A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that consuming sugar-sweetened drinks increases the risk of developing kidney stones. On the other hand, beverages like coffee, tea, and orange juice are associated with a lower risk of stone formation.
Synthetic silicate nanoplatelets induce stem cell differentiation into bone cells, providing a potential therapeutic tool for tissue repair and regeneration. The study's findings offer new insights into the use of bioactive materials in medicine and biotechnology.
Researchers found genetic mutations that could impact treatment plans and tumor classification for endometrial cancer patients. The study suggests reclassifying endometrial cancers into four categories based on copy number alterations and mutations.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital developed a new material called MeTro gel that mimics the elasticity of human tissues. The material was used to create artificial heart tissue with beating muscle cells, which could potentially advance treatments for heart disease.
A prospective study by Brigham and Women's Hospital researchers observed an association between a history of non-melanoma skin cancer and increased risk of breast, lung, and melanoma cancers. The study found that people with non-melanoma skin cancer had a modestly increased risk of getting these cancers in the future.
Despite USPSTF recommendation, mammogram rates among women between 40 and 49 have not declined. A study from Brigham and Women's Hospital found a slight increase in mammography rates between 2008 and 2011.
Scientists developed an adhesive patch that uses swellable microneedle tips to secure skin grafts firmly in place over wounds. The invention offers a trauma- and infection-prone alternative to traditional staples and sutures.
A new study from Brigham and Women's Hospital found that low nocturnal melatonin secretion levels are associated with an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The study, which accounted for other established risk factors, suggests that melatonin plays a role in regulating glucose metabolism and risk of diabetes.
A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that over 90% of patients who stopped taking statins due to adverse reactions were able to tolerate them again. The researchers examined clinical data from over 107,835 patients and identified a pattern where most people who experienced symptoms or events related to the drug stopped taking ...
Research from Brigham and Women's Hospital finds that states with restrictive Medicaid eligibility criteria have higher rates of patients delaying needed medical care. Regions with the highest rates of delayed medical care are primarily in the southeast, including Florida and Texas, where Hispanics are at a higher risk for delaying care.
A new model developed at Brigham and Women's Hospital helps clinicians identify high-risk patients for potentially avoidable hospital readmissions. The model uses seven independent factors, including hemoglobin level and length of stay, to predict the risk of readmission.
Researchers found 21 genomic regions with a 'signature' for both inflammatory disease susceptibility and natural selection. These variants rose in frequency to help protect humans against viruses and bacteria, but now increase the risk of autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.
The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) has released recommendations on handling incidental genetic findings in clinical genome and exome sequencing. The guidelines prioritize the disclosure of disorders with preventative measures, treatments, and well-recognized genetic mutations.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital found that restricting food intake to a lower-fat diet before surgery reduced the imbalance in fat tissue's chemical balance, leading to improved recovery outcomes. The study suggests that minimizing trauma during surgery can have a significant impact on fat tissue's response.
A new study from Brigham and Women's Hospital found that physical therapy improves functional status, pain, and physical function in patients with meniscal tears and osteoarthritis. For a third of patients assigned to physical therapy, surgery was still necessary.
Researchers developed biodegradable nanoparticles that selectively target and resolve inflammation, potentially treating atherosclerosis and neurodegenerative diseases. The nanoparticles release an inflammation-resolving peptide drug, promoting tissue repair and reducing chronic inflammation.
A new study from Brigham and Women's Hospital found that vitamin D supplementation can help reduce systolic blood pressure in African-American adults. The study showed modest but significant gains, suggesting that widespread use of vitamin D supplementation could have substantial public health benefits for this demographic.
Cangrelor, a novel intravenous anti-clotting medication, has been shown to be more effective than clopidogrel in preventing blood clots in patients undergoing coronary stent procedures. The study found that cangrelor reduced the odds of complications by 22% and stent thrombosis by 38%.
A study by the Broad Institute's Klarman Cell Observatory reveals a link between Th17 cells, autoimmunity, and salt consumption, highlighting the interplay of genetics and environmental factors in disease susceptibility. The research provides new avenues for regulating these cells to prevent or treat autoimmune diseases.
A new study found that prolonged exposure to an enriched environment activates brain receptors, preventing amyloid beta protein from weakening nerve cell communication. This provides a molecular mechanism for why a richer environment can help lessen the memory-eroding effects of Alzheimer's disease.
A new NIH-funded collaboration aims to accelerate the search for biomarkers in Parkinson's disease by improving collaboration among researchers and involving patients in clinical studies. The initiative, led by Dr. Clemens Scherzer at Brigham and Women's Hospital, seeks to develop biomarkers that can predict, diagnose, or monitor the d...
Researchers found that hospital management fails to engage frontline clinicians in improving patient satisfaction, despite most believing it's achievable. Clinicians reported receiving feedback only 34% of the time, highlighting the need for more structured plans and active role from hospital management.
Researchers identified a molecule called lipoxin A4 that plays a crucial role in resolving airway inflammation in asthma. This discovery provides new direction for developing next-generation asthma therapies to decrease chronic inflammation.
A national survey of medical students found that many continue to receive industry-sponsored gifts, even as institutions restrict access to pharmaceutical sales representatives. The study suggests a need for further measures to reduce bias in medical education.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital developed a simple atrial fibrillation risk prediction model for women, improving accuracy over existing methods. The model considers six easily obtainable factors: age, height, weight, blood pressure, alcohol consumption, and smoking history.
A study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that patients who use a web-based risk appraisal tool are more likely to have important family history documented, leading to better cancer screening and reduced mortality. The tool may help increase communication between physicians and patients about their risk factors.
Researchers created ultra-thin cardiac patches using nanotechnology to boost material conductivity and induce heart tissue formation. The novel patches showed excellent mechanical integrity and advanced electrophysiological functions.
Researchers found that late eaters lost significantly less weight and had a slower rate of weight-loss, suggesting the timing of large meals is an important factor. However, the timing of smaller meals did not play a role in weight loss success.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital found that teams using checklists were three-fourths less likely to miss key life-saving steps in care during emergency situations. The study involved simulated surgical crisis scenarios and showed a significant reduction in failure rates when checklists were used.
The hospital will conduct a study on transitional care models, enrolling 1,800 patients, to evaluate the effectiveness of hospital-PCMH collaborations within an Accountable Care Organization structure. The goal is to create seamless and patient-centered care.
Research from Brigham and Women's Hospital found that patients taking generic antiepileptic drugs are 50% more likely to stop their medication if the pills differ in color. This highlights the importance of pill similarity in improving adherence rates.
Researchers used brain imaging technique to examine patterns of brain connectivity in adults with chronic back pain and without. They found specific brain regions became less connected, predicting worsening chronic pain, suggesting potential biomarker for chronic pain perception.
Researchers found that transplanting neural stem cells into mice with familial ALS slowed disease onset and progression, improved motor function, and extended survival. The study suggests targeting detrimental roles played by non-neuronal cells to develop more effective therapeutics.
Researchers found that primary care physicians provide higher quality care to diabetes patients by altering medications and offering lifestyle counseling more frequently. This study highlights the importance of a consistent primary care physician in managing chronic conditions like diabetes.
Scientists create medical needles that easily penetrate surfaces and resist buckling, as well as next-generation medical adhesives. The discovery is based on the unique geometry of porcupine quills, which enable them to penetrate tissue with ease while maintaining high adhesion.
A team of researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital used innovative technology to identify the origins of new cardiac cells. They found that these cells primarily arose from existing heart muscle cells, rather than stem cells, in a process that may be limited by age.
Research demonstrates that immune system's natural killer cells can kill off virus-infected tumor cells, rendering glioblastoma virotherapy less effective. The study suggests temporarily suppressing the immune system may counteract this response and enhance therapy.
Dr. Robert Green's project to explore genome sequencing of newborns won the $100,000 BRIght Futures Prize after six weeks of public voting. The project aims to determine if DNA sequencing of newborns would be perceived as useful to new parents and integrate genomic information into medical care.
A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that 1.5% of discontinued medications are refilled by pharmacies, causing potential harm in 12% of cases. The researchers highlight the need for improved communication between providers and pharmacies to reconcile medication lists.
A novel microchip device, inspired by sea creatures' long appendages, can detect and capture rare cancer cells from whole blood patient samples. The device's three-dimensional DNA network targets specific molecules, allowing for efficient cell capture and high purity.
A new quick-release medical tape minimizes skin tissue tearing upon removal, addressing a significant issue in neonatal care. The innovative three-layer design incorporates an anisotropic adhesive interface, allowing for strong adhesion and safe removal.
A new model of mindfulness proposes a framework of complex brain mechanisms, including self-awareness, regulation, and transcendence. The S-ART framework explains the neurobiological mechanisms underlying mindfulness practice, reducing biases and negative thoughts while enhancing positive relationships with oneself and others.
Researchers identified a distinct patient population that may benefit from prasugrel, a novel anti-platelet therapy, in those triaged to medical therapy following angiography. This subgroup showed lower rates of cardiovascular events and bleeding compared to clopidogrel.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have developed a first-of-its-kind self-assembled nanoparticle that can deliver chemotherapy specifically to cancer cells and release it in response to external NIR light, creating heat for synergistic anti-tumor efficacy. The platform successfully eradicated tumors in pre-clinical models.
A study found that blood hormone levels can predict postmenopausal breast cancer risk for up to 20 years. Women with elevated hormone levels had a higher risk of developing breast cancer, including aggressive forms.
Researchers found a daily multivitamin reduced the risk of total cancer by 8% in men over 50. The study also showed an apparent reduction in cancer deaths among those taking a multivitamin.
A study found that low-level prenatal mercury exposure increases the risk of ADHD-related behaviors in children, while moderate fish consumption during pregnancy reduces this risk. Researchers recommend pregnant women consider both benefits and risks of eating fish while pregnant.
Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) have discovered a genetic risk allele for uterine fibroids in white women using an unbiased approach. Genetic variants were found to be significantly associated with uterine fibroid status, particularly in the FASN gene, which encodes fatty acid synthase protein.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital found that melatonin significantly improved sleep in hypertensive patients taking beta-blockers. The study showed a 37-minute increase in sleep time, an eight percent improvement in sleep efficiency, and no adverse effects.
A study by researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital successfully controls space-age jetlag on Mars using a fatigue management program. The program, which educated participants on resetting their body clocks, improved sleep, alertness, and performance.