A new technique detects mutations that affect large chunks of chromosomes in people with clonal hematopoiesis, a condition associated with substantially increased blood cancer risk. The study identified specific events that drive this increase in risk and suggests promising directions for future work.
A study suggests that abnormal metabolism of three essential amino acids may contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes in women who have a history of gestational diabetes. Women with a history of gestational diabetes had higher levels of branched-chain amino acids in their blood, regardless of their dietary intake.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have developed a supramolecular therapeutic that blocks the 'eat me not' signal sent by cancer cells and converts macrophages to the attacking M1 subtype. The approach has yielded promising results in preclinical models, showing complete inhibition of tumor growth and increased survival rates.
A new study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that women with high blood pressure during pregnancy are more likely to develop cardiovascular disease risk factors, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol. The risk factors emerged shortly after pregnancy and persisted for decades.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital developed a rapid, deployable, low-cost diagnostic test for Zika using mobile health technologies, targeting resource-limited settings and home testing for couples trying to conceive
A new study by Brigham and Women's Hospital confirms the relationship between sodium intake and increased risk of cardiovascular disease and death. The research suggests that an imprecise evaluation of sodium intake may have contributed to paradoxical results in previous studies, emphasizing the importance of accurate measurement methods.
Women who underwent autologous breast reconstruction reported higher satisfaction and well-being than those with implants. Two years after surgery, patients with autologous reconstruction had greater psychosocial and sexual well-being compared to those with implants.
Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital identify NEDD9 as a critical player in disease development, with potential therapeutic implications for patients with PAH. The study found that increased oxidant stress modifies an amino acid residue in NEDD9 to cause lung artery fibrosis.
A preclinical study shows a new cholera vaccine can provide long-term immune response and immediate protection within 24 hours. Mathematical modeling predicts the vaccine could save up to 20,000 infections compared to traditional vaccines.
A new study suggests that medication reconciliation programs can reduce risks of diabetes patients, resulting in fewer hospitalizations and emergency room visits. The program's effectiveness was associated with improved patient outcomes and decreased healthcare costs.
Researchers have developed a pill that can temporarily coat the intestine to prevent nutrient contact and lower blood sugar spikes in preclinical study. The engineered compound, LuCI, was found to alter nutrient contact and lower blood glucose response after a meal, with benefits lasting only a few hours.
A new cardiac pump device has been found to minimize cost of care over time for heart failure patients, with a 51% reduction in re-hospitalization rates and significant cost savings compared to the standard device.
Researchers have developed a novel approach to limb amputation that preserves dynamic muscle relationships, enabling patients to feel the movement of their prosthetic limbs. This new paradigm, called the agonist-antagonist myoneural interface (AMI), has been successfully implemented in a human patient with below-knee amputation.
A new study by Brigham and Women's Hospital researchers reveals how HIV establishes a persistent reservoir of infected cells that can survive indefinitely. The findings highlight the role of BIRC5 and OX40 in these cells' long-term survival, providing potential targets for future therapy.
A new study found that gentle stretching can reduce tumor size and improve immune response in a mouse model of breast cancer. The research suggests a link between stretching, inflammation resolution, and improved immune function.
Evolocumab treatment has been shown to effectively reduce lipoprotein(a) levels and decrease the risk of cardiovascular events. Patients with higher baseline lipoprotein(a) levels derived greater absolute benefit from evolocumab treatment, with a 24% decrease in risk of heart attack, stroke, or cardiovascular death.
Chronic short sleep duration, independent of extended wakefulness, results in vigilant performance impairments, with attention lapses increasing fivefold and reaction time doubling. Participants on restricted sleep schedules worsened over time, suggesting they cannot adapt to chronically insufficient sleep.
A study found that androgen deprivation therapy prolongs QTc interval duration, increasing risk of arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death in men with prostate cancer. Researchers urge oncologists to monitor QTc interval in patients receiving ADT.
Researchers have developed a computer program that can comprehensively determine differences in individuals' blood types with over 99% accuracy. This breakthrough has the potential to prevent serious complications and fatalities from blood transfusion reactions.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital are re-assessing organ availability by considering previously deemed 'unfit' organs. The study aims to expand the donor pool and improve transplant outcomes, with the potential to save more lives.
A recent study by Brigham and Women's Hospital reveals a sharp increase in organ donations from US donors who died of drug intoxication. Despite concerns over the sensitivity of these organs to blood supply restrictions, survival rates are similar to those for other causes of death.
A study published in Nature sheds light on the connection between the gut and brain, revealing a new pathway that may help guide therapies for multiple sclerosis and other neurologic diseases. Researchers found that compounds produced by gut microbes can limit inflammation in the brain through their influence on microglia.
Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital found that eating a healthy diet is associated with a lower risk of acquired hearing loss in women. Those who followed the Alternate Mediterranean diet or Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension had a 30% lower risk of moderate or worse hearing loss.
A new tool uses high-throughput DNA sequencing to accurately predict which early-stage Cutaneous T Cell Lymphoma (CTCL) patients are at risk of developing an aggressive form of the disease. The tool, which analyzes specific genes, has shown promise in improving treatment outcomes for these patients.
Researchers found that hands-on instruction and retention testing are critical to proper bleeding control. In-person training resulted in an 88% correct tourniquet application rate, compared to 16% for those with no training.
Recent studies found precision medicines are approved faster than traditional drugs, with shorter trials and fewer patients. This raises concerns about data reliability and the effectiveness of rare disease treatment incentives like market exclusivity.
Continuing antipsychotic medication during pregnancy is associated with a higher risk of developing gestational diabetes, according to a new study. Women who discontinued these medications had a significantly lower risk of developing the condition compared to those who continued treatment.
Breast cancer screening should be tailored to each woman's risk, considering the benefits and harms of mammography. Experts recommend clinicians engage patients in shared decision-making to determine individualized screening plans.
A new study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that only 20% of Medicare patients with end-stage renal disease used hospice, and those who did were more likely to have short stays. This can limit access to palliative care services and increase costs.
A new study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that women with epilepsy have the same fertility rates as those without, contradicting previous myths. The study of 89 women with epilepsy and 108 without found similar rates of pregnancy, miscarriages, and live births.
Scientists from Brigham and Women's Hospital have developed 3D mini-brains from human stem cells to investigate the effects of a specific gene mutation tied to major mental illnesses. The results show that the mutated mini-brains exhibit structural disruptions, suggesting a potential new target pathway for therapies.
A new gene therapy approach has been shown to reduce the need for blood transfusions in patients with severe beta-thalassemia. The treatment, known as LentiGlobin BB305 vector, was effective in eliminating the need for transfusions in 73% of patients, paving the way for potential treatment.
Researchers identified key molecular drivers in calcific aortic valve disease, including cells from the lamina fibrosa layer with high propensity to calcify. A precise omics-level molecular atlas of the aortic valve reveals potential therapeutic targets for developing pharmacological therapy.
The USPSTF recommends exercise interventions to prevent falls in adults 65 years and older, with moderate evidence supporting this approach. Multi-factorial interventions targeting balance, gait, vision, medication use, and other risk factors are also recommended.
A new study found that branched chain amino acid levels in the blood are as predictive of heart disease as LDL cholesterol. Elevated BCAA levels were linked to increased risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular events.
Chronic sleep deprivation increases risk of motor vehicle crashes due to impaired cognitive function. The study found severe sleep apnea is associated with a 123% increased risk, while mild to moderate sleep apnea elevates the risk by 13%. Short sleep duration also contributes to crash risks.
A nationwide analysis of over 41,000 older patients found that one-third died in the hospital after receiving intubation. The study highlights the need for informed decision-making about emergency intubation for elderly patients and their families.
Scientists at Brigham and Women's Hospital have created a hydrogel that responds to increased disease activity during flares, releasing drugs to alleviate symptoms. The technology has shown promise in preclinical models and could provide a new treatment option for patients with arthritis.
A randomized clinical trial found that higher protein intake did not increase lean body mass, muscle performance, or physical function in older men. The results suggest that the recommended daily allowance for protein may be sufficient for promoting muscle growth and well-being in this population.
A new study by Brigham and Women's Hospital reveals substantial problems and risks associated with medical tourism for plastic surgery. The most common complications included infections, pain, and wound-healing issues, with many patients relying on US medical insurance to cover follow-up care.
The MedSeq Project analyzed costs six months after genetic information was returned to physicians and their patients. Sequencing did identify health-relevant genetic information, but downstream costs were similar between sequenced and unsequenced patients.
A new study by Brigham and Women's Hospital investigators explores the influence of biological sex on transplant outcomes. Researchers found that female donor sex is associated with increased transplant organ rejection rates in male recipients, while hormone receptors may play a role in these differences.
A new study found that regularly exceeding a systolic blood pressure of 120-125 mmHg could signal impending hypertension, regardless of age. Researchers analyzed data from 1,252 participants and found that blood pressure levels rose rapidly above this threshold, consistent with recently updated guidelines.
The study found significant cultural challenges and infrastructure shortcomings that led to concerns about leaving residency, with 39% of respondents considering quitting. The survey also revealed a lingering negative stigma surrounding pregnancy, with 75% witnessing or experiencing negative comments from colleagues.
A new study by researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital demonstrates that implementing an automated notification system can improve the follow-up of actionable tests pending at discharge. The system significantly improved the time to documented action for these tests, with patients receiving follow-up on their results much faster.
Researchers at BWH discovered that cell sex influences nanoparticle uptake, response to reprogramming techniques, and paracrine factors. These findings may help develop sex-specific nanomedicines for targeted drug delivery applications.
A new analysis found that canakinumab substantially reduced cardiovascular event rates among patients with diabetes and those with moderate to severe chronic kidney disease. The drug also showed benefits in reducing rates of major adverse cardiovascular events among high-risk atherosclerotic patients.
The MOMENTUM 3 clinical trial found that advanced heart-failure patients who received a centrifugal-flow circulatory pump had significantly lower rates of pump-related blood clots and stroke compared to those receiving an axial flow pump. Patients who received the centrifugal-flow pump also had fewer re-operations due to device malfunc...
Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital found that zebrafish larvae with a mutation in DDX27 showed reduced muscle growth and impaired regeneration. The study provides specificity to the processes controlling protein synthesis in muscles, which will hopefully allow for targeted treatments for skeletal muscle diseases.
A new study found that some types of glioblastoma tumors shed extracellular vesicles containing PDL-1, which helps them evade the immune system. The presence of PDL-1 DNA in blood samples from patients with glioblastoma may serve as a biomarker for the disease.