A new study by Harvard Medical School researchers found that taking small, frequent doses of caffeine is the most effective way to stay awake. This dosing regimen builds up caffeine levels in sync with growing sleep pressure, counteracting its effects and improving cognitive performance.
Harvard Medical School establishes three endowed chairs in sleep medicine, marking an historic moment for the school and the field. The chairs will enable advanced scientific research and development of new treatments for sleep disorders.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School have discovered a new target for human papillomaviruses, which could lead to specific antiviral drugs for treating precancerous cervical lesions. By blocking the protein BRD4, they prevented infected mouse cells from becoming cancerous.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School have identified an anthrax toxin inhibitor that could lead to more effective therapy for the deadly agent. The discovery, made using a 'mixture-based peptide library' technique, reveals new approaches to design better inhibitors that might prove effective in clinical use.
A study by Harvard Medical School found that employees treated for chronic illnesses stop taking necessary medications when benefit changes occur, particularly with substantial co-payment increases. Employers who implemented larger co-payment hikes saw higher rates of medication non-adherence and changes in medication regimens.
Researchers have created a new mouse model of Alzheimer's disease to study the effects of toxic protein p25 on brain degeneration. The model, developed by Harvard Medical School scientists, shows high levels of p25 accumulation leading to neuronal death and tau pathology after just 12 weeks.
Conotoxins have extraordinary promise for developing powerful new drugs, including treatments for pain, cancer, epilepsy, and depression. However, habitat loss and uncontrolled exploitation threaten the extinction of cone snail species, which are a valuable source of these medicines.
A new vaccine targets both the anthrax bacterium and its toxins, demonstrating improved effectiveness in mice tests. The dual-action approach also holds promise as a therapeutic vaccine to help those already infected control the bacteria over time.
A group of polyphenols found in red wine and vegetables have been shown to activate sirtuins, enzymes that help cells survive environmental stresses and may promote longevity. These molecules, called STACs, were found to stimulate human sirtuin SIRT1, increasing cell survival rates.
A study by Harvard Medical School researchers reveals the subplate, a transient nerve cell structure, plays a crucial role in strengthening thalamic connections to the cortex and mapping out visual wiring patterns. Without it, defects in vision development can occur, such as cerebral palsy.
Dr. Collier's pioneering research has led to significant advances in vaccine design and therapeutic development, with applications in anthrax treatment and cancer therapy.
A recent study by Harvard Medical School found that millions of Americans suffer from major depressive episodes (MDE), with the majority being severe cases. The researchers measured the severity and duration of depression in over 9,000 Americans and found that only one in five received adequate treatment for their condition.
Vitamin A supplements have saved millions of lives by preventing childhood blindness and reducing mortality rates. Dr. Alfred Sommer's research also shows that supplementing women with vitamin A can reduce maternal mortality by an average of 45 percent.
Researchers have found a tiny pocket near a likely hinge in the E-protein that could put a cramp in the protein's calisthenics. Filling this pocket with a drug may prevent the virus from fusing or infecting cells, potentially leading to new treatment options for dengue fever.
A survey of Harvard Medical School students found that 94% agreed that interacting with students from diverse backgrounds was a positive element in their educational experience. The study also revealed that 76% believed a diverse student body improved their ability to care for patients of different races.
The PNC1 protein regulates nicotinamide, a form of vitamin B3, which acts as an inhibitor of Sir2, a founding member of proteins controlling cell survival and lifespan. This discovery suggests that lifespan is controlled by an active genetic program in cells, potentially boostable.
The US has a higher prevalence and lower treatment rate of serious mental illness than many other developed countries. Despite differences in treatment, researchers found similar high proportions of the population with mental disorders across countries.
Researchers have discovered a new tool that shows how dividing cells complete the final stage of cell division with precision. Blebbistatin inhibits a type of myosin necessary for cytokinesis, revealing its essential role in human biology and cell division.
A new study finds that breastfeeding initiation and continuation rates remained unchanged despite policy changes in hospital length of stay, including a single overnight stay program and a 48-hour coverage mandate. The study suggests that these changes did not harm breastfeeding practices and may even have improved them.
Researchers found a mutant protein, phospholamban (PLN), that disrupts calcium signaling in heart muscle cells, leading to contractile dysfunction and heart failure. The study provides insight into the fundamental signals that tip a diseased heart into failure.
A study of over 12,000 physicians found significant variation in career satisfaction across 12 local markets, with Phoenix having the highest dissatisfaction rate and Syracuse seeing a notable increase. The study suggests that market-level changes, such as capitated contracting and regulatory changes, contribute to these variations.
A community-based care model has been shown to be effective in treating multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in resource-poor nations. The study found that 83% of patients who completed at least four months of therapy had probable cures, exceeding the best reported U.S. cure rate.
The Harvard Medical School study found that hospital length of stay does not significantly impact newborn health, contradicting popular assumptions. The study also showed that introducing a state law guaranteeing minimum postpartum stays actually led to less frequent follow-up care for newborns.
A Harvard Medical School study reveals that a specific ovary gene, Fmn2, plays a crucial role in ensuring proper chromosome distribution during egg cell division. The researchers found that mutations in this gene can lead to severe pregnancy complications, including recurrent miscarriages and birth defects.
Patients who received outpatient cardiology care had lower two-year mortality rates compared to those without. Concurrent care by cardiologists and primary care physicians may improve outcomes.
Researchers have discovered a vector using E. coli and Listeria to promote health, with six mice remaining tumor-free for over 90 days after vaccination. The killed bacterial formulation primes the immune system against diseases like cancer.
Researchers have found that thymic cells express hundreds of genes associated with distant organs, foreshadowing self-antigens for T cells. This discovery may lead to a new understanding of immune system mechanisms and the development of autoimmune diseases.
The consortium will analyze patient records to identify clusters of health complaints associated with bioterror agents. The system aims to detect unusual increases in people contacting help lines or primary care doctors, enabling a rapid response to public health officials.
A new genetically engineered mouse model shows how pieces of captured germs are carried to the surface of dendritic cells via long tubules. This process improves the efficiency of the immune response by alerting T cells to kill invading germs.
The Harvard Medical School consortium aims to engineer microorganisms to handle hazardous chemical waste and produce energy sources. By studying the unique interactions of their proteins and interrelationships with their environments, scientists will develop cost-effective ways to clean up pollution and advance biological-based energy.
Researchers found that individuals who slept for 12 hours showed significant improvement in motor skills, with an average 20% increase in performance. This is due to the brain's ability to consolidate learning during Stage 2 non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep.
Research reveals racial disparities in asthma treatment, with black children experiencing worse symptoms and fewer medication use compared to white and Latino children. Lower income, family size, and single-parent households also contribute to poorer asthma outcomes.
Researchers discovered genes performing similar tasks in different organs, revealing the existence of peripheral timepieces. These findings could impact postgenomic research and circadian medicine, shedding light on why organs function at different rates.
Harvard Medical School researchers developed a new technique to silence specific proteins in mammalian cells using vector-based RNA interference. This method can be used to complement existing knockout animal models and conduct experiments with cells grown in vitro.
A recent study suggests that higher carbon dioxide levels could lead to an increase in pollen production, resulting in more severe allergies. This shift may also alter competitive relationships among plants and favor the growth of weedy species.
Researchers found that clot-busting drugs were associated with increased mortality in elderly patients, particularly those over 80 years old. The study highlights the need for more selective use of these drugs and alternative treatments like primary coronary angioplasty.
Researchers have discovered a new gene expression signature that can predict the outcomes of children with medulloblastoma, a type of brain tumor. The signature is detectable at diagnosis and may help identify patients who are likely to survive and those who will not.
Harvard Medical School researchers have identified a key pathway controlling circadian rhythms in hamsters, revealing the signals sent by the body's internal clock and its connection to light exposure. The discovery opens new avenues for research into sleep disorders and could lead to improved treatments.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School have identified nearly all the genes responsible for vision in mice, which could lead to new methods for preserving and restoring vision. The discovery provides a genetic data base that can help identify genes mutated in inherited diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa and cone-rod dystrophy.
Researchers have identified a genetic variant in mice that provides immunity to anthrax, shedding light on the early stages of infection and potential therapies. The Kif1C protein may play a crucial role in protecting macrophages from self-destruction, and boosting its activity could be an effective approach to treating human anthrax.
A new study by Harvard Medical School researchers suggests that complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is here to stay for the foreseeable future. The use of CAM therapies has steadily increased in popularity since the 1960s, with the largest growth rate occurring during the transition from the 1960s to the 1970s.
A longitudinal study of Bosnian refugees found that those who experienced mass violence and torture continue to suffer from depression and posttraumatic stress disorder. The study highlights the importance of long-term mental health initiatives for recovery efforts, especially for elderly and disabled individuals.
A Harvard Medical School study found that immune proteins Class I MHC and CD3-zeta play a role in brain development and remodeling, potentially triggering developmental disorders like dyslexia. The proteins may also be involved in neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis.
A study by Harvard Medical School researchers found that sleeping the first night improves task performance and memory consolidation. Despite two additional nights of sleep, those who stayed up all night initially showed no improvement.
Patients in managed-care plans were less likely to receive coronary angiography following a heart attack compared to those with traditional fee-for-service coverage. This procedure is highly recommended for improving treatment options and reducing the risk of a second heart attack.
A study of over 220,000 adults found that nearly two-thirds of long-term uninsured adults go without medical care due to cost, particularly those in poor or fair health. This poses a significant public health risk, as these individuals are more likely to experience complications and early death if they do not receive necessary medical ...
Researchers at Harvard Medical School are harnessing the longevity of a herpes simplex virus to develop an HIV vaccine. Their live attenuated vaccine has shown promising results in non-human primates, inducing immunity that lasted for months.
Researchers from Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School have made a groundbreaking discovery that existing brain cells can replenish dead counterparts, potentially treating degenerative brain diseases. The study found that nerve cells in the cerebral cortex can be induced to heal themselves through a process called neuronal rep...
A collaborative study found that media coverage of new medications tends to exaggerate their benefits, ignore their risks, and fail to disclose their costs. Only 40% of news stories citing experts with financial ties to the drug being studied disclosed this potential conflict of interest.
A new Harvard Medical School study found that only 14% of patients treated for three common mental illnesses received adequate care. African-Americans and those without insurance coverage are less likely to receive satisfactory mental health care.