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.
A fraction of patients with high dihydrolipoamide S-Succinyltransferase (DLST) expression in their tumor cells may benefit from CPI-613, a drug targeting the TCA cycle. DLST plays a crucial role in TNBC pathogenesis, and its expression could serve as a biomarker for targeted therapy.
Alice K. Jacobs, a professor of medicine at Boston University School of Medicine, received the James B. Herrick Award for Outstanding Achievement in Clinical Cardiology from the American Heart Association. Her work on Mission: Lifeline has saved thousands of lives by increasing timely access to primary percutaneous coronary intervention.
A new study suggests that low blood pressure is a significant risk factor for death after a stroke, particularly in patients with comorbid conditions such as cancer and dementia. The research found that nearly 10% of stroke patients with low to normal blood pressures are at high risk of mortality.
Researchers discovered an important mediator of thrombosis in CKD patients, the IDO enzymatic pathway, which can be targeted for therapeutic purposes. Current antithrombotic agents fail to target this pathway, predisposing patients to increased risk of bleeding.
A new study reveals that Black women with low vitamin D levels are at a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer. The research found that those with predicted vitamin D scores in the bottom 25% had a 40% increased risk compared to those in the top 25%.
Nurses who worked in operating rooms for 15 or more years are at increased risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Long-term exposure to surgical smoke and disinfectants can lead to a higher risk of COPD.
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.
A new study found that veterans with PTSD who are nearing the end of life experience increased trauma-related memories and PTSD symptoms. This has significant implications for their care and coping mechanisms, particularly in the context of dementia or delirium.
Researchers from Boston University developed a risk prediction model tailored to U.S. Black women, using epidemiologic data from three case-control studies and follow-up data from the Boston University Black Women’s Health Study. The model is simple to use and can be easily incorporated into primary care settings.
A new study by researchers at Boston University School of Medicine found that epithelial cells use MHC-II to direct immune cells in the lungs, playing a key role in pulmonary immunity. The findings have implications for understanding, preventing and treating multiple lung diseases.
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.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine found that long-term use of insulin-releasing drugs may worsen insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes patients. This could lead to increased insulin levels and hyperinsulinemia, a precursor to the disease.
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.
A new study reveals that COVID-19 deaths were underreported due to inadequate healthcare access and at-home deaths in rural areas. The research found that counties with reduced access to health insurance and primary care services had higher excess mortality rates not attributed to COVID-19.
A new study found that Medicaid expansion is associated with reductions in uninsurance and improvements in blood pressure and glucose control measurements. The benefits were highest among Black and Hispanic patients. Longer-term investments into quality care and care management are necessary to realize these health outcomes.
A new Boston University School of Medicine study explores the impact of direct-to-consumer (DTC) advertising on patients seeking cosmetic procedures. The research found that DTC ads often exaggerate benefits while minimizing risks, suggesting that patients may believe that trained medical professionals are not necessary for these proce...
Researchers identified sex-dependent changes in gene expression in the brainstem during neonatal opioid withdrawal, which could lead to new therapeutic targets for preventing or mitigating Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome symptoms. The study found that prenatal opioid exposure compromised neurodevelopmental 'wiring' of the brain and...
A new study found that subscription-based payment models increased HCV prescription fills by 534% in Louisiana and improved population health. The model incentivizes states to treat as many individuals who benefit from HCV treatment, aligning with the WHO's goal to eradicate the virus by 2030.
A new study created a model to show how dysfunction of air sac cells initiates fibrotic cascade in lung diseases like IPF and chILD. The study used patient-specific cells with altered genes to test novel therapeutics, offering hope for developing effective treatments without risky biopsies.
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine studied 2,000 participants and found dedicated exercise was three times more efficient than walking alone in improving fitness. Higher steps/day and exercising time could partially offset the negative effects of being sedentary.
Scientists have found that misfolded tau protein accumulates RNA tags called N6-Methyladenosine (m6A) in nerve cells, leading to neurodegeneration. Inhibiting this RNA-tagging pathway shows promise as a potential approach to treat Alzheimer's disease.
A new study examines the use of terminology in forensic anthropology, finding that research often fails to critically address racial and social constructs. The study suggests that using alternative terms like 'ancestry' can help reduce the perpetuation of white supremacy and biomedical claims based on biological differences.
A new study found that individuals infected with COVID-19 are most contagious two days before and three days after developing symptoms. Asymptomatic primary cases were also more likely to transmit the virus to close contacts, but only if they were exposed shortly before or after symptom onset.
A new study from Boston University School of Medicine has found that a portable sleep testing device can accurately diagnose sleep apnea in stroke patients. The researchers screened over 80% of their patients for mild or severe sleep apnea and found that it was common among non-white racial and ethnic populations.
Boston University has received a $50,000 Prize for Enhancing Faculty Gender Diversity from the National Institutes of Health. The institution's three-pronged approach to supporting women STEMM faculty members has substantively improved gender equity, including increased rates of promotion and diversified leadership.
Researchers developed machine learning methods to accurately identify and characterize metabolism-disrupting chemicals, also known as obesogens. A high-throughput chemical screening approach combined with a machine learning approach was used to profile over 60 chemicals with known effects and predict their metabolism-disrupting potential.
A recent study by Boston University's Slone Epidemiology Center found that Black American women with vitamin D insufficiency had a 69% greater risk of COVID-19 infection. The association was strongest among women with obesity, highlighting the importance of adequate vitamin D levels in reducing COVID-19 risk.
A new study found that patients with employer-sponsored insurance were billed up to $219 million in total for preventive services that should be free. The study revealed that OOP charges varied widely depending on the type of service and geographic location, with rural areas more likely to be billed.
Researchers have discovered a new set of signals that control the production of goblet cells in the lung, which are often increased in lung diseases. The study found that altering these signals can increase or decrease goblet cell production, offering potential therapeutic avenues for treating conditions like asthma and COPD.
Researchers have developed an anti-sperm monoclonal antibody that shows potent sperm agglutination and immobilization activity, making it a safe and effective method of birth control. The Human Contraception Antibody (HCA) is being tested in a Phase I Clinical Trial and could address current gaps in the contraception field.
Vasan Ramachandran, a renowned cardiovascular epidemiologist, has been awarded the Louis and Artur Lucian Award for his groundbreaking work on hypertension. His research has significantly impacted clinical practice and cardiovascular health by shedding light on high blood pressure progression and screening guidelines.
A new study introduces K2Taxonomer, a software tool that analyzes high-throughput data to identify novel cell types within tumors and their microenvironments. The analysis of breast tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes revealed a transcriptional signature associated with better survival rates in cancer patients.
Research reveals that elevated DLST expression predicts poor patient outcomes and disease aggression in human neuroblastoma. Conversely, reducing DLST levels impairs tumor initiation and suppresses aggression.
Researchers used digital pens to capture participants' performance during cognitive tests, identifying patterns that correlate with physical function. They found groups of participants who had similar patterns of writing and thinking times, which were linked to poorer physical function or memory/executive function scores.
A study by Boston University School of Medicine researchers found that Ohio's Vax-a-Million lottery-based incentive system did not increase COVID-19 vaccinations. The study suggests that state-based lotteries are of limited value in increasing vaccine uptake, and recommends targeting underlying reasons for vaccine hesitancy instead.
The NIH-funded program provides comprehensive training in lung biology and pulmonary sciences, with a focus on integrating basic science with clinical applications. Researchers will benefit from mentorship in grant writing, science communication, and career development.
Boston University School of Medicine has received a grant of $2.7M from the American Heart Association to study disparities in cardio-oncology and their impact on cardiovascular disease among diverse populations. The research aims to better understand the causes, consequences, treatment, and prevention of CVD among cancer patients.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine discovered that charged biopolymers like heparan sulfate and heparin accelerate amyloid aggregation in various organs. This understanding will guide targeted drug design for deadly diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and type-2 diabetes.
A new genetic cause, unrelated to OI, has been identified as causing infantile fractures in a child with EDS hypermobility type. The discovery may help prevent misdiagnosis of non-accidental trauma and improve treatment options for children with this condition.
A new study suggests that asymptomatic individuals play a significant role in the transmission of pertussis, with up to 70% of infected mothers displaying no symptoms. The findings challenge traditional approaches to diagnosing and treating patients, highlighting the need for a more nuanced interpretation of qPCR test results.
A new study explores how Haitian women's beliefs and values influence their decision making about pregnancy and birth after a C-section. Key findings highlight the importance of family, friends, and providers, as well as cultural background and fear of pain, in shaping birth plans.
A new study supports prioritizing resources to those who are most likely to survive an acute illness, as several chronic medical conditions had less impact on longer-term survival than previously suspected. The research found variability among chronic conditions, with some illnesses being better predictors of death than others.
Researchers identified microglia as key cell type responsible for brain changes in OUD, revealing a critical role for neuroinflammation in driving pathological alterations. The study also uncovered new mechanisms by which opioids alter brain structure and function, leading to behavioral changes.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have created a curriculum assessment tool to evaluate the inclusion of LGBTQI topics in medical education. The tool, SGM-CAT, helps identify areas where SGM content is underrepresented in curricula.
A new study found that alcoholic men and women respond differently to their disease, with distinct levels of brain activity and abnormalities. The researchers suggest that clinicians should approach different prevention and treatment strategies for men and women.
Researchers discovered that antibody-secreting cells are formed in lung tissue after a respiratory infection, producing antibodies that fight microbes. These localized antibodies may play a key role in determining who becomes severely ill or experiences mild symptoms when infected.
A new study using data from the Black Women's Health Study found no association between moderate or heavy use of hair relaxers and breast cancer risk in black women. However, heavy users of lye-containing products were found to have a 30% increased risk of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer.
A novel AI tool predicts the grade of interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy in kidney biopsies, a known structural correlate of progressive and chronic kidney disease. This technology has the potential to increase efficiency in clinical practices.
A study by Boston University School of Medicine researchers has identified significant alterations in white matter, including loss of oligodendrocytes and changes to oligodendroglial subtypes, in CTE brains. These findings may lead to new treatments for the progressive brain disease associated with repetitive head trauma.