Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital found that early-life exposure to microbes prevents asthma and colitis in mice. The study suggests that the hygiene hypothesis may be supported by a potential mechanism involving unique T cells.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital found that state-level resources contribute to early risk factors for heart disease in women. Wealthy states have lower levels of cardiovascular inflammation, while those with higher financial inequality have higher levels of inflammation.
A group of specialists explored options for searching and reporting incidental genetic findings in clinical genome sequencing. The study found that while there was no perfect agreement among experts, the majority agreed that many incidental findings should be reported to clinicians. Specialists also differed on whether to disclose cert...
Researchers discovered that auditory stimulation of maternal sounds can lower incidence of cardiorespiratory events in preterm infants, suggesting a potential non-pharmalogical treatment. The study involved exposing fourteen extremely premature infants to personalized audio recordings of their own mothers' voices and heartbeats, leadin...
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital discovered memory T cells living in skin that protect against infection and disease. These resident cells are more important for immunity than previously thought and suggest a fundamental shift in how vaccines are designed and delivered.
A new study from Brigham and Women's Hospital found that a CMS quality measure assessing CT scans in emergency departments is unreliable, affecting up to 83% of patients. The measure may lead to inaccurate comparisons of imaging performance among hospitals.
Researchers identified 72 mutations in the TTN gene that cause structural deformations in heart muscle fibers, leading to heart muscle disease. The study found that TTN gene mutation causes DCM, but rarely causes hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and that outcomes for patients with DCM are similar regardless of gender.
The BWH Center for LAM Research and Clinical Care has been awarded a four-year grant to conduct a phase I clinical trial testing the safety and efficacy of a combination of hydroxychloroquine and sirolimus in treating LAM. This is the first time this drug combination has been tested in women with LAM.
A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that computer order entry systems significantly reduced preventable adverse drug events (ADEs) in community hospitals. The system showed a 34% reduction in preventable ADEs, but an increase in potential ADEs or near-misses following implementation.
BWH researchers created a new method for controlled drug release utilizing air as a removable barrier. The rate of drug release correlates with the removal of the air pocket, enabling extended periods of controlled delivery.
Researchers have discovered that a leukemia drug called Campath can effectively treat L-CTCL without increasing the risk of infections. The treatment targets only circulating cancerous T-cells, while sparing tissue-resident T-cells that provide frontline immune protection.
A large-scale study found that lifestyle counseling significantly reduces time to reach treatment goals for people with diabetes, with those receiving regular counseling achieving lower blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. The study suggests that incorporating counseling into routine care can be an effective strategy ...
A Brigham and Women's Hospital report suggests exposure to iodinated contrast media may cause hyperthyroidism and overt hypothyroidism. The study found significant associations between contrast media exposure and the development of thyroid dysfunction in patients without preexisting conditions.
A new study at Brigham and Women's Hospital is testing two new types of light technologies to treat Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). The trial aims to determine which technology works better in reducing SAD symptoms over a six-week period.
Two studies published in Nature demonstrate the power of multi-isotope imaging mass spectrometry (MIMS) in tracking cell division, lipid metabolism, and protein turnover in various organisms, including humans. MIMS enabled researchers to non-invasively track biological processes with high resolution.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital successfully test a controllable endoscopic capsule that can 'swim' through the body. The capsule is equipped with a camera and can be steered using an MRI machine to photograph specific areas of interest wirelessly.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital create drug delivery system that effectively targets prostate cancer cells, delivering high amounts of chemotherapeutic drugs. The innovative approach simplifies targeted nanoparticle development and broadens applications in cancer therapy.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital share details of novel processes involved in a successful face transplant program, including rigorous screening and consent processes. The team also discusses early functional outcomes, immunosuppression protocols, and cost-effectiveness of the procedure.
A clinical trial will be conducted to test the use of whole genome sequencing in medicine, with patients receiving either standard care or no genomic sequencing. The goal is to accelerate personalized genetic medicine and improve patient outcomes.
Researchers create a glycoconjugate vaccine prototype that is 100 times more effective than traditional vaccines due to its recognition of carbohydrate-specific T-cells. The breakthrough may lead to better vaccines for high-risk populations and more effective treatments for various diseases.
A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that eliminating copayments for heart attack medications increased patient adherence, reducing major vascular events and healthcare spending. Rates of combined endpoint were not significantly improved, but individual outcomes such as readmission and angina showed significant reductions.
Scientists at Brigham and Women's Hospital create a platform approach that incorporates homing receptors onto cell surfaces to target specific tissues. This enables more efficient cell-based therapies by increasing the concentration of cells at target locations in the body.
A new international survey reveals that clinicians' awareness and training are key determinants of their approach to addressing patient expectations. Only 16.1% of clinicians reported asking patients about expectations, despite nearly all believing it is important.
Researchers identified a specific rare mutation, CFH R1210C, associated with advanced AMD and visual loss in patients. This discovery suggests that loss of CFH function drives AMD risk, pointing to new treatments for high-risk individuals.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital have identified a transcriptional biomarker that may assist in the monitoring of Huntington's disease activity and the evaluation of new medications. The biomarker, H2AFY, is overexpressed in the blood of individuals with Huntington's disease.
Researchers found that patients who saw their doctors every two weeks had lower hemoglobin A1C levels, blood pressure and LDL cholesterol within a shorter timeframe compared to those who visited less frequently. This suggests that more frequent doctor-patient encounters can aid in achieving ideal treatment goals for diabetes.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital are studying the role of tissue resident T cells in fighting viral, fungal, and bacterial infections, as well as certain cancers. The study aims to develop vaccines that generate long-lived populations of protective memory T cells.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have identified a new combination of targeted therapies that successfully treat two aggressive tumor types: neurofibromatosis type 1 and KRAS-mutant lung cancer. The treatment promotes dramatic tumor regression by targeting cancer cells from two different angles.
Researchers found that the body's internal clock regulates human platelet function, causing a peak in platelet activation corresponding to the morning peak in adverse cardiovascular events. This discovery has potential to address the morning peak in cardiovascular risk and decrease related mortality.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital identified a novel small molecule that inhibits Ebola virus entry into cells by more than 99 percent. The target of the inhibitor is the cell protein Niemann-Pick C1, which is critical for EboV infection.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have demonstrated the direct participation of IgE in atherogenesis in a mouse model. IgE stimulates macrophage and vascular smooth muscle cell apoptosis, leading to increased atherosclerotic lesions. Anti-IgE monoclonal antibodies may become a novel therapy for atherosclerosis.
Researchers used a new imaging technique to study brain activity in patients with chronic low back pain, finding increased activity in specific brain regions during worsening pain episodes. The study provides insights into the basic physiology of pain processing and may lead to tailored therapies.
Researchers have developed a platform technology for monitoring single-cell interactions in real-time using nanotechnology, allowing for unprecedented spatial and temporal resolution. This innovation has broad implications for basic science, drug discovery, and personalized medicine.
The NIH has awarded $17 million to the lab of Dr. Robert Sackstein at Brigham and Women's Hospital to investigate glycobiology, a discipline studying sugar modifications in biologic processes. The award aims to advance understanding of how sugars direct cell interactions, movement, and growth.
A recent study shows that generic medications can reduce the cost of treating chronic diseases by up to 80%, making preventive care a more affordable option. The research team recommends policy makers promote the use of generics in treatment standards and educate physicians and patients about their effectiveness.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital developed a method to predict MDS patient survival by identifying specific gene mutations in their abnormal bone marrow. Nearly a third of patients had mutations in one or more prognostic genes, which could guide treatment decisions.
Researchers found that patients with RA or psoriasis who were treated with TNF inhibitors or hydroxychloroquine had a lower risk of developing diabetes. The study suggests an association between these medications and reduced diabetes risk, but the cause is not yet known.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital found that atrial fibrillation in mostly healthy women is associated with a significantly increased risk of death. The study of over 34,000 women found that 2.1% of deaths could be attributed to atrial fibrillation, highlighting the importance of managing cardiovascular risk factors.
A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital researchers found that copied lifestyle counseling documentation in EMRs is not associated with improved glucose control, similar to having received no counseling. The team suggests educating healthcare providers about the issue and exploring alternative solutions.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital discovered a novel mechanism of action for fluorinated glucosamine, which blocks the synthesis of key carbohydrate structures linked to skin inflammation and cancer progression. This finding has significant implications for developing new treatments against these conditions.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have identified a human lung stem cell capable of regenerating damaged lung tissue. The discovery has the potential to offer a new treatment option for those suffering from chronic lung diseases.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital developed a cost-effective tool to detect cardiotoxicity, a common side effect of drugs. The webcam-based biosensor enables real-time monitoring of cardiac cells' beating rates and could accelerate the drug discovery process by identifying toxic effects early on.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have developed an injectable gel that can release medicine only when needed, targeting specific joints affected by arthritis. The gel is made from a self-assembling material that can disassemble in response to enzymes present during inflammation.
A 17-year study of 37,000 Israeli teenagers found that normal-range adolescent BMI can predict type 2 diabetes and heart disease risk in young adults. Elevated BMI at any age was associated with increased disease risk, especially at ages 17 and 30.
Scientists at Brigham and Women's Hospital have developed nanoparticles containing calcium that can capture nickel efficiently without penetrating the skin. This breakthrough could provide a new strategy for preventing nickel-induced contact dermatitis, affecting millions worldwide.
Research from Brigham and Women's Hospital shows rapid adoption of newer, more expensive prostate cancer treatments between 2002-2005 without proof of cost-effectiveness. This trend is reflected in increased Medicare spending on these treatment options, which rose nearly $350 million in 2005.
Researchers found that interstitial lung disease is associated with reduced total lung capacity and less emphysema in smokers. Smokers with abnormal lung densities are at increased risk for restrictive lung oxygen volume deficits.
A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that the circadian system contributes to daily patterns of vasovagal syncope, a common type of fainting. The vulnerability to presyncope peaks at specific times between 10:30 PM and 10:30 AM, with the highest risk occurring at 4:30 AM.
Dr. Christopher J. Morris, a researcher at Brigham and Women's Hospital, has been awarded a postdoctoral fellowship by the National Space Biomedical Research Institute (NSBRI). He will investigate the effects of sudden shifts in sleep/wake patterns on the cardiovascular system in astronauts.
A recent study published in JNCI found that shift work may be associated with a reduced risk of skin cancer in women. The researchers analyzed data from the Nurses' Health Study and discovered that rotating night shifts were linked to a lower risk of skin cancer, particularly melanoma. Darker-haired women had the lowest risk.