A new study found that consuming a Mediterranean-type diet rich in plants and olive oil significantly reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease among American women. The diet's benefits were attributed to changes in inflammation, glucose metabolism, and insulin resistance.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have developed a blood test that detects different populations of tau fragments, which are specifically elevated in Alzheimer's disease. The test has shown promise in initial studies with high diagnostic sensitivity and specificity, but further validation is needed to confirm its effectiveness.
Researchers have identified a potential therapeutic target for Parkinson's disease by studying fatty acid metabolism. Inhibiting an enzyme involved in generating oleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid, may offer protection against neurotoxicity.
A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that opioid prescriptions for children and adolescents have been steadily decreasing since 2012. The analysis of data between 2004 and 2017 showed a significant decline in outpatient opioid prescription rates, with a notable decrease in hydrocodone bitartrate prescriptions.
Researchers identified a gene mutation in SGLT1 that helps protect against spikes in glucose levels, resulting in lower incidence of obesity, diabetes, death, and heart failure. The study's findings suggest potential therapeutic targets for metabolic disease.
Researchers found that combining surgery with post-operative low-dose radiation and hormone therapy reduces prostate cancer death risk to less than 10% for men with aggressive prostate cancer. In contrast, surgery alone increases the risk of death from prostate cancer within five years.
A recent study in Massachusetts found that adolescent females have a higher rate of non-fatal opioid overdoses compared to males, while receiving insufficient medication for post-overdose treatment. The analysis of public data from 2012 to 2014 revealed that only 8% of adolescents were prescribed medications like methadone or buprenorp...
A recent trial found that low-dose methotrexate did not lower cardiovascular event rates in patients at high risk for heart disease and stroke. The study, which included over 4,700 participants, showed no significant reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events compared to placebo.
The Dapagliflozin Effect on CardiovascuLAR Events - Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction 58 trial found that dapagliflozin markedly reduced the risk of hospitalization for heart failure and progression of renal disease, with benefits seen across the study population.
The REDUCE-IT trial found that icosapent ethyl reduced the risk of death due to cardiovascular causes, heart attack, and stroke by 25%, including a 20% reduction in death and 31% reduction in heart attack. This may set a new standard for patients with elevated triglycerides and increased cardiovascular risk despite statin therapy.
The VITAL study found that omega-3 fatty acids reduced the risk of heart attacks, particularly among African American participants. Vitamin D supplements may also lower cancer deaths over time, with a significant 25% reduction in mortality rates observed after two years of treatment.
A portable and affordable mobile diagnostic tool utilizing nanotechnology can detect HIV viruses from a single drop of blood. The device offers high detection precision and is suitable for individuals with limited access to medical care.
A team at Brigham and Women's Hospital has developed a machine learning model that can accurately predict insertions and deletions caused by CRISPR-Cas9. In experiments, the approach corrected mutations in human cell lines for three diseases with high efficiency.
A new study from Brigham and Women's Hospital found that implementing communication-and-resolution programs does not increase liability costs for hospitals. The programs promote transparency and patient safety by openly communicating with patients after medical injuries.
A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that 15.7% of emergency department visits could be denied coverage based on discharge diagnoses. Patients may face difficulties self-determining their medical needs, highlighting the need for alternative solutions.
Two projects have analyzed 5,000 disease-associated genes and found unanticipated risk variants in 14.5% of adults and 11.3% of infants, leading to discoveries of previously unrecognized genetic conditions.
A new study found that antiepileptic drug clearance significantly changes by the first trimester for one commonly used medication and by the second trimester for two others. The findings have implications for adjusting medication doses during pregnancy to keep women with epilepsy seizure-free and safe.
Researchers developed a transgenic mouse model of Parkinson's disease, replicating PD-like motor symptoms and α-synuclein aggregation. The study suggests that stabilizing normal αS tetramers may prevent or delay PD onset.
A new study finds that baseline PSA levels measured at midlife strongly predict total and aggressive prostate cancer in black men years later. The research suggests targeted screening based on a midlife PSA might identify black men at high risk while minimizing screening in those at low risk.
The CAMELLIA-TIMI 61 trial found that lorcaserin reduced the risk of diabetes by 19% in patients with pre-diabetes, induced remission in patients with diabetes, and reduced diabetic microvascular complications. Lorcaserin also significantly increased rates of diabetes remission and reduced the risk of severe hypoglycemia.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have developed a new model of heart failure that allows for the specific study of oxidative stress using chemogenetics. The approach enables researchers to activate or inactivate reactive oxygen species in the heart, leading to advanced cardiac dysfunction.
A study found that high school students who slept less than six hours per night were more likely to engage in risk-taking behaviors, such as substance abuse and carrying a weapon. The researchers also found a significant association between sleep duration and suicidal thoughts and attempts.
A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital researchers found that people's social networks have a strong association with their reported neurological disability. The team developed a social network assessment tool, which found that unhealthy habits of those around an individual can significantly impact their health outcomes.
A comprehensive study has cataloged over 70,000 novel noncoding RNAs active in dopamine neurons, implicating them in conditions like Parkinson's disease and schizophrenia. The findings suggest that genetic risk variants may affect gene switches in these specialized cells.
Researchers developed an mRNA-based nanotherapeutic to reintroduce functional copies of PTEN into cancer cells, restoring tumor suppressor function and killing cancer cells. The therapy showed significant suppression of tumor growth and progression in mouse models of prostate cancer.
Researchers found that targeting IL-1β reduced risk of gout attacks by half, with no change in serum urate levels, suggesting an independent mechanism. The study's findings could lead to new therapeutic avenues for both heart disease and crystal diseases like gout.
The Brigham Genomic Medicine program uses state-of-the-art genomic technologies to diagnose and discover genetic underpinnings of disease. By analyzing genomic data with a multidisciplinary team, the program has identified culprit genes for 30 families, providing critical information for diagnostics and treatment.
A large study identified 67 post-treatment controllers with low viral loads for 24 weeks or longer without medication. These individuals had lower levels of intact viral DNA and smaller viral reservoirs before treatment interruption.
A new study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found a high prevalence of sleep apnea among African-Americans, with 95% of cases remaining undiagnosed and untreated. The study suggests that habitual snoring, higher body mass index, and larger neck size are key markers of the disorder.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital identified CD103+ dendritic cells as a major trigger of skin graft rejection, but found that pre-treating organs with an anti-inflammatory protein can mitigate this effect. This new strategy could offer benefits for organ transplantation, including face transplants.
Dr. Mandeep R. Mehra proposes a novel explanation for the Mona Lisa's smile and facial features, attributing them to clinical hypothyroidism. The theory is supported by visible signs of thyroid dysfunction in the painting, including thinning hair and yellow skin.
A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine finds that urgent care visits have increased significantly while emergency room visits for low-acuity conditions have decreased by 36 percent between 2008 and 2015. The growth of urgent care centers is attributed to their convenience, shorter wait times, and lower costs.
Researchers identified six classes of genes that contribute to cancer resistance, including CDK4/6 inhibitors. Combining BET and CDK4/6 inhibitors completely stopped tumors from growing in preclinical experiments.
Researchers found that inflammatory response triggered by primary breast cancer prevents tumor cells from growing in distant organs. Inhibitors of interleukin-1β, such as canakinumab, are being tested in clinical trials for potential benefits in preventing metastatic growth.
A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that lorcaserin, a weight loss drug, helped patients lose weight without increasing the incidence of heart attacks, strokes, and death from heart disease. The trial involved 12,000 overweight or obese patients at risk for cardiovascular events.
The ARRIVE trial found that daily aspirin did not reduce the occurrence of major cardiovascular events among participants at moderate cardiovascular risk. However, a lower-than-expected rate of cardiovascular events was observed, suggesting potential protection from modern preventative and therapeutic strategies such as statins.
Brigham and Women's Hospital researchers have developed a method to bioprint complex tubular structures that mimic native vessels and ducts in the body. The 3D bioprinting technique allows for fine-tuning of printed tissues' properties, enabling potentially viable replacements for damaged tissue.
Researchers have discovered that a distinct glycan feature, blood group I-antigen or 'I-branches', plays a central role in regulating both human B cell signaling/activation and melanoma aggressiveness. This finding has significant implications for immunomodulation and anti-cancer treatments.
Investigators from Brigham and Women's Hospital used massively-parallel, single-cell RNA sequencing to analyze nasal polyp samples and identify dramatically altered cells. The team found that epithelial progenitor cells had been permanently altered and expressed an aberrant program, pointing to many pathways that have been altered in t...
A new drug repurposing study has identified two commonly prescribed medications that may increase the risk of heart disease. Hydroxychloroquine, an anti-rheumatic drug, was found to be associated with lower rates of coronary artery disease, while carbamazepine, a medication for epilepsy and neuropathic pain, may increase the risk.
Researchers found that normal fallopian tubes can contain pre-cancerous cells that escape and later progress to cancer in the pelvic or abdominal cavity. This 'precursor escape' concept may help explain why some women present with advanced ovarian cancer beyond the fallopian tubes.
A blood test using Kidney-injury-molecule-1 (KIM-1) can predict clear cell kidney cancer risk and survival up to five years before diagnosis, with higher levels associated with poorer outcomes. The test substantially improves accuracy in predicting kidney cancer risk.
The authors propose increasing incentives and modifying regulations to improve competition, redirecting overinvestment in new drug development to the generic market, and pivoting from short-term survival mode to long-term organized responses. These solutions aim to enhance competition, provide patients with reliable access to vital dru...
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have developed a rapid molecular diagnostic that can determine if a tumor harbors an IDH1 or IDH2 mutation within 27 minutes. The test is coupled with a sustained release microparticle drug delivery system that provides localized treatment and prolonged survival in a mouse model.
A new study by Brigham and Women's Hospital researchers models allergic lung inflammation in mice, revealing the role of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in triggering and amplifying an allergen-initiated immune response. The findings have implications for designing more precise clinical trials for severe asthma treatment.
Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital discovered a neuroprotective microRNA, miR-132, which shows promise in treating tauopathies like Alzheimer's. The study found that miR-132 supplementation reduced toxic forms of tau and glutamate excitotoxicity, providing new avenues for potential treatments.
A new study finds that biased cultures and policies can lead to dissatisfaction among childbearing surgical residents. The researchers identified three main risk factors: change in training plans due to balancing parenting with professional pursuits, perceived stigma around pregnancy, and lack of maternity leave policies.
Researchers have highlighted the importance of testing and targeting different forms of Aβ protein, which can take various shapes including monomers and twisted tangles. Two new studies found that certain forms of Aβ are more toxic than others, and developed a screening test to identify potential therapeutics.
Checkpoint inhibitors have been shown to double median survival and more than double four-year survival rates for patients with melanoma brain metastases. The study analyzed data from over 1,500 cancer programs, revealing a significant improvement in overall survival.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have developed engineered cancer cells that can home in on and destroy tumors using CRISPR technology. The treatment shows promise in preclinical models across multiple types of cancer, establishing a potential roadmap for clinical translation.