Researchers found that Neanderthal DNA is associated with genes affecting type 2 diabetes, Crohn's disease, and lupus. Additionally, they discovered that certain areas of the modern non-African human genome are rich in Neanderthal DNA, suggesting potential benefits for human survival.
Scientists at Harvard Medical School call for data held in biobanks to be made accessible to donors, enabling them to access their own raw data and conduct independent analyses. This principle aims to promote reciprocity in the relationship between biobanks and participants.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School have discovered a reversible cause of aging in mammals. Administering a naturally produced compound restored communication between cells' nucleus and mitochondria, comparable to younger animals. This finding has significant implications for understanding the aging process and potential reversal.
Researchers found that high-risk patients at teaching hospitals face a significant increase in mortality risk during July, when trainees take on new roles. The study suggests that intensifying oversight on high-risk cases and having more experienced doctors care for these patients can help mitigate this risk.
A new study at Harvard Medical School proposes that aneuploidy is a driver of cancer development rather than just a result. Researchers analyzed genome sequence data from over 8,200 pairs of cancerous and normal tissue samples to identify patterns in tumor evolution.
Scientists create novel genomes in E. coli, expanding vocabulary and increasing resistance to viruses. The breakthrough enables safer, more productive biotechnology by introducing rare amino acids that only survive in lab environments.
A new study by Harvard Medical School researchers has successfully treated a genetic disorder in mice that causes cardiac muscle thickening, weakening the heart. By reducing production of a mutant protein, the treatment prevented HCM manifestations for about six months, offering significant promise for potential human treatment.
Scientists have identified a protective pheromone, ESP22, in the tears of young mice that blocks adult mating behavior. This discovery provides insight into how sensory systems regulate social behavior and could lead to a better understanding of human behaviors.
A recent 12-country study found that binge-eating disorder is associated with substantial lifelong impairments, including depression, anxiety disorders, and work disability. The study suggests that early detection and treatment of eating disorders during adolescence may help prevent subsequent mental and physical disorders.
Researchers used phylogenetics to analyze whole genome sequences of TB, revealing 39 new genes associated with elevated drug resistance. The findings suggest a multistep process for acquiring resistance and implications for targeted detection methods.
Researchers found that commercial Alternative Quality Contract programs reduce spending and improve quality for Medicare beneficiaries served by participating providers. Providers in these plans implement systemic changes that result in higher-value care for all patients, not just those covered by the plan.
Researchers discovered 20 million base pairs of genetic sequence hidden in centromeres, a key finding that could aid in mapping the human genome. Latino genomes proved uniquely powerful in filling in uncharted regions due to their African ancestry.
A new study published in American Journal of Human Genetics suggests that modern-day India is the result of recent population mixture among divergent demographic groups. The findings provide evidence for a genetic mixture of two ancestral groups: Ancestral North Indians and Ancestral South Indians, which occurred around 1,900 to 4,200 ...
Patients in Medicare HMOs were more likely to receive recommended preventive services and rated their primary care physicians favorably compared to traditional fee-for-service plans. The study found that older, larger not-for-profit HMOs performed better on these measures than smaller for-profit ones.
A new study from Harvard Medical School reveals that millions of eligible seniors are turning down free prescription drug coverage due to impaired cognitive abilities. The researchers suggest that the design of the program needs to be changed to make it easier for low-income adults to enroll and access the benefit.
A study by Harvard Medical School found that losing health insurance leads to poor asthma management among young adults, who are more likely to use emergency rooms and struggle with accessing medical care. The researchers emphasize the need for addressing social factors and creating transition plans from pediatric to adult care.
Researchers found that intestinal stem-cell regeneration in fruit flies varies with the time of day, with gut healing being more effective at certain times. This study sheds light on how circadian rhythms control daily functions and has potential applications for human health, including optimizing chemotherapy timing.
Researchers discovered SIRT4 plays a crucial role in preventing DNA damage-induced cancer by controlling glutamine metabolism and arresting cell cycle. In mice lacking SIRT4, lung cancer developed spontaneously, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target.
Researchers validate resveratrol's direct activation of SIRT1, a protein promoting health and longevity. The study suggests potent drugs may treat and prevent age-related diseases.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School have identified a signaling pathway that may determine genetic susceptibility for the development of FASD. The study found that phosphorylation events inside cells can render L1 adhesion molecules more vulnerable to alcohol's inhibitory effects, providing new targets for diagnosis and therapy.
A team of researchers created an animal model of recent human evolution, revealing a single mutation that produced several traits common in East Asian peoples. The study found that the mutation arose around 30,000 years ago in central China and is linked to thicker hair, denser sweat glands, and other skin features.
Scientists from Harvard Medical School and business innovators used a crowdsourcing platform to analyze vast amounts of genetic data, achieving unprecedented accuracy and speed. The study demonstrates the potential for combining basic science research with commercial sector expertise to solve complex problems.
A study by Harvard Medical School researchers found that physicians spend an average of 11% of their career waiting for malpractice claim resolution. Neurosurgeons face the longest delays, with open claims lasting nearly 27% of their careers.
Researchers from Harvard Medical School found that integrated care provided by managed care plans reduces resource use, potentially leading to overall savings. Risk-adjustment reforms have mitigated favorable selection, reducing the tendency of health plans to attract healthier patients.
Researchers discovered a ribosomal protein, rpL40, that regulates viral protein synthesis and could represent a target for antiviral treatments. This finding reveals the ribosome's active role in regulating protein translation and offers new insights into combating fatal viral infections such as rabies.
Researchers found dopamine neurons release GABA, a neurotransmitter that lowers neuronal activity, which could explain why restoring only dopamine leads to waning improvements in Parkinson's patients. This discovery highlights the complex interplay between dopamine and GABA in brain disorders like depression and addiction.
A new study confirms the existence of a shared pathway between Lou Gehrig's disease and spinal muscular atrophy, linking the two diseases through their impact on motor neuron function. The study suggests that this shared pathway may lead to common treatment options for both conditions.
Scientists have identified a key metabolic hormone called leptin in fruit flies, which regulates energy intake and appetite. The discovery opens up new avenues for genetic research on the molecular mechanisms of fat sensing and could provide insights into obesity and diabetes.
A new study reports that Medicare payment reforms mandated in the Affordable Care Act have great potential to lower costs without harming patients. The researchers found that previous payment reforms caused a steep downtick in postacute care costs immediately after implementation, but expenses quickly resumed their upward trend.
Abnormalities in mitochondrial length promote neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, while optimal length is essential for maintaining cellular health. The study reveals a complex interplay between proteins DRP1 and actin, which are affected by defective tau protein.
Researchers found that humans inherit more than three times as many mutations from their fathers as from their mothers. The study also suggests that the mutation rate in fathers doubles with age, while there is no association with mother's age. This new insight challenges theories of human evolution and sheds light on conditions such a...
Researchers encoded George Church's book 'Regenesis' in DNA using novel strategy and next-generation sequencing technology. The team stored 54,898 unique DNA sequences, each with an address to guide reassembly, for a total of 70 billion copies.
A new study found that global budgets for healthcare can slow the growth of medical spending while improving quality of care. The Blue Cross Blue Shield Alternative Quality Contract program in Massachusetts achieved significant savings and quality improvements, with provider groups seeing reductions of up to 9.9% in medical spending.
A new study finds nearly two-thirds of US adolescents have experienced severe anger attacks, with 1 in 12 meeting criteria for IED. The disorder is under-treated, with only 6.5% receiving professional help.
Researchers found that deleting a single gene in the cerebellum of mice caused autistic-like behavior, but administering an immunosuppressant drug prevented these symptoms. The study suggests a molecular component for autism development and may lead to better understanding of the condition.
A new study reports that human microbes have coevolved with humans, forming unique partnerships essential for our immune system. The findings suggest that modern hygiene and antibiotics may be contributing to the rise of autoimmune disorders by erasing these beneficial bacteria.
Researchers have found that cancer cells may require simpler genetic mutations than previously thought to grow and proliferate. The most common hemizygous deletions in cancer involve tumor suppressing genes called STOP genes, which are haploinsufficient, meaning they depend on two copies to function normally.
A protein called BAD modifies cellular metabolism in the brain, resisting epileptic seizures and providing a potential treatment option. Researchers discovered that altering BAD's function can reduce seizures without dietary therapy.
New research confirms resveratrol's role in prolonging lifespan and health through SIRT1-activated mitochondrial function. Studies using mouse models show that without SIRT1, resveratrol has no beneficial effect on energy production.
A new study by Harvard Medical School researchers found that C-sections are a cost-effective means of improving health in the developing world. The study's median economic benefit of death and disability prevented outweighs the cost of procedures 6 to 1, with an average return on investment of $6 for every $1 invested.
A new web-based tool has been developed using machine learning techniques to diagnose autism in young children quickly and accurately. The tool uses a short survey of seven questions to achieve nearly 100% accuracy, reducing the time for diagnosis from hours to minutes.
New research uses imaging techniques to observe how Vibrio cholerae, the bacterium that causes cholera, kills off its rivals using a spring-loaded poison dagger. The study reveals the Type 6 secretion system's role in this process and has implications for understanding bacterial virulence and potential drug targets.
A genetic mutation in the TTN gene has been found to cause 18% of sporadic and 25% of familial dilated cardiomyopathy. This discovery can help diagnose and treat the condition, reducing the risk of heart failure and sudden death.
Harvard researchers uncover how halofuginone, a compound derived from an ancient Chinese herb, regulates autoimmunity and inflammation by triggering a stress-response pathway. The discovery provides new insights into the physiological regulation of the immune system and novel therapeutic approaches for autoimmune disorders.
A new study of hunter-gatherers, the Hadza people, suggests that social networks played a crucial role in the evolution of cooperation. The researchers found that individuals with similar characteristics, such as food preferences, formed distinct clusters within their social networks.
A new study finds that physician referral rates in the United States increased by 92% over a decade, leading to an estimated 159% increase in visits resulting in referrals. This surge in referrals is attributed to increased specialization and the increasing responsibilities of primary care physicians.
Researchers have discovered a new target for treating aggressive cancers driven by the Myc oncogene, which can be targeted by inhibiting enzymes that are unique to cancer cells. The study identified SAE2 as a potential candidate gene that slows growth rates of human breast cancer cells when depleted.
A Harvard Medical School team developed an algorithm that infers essential information about microscopic interactions in proteins using evolution and high-throughput genetic sequencing. This approach solves the computational protein folding problem, predicting accurate shapes for diverse proteins.
Researchers successfully transplanted young neurons into diseased brain circuitry, repairing defective circuits and enabling mice to respond to leptin. This breakthrough suggests new therapeutic approaches for conditions like spinal cord injury, autism, and Parkinson's disease.
Researchers sequenced bacterial genomes to understand how a pathogen evolves in response to human defenses and medical treatment. The study found widespread purifying selection, but also identified specific genes that showed strong evidence of positive selection.