A team of researchers has identified a novel therapeutic target for central nervous system injuries, including spinal cord injuries. They found that chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs) bind to the surface of neurons, and blocking this binding may lead to improved regeneration.
A Harvard Medical School study found that individuals who were previously uninsured between ages 51 and 64 cost Medicare an additional $1,000 annually due to complications from cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Expanding coverage may reduce subsequent Medicare spending by $98 billion, offsetting the costs.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School have discovered a diabetes drug that selectively targets and kills cancer stem cells in mice, leading to faster tumor reduction and prolonged remission. The findings support the potential use of metformin as a first-line treatment in breast cancer patients.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School used two-photon microscopy to track calcium levels in neurons during electrical stimulation, revealing a scattered and widely distributed set of neurons switch on. The findings contradict a long-standing hypothesis and suggest that axons are being stimulated rather than cell bodies.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School found that separated cells lose energy-harvesting ability and eventually starve due to metabolic defects. Increasing antioxidant activity restores metabolic function, allowing cells to use alternative energy sources, raising the possibility of early-stage tumor cell survival.
A team of researchers has developed a new cell programming method called MAGE, which enables rapid refinement of bacterial genomes. By editing multiple genes in parallel, the researchers transformed E. coli cells into efficient factories that produce a desired compound in just three days.
Researchers discovered that a common allergy medication can reduce obesity and type 2 diabetes in mice by stabilizing mast cells. A separate study found regulatory T cells play a crucial role in controlling inflammation in fat tissue, suggesting a new connection between immune function and metabolic conditions.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School discovered a new pheromone in male fruit flies that repels females for at least a week. The compound, named CH503, was found to act as an anti-aphrodisiac, inhibiting courtship in males and explaining the long-lasting mating behaviors observed in fruit flies.
Researchers have discovered that hydrogen peroxide is released from wounds and triggers the recruitment of white blood cells to combat infection. The finding suggests that high levels of hydrogen peroxide may be involved in conditions like asthma and inflammatory gut diseases, warranting further investigation.
A new calculator tool has been developed by Harvard Medical School researchers to measure the value of preventative medicine services. The Family Van program, a mobile health clinic in Boston, was used as a test case, and found that long-term investments will return $36 for every dollar spent.
Researchers found that cancer cells use many normal proteins to cope with stress and maintain their abnormal state. This discovery highlights the importance of stress management genes as potential therapeutic targets for treating tumors driven by Ras mutations.
A study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that only half of patients diagnosed with metastatic lung cancer discuss hospice options with their physicians. The study also revealed disparities in hospice discussions among different racial and marital groups, highlighting the need for improved end-of-life care conversations.
A Harvard Medical School study found that universal coverage can narrow health disparities among racial and economic groups. Among individuals age 65 and older with Medicare coverage, socio-demographic gaps in blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels decreased substantially.
Scientists studying a new cancer treatment discovered that protein levels, not genetics, determine the effectiveness of the medication. This finding offers an alternative explanation to the cancer stem-cell hypothesis and holds promise for designing more effective anti-cancer treatments.
A new Harvard Medical School study reveals that infants who experience rapid weight gain in the first six months of life are at a higher risk of developing obesity by age three. The research suggests that early interventions may help prevent long-term health consequences.
The Nancy Lurie Marks Clinical and Research Fellowship Program in Autism will support HMS faculty and students interested in autism research over six years. The program will fund basic and clinical research in various fields, including genetics and neuroscience.
A new study published in JAMA found that low-income women with diabetes have a more than 50% increased risk of experiencing postpartum depression. The research suggests that healthcare facilities and clinicians should pay attention to managing mental health concerns in women with diabetes during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
A 15-month study found that patients who received mailed reminders for colorectal cancer screenings were more likely to schedule screenings than those without reminders. This approach increased screening rates by 16% compared to the control group.
A topical treatment using RNA interference (RNAi) has been shown to effectively prevent herpes virus transmission in mice, disabling key genes necessary for the virus's replication and host cell infection. The treatment can be applied up to a week before or after exposure, making it a promising approach for preventing sexually transmit...
Researchers at Harvard Medical School discovered a natural product, surfactin, that causes bacteria to form social networks. Biofilm formation is triggered by potassium leakage and subsequent gene activity, leading to the creation of complex communities.
Researchers have found that men outnumbered women in the ancient African exodus, tracing variations in X chromosomes and non-sex chromosomes to support their conclusion. The study's lead author notes that these findings align with anthropologists' teachings on hunter-gatherer populations.
Cones starve to death due to structural changes in the retina, disrupting nutrient flow. Researchers propose boosting nutrient levels in cones to preserve daylight vision in patients.
Researchers found that happiness can spread through social networks like an emotional contagion, benefiting not only friends but also friends' friends and even those three degrees removed. The effect is strongest among close relationships and lasts for up to a year.
Scientists have discovered that DNA damage can lead to a decrease in gene regulation, contributing to aging. A specific sirtuin protein helps regulate gene expression and maintain DNA repair, but its dysfunction can result in chronic gene activation and aging phenotypes.
A study found that physicians with electronic health records (EHRs) had a lower incidence of paid malpractice claims, with 6.1% of EHR users and 10.8% of non-users settling claims in the past decade.
A recent study published in Pediatrics found that flu vaccination rates for adolescents with asthma and other illnesses are still low, ranging from 8-15% over the study period. However, the researchers suggest that a universal influenza vaccination approach may increase coverage among this population.
Researchers have found a way to restore key surface proteins in adult stem cells, enhancing their movement and therapeutic potential. The simple chemical procedure uses a molecule called SLeX to get the cells off the 'couch' and over to their therapeutic target.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School developed a self-assembling hydrogel drug delivery system that releases clinically approved drugs in high concentrations without carriers or toxic residues. The system, triggered by enzymes, has the potential to serve as a platform technology for developing targeted drug delivery systems.
A team of researchers has discovered a mechanism for the rapid growth of infantile hemangioma, a common childhood tumor. The study found that endothelial cells, which line the blood vessels, are responsible for the tumors' growth and can be targeted with anti-VEGF therapy.
A team of researchers at Harvard Medical School used RNAi to systematically knockdown pairs of genes in fruit fly cells, revealing interactions between genes and accelerating the pace of discovery in systems biology. This approach overcomes limitations of traditional single-gene knockout studies by capturing redundant gene functions.
A study found that children with high parental expectations for normal functioning have less severe asthma symptoms and use medications correctly. Parents' perceptions play a key role in controlling their child's asthma, particularly if they follow a routine for taking medication.
Beetles form a mutualistic relationship with bacteria to create an environment for their larvae, but this also allows the beetles to destroy pine forests. The discovery of a specific molecule that neutralizes pathogenic fungi could lead to new medicines for human infections.
Harvard Initiative for Global Health will develop a curriculum in nutrition and global health, addressing infectious disease, perinatal/child health, and chronic diseases. The grant also supports partnerships with Indian and Brazilian research institutions.
A new study published in Health Affairs found that private equity investments in nursing homes have not significantly worsened quality of care. In fact, some aspects of care improved after the transactions, including aide staffing and resident outcomes.
A study of Danish mothers found that higher fish consumption during pregnancy and longer breastfeeding were associated with better physical and cognitive development in infants. Children whose mothers ate the most fish had better motor and cognitive skills, while those who breastfed for longer durations also showed improved development.
A Harvard Medical School study found that direct-to-consumer advertising has a modest effect on prescription rates for some drugs, but none at all for others. The researchers compared sales of three specific drugs in English-speaking Canada and Quebec, where residents were less exposed to ads, and found no significant difference in pre...
Researchers at Harvard Medical School have successfully used RNA interference (RNAi) to prevent the spread of HIV in mice. The study found that knocking down three specific genes in T cells protected them from the virus, preventing it from jumping between cells.
A study conducted in Peru found that more than 60% of XDR-TB patients were cured after receiving personalized outpatient therapy. The ambulatory model showed better outcomes than hospital settings and has the potential to be widely implemented in resource-poor settings.
A new study reveals that dividing cells exhibit an unprecedented level of regulation, with over 1,000 proteins becoming highly phosphorylated. This discovery has significant implications for understanding cell cycle disorders and developing therapeutic targets.
Researchers have developed a computational language called Little b that can assemble complex models of proteins and their interactions with DNA. By incorporating principles of engineering, the program allows for modularity and abstraction, enabling scientists to build upon existing models and refine them in new ways.
A study by Harvard Medical School found significant racial disparities in diabetes care across individual physicians, with black patients experiencing less ideal outcomes. Adjusting for patient characteristics did not eliminate the disparities, highlighting the need for system-wide solutions to address these issues.
A study by Harvard Medical School found that foster care programs with high-quality services and low caseloads significantly reduced rates of major depression, substance use disorders, and physical health issues among adult alumni. The results show a 50% reduction in rates compared to public system alumni.
The Harvard CTSC will transform patient-oriented medical research, creating unity and communication across the University's disparate schools and affiliated medical centers. The center will facilitate collaboration, provide online tools, and distribute pilot grants to junior investigators.
A molecule produced by gut bacteria, called polysaccharide A (PSA), has been shown to eliminate symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in animal models. PSA promotes immune system cells to secrete IL-10, which suppresses inflammation caused by IBD.
Researchers analyzed 32-year longitudinal data to discover that people quit smoking in network clusters, influenced by education and marginalization. The study suggests that smoking cessation is a social phenomenon, highlighting the interconnectedness of health and social networks.
A study reveals that immune killer T cells induce cell death by disrupting mitochondria in two distinct ways, targeting enzymes and reactive oxygen production. This understanding provides a new insight into the major T cell defense pathway against viral infections and cancer.
A recent study examining the effect of Medicare Part D on financial hardship found that sickest patients are still skipping medications due to cost. Despite improvements in basic necessity cutting, medication adherence remains a concern for chronically ill individuals.
Researchers developed an electronic medical record system called ESP that increased reported infections of Chlamydia and gonorrhoea by 40-50% and provided more complete information on patient conditions. The system is designed to report seven types of infections and offers promise for faster detection and prevention of public health th...
A new genetic test has identified mutations in 10 genes as a possible cause of cardiac hypertrophy in children. The test found that nearly 50% of children without family histories had mutations in these genes, shedding light on the underlying causes of the condition.
Infants and toddlers who sleep less than 12 hours a day are twice as likely to become overweight by age 3. High levels of television viewing combined with less sleep elevates the risk, especially when children watch TV for two or more hours a day.