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Brigham and Women's Hospital


Transplant researchers develop vaccine in preclinical models to regulate immune responses to prevent kidney and heart transplant rejection

A team of researchers developed a vaccine that stimulates regulatory T cells to suppress harmful immune cells, prolonging allograft survival in mice. This discovery identifies an analogous pathway in humans, suggesting potential treatment for autoimmune disorders and organ transplant patients.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 15, 2023

Researchers find aspirin avoidance is safe for patients with modern heart pumps

Researchers found that removing aspirin from treatment while continuing vitamin-k antagonists in patients with modern left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) did not increase clotting-related risks or pump malfunctions. Aspirin avoidance was associated with a reduction in bleeding events, lower hospital days, and decreased cost of care.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJAMA·TypeObservational study·DateNov 14, 2023

AI algorithm developed to measure muscle development, provide growth chart for children

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have developed an AI algorithm to measure muscle development in children using MRI scans. The tool provides a standardized growth chart, allowing clinicians to track muscle mass and detect signs of sarcopenia or low lean muscle mass, enabling early intervention to prevent negative effects.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNature Communications·TypeImaging analysis·DateNov 9, 2023

Docetaxel use associated with significant reduction in prostate cancer death in very poor prognostic group

A meta-analysis of five clinical trials found that adding docetaxel to standard-of-care treatment reduced prostate cancer-specific mortality by 70% and improved overall survival to 80%. The study focused on high-grade prostate cancer patients with low PSA levels, who previously had limited effective treatment options.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 1, 2023

Abortion rates among commercially insured patients declined during the COVID-19 pandemic and did not rebound to pre-pandemic rates

A study by Brigham researchers found that the COVID-19 pandemic led to a sharp decline in surgical abortions for commercially insured patients, with no concurrent increase in medical abortions. The rate of surgical abortions remained below pre-pandemic levels through June 2022.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 26, 2023

New model for in vitro production of human brown fat cells lays groundwork for obesity, diabetes cell therapy

A new model for producing human brown fat cells in vitro has been developed, providing a potential solution for treating obesity and type 2 diabetes. The researchers identified key cellular signaling cues that lead to brown adipocyte formation and successfully reproduced this process in human pluripotent stem cells.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalDevelopmental Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 20, 2023

Study finds two antibiotics for children with sinusitis equally effective, but one had fewer side effects

Researchers found that patients prescribed amoxicillin-clavulanate had higher rates of gastrointestinal symptoms and yeast infections than those prescribed amoxicillin. The study showed no difference in treatment failure rates between the two antibiotics, with treatment failure occurring in less than 2% of cases.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJAMA·TypeObservational study·DateSep 19, 2023

‘Night owls’ more likely than ‘early birds’ to develop diabetes

A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that evening 'chronotype,' going to bed late and waking up late, is associated with a higher risk of developing diabetes. Participants with later sleep and wake times had less healthy lifestyles and were at greater risk of developing diabetes than those with early-bird sleep habits.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateSep 11, 2023

Microdevices implanted into tumors offer new way to treat brain cancer

Researchers have developed a device that can be implanted into tumors during surgery to test new treatments, providing unprecedented insight into the effects of drugs on glioma tumors. The device, which is designed to be used during standard of care surgery, caused no adverse effects on patients in a phase 1 clinical trial.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateSep 6, 2023

Study finds increase in travelers to Massachusetts seeking abortion care post-Dobbs

A study by Brigham researchers reveals a 37% increase in out-of-state residents seeking abortion care in Massachusetts after Dobbs, with an estimated 45 additional abortions. Non-profit funding for out-of-state residents increased by nearly ten percent, while in-state residents' use of funding remained relatively stable.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 6, 2023

Brigham researchers offer cohesive framework for evaluating biomarkers of aging

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have developed a cohesive framework for evaluating biomarkers of aging, providing a robust classification system for the identification and validation of molecular markers. The framework highlights key criteria for evaluation, including age-sensitivity and generalizability across cell types, ...

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalCell·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 31, 2023

Researchers develop novel technology to quantify protein critical to blood clot formation through breath gas analysis

A team of investigators developed a novel technology to diagnose immunothrombosis, a major cause of morbidity among patients with sepsis or severe COVID-19. By measuring thrombin activity through breath gas, they can provide unprecedented knowledge of key enzymatic activity anywhere in the body.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 9, 2023

Study characterizes unique immune response in patients who experience inflammatory arthritis as side effect of cancer therapies

Researchers identified a specific type of CD8 T cell that characterizes inflammatory arthritis induced by ICI therapies. A unique population of CD8 T cells was found to promote joint inflammation and persist in the bloodstream, explaining why ICI-arthritis continues after therapy is discontinued.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalScience Immunology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 1, 2023

New brain circuit for epilepsy uncovered

A new study by investigators from the Brigham and Women’s Hospital found that lesions associated with epilepsy are connected to a common brain network, suggesting the brain connections disrupted by the lesions are key. This discovery may have clinical implications for predicting epilepsy risk and targeting treatments.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJAMA Neurology·TypeObservational study·DateJul 3, 2023

Brigham researchers identify factors associated with lower breastfeeding duration for mothers with higher BMIs

A multi-nation cohort analysis found that mothers with higher BMIs have shorter breastfeeding durations due to inflammation and cesarean section deliveries. The study identified dietary and systemic inflammation as modifiable factors associated with longer lactation duration in people with high BMI.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeObservational study·DateJun 22, 2023

New model offers insights into how stress in neurons connects to cardiovascular disease

Researchers used a new transgenic mouse model to study the impact of oxidative stress on neurons and blood vessels, revealing that high levels of stress can cause sensory neuron degeneration and cardiac hypertrophy. This combination is associated with Friedreich's ataxia, a progressive neurodegenerative disease.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 14, 2023

Higher levels of diglycerides and triglycerides adversely associated with glaucoma

A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that higher levels of diglycerides and triglycerides are associated with an increased risk of primary open-angle glaucoma. The research suggests that these lipid metabolites play a role in the disease's pathogenesis, highlighting potential new targets for prevention or treatment.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateJun 13, 2023

Similar symptoms, biological abnormalities underlie long COVID and chronic fatigue syndrome

A review article by senior investigators at Brigham and Women's Hospital found that long COVID and chronic fatigue syndrome share similar symptoms, including brain, immune system, heart, lung, gut, and energy metabolism abnormalities. The study aims to identify areas requiring further research for improved diagnostic tests and treatments.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalFrontiers in Medicine·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 9, 2023

DNA sequencing in newborns reveals years of actionable findings for infants and families

Researchers from the BabySeq Project found that over 10% of newborns had unanticipated mutations in disease-associated genes, all medically actionable. The study prompted genetic testing, specialty consultations, and procedures among at-risk family members, including risk-reducing surgeries for mothers.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 5, 2023

Bench-to-field study identifies pesticides that could influence Parkinson's disease

A recent study has identified 53 pesticides linked to an increased risk of Parkinson's disease, with exposure to multiple chemicals combined being more toxic than any single pesticide. The researchers also found that specific pesticides can directly harm dopamine neurons, a key finding for the development of new therapeutic strategies.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 2, 2023

Study affirms use of robotic approach in challenging gastric GIST resections

A new study from Brigham and Women's Hospital confirms the use of robotic-assisted resection of gastric GISTs in hard-to-reach locations, ensuring complete tumor removal while preserving organ function. The procedure offers superior visibility and steadier arms, reducing error and damage to surrounding tissue.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJournal of Surgical Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 1, 2023