Researchers have successfully powered small electronic devices in the gastrointestinal tract using mid-field wireless powering, a technique that operates at higher frequencies for more efficient delivery. This breakthrough could transform disease diagnosis and treatment by enabling implantable devices to operate wirelessly.
A new study finds a single measurement of plasma glycated CD59 (GCD59) can identify women at risk for gestational diabetes with high accuracy. Higher GCD59 levels are associated with an increased risk of large-for-gestational-age newborns, highlighting the potential of this biomarker to improve pregnancy outcomes.
A new study found that 78% of providers expect patients to refuse to provide sexual orientation information, but only 10.3% of patients report the same. The study highlights the discordant views of patients and providers on collecting sexual orientation data in emergency settings.
A new study published in JCI Insights reveals that increasing SMOC2 levels in the kidney can initiate and continue kidney fibrosis, while reducing SMOC2 levels prevents it. Detecting SMOC2 in urine may help diagnose fibrosis, making it a potential biomarker for early intervention.
Research at Brigham and Women's Hospital found that Annual Wellness Visit (AWV) use increased from 7.5% to 15.6% between 2011 and 2014, but disparities persist in certain groups. Patients from higher-income areas and those affiliated with Accountable Care Organizations were more likely to receive an AWV.
A recent study found that multivitamin supplements did not reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in middle-aged and older men, regardless of their initial dietary intake or nutritional status. The Physicians' Health Study II, a large-scale randomized clinical trial, investigated this potential benefit over an 11-year period.
Researchers developed an epigenetic clock to predict biological age in mice, measuring the effects of genetic and dietary factors. The tool allows for faster and larger-scale studies on aging interventions, potentially leading to new ways to extend human lifespan.
US physicians saw a 55.7% drop in paid malpractice claims over the 22-year period, with pediatricians experiencing the largest decline of 75.8%. The rate of payments also increased by 23.3%, while the amount of payment varied significantly among specialties.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have discovered a new genetic variant linked to Tau pathology in Alzheimer's disease. The study, published in Molecular Psychiatry, highlights the potential for targeting the protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor-type delta (PTPRD) gene as a therapeutic strategy.
A new smartphone-based device can analyze sperm concentration and motility with high accuracy, making it a game-changer for fertility care. The device has been tested with 350 clinical semen specimens and shows promise in detecting abnormal semen samples.
New research shows that evolocumab, a PCSK9 inhibitor, effectively lowers LDL cholesterol levels beyond current targets and reduces adverse cardiovascular events. In contrast to previous studies, this study found no association between evolocumab use and decline in memory or cognitive function.
In the FOURIER trial, evolocumab reduced LDL cholesterol by 59 percent and major cardiovascular events by 15 percent. The therapy showed greater benefit over time, with a 25% reduction in risk after one year.
Bococizumab significantly reduces cardiovascular events in high-risk patients with high LDL cholesterol levels. However, the drug's cholesterol-lowering effect tends to diminish over time in some patients.
A recent study published in The Laryngoscope found that substantial noise exposures occur in occupational and recreational settings, with only a small percentage of those exposed wearing recommended hearing protection. Firearms use is a significant contributor to noise exposure, with only 58% of gun owners using hearing protection.
A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital investigators found that 55 out of 270 genetic loci associated with seven autoimmune diseases could be mapped back to causal genes using eQTLs in immune cells. However, this only accounts for a small fraction of the genetic loci examined.
A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital reveals that natural killer cells in patients with severe asthma are disabled from resolving inflammation, leading to ineffective corticosteroid treatment. Researchers also identified lipoxins as a potential therapeutic approach, as they preserve NK cell pro-resolving functions.
Researchers identify genes involved in lipid uptake as critical for TRM cell function, revealing a key dependency on fatty acids. Targeting these lipids could enable selective removal of TRM cells, offering new therapeutic opportunities for autoimmune diseases.
A retrospective analysis of patients with babesiosis found six cases of warm-antibody autoimmune hemolytic anemia (WAHA) after treatment. Asplenic patients are at higher risk for this complication, which can be life-threatening and requires immunosuppressive treatment.
A novel technology platform has been developed to monitor organs-on-chips, enabling long-term studies that closely model human physiology and responses. The platform integrates multiple sensors to track temperature, oxygen levels, and pH values, allowing for more accurate and efficient data collection.
A new progeria-on-a-chip model has provided insights into the mechanisms of premature aging and vascular disease. The study found that cells from HGPS donors exhibited an exacerbated response to biomechanical strain, leading to increased inflammation.
Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital and Massachusetts Institute of Technology have developed a method to grow large quantities of inner ear progenitor cells that convert into functional hair cells. The technique shows potential as a therapy for patients with hearing loss, particularly those caused by loud noises or toxic drugs.
A research team at Brigham and Women's Hospital has revealed how FTY720 suppresses chronic inflammation in the central nervous system to reduce pathogenic activities of astrocytes. The findings suggest this treatment may hold promise for progressive and difficult-to-treat forms of multiple sclerosis.
A new model estimates the number of eggs a woman should freeze based on her age and family-building goals, providing data-driven guidance for women considering elective egg freezing. The model considers maternal age by individual year and incorporates the likelihood of embryo development to result in a live birth.
Researchers have identified 13 new genetic regions linked to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as well as overlap with asthma and pulmonary fibrosis. The study provides insight into the genetic basis of COPD and may lead to improved therapies for patients.
A research team developed ingestible prototypes that draw energy from gastric acid and provide power for nearly a week. They used zinc and copper as electrodes to harness energy from both the stomach and small intestine.
Researchers found a significant association between preterm delivery and increased risk of cardiovascular disease, especially in women who deliver more than one preterm infant. The study suggests that adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle may be an early warning signal for high risk.
A research team at Brigham and Women's Hospital has identified a unique subset of T-cells that collaborate with other immune cells to drive inflammation in peripheral tissues. These cells display unusual biological features and stimulate B-cells to produce antibodies, contributing to tissue damage in autoimmune diseases.
Researchers found that approximately 10,000 generally healthy patients died in the seven days following ED discharge. Heart disease and COPD were leading causes of death, with narcotic overdose also being a significant contributor.
A new study found that serum microRNAs are associated with MRI measures of multiple sclerosis severity, suggesting they could serve as biomarkers. The research identified distinct microRNA sets linked to lesions and atrophy, which may help identify underlying disease processes and guide therapeutic decisions.
A new genomic tool for salamander biology has been developed, providing a comprehensive resource for researchers studying limb regeneration. The tool offers insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying this process and may hold potential for repairing human tissues damaged by injury or disease.
A national consortium of researchers is studying the pros and cons of genome sequencing for newborn health, raising questions about parental responsibility and child autonomy. The four studies across the US aim to develop evidence for guidelines on effectively incorporating new technology into newborn screening or care.
Researchers found that a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) nadir greater than 0.5 ng/mL following radiation and androgen deprivation therapy identifies men prior to PSA failure who are at high risk for dying early. This marker can help identify men in need of more aggressive treatment, potentially making it curable.
A recent study published in SLEEP found that a workplace-based Sleep Health Program significantly reduced the risk of injuries and long-term disability among firefighters. The program, which included sleep health education and screening for sleep disorders, resulted in a nearly 50% reduction in disability days.
Scientists develop a nanoparticle-based method for delivering therapeutic molecules into cells, enabling the induction of strong immune responses against various viruses and diseases. The technique, which harnesses electrically activated gold nanoparticles, demonstrates safety and efficacy in animal studies.
A Brigham and Women's Hospital study found that using ibuprofen or acetaminophen for 6 years or more increases the risk of hearing loss in women. The research analyzed data from over 54,000 women and found a modest increase in risk, with approximately 5.5% of hearing loss potentially due to pain reliever use.
A large-scale prospective study has generated new insights into patient perceptions and experiences with direct-to-consumer genetic testing. Despite modest cancer risks, most customers did not change their diet, exercise, or screening habits. However, men who received elevated prostate cancer risk estimates changed their supplement use...
A new study finds that GBA gene mutations are associated with increased cognitive decline in Parkinson's patients, who carry one defective copy of the gene. Patients with a more severe mutation showed a 217% increased risk of cognitive impairment within ten years of diagnosis.
A study found that genetic variants in PCSK9 and HMGCR genes associated with lower LDL cholesterol lowered the risk of cardiovascular events and diabetes, suggesting a protective effect. The risk of diabetes was increased, but only in individuals with impaired glucose metabolism, called pre-diabetes.
Researchers have developed a new biomaterial that can prevent uncontrolled bleeding in patients who cannot form blood clots. The injectable material, known as a shear-thinning biomaterial (STB), is made up of gelatin and nanoparticles and has been shown to be effective in animal models.
Researchers have developed a long-acting drug delivery capsule that can safely stay in the stomach and deliver medicine for up to two weeks, potentially providing a new way to combat malaria and other infectious diseases.
Researchers identified genetic mutations that distinguish aggressive rhabdoid meningiomas from benign forms, suggesting a potential new approach for clinical decision-making. The study found patients with BAP1 mutations had poor clinical outcomes and shorter disease progression times.
A study published in Science Translational Medicine suggests that individuals carrying certain genetic mutations are at a higher risk of developing dominant, actionable conditions such as cancer or heart disease. The research analyzed data from two separate populations of African-Americans and European-Americans, finding that those wit...
Researchers found specific changes in memory function that correspond to sex and menopausal stage, implicating key areas of the brain vulnerable to age-related decline. Hormone measurements revealed higher estradiol levels correlate with better memory performance in women.
PARP9 and PARP14 have been identified as regulators of macrophage activation, a key factor in the development of atherosclerosis. The study found that silencing these genes had opposite effects on macrophage activation, with PARP14 increasing and PARP9 decreasing activation.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital identified a distinct gene module for T cell dysfunction, contributing to chronic disease states like cancer and chronic viral infections. A transcription factor, Gata-3, was found to play a crucial role in T cell dysfunction, offering new avenues for targeted therapy.
The Affordable Care Act's contraceptive mandate has been linked to increased consistency in oral contraceptive use among women with employer-sponsored insurance. Analysis of insurance claims data found that reducing out-of-pocket costs for generic pills led to higher adherence rates, particularly among those using these methods.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital found that PSA failure increases the risk of death by 1.6-fold in healthy men, but not those with comorbidities like heart disease or stroke. The study suggests healthy men should be informed about clinical trials showing reduced PSA failure benefits.
A new study by Brigham and Women's Hospital investigators shows that trained radiologists can identify abnormal mammograms at better than chance levels when shown images for only half a second. The researchers found that finer details of breast tissue texture help radiologists make the correct diagnosis more frequently.
Resolvins and maresins, naturally produced omega-3 fatty acid molecules, regulate subsets of white blood cells that play a central role in inflammation. The findings suggest these molecules may be useful for treating chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.
Per capita spending on US prescription drugs is the highest in the world, driven by brand-name prices that can rise substantially during competition-free periods. The authors argue for limiting market exclusivity rights and ensuring timely generic drug availability to reduce costs.