A comprehensive analysis of over 60,000 surgical procedures found that overlapping surgeries do not significantly increase the risk of post-surgical complications and patient death in most cases. However, patients deemed high risk due to age and preexisting medical conditions, as well as those undergoing coronary artery bypass graft su...
A study from Harvard Medical School reveals that intense exercise, fasting, and hormones can activate the body's built-in protein disposal system, enhancing its ability to remove toxic, misfolded proteins. This mechanism is triggered by fluctuations in hormone levels, allowing cells to adapt to changing conditions.
A study by Harvard Medical School researchers suggests that axon growth cones can make decisions locally and function semi-autonomously without the cell body. This challenges traditional dogma about neurons, proposing a more intricate web of decision-making and the existence of semi-independent units.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School have created a new model of sporadic Alzheimer's disease, which points to molecular causes and potential treatments. The model, reported in Cell Reports, removes a major obstacle for scientists seeking to understand the disease.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School have identified a faulty molecular brake that interferes with the heart muscle's ability to contract and relax. The study found that a mutation in the MyBPC3 gene leads to an overactive motor that propels abnormal muscle contractions, causing the heart to beat too much and relax poorly.
Researchers used a massive insurance database to analyze the effects of genes and environment in 560 common conditions among over 56,000 twin pairs. The study found that nearly 40% of diseases had a genetic component, while 25% were driven by environmental factors.
Scientists have successfully mapped the active-state structure of the angiotensin II type 1 receptor, a critical drug target for regulating blood pressure and kidney function. The study provides insights into how this receptor activates and offers clues for developing new medications that activate rather than block the receptor.
Research suggests that weakened metabolism of immune T cells, specifically one-carbon metabolism, may contribute to age-related immunity loss. Adding small-molecule compounds that boost T cell performance could potentially restore immune function.
A recent study by Harvard Medical School researchers has identified a critical nerve-signaling pathway that drives sustained pain following injury. The study found that neurons called Tac1 play a key role in pain-coping behaviors, but not in reflexive defensive reactions to external threats.
Despite unmet need for treatment of substance use disorders, telemedicine use for this condition remains woefully underused. The study found that telehealth visits for substance use disorder accounted for only 1.4 percent of all telehealth visits, highlighting a significant gap in access to care.
A new study by Harvard Medical School researchers found that children born in August are 30% more likely to receive an ADHD diagnosis compared to their slightly older peers. The study suggests that the earlier school enrollment may lead to improper diagnosis due to normal behavior being perceived as abnormal relative to older classmates.
A study of ancient DNA from Central and South America has revealed two previously unknown genetic exchanges between North and South America, including a continent-wide population turnover. The findings suggest that the Clovis culture had a major demographic impact further south than previously thought.
The $200-million commitment from the Blavatnik Family Foundation will fund fundamental curiosity-driven research, therapeutics initiatives, and cross-disciplinary collaborations. This transformational gift aims to propel Harvard Medical School toward solving pressing health challenges through innovative therapies and treatments.
The Bertarelli Foundation has awarded four collaborative research grants to scientists at Harvard Medical School to develop new therapies for debilitating sensory disorders. The grants will focus on addressing hidden hearing loss and developing gene therapy treatments for Usher syndrome.
A new study suggests that serotonin-producing neurons contribute to the fail-safe mechanism that ensures recovery from interrupted breathing, which may be disrupted in SIDS cases. The research found that mice with inhibited serotonin neurons had weaker breathing recovery and more instances of sudden death.
A national analysis of physician visit records found that nearly 30 percent of outpatient opioid prescriptions lack clear documentation of the reason for use. This raises concerns about inappropriate prescribing and lax documentation practices. The study highlights the need for stricter requirements on documenting the need for opioids.
A study published in Cell describes the discovery of a molecular link between aging and two major genetic causes of neurodegenerative diseases, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). The findings reveal possible new targets for treatment and highlight the need for a better understanding of the biology of...
Researchers at Harvard Medical School have finally identified the elusive sensor protein responsible for hearing and balance. The discovery reveals that TMC1 forms a sound-activated pore that converts sound and head movement into nerve signals that travel to the brain, enabling hearing and balance.
Despite making up 26% of the population, adolescents receive only 1.6% of global development assistance, with funding primarily focused on HIV/AIDS and other leading causes of illness, leaving underfunded areas such as mental health and injury prevention unaddressed.
Researchers created a mathematical model that captures cellular intent by analyzing mRNA changes over time. This approach helps analyze cell function, disease, and organ development, providing insights into treatment efficacy.
A new study by Harvard Medical School researchers identifies three molecularly distinct subtypes of neurons responsible for transmitting information from the inner ear to the brain. These subtypes are selectively lost in aging mice and do not emerge properly in deaf-mouse models, suggesting a critical role in age-related hearing loss.
A new type of airway cell, pulmonary ionocytes, has been found to express high levels of CFTR, a protein mutated in cystic fibrosis. This discovery provides promising targets for future therapeutic strategies against the disease.
Research at Harvard Medical School reveals that fruit fly courtship is influenced by the convergence of motivation, perception, and chance. The study found that dopamine levels play a crucial role in directing courtship behavior, with high levels leading to persistent pursuit.
The Bertarelli Foundation has announced a new investment of $6.35 million in Harvard Medical School's Translational Neuroscience and Neuroengineering program. This gift will support collaborative research projects focused on understanding and treating sensory disorders, including deafness, blindness, and pain.
Researchers identify structural and functional differences in human cGAS that set it apart from other mammals, enabling its unique immune-sensing capabilities. The discovery informs the design of precision cancer therapies by targeting the protein's specific structural features.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School identified inherited and acquired mutations that drive clonal hematopoiesis, an age-related white blood cell condition linked with higher risk of certain blood cancers and cardiovascular disease. The study found that inherited genetic variants can influence the acquisition of later-life mutations.
Researchers found striking differences in terminal care across regions, fueled by physicians' beliefs and practice style. Patients' beliefs did not contribute to spending differences. The study highlights the need for better physician education and training to address end-of-life issues.
The endolymphatic sac acts as a pressure-relief valve for the inner ear, regulating fluid pressure and composition. The discovery may inform the study and treatment of disorders like Meniere's disease.
A study published in Neuron has found that a neural precursor protein called PRDM16 plays a crucial role in shaping the organization of the cerebral cortex. The researchers discovered that when PRDM16 is active, it helps to regulate the migration of neurons and their ultimate positioning in the cortex.
A recent analysis published in Health Affairs estimates that eight million amenable deaths occurred globally in 2015, costing $6 trillion in lost economic welfare. The study highlights the need to strengthen health care systems to boost quality of care and address economic disparities.
New research finds that certain cancers express high levels of the neural calcium channel TRPA1, which helps them tolerate toxic oxidative stress. Blocking TRPA1 activity in mice curbs tumor growth and makes cancer cells more sensitive to chemotherapy.
The researchers aim to make breakthroughs in understanding bacterial cell growth, hematologic malignancies, brain perceptions and behaviors, and neuron-glia communication. Each will receive $8 million over a seven-year term to pursue their fundamental questions.
A new study reveals that the brain relies on an exquisite balance between two populations of neurons in the striatum to control movement. The findings could help researchers develop new treatments for Parkinson's and Huntington's diseases by understanding how movement gets translated into desired action.
The study identifies at least three major waves of human migration into Southeast Asia, shaping the genetics of the region to a remarkable extent. The research complements archaeological, historical and linguistic studies, illuminating another critical portion of the story of ancient population dynamics around the world.
Scientists have identified a common site on both viruses that renders them defenseless to the same antibodies, paving the way for broad-spectrum therapies. The findings provide molecular proof of an anecdotal observation and could lead to the development of a universal vaccine against multiple hemorrhagic fever viruses.
Flesh-eating disease causes necrotizing fasciitis, a condition where bacteria exploit nerve communication between the nervous and immune systems. Researchers found two approaches involving nerve modulation that could prevent infections and halt disease progression.
Researchers develop new technology to analyze how cells remove damaged mitochondria, providing a clearer picture of the dynamics involved. This discovery sets the stage for detailed studies of mitochondrial damage, cell death, and disease.
Researchers have developed a system to profile every cell in developing zebrafish and frog embryos, revealing the comprehensive landscape of gene expression events that mark new cell states and types. This work provides a significant resource for studying developmental biology and disease.
A new Harvard Medical School study published in The BMJ found that a doctor's political affiliation has no bearing on clinical decisions at the end of life. Despite previous research suggesting personal beliefs influence decisions, this analysis of nearly 1.5 million Medicare beneficiaries reveals no differences in treatment patterns b...
Two studies found no reductions in hospital use or spending linked to the global budget program, despite expected improvements in care. The program may still have saved money due to changes in hospital prices.
Researchers have detailed for the first time how interneurons emerge and diversify in the brain, tracing their lineage from earliest precursor states to mature forms in mice. The study identified key genetic programs that determine the fate of developing interneurons, shedding light on their functions and potential treatment strategies.
Researchers have discovered a key member of the SEDS protein family, RodA, which builds bacterial walls. Altering its structure can disrupt this function, making it an attractive target for new antibiotics.
Researchers discovered a glitch in muscle-blood vessel communication that causes vascular aging, which they reversed using NAD+ and SIRT1-boosting treatments. The findings have implications for therapies targeting humans with vascular aging disorders.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital identified hundreds of cancer-driving genes with unique sensitivities in various tissues. The study suggests that tissue type plays a crucial role in cancer genetics and may impact the effectiveness of treatments.
Researchers studying cavefish found that they can live healthy lives with high blood sugar levels, contrary to what is seen in humans. The fish have insulin resistance but no apparent harm from chronically elevated glucose levels.
The study found that the CTCF protein helps herpes simplex virus regulate its own sleep-wake cycle, enabling it to establish latent infections in sensory neurons. By preventing CTCF from binding to viral DNA, the virus's ability to reactivated was weakened.
Patients who receive treatment during periods when interventional cardiologists are away at academic conferences experience a substantial increase in survival rates compared to those treated on matched days. The improvement is primarily driven by a group of patients with a specific type of heart attack that does not require immediate s...
Researchers found that nerve cells in the lungs suppress immune response during infection with Staphylococcus aureus, leading to poorer outcomes. Disabling these neurons improved immune cell recruitment and cleared bacteria from the lungs, boosting survival rates.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School found a 20% decline in gun injuries nationwide during the dates of the National Rifle Association's annual convention. The decrease is attributed to a brief period of gun abstinence and the well-trained gun owners attending the meetings.
A recent study of ancient DNA has found that the Bell Beaker culture in Europe comprised two genetically distinct populations, challenging previous assumptions about their spread. The research also revealed a significant genetic shift, introducing variants for paler skin and lighter-colored eyes, as well as genes for digesting lactose.