A new international study shows that gene therapy targeting the OTOF gene successfully restored hearing in most participants, with significant improvements in speech perception and language skills. The treatment remained safe and effective for up to 2.5 years, offering new hope for individuals with inherited deafness.
Researchers found that patients with substance use disorder received life-saving treatments only when addiction consult services were involved. Fentanyl use was associated with dramatically worse visual outcomes, highlighting the importance of addressing underlying conditions alongside acute medical problems.
A new study reveals that ambient documentation technologies, such as AI-driven scribes, led to significant reductions in physician burnout and improvements in well-being. The findings showed a 21.2% absolute reduction in burnout prevalence at Mass General Brigham and a 30.7% absolute increase in documentation-related wellbeing at Emory...
Researchers developed a one-time gene editing treatment that restored hearing and balance in adult mice with DFNA41, a genetic form of progressive deafness. The therapy successfully disabled the harmful mutation while preserving the normal gene, leading to long-term hearing and balance restoration.
A new study describes a promising new type of auditory brainstem implant that could benefit people who are deaf due to NF2 and other severe inner ear abnormalities. The soft, flexible implant bypasses damaged auditory structures and directly stimulates the brainstem's sound-processing region.
A study published in Science Translational Medicine found novel biomarkers for tinnitus that correlate with nervous system's 'fight, flight, or freeze' response. Facial movements and pupil dilation measured while listening to unpleasant sounds can predict tinnitus severity.
A new stem cell therapy, CALEC, has been successfully tested on 14 patients with blinding cornea injuries, achieving a high proportion of complete or partial success rates. The treatment was found to be safe and effective, with no serious events occurring in either the donor or recipient eyes.
Researchers at Mass Eye and Ear developed an mRNA-based therapy to prevent scarring and blindness in PVR. The treatment, called RUNX1-Trap, targets a protein that regulates scar tissue formation, showing early promise for treating this eye disease.
A phase 2b clinical trial found that sodium oxybate, an oral medication mimicking alcohol's effects, significantly improves symptoms of patients with laryngeal dystonia who respond to alcohol. The treatment provided up to 5 hours of voice relief, with no serious adverse events.
Researchers developed a CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing approach to target and disrupt a specific mutation causing progressive hearing loss. The study found robust preservation of auditory function, with earlier intervention proving most optimal.
A new study found that patients prescribed semaglutide for diabetes or weight loss have a higher risk of developing NAION, a potentially blinding eye condition. The study revealed a significant risk increase in diabetic and overweight/obesity patients taking semaglutide.
A novel gene therapy has restored hearing function in five children with DFNB9 who were treated in both ears, demonstrating additional benefits compared to a previous trial. The treatment also improved speech perception and sound localization abilities, including the ability to appreciate music.
A phase 1/2 trial of CRISPR gene editing has demonstrated safety and efficacy, with measurable improvements in 11 out of 14 participants with a form of inherited blindness. The treatment, EDIT-101, was found to be clinically meaningful for four participants and showed significant improvements in cone-mediated vision.
Researchers found hundreds of new genes in these bacteria, which may offer clues to curb antibiotic-resistant infections. Insects and other invertebrates are likely the greatest natural source for enterococci bacteria, including those that are naturally resistant.
A study published in Nature Communications has identified key genes, biological processes, and cell types that may contribute to the development of primary open-angle glaucoma. The research highlights potential mechanisms involving gene expression, cellular regulation, and vascular development.
A new smartphone app called All_Aboard has been developed to aid blind and visually impaired individuals in finding bus stops. The app uses artificial intelligence and camera technology to detect street signs and provide auditory cues, achieving a success rate of 93% compared to Google Maps' 52%.
A novel gene therapy has been shown to restore hearing function in six children with DFNB9, a form of autosomal recessive deafness. The treatment, which uses an adeno-associated virus carrying a version of the human OTOF gene, demonstrated significant improvements in speech perception and ability to conduct normal conversation.
A study combines retinal imaging, genetics, and big data to estimate the likelihood of developing eye and systemic diseases. The researchers identified significant associations between retinal layer thickness and increased risk of various diseases, including ocular, neuropsychiatric, cardiac, metabolic, and pulmonary diseases.
A 15-year-old girl developed bilateral vocal cord paralysis after a COVID-19 diagnosis, highlighting the potential for nervous system complications. The case report suggests that vocal cord paralysis may be a neuropathic complication of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
A new study by Mass Eye and Ear researchers reveals that individuals with tinnitus experience auditory nerve loss not detected by conventional hearing tests. This discovery provides a better understanding of the origins of tinnitus and offers hope for future treatments and potential cures.
A multidisciplinary team at Mass Eye and Ear has identified a promising new strategy for glaucoma cell replacement therapy by guiding stem cells to the retina. The researchers created RGCs out of stem cells and used chemokines to guide them to their correct positions within the retina.
A phase I trial of cultivated autologous limbal epithelial cell transplantation (CALEC) has shown positive results in four patients with severe chemical burns, restoring cornea surfaces and improving vision. The treatment uses a patient's own stem cells grown on a graft, offering hope to patients with untreatable vision loss and pain a...
A retrospective analysis of national data found that over 20 million Americans experienced loss of smell or taste after COVID infection, with a large portion never fully recovering these senses. The study estimated that almost 28 million Americans may be left with decreased sense of smell after COVID infection.
Researchers successfully demonstrate AAV vector efficacy in aged animal models, showing robust hearing rescue in mice with a mutation equivalent to a defective human gene. The study suggests that virally mediated gene therapy could potentially treat genetic hearing loss, especially for patients diagnosed at advanced age.
Researchers have created a drug-like cocktail that successfully regenerated hair cells in a mouse model by reprogramming genetic pathways within the inner ear. The approach could lead to clinical trials for a gene therapy that can be administered to people with hearing loss, potentially treating up to 90% of cases.
Researchers created an AI platform called DystoniaBoTXNet that uses brain MRIs to identify patients who will respond to botulinum toxin treatment. The platform achieved a 96.3% accuracy rate in predicting treatment efficacy, offering clinicians a new tool for refining clinical decisions.
A newly discovered immune response inside the nose fights off viruses, but is suppressed by colder temperatures, making an infection more likely to occur. The study offers the first biological mechanism to explain why viruses like COVID-19 spike in colder seasons.
Researchers discovered a genetic mutation in the THBS1 gene linked to severe childhood glaucoma, which may improve disease screening and treatment. The finding could lead to earlier diagnosis and more targeted therapies for children at risk.
Dr. Liberman's research on cochlear synaptopathy has significantly impacted our understanding of the underlying causes of hearing loss, with implications for developing new treatments and sensitive tests. His work has also led to the development of therapies for treating hidden hearing loss.
Claes H. Dohlman, considered the founder of modern cornea science, is honored with the prestigious Champalimaud Vision Award for his groundbreaking research on corneal physiology and its applications in treating dry eye disease, corneal burns, and keratoprosthesis.
A machine-learning model developed at Mass Eye and Ear accurately diagnosed pediatric ear infections at a rate 30 percent higher than doctors surveyed. The model achieved 95% accuracy in diagnosing an ear infection from test images, surpassing the average clinical accuracy of 65%.
Researchers found that the APOE4 gene variant associated with Alzheimer's disease decreases risk of glaucoma by blocking a disease cascade. They also identified a potential treatment strategy using Galectin-3 inhibitors to prevent vision loss in mice with glaucoma.
Researchers at Mass Eye and Ear have received a five-year, $12.5 million grant to study cochlear synaptopathy, or hidden hearing loss, which can cause neural degeneration behind normal audiogram measurements. The team aims to understand its causes, identify it in patients with traditional hearing loss, and develop future therapies.
Researchers developed a word-score model to estimate the amount of hidden hearing loss, or cochlear nerve damage, in humans. The model uses average speech scores as a function of age from nearly 96,000 ears examined at Mass Eye and Ear.
Scientists created a comprehensive map of cells across multiple human tissues, revealing new insights into the cellular and genetic underpinnings of complex diseases. The study's findings have the potential to improve our understanding of disease risk and develop more targeted therapies.
A surgically implanted device has been found to safely and effectively reduce sleep apnea in adolescents with Down syndrome, with significant improvements in daily functioning, behavior, and language. The device, called a hypoglossal nerve stimulator, was tested in a phase I clinical trial and showed promising results.
A novel surgical approach and synthetic viral vector Anc80L65 successfully delivered genetic cargo to the inner ear of nonhuman primates, paving the way for a potential treatment for hearing loss and vestibular disorders. The study's findings suggest that this method could be translated to humans.
A blood test for HPV-associated head and neck cancer was found to be more accurate, faster, and cheaper than conventional methods. The test detected DNA fragments of HPV in the blood and was combined with routine imaging and physical exam findings for a fully non-invasive diagnostic approach.
A novel gene-based COVID-19 vaccine leveraging an adeno-associated viral vector platform was highly effective in eliciting neutralizing antibody responses and cellular immunity from a single dose. The vaccine provided near-complete protection against SARS-CoV-2 challenge in nonhuman primates for at least 11 months.
A new study shows that a wearable computer vision device can reduce collisions for both people who are blind or those who are visually impaired and using a long cane and/or guide dog. The device was found to be 37 percent effective in reducing collision incidents, providing an additional travel safety measure.
According to a new study by Mass Eye and Ear, sleep disorders are associated with significantly higher health care utilization rates, resulting in an estimated $94.9 billion in annual costs. Patients with conditions like sleep apnea account for 60% more healthcare expenses, with nearly double the number of doctor visits and prescriptions.
Researchers analyzed genes in over 34,000 people with glaucoma and found 44 new genetic variants that may lead to new treatment targets. The study's findings aim to improve screening and diagnosis of glaucoma, as well as develop new treatments for this incurable eye disease.
The AAVCOVID vaccine program has received a $2.1 million grant to support phase I clinical trials overseas, with single-dose vaccines that can be stored at room temperature for up to one month. This stability could enable distribution in regions with limited infrastructure.
A randomized controlled trial found no difference in infection rates and sinus symptoms between patients who received antibiotics and those who didn't after endoscopic sinus surgery. However, patients in the antibiotic group were more likely to report gastrointestinal side effects.
Hearing loss experts advocate for FDA regulation of over-the-counter hearing aids, citing barriers to access and the need for evidence-based products. The authors recommend premarket testing and clearer distinctions between hearing aids and wearable sound amplification products.
Researchers developed an AI-based deep learning platform, DystoniaNet, to diagnose dystonia from brain MRIs with high accuracy. The platform detected cases of dystonia with 98.8 percent accuracy and identified a new microstructural neural network biological marker.
Dr. Joseph Arboleda-Velásquez will investigate genetic links to Alzheimer's resistance using a rare genetic variation that provided protection in a Colombian woman. The goal is to discover related drug and gene therapies for the devastating disease.
The AAVCOVID vaccine program uses adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector to deliver genetic sequences of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike antigen, inducing an immune response. The vaccine is currently in preclinical development with plans for clinical testing later this year.
A new study has identified two biomarkers that may help explain why people with normal hearing struggle to follow conversations in noisy environments. By measuring brain function and cognitive effort, researchers have developed objective tests for hidden hearing loss, a condition affecting an estimated 48 million Americans.
A team at Massachusetts Eye and Ear has identified GPR108, a G protein-coupled receptor, as a molecular 'lock' necessary for most adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors to gain access to cells. This discovery may enable scientists to better explain, predict, and ultimately direct AAV gene transfers to specific tissues.