A study by Harvard Medical School researchers found that knocking down the glycolytic pathway, specifically LDHA enzyme, effectively shut down glycolysis in breast cancer cells. Eighty percent of mice outlived a four-month experiment with tumor cells lacking this enzyme.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School and Argonne National Laboratory have discovered a protein secretion system in Pseudomonas aeruginosa that plays a critical role in the infection of cystic fibrosis patients. The discovery provides evidence for a new treatment target, offering hope for combating this deadly disease.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School have made significant progress in understanding the efficacy of an AIDS vaccine. The study found that vaccines can control HIV infection for approximately 100 days, followed by nearly three years, with vaccinated monkeys living significantly longer than unvaccinated ones.
A new study reveals that intermittent explosive disorder (IED), a condition characterized by uncontrollable rage, is more prevalent than previously thought. The study found that IED attacks are often out of proportion to social stressors and can be linked to cases of road rage and spousal abuse.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School have defined a molecular signaling pathway linking oxidative stress to cell death in brain neurons. The discovery of the MST-FOXO biochemical switch mechanism may provide potential new targets for the diagnosis and treatment of age-related diseases such as Alzheimer's.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School have discovered a key mechanism that regulates blood vessel growth and regression. By targeting this process, new drugs may be designed to dismantle existing vessels or promote vessel regression in diseases such as diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration.
A new study by Harvard Medical School researchers found that visual stimulus turns up the expression of some genes and turns down others, shaping the brain. The study identified distinct sets of genes that respond to visual input at different ages, suggesting a more holistic view of gene function in neural development.
A study by Harvard Medical School researchers identifies specific neurons in the orbitofrontal cortex that assign values to different goods. This discovery sheds light on choice deficit disorders such as eating disorders and compulsive gambling.
New research reveals Pin1 enzyme plays a key role in preventing Alzheimer's disease by regulating APP cleavage and amyloid beta production. The study establishes a direct link between amyloid plaques and tau tangles, two abnormal structures associated with the disease.
A new vaccine strategy has been developed to generate an attenuated strain of Listeria monocytogenes, which affects vulnerable humans such as the chronically ill and young children. The vaccine approach showed rapid clearance and stimulation of T-cells in both normal and immunocompromised mice.
A Harvard Medical School study found that faxing alerts to physicians about patient non-adherence to antidepressants did not increase medication adherence rates. The study, which assessed over 13,000 patients starting treatment with antidepressants, suggests that other complementary interventions are needed to improve compliance.
A study found that prescription monitoring programs can reduce problematic use of benzodiazepines but also decrease access to appropriate treatment for patients with chronic illnesses. Racial disparities in access to effective care were exacerbated by these policies, highlighting the need for re-examining health policy impacts.
A large-scale search for new drugs to suppress autoimmune disease symptoms led researchers to a biochemical mechanism involving gold compounds. Gold, particularly in its special form, renders MHC class II proteins inactive, a key component of the immune system involved in autoimmunity.
A protein called MEF2 has been found to regulate the growth and development of synapses in neurons. The study reveals that MEF2 can promote or inhibit synapse formation depending on neuronal activity, with implications for understanding neurodegenerative diseases such as autism.
A landmark study by Harvard Medical School found that spousal illness significantly elevates a partner's mortality risk, particularly within the first two years. The study also revealed specific illnesses have varying effects on partners' health, with dementia and heart disease being most detrimental.
A comprehensive breast cancer protein library has been established, enabling researchers to study proteins' roles in cancer development. The library's vast collection of cDNAs covers a broad spectrum of breast cancer-related genes, offering new avenues for understanding and treating the disease.
A study of 270 individuals with chronic arm pain found that patients receiving sham acupuncture reported a more significant decrease in pain and symptom severity than those receiving placebo pills. The results suggest the medical ritual of a device can deliver an enhanced placebo effect beyond that of a placebo pill.
The MIDAS research team will develop mathematical and statistical models to detect hospital-based outbreaks of antimicrobial-resistant infections. They will analyze health data from various sources, including Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and Kaiser Permanente Northern California, to identify potential outbreaks.
A new initiative aims to track the experiences of Hurricane Katrina survivors, gathering data on their recovery process, mental health, and access to healthcare. Quarterly reports will be posted online to inform policy decisions.
Researchers found that elevated homocysteine in blood may be a biomarker for increased AMD risk, particularly among advanced stages. High levels were also associated with higher AMD risk, highlighting the need for further study on prevention and treatment.
The Medicare drug benefit is at risk of causing significant harm to vulnerable populations, including the poor, elderly, and disabled. A narrow six-week transition period to a new formulary may lead to difficulties in accessing essential medications, potentially resulting in health problems.
Researchers believe that analyzing Medicare data will help assess medication use in real-life conditions, improving the nation's ability to understand risks and benefits of drug treatment. This can lead to increased data on whether drugs are used as intended and their potential risks.
Harvard researcher Martin Nweeia discovers that the narwhal's tooth has hydrodynamic sensor capabilities, allowing it to detect salinity and particle gradients in Arctic waters. This unique adaptation enables the whales to survive in their icy environment and potentially discern prey.
A study found that doctors frequently prescribe high-risk drugs despite warning labels, with noncompliance rates ranging from 12.8% to 49.6%. The authors recommend improving warning clarity, patient education, and system support to enhance adherence to recommended practices.
The Medicare elimination of essential drugs will have a significant impact on 24% of elderly recipients, who will lose coverage for essential medications like benzodiazepines. This could lead to withdrawal reactions, emergency department visits, and hospital admissions.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School have identified a custom small molecule inhibitor that can prevent cholera bacteria from setting up an infection. The approach uses virulence protein expression and has potential to be widely applicable against other important pathogens.
Researchers found that cells with double genomes are more prone to generating tumors in mice, and these tumors show genomic instability similar to many human cancers. Inaccurate chromosome segregation can also lead to the formation of tetraploid cells, which contribute to cancer development.
A study of 14,355 children aged 9-14 found that eating fried foods away from home led to higher body mass index and dietary patterns associated with excessive weight gain and chronic diseases. The researchers recommend limiting fried food consumption and promoting family dinners for healthier eating habits.
Harvard Medical School researchers developed a new DNA sequencing technology that can sequence human genomes at a fraction of the cost using off-the-shelf instruments and chemical reagents. The technique uses fluorescent dyes to identify DNA bases, allowing for high accuracy and rapid sequencing.
Scientists have traced the critical step in how anthrax toxins enter host cells, revealing that a pore protein plays an active role in translocation. The 'phi-clamp', a collection of hydrophobic amino acids, acts as a chaperone to shepherd unfolded lethal factor and edema factor molecules through the heptameric channel.
A team of researchers at Harvard Medical School has identified a new family of genes that extend lifespan when combined with low-calorie diets. The study, led by Dudley Lamming, suggests that these genes may protect against diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School have identified a novel function for the molecule Par-4 as a binding partner for dopamine receptor D2. This discovery suggests that Par-4 may play a crucial role in regulating depression-like behaviors, providing a potential new target for antidepressants.
A Harvard Medical School study reveals that phosphatases play a crucial role in regulating cell survival and chemoresistance. The researchers identified tumor suppressor phosphatases whose loss of function leads to chemoresistance, providing potential new targets for cancer treatment.
A recent study suggests that a one-time adolescent vaccination against whooping cough could prevent 36% of projected cases while being reasonably cost-effective. The analysis considered various vaccination strategies and their impact on disease incidence, vaccine efficacy, side effects, and costs.
The latest US mental health tracking survey shows a high prevalence of mental disorders, with most cases being mild. However, the survey also found that many cases go untreated and when treatment occurs, it often does not meet recommended guidelines.
A recent study found that a 'watch and wait' approach to treating kids' ear infections could significantly reduce the overuse of antibiotics. The study surveyed over 2,000 parents in Massachusetts communities, revealing mixed attitudes towards this treatment method.
A five-year study involving over 1,500 children and teenagers found that witnessing gun violence doubles the risk of violent behavior. The research suggests that exposure to violence can be viewed as an infectious disease, with one in every two teens who witness violence committing a violent act.
ID physicians and expert general medicine physicians outperform non-expert generalists in treating patients with HIV. Key findings include improved viral load control and increased flu vaccination rates among expert groups.
Family dinners are associated with greater consumption of fruits and vegetables, less processed food. However, a study suggests that family dinners do not directly impact a child's weight or prevent obesity.
A new human kinase gene repository has been established, featuring a comprehensive collection of protein and non-protein kinases. The repository will facilitate high-throughput assays and structural studies of this crucial gene family, which plays key roles in various cellular processes.
The article discusses the rise of online organ donation platforms like MatchingDonors.com, which have successfully paired donors with recipients. However, the medical community is divided over the ethics of soliciting organs online, with concerns about subverting the UNOS system and policing financial remuneration for living donors.
A study of 314 children found that those in the high normal weight range were at an elevated risk of becoming overweight or obese as adults. Nearly half of male subjects and nearly a quarter of female subjects became overweight or obese between childhood and young adulthood.
A study by Harvard Medical School researchers found that older doctors are less likely to follow current medical standards, with declining performance over time. The findings suggest that quality improvement interventions targeting all physicians, including those who have trained recently, may be necessary to update knowledge and tools.
A study by Harvard Medical School and Harvard Law School found that illness and medical bills contribute to at least 46.2% of all bankruptcy filings, with families often facing unaffordable co-payments and lost income from prolonged illnesses.
A study published in Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine found that the prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapy use remained steady among US adults between 1997 and 2002. The total number of Americans using any CAM therapy remained at 72 million, with changes seen in the choice of therapies used.
The discovery of the first histone demethylase reveals a dynamic process of gene regulation via methylation of histones. This finding has significant implications for cancer therapeutics and may open up new avenues for understanding gene activity.
The HMS vaccine, dl5-29, outperformed two established vaccines in animal models, demonstrating a stronger T cell response and broader antibody protection. The results suggest that dl5-29 is the most compelling new vaccine candidate for genital herpes, with potential to prevent infection and recurring disease.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School have identified TRPA1 as the hair-cell transduction channel, which converts sound vibrations into nerve signals. The discovery has significant implications for understanding normal hearing and inherited forms of deafness, potentially leading to new treatments.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School have developed a method to generate potentially hundreds of aminocoumarin variants, which are inhibitors of bacterial type II topoisomerases. The approach uses bacterial enzymes to add different chemical moieties to the coumermycin A1 backbone, resulting in compounds with tailored properties.
Researchers found a new regulatory gene, SRG1, which blocks the expression of adjacent genes by physically preventing transcription factors from binding. This discovery provides evidence that junk DNA may have hidden functions and could be a common mechanism for regulating gene expression.