Scientists from Brigham and Women's Hospital have developed a new immuno-therapeutic approach using twin stem cells that can target brain metastatic melanomas. The therapy, which uses an engineered 'twin stem cell model,' activates the immune system to suppress tumor growth and prolong survival in representative preclinical models.
Researchers developed a computational approach to identify causal noncoding variants affecting blood cell trait changes. The study identified 69 mutations impacting transcription factor PU.1 binding, with 51 altering its site, suggesting a link between these variants and disease.
Researchers found that participants who were physically active in the afternoon had greater reductions in blood sugar than those most active at other times of day. This study suggests timing of activity may be important for managing blood glucose levels.
A new study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that daily multivitamin supplements improved memory and slowed cognitive aging in older adults. The COSMOS-Web trial included over 3,500 participants aged 60 and older who completed novel web-based assessments of memory and cognition annually for three years.
A retrospective analysis of patient data suggests that targeting mucus plugs in the lungs may help prevent deaths from COPD. The study found that patients with mucus plugs had a higher mortality rate compared to those without, with significant associations across different disease phases.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have characterized the structure of amyloid-beta fibrils in the human brain, revealing their role in Alzheimer's disease progression. The study sheds light on how lecanemab, a US FDA-approved drug, exerts its protective effects by targeting these fibrils.
A recent study published in Cell Metabolism found that biological age increases with stress from surgery, pregnancy, and severe COVID-19, but can be reversed upon recovery. The study used 'biological clocks' to measure the health of cells and tissue, revealing a dynamic relationship between stress and biological aging.
A team of clinicians successfully treated an aggressive vascular malformation in an infant's brain before birth, preventing potentially fatal symptoms and brain damage. The procedure marked a paradigm shift in managing vein of Galen malformation, reducing the risk of long-term disability or death.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have identified a potential therapeutic target and developed a unique delivery system to treat osteosarcoma. MicroRNA nanoparticles delivered locally using a hydrogel suppressed osteosarcoma growth while decreasing bone damage.
Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital developed an ingestible capsule, known as the FLASH system, which electronically stimulates key hunger hormone ghrelin in pigs. The system has potential applications for treating gastrointestinal disorders and is a promising alternative to traditional treatments.
Researchers found that long siestas (30+ minutes) increased the risk of obesity, metabolic syndrome, and high blood pressure. In contrast, short siestas were associated with improved systolic blood pressure levels.
A new study found that an AI-based algorithm was superior at detecting extranodal extension in oropharynx cancer compared to expert radiologists. This technology aims to improve treatment outcomes by predicting which patients are suitable for surgery or chemotherapy and radiation.
A study by Brigham researchers reveals that childhood trauma and biological sex are associated with epigenetic changes in functional movement/conversion disorder. Female patients and those with an history of childhood trauma show distinct profiles of epigenetic changes linked to this condition.
A new study by Brigham researchers found that 27 high-selling brand-name drugs provided little added clinical benefits despite high costs. The results suggest that Medicare can negotiate prices based on the added benefits of these drugs.
A nationwide study found that more experienced resident physicians are at risk of medical errors when working extended-duration shifts or long weekly hours, similar to first-year residents. The study calls for policy changes to limit work hours and extend safer training periods in the US.
A new study led by Brigham investigators found that people produce shared antibody responses to certain regions of the virus, leading to selective pressure and new variants. The team's findings have implications for our understanding of immunity and public health, particularly in terms of re-infection during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Researchers found clinician-owned practices significantly improved quality of cardiovascular preventive care without burnout among clinicians and staff. Across various practice sizes, geography, and composition, 18.3% met criteria for quality and well-being promoting practices.
Researchers found that symptom and viral rebound are rare in untreated COVID-19 patients, with 26% experiencing symptom rebound and 31% experiencing viral rebound. However, short-term rebounds were common, and only a small percentage of participants experienced both symptom and high-level viral rebound.
A recent study identified novel genes that influence PARP inhibitor response in prostate cancer, including MMS22L and RNASEH2B. The research found that loss of CHEK2, a previously approved biomarker, confers resistance to PARP inhibition, highlighting the need for comprehensive genomic analysis to improve treatment decisions.
A national survey by Brigham researchers identified high levels of burnout, intent to leave the profession, and work overload among healthcare workers. Burnout was most prevalent among nurses (56%) and other clinical staff (54.1%), with 41% of nurses reporting intent to leave.
A new study found that taking a comprehensive medication history before hospital admission and upon discharge significantly reduces medication discrepancies. The study suggests that hospitals can improve medication safety by focusing on these two key efforts.
Researchers found that xanthine, a purine metabolite found in caffeinated foods, drives Th17 cell differentiation through endoplasmic reticulum stress in intestinal epithelial cells. This discovery may help understand how diseases like IBD develop and potentially lead to new therapeutic strategies.
A study found that facility-level disparities in the US are associated with poorer prostate cancer treatment and outcomes for racial minorities. Non-Hispanic black men treated at high-burden safety-net hospitals had the worst outcomes, highlighting the need for targeted initiatives to address these disparities.
A new platform allows researchers to study cell-cell interactions in inflammatory neurological diseases like multiple sclerosis (MS). By identifying genes that control biologic processes, the team hopes to develop therapeutics to change disease-promoting cell behavior.
Researchers at Brigham and Boston Medical Center found associations between kidney damage and increased risk of heart disease and death. The study analyzed kidney tissue from 597 adults with chronic kidney disease, linking specific lesions to cardiovascular events.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital tested a new nasal monoclonal antibody treatment, Foralumab, which decreased inflammatory markers and lung inflammation in patients with COVID-19. The treatment also showed similar effects in multiple sclerosis patients, suggesting its potential use for treating other diseases.
A nationwide Danish trial found that emphasizing cardiovascular benefits and a repeat-letter strategy increased vaccinations by 0.89% and 0.73%, respectively. These low-cost interventions have the potential to overcome vaccine hesitancy in high-risk populations, preventing illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths.
A new study of over 30,000 patients taking statins found that inflammation is a stronger predictor of cardiovascular risk than cholesterol. Aggressive treatment of vascular inflammation can help maximize patient outcomes and reduce cardiovascular events.
Researchers found that patients receiving salvage radiation therapy (sRT) with PSA levels above 0.25 ng/mL had a 50% higher risk of death compared to those with lower PSA levels. The study suggests delaying sRT until PSA levels exceed 0.30 ng/mL may increase mortality risk.
Researchers developed a platform for localizing and tracking wireless microdevices in the GI tract, achieving millimeter-scale spatial resolution. The system has potential to revolutionize clinical diagnosis and treatment of GI disorders without invasive procedures or radiation exposure.
A recent study found that public investment in critical research contributed significantly to the development of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. The US government invested at least $337 million in research over 35 years, including basic science and vaccine development.
A new study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that over 20% of patients at high risk of cardiovascular disease refused statin medications. Women were more likely than men to refuse statin therapy, with a 50% higher rate of never accepting the recommendation.
A Brigham and Women's Hospital study reveals that popular YouTube videos on sleep health often contain misinformation, despite expert-led content receiving significantly fewer views. The study highlights the prevalence of consumer bias in popular videos, which may lead to patients avoiding care or receiving wrong care.
A new study from Brigham and Women's Hospital found that men who regularly lift heavy objects at work have higher sperm counts. Men with more physical jobs also had higher levels of testosterone and estrogen, counterintuitively.
A new study found that stroke patients experience a daily rhythm in cerebral blood flow regulation, with greater regulation during afternoon hours compared to morning and night times. This discovery may improve health outcomes by guiding daily activity and personal care during stroke recovery.
A study found that cystatin C-based eGFR was strongly correlated with creatinine-based eGFR and that 27% of patients would be classified as having a more severe chronic kidney stage based on cystatin C test results. The use of cystatin C can lead to changes in CKD staging, which can impact clinical management.
A new study developed a predictive model to identify high-risk women for endometrial cancer, suggesting that epidemiologic factors can be used to determine risk. The model was trained on pooled data from an international consortium and validated in three large U.S.-based cohorts.
A national study found that only 19% of hospitals were fully compliant with the federal price transparency checklist, with teaching and non-profit hospitals slightly more adherent. Hospitals in competitive markets had lower compliance rates compared to non-competitive markets.
A recent study found that nearly half of older adults receive no dental care and half lack dental insurance. After becoming eligible for Medicare, the percentage of people receiving restorative dental care decreased by 8.7%, while complete edentulism increased by almost 5 percentage points among those aged 65 and above.
A new study found that primary care visits addressing mental health concerns rose by almost 50% over a decade, with Black and Hispanic patients facing barriers to access. Primary care physicians welcome the opportunity to address mental health concerns but need better support systems.
A new study found that women with pre-pregnancy migraine had greater risks of preterm delivery, gestational hypertension, and preeclampsia. Migraine with aura was associated with a higher risk of preeclampsia than without aura.
A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital investigators found early signs of eye damage before type 2 diabetes onset, suggesting pre-diabetic complications. They discovered immune cells migrating to the lens, causing cellular changes that compromise lens function.
An evidence-based fall prevention program implemented in 33 medical units across 8 hospitals reduced non-injurious falls by 17% and injurious falls by 9%. The program resulted in $22 million in savings over a 5-year study period, with a cost of each fall estimated at $62,521.
A study found that people can recall the location of over 100 objects on a grid with high accuracy, even after removing all images. Additionally, participants localized 60-80% of old items to within +/-10% of their correct time.
Scientists used multi-isotope imaging mass spectrometry to identify key contributors to blood vessel obstruction in PAH. The study reveals proline and glucose play a crucial role in forming excess scar tissue, which obstructs blood flow.
Research from Brigham and Women's Hospital found that genetic analysis can identify up to 65% more A2 donors, increasing potential kidney transplants for recipient candidates with blood type B. This could improve availability and equity in kidney transplantation.
Researchers analyzed data from the VITAL trial and found that vitamin D supplementation increased biomarkers associated with vitamin D metabolism in people, regardless of their weight. However, these increases were significantly smaller in people with elevated BMIs, suggesting a blunted response to supplementation.
Researchers identified a common brain network underlying several psychiatric illnesses, including schizophrenia and depression. The transdiagnostic network shows gray matter decreases in specific brain regions across most studies.
Researchers developed a blood test using circulating microparticle proteins to predict placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) cases as early as the second trimester. The study found five unique proteins that can distinguish PAS patients from control patients, enabling safe predication before delivery.
A team from Brigham and Women's Hospital developed FIND-seq, a method that isolates and analyzes rare astrocytes driving MS inflammation and neurodegeneration. This approach identified signaling pathways controlling the development of pathogenic astrocytes in mice and humans.