A small but concerning number of former NFL players report receiving clinical diagnoses of CTE, raising concerns of inappropriate diagnosis and overlooking of treatable conditions. Players with sleep apnea, heart disease, and depression are more likely to receive a CTE diagnosis, which could downplay the effects of these conditions.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School have discovered a control mechanism in the brains of mice that ensures adequate blood flow to areas of heightened neural activity. The study found that arteries actively regulate neurovascular coupling and that the protein Mfsd2a plays a critical role in this process.
A study published in Genetics found that Coenzyme Q10 reversed most of the reproductive harms caused by exposure to BPA in Caenorhabditis elegans worms. The antioxidant improved or reversed multiple types of damage, including lower rates of egg cell death and fewer chromosome abnormalities.
A study published in Circulation reveals that an imbalance in the ratio of active and inactive myosin protein disrupts heart muscle contraction and relaxation, leading to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Treatment with a small-molecule drug restores proper contraction and energy consumption in human and rodent heart cells.
Researchers from Harvard Medical School and Columbia University discovered that a protein called Rad dampens the activity of voltage-gated calcium channels, which are responsible for heart contraction. When adrenaline stimulates these channels, Rad releases, increasing channel activity and heart beating.
The study reveals new insights into the origins of Bantu languages, previously unknown populations, and human migration patterns. The ancient DNA sequences from west and central Africa enhance our understanding of the deep ancestral relationships among populations in sub-Saharan Africa.
Researchers found that DEHP disrupts meiosis in worms, leading to defects during egg formation and early embryonic development. The chemical causes excessive DNA breaks and interferes with the system that repairs them, resulting in abnormal chromosomes and reduced embryo viability.
Research shows that maternal microbiota provides immunity to newborns against E. coli, a disease-causing microbe. The study reveals that antibodies are passed on to offspring through milk and the placenta, offering protection beyond just breastfeeding.
Scientists have unveiled the first lab-dish models of human spine development, providing evidence of the segmentation clock in humans. The models allow for the study of early spine development and could lead to new treatments for conditions such as congenital scoliosis.
Two Harvard Medical School studies show that bile acids promote differentiation and activity of T cells involved in regulating inflammation. Gut microbes convert bile acids into immune-signaling molecules that activate regulatory T cells and effector helper T cells. The work suggests possible therapeutic pathways for modulating intesti...
A study published in BMJ found that papers with male lead authors were up to 21% more likely to use positive framing in titles and abstracts, resulting in 13% more citations. This disparity affects not only research perception but also career advancement for female scientists.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School have successfully used CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing to disrupt both latent and active herpes virus in human cells. The findings offer a model system for using gene editing in a localized way to disrupt active replication, but the challenge of delivering gene-editing therapy to neurons remains unsolved.
A freshwater protist exhibits a hierarchy of avoidance behaviors, suggesting it can change its response to an environmental irritant. The study confirms that single cells can exhibit relatively complex decision-making processes, making evolutionary sense given their apex predator status in aquatic environments.
New research shows that nerve cells in the gut regulate gut immunity, maintain homeostasis, and provide active protection against infection. Gut neurons activate pain-sensing neurons to release neurochemicals slowing M cell differentiation and boosting SFB microbes, which guard against Salmonella invasion.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School have launched a project to develop preclinical drug candidates that selectively block nociceptor activity, offering an alternative to opioid-based medications. The STOP PAIN consortium combines experimental and AI-driven approaches to address the critical public health need for new pain treatments.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School have decoded how visual inputs alter the activity of compass neurons in fruit flies, maintaining an accurate sense of direction. By studying the brain's response to visual cues, the team found that R neurons inhibit compass neuron activity in a spatially specific manner.
A new study from Harvard Medical School suggests that an overall decline in hospital admissions may have driven the observed drop in readmissions, rather than the pay-for-performance program. The findings contradict prevailing interpretations and call into question the program's effectiveness.
A study by Harvard Medical School researchers found that the measles virus depletes antibody repertoires, erasing immune memory to most previously encountered pathogens. This supports the immune amnesia hypothesis, suggesting that the vaccine's extended protective effects stem from preventing measles infection.
Researchers found that disrupting the PTPN2 gene boosts anti-tumor immunity, enabling cancer clearance in animal models. Deleting the gene stimulates production and fitness of T-killer cells, which are critical in warding off tumors.
A study by Harvard Medical School found that local researchers from sub-Saharan Africa are often excluded from first and senior author positions when collaborating with high-income country authors. This bias affects representation of local authors, particularly in top-tier universities.
Researchers found that suppressing neural overactivity extends life span in humans, while excessive activity is linked to shorter life spans. The study suggests a role for the protein REST in modulating neural activity and activating a longevity pathway.
A secret-shopper-style study by Harvard Medical School found that web-based and digital-app services offering oral contraception appear to be safe and efficient. However, gaps remain, such as inadequate counseling on alternative forms of birth control and lack of screening for rare health conditions.
A massive ancient DNA study has unveiled the complex history of Central and South Asian populations, revealing a shift away from farming ancestors and toward steppe pastoralists. The research also clarifies the origins of Indo-European languages in the region, challenging long-standing theories.
A Harvard Medical School study maps the genetics of early TB progression, identifying gene variants that control immune functions as key drivers. The research paves the way for personalized tests to predict who is at risk for early disease onset, potentially informing vaccines or drugs to prevent the disease.
A new study found that NFL players who experienced concussions had elevated risk for serious cognitive problems, depression, and anxiety, persisting even 20 years after injury. Players in high-impact positions like running backs, linebackers, and special teams faced greater risks compared to those in lower-risk positions.
A survey of over 3,400 former NFL players reveals a strong link between concussion history and low testosterone and erectile dysfunction. Researchers found that even relatively few concussion symptoms can increase the risk of ED, and the condition may persist for decades after injury.
Researchers compared three frontline breast cancer drugs and found significant differences in their biological activity. Abemaciclib was shown to be more effective than other drugs at high doses, affecting proteins beyond CDK4/6, suggesting it may work differently for patients who don't respond to other treatments.
The study analyzed DNA sequencing data from over 3,500 human microbiome samples, revealing nearly 46 million bacterial genes. More than half of these genes were unique to each individual, performing specialized functions and suggesting a key role in microbial evolution.
A study at Harvard Medical School's Blavatnik Institute has identified molecular aberrations causing heightened touch sensitivity in autism and points to a possible treatment. The research, conducted in mice, shows that an experimental compound mitigated abnormal touch sensitivity while improving body mass and alleviating anxiety.
A global payment model has slowed spending growth on medical claims by nearly 12% while improving quality of care, particularly for patients with chronic diseases. The study found that patients received improved preventive care and management of conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure.
The four scientists have transformed neuroscience by allowing unprecedented control over the brain's inner workings. Their discoveries established optogenetics as a field and laid the foundation for therapies for disorders like Parkinson's and addiction.
A study published in BMJ found that reduced training hours for medical residents did not compromise the quality of care delivered by new physicians. The analysis of 485,685 hospitalizations showed no significant differences in patient outcomes, including mortality and readmissions.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School developed a precise gene-editing tool to target the faulty Tmc1 gene in Beethoven mice, achieving an unprecedented level of accuracy. The treatment successfully preserved hearing in mice with hereditary deafness, paving the way for potential treatments of other dominantly inherited genetic diseases.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School have developed a new method for determining 3D protein structures from lab-designed DNA sequences. By assessing the effects of genetic mutations on protein functions, they were able to identify functional interactions within DNA sequences and construct 3D structures that closely mimicked those deri...
Researchers from Harvard Medical School and others have discovered that undifferentiated cells face multiple competing choices before committing to their ultimate destiny. By analyzing single-cell sequencing data, they found that genetic programs regulate various cellular functions and influence cell specialization.
Researchers analyzed 41 ancient sub-Saharan Africans, revealing a multi-stage model for the spread of food production into Kenya and Tanzania. The study found that Stone Age herders across East Africa had closely related genomes, despite cultural differences, and that genes for lactose digestion were rare in first East African herders.
A study analyzing mortality risks among pro athletes found elevated risks of death from cardiac and neurodegenerative diseases in football players compared to baseball players. The research, published in JAMA Network Open, suggests the existence of sport-specific disease mechanisms that mandate further investigation.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School have uncovered a critical mechanism that enables segmented RNA viruses to replicate and survive. The discovery provides new potential targets for the development of antiviral drugs, which could help combat emerging and fatal viruses such as Lassa fever and Rift Valley fever.
Researchers have created a synthetic image generation system using AI that overcomes the limitations of traditional experiments. By analyzing neuronal responses, they discovered that certain neurons prefer specific shapes, colors, and silhouettes, which could help understand cognitive issues like autism spectrum disorders.
A new study by Harvard Medical School researchers found that nearly half of older adults who start dialysis die within a year, with death rates being almost twice as high as previously reported statistics. The study's results can help inform patient decisions and physician choice of treatment for end-stage kidney disease.
A new study found that a maternal vaccine can effectively protect against HSV-1 and HSV-2 infections in mouse offspring, transferring infection-fighting antibodies to their nervous system. The vaccine has shown promise in preclinical animal models and phase 1 human trials, offering new hope for preventing neonatal herpes infections.
A Harvard Medical School scientist has developed a new approach using deep learning to predict protein structure from amino acid sequence. This method achieves accuracy comparable to current state-of-the-art methods but at speeds upward of a million times faster.
A new Harvard study found that workplace wellness programs can increase healthy behaviors such as exercise and weight management, but have no significant effects on clinical measures of health or other outcomes. The study suggests that these programs may not yield large returns on investment in the short term.
A new algorithm can detect the molecular signature of a cancer-driving defect, identifying patients who could benefit from treatment with PARP inhibitors. The algorithm has the potential to expand greatly the pool of patients eligible for this therapy.
Researchers map the landscape of myeloid cells in lung cancer tumors using single-cell sequencing, revealing 25 distinct subpopulations with consistent gene expression signatures across patients. The findings provide a powerful starting point to better understand their functions and clinical applications.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School discovered an unexpected mechanism by which insulin triggers changes to thousands of genes. The insulin receptor is physically transported to the cell nucleus and helps initiate the expression of insulin-related genes, providing new avenues for diabetes research and potential therapeutic targets.
Artificial intelligence can amplify human capabilities, reducing systemic glitches and errors in medical decision-making. Machine learning models can analyze vast amounts of data to identify patterns predictive of outcomes and help diagnose diseases.
A large-scale ancient DNA study reveals that local Y chromosomes were almost completely replaced during the Bronze Age in the Iberian Peninsula. Genetic variation among hunter-gatherers and intermingling with people from North Africa and the Mediterranean provide new insights into the region's history.
A machine learning approach using high-quality animal model data sheds new light on the biology of the liver and kidneys after toxin exposure, revealing nine distinct patterns of response to chemical exposure that may be broadly relevant to studies of human disease. The analysis highlights defense mechanisms and novel biomarkers, provi...
A new study found a 54% drop in monthly opioid prescriptions for patients who had never used opioids or been off them for six months. However, some clinicians continued to prescribe at concerning dosages and lengths, raising concerns about undertreatment and high-risk prescribing.