outcomes for obese patients with type 2 diabetes and breast cancer.
A study by Boston University School of Medicine found that easily accessible products and web-based how-to-videos led to disfigurement and unintended consequences. Cosmetic procedures, such as fillers, are generally safe when performed by licensed professionals.