A new study suggests that an AI tool analyzing facial changes can serve as a prognostic biomarker for cancer prognosis. The researchers found that patients with higher biological aging rates had lower chances of survival, and the effect was strongest when photos were taken over longer intervals.
Researchers found that a newer stool-based screening test, FIT-DNA, increased completion rates among participants from community health centers. However, follow-up colonoscopy tests remained low, highlighting the need for continued support and access to diagnostic services.
Researchers identified 16 clinical laboratory markers linked to PTSD, including cholesterol and glucose levels, liver indicators, and red and white blood cell counts. These biomarkers may reveal the physical impact of PTSD on the body, supporting timely interventions to mitigate chronic disease risk.
Researchers found that a blood test for the biomarker pTau217 can predict the progression of Alzheimer's disease in cognitively healthy adults, detecting early signals years before symptoms appear. The study's findings may help push back the clock to enable simpler and earlier disease prediction.
A study of 21 large language models found that they excel at accurate final diagnoses but falter at differential diagnoses, highlighting the need for human oversight in healthcare. The researchers developed a novel measure, PrIME-LLM, to evaluate AI's clinical competency across different stages of reasoning.
A team of researchers from Mass General Brigham found that sialylated CD43 forms a glyco-immune barrier restraining anti-leukemic immunity. This suggests therapies targeting CD43 could be promising for treating AML and potentially a broader range of cancers.
A phase 2 clinical trial shows that mezagitamab can effectively increase platelet counts in patients with immune thrombocytopenia, improving quality of life. The investigational medication has a rapid effect, normalizing platelet counts in 48 hours.
A new study by Mass General Brigham reveals that long-term exposure to excess weight is a stronger predictor of cardiovascular disease risk than BMI at a single point in time. Younger individuals with high cumulative exposure to excess weight are particularly at increased risk.
The new guidelines introduce five clinical categories to capture PE severity, emphasizing follow-up care and treatment considerations. Despite advances in diagnosis and treatment, PE remains a serious condition with substantial risk, highlighting the need for continued research and improvement.
A preclinical study found that short-term high-fat diet exposure rapidly depletes critical gut immune cells called ILC3s, leading to intestinal permeability and inflammation. The loss of these cells compromises intestinal barrier function and may contribute to chronic diseases linked to inflammation.
A randomized trial tested HabitWorks, a smartphone app offering personalized exercises to target interpretation bias. Participants reported significant improvements in interpretation bias, functioning, and overall mental health symptom severity.
A phase 1/2 clinical study found that pralsetinib improved durable responses with manageable safety profiles in patients with advanced or metastatic RET fusion-positive non-small cell lung cancer. The overall response rate was 78% and median duration of response was longer in patients with the CCDC6-RET fusion gene.
A multi-site study found that AI scribes reduced electronic health record usage by 3% and clinical documentation time by 10%, with primary care physicians experiencing the greatest reductions. The technology also showed a slight increase in productivity, measured as 0.5 additional patient visits per week.
A clinical trial found that intensive cholesterol-lowering therapy reduced the risk of cardiovascular events by 31% in high-risk patients with diabetes. The treatment, evolocumab, lowered LDL-C levels by approximately 60%, and was well-tolerated.
A recent study found that prescriptions for direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) for hepatitis C increased rapidly after their introduction but declined sharply over time. As a result, many curable patients remain untreated, with treatment levels below national elimination targets.
A study using UK Biobank data identified five clear risk factors for PSP, including depression, delirium, gut problems, heavy drinking, and being overweight. Early detection may enable timely clinical trial enrollment for new treatments.
A new study describes an implantable brain-computer interface (iBCI) typing neuroprosthesis that can restore communication with speed and accuracy for people with paralysis. Two clinical trial participants, one with ALS and the other with a spinal cord injury, used the device to communicate rapidly and accurately, with a word error rat...
PrimeC, a combination of celecoxib and ciprofloxacin, targets neuroinflammation, iron accumulation, and abnormal microRNA activity in ALS. The PARADIGM study shows improved functional outcomes and reduced ALS-related complications with PrimeC treatment.
Researchers developed a comprehensive genetic risk calculator for metabolic disease by integrating genetic data from hundreds of thousands of people worldwide. The polygenic risk score outperformed existing disease-prediction models and predicted downstream morbidity and clinical interventions, particularly in non-European populations.
Researchers developed predictive AI models that identified patients at risk of intimate partner violence from their medical records, years before they enrolled in care. The models achieved high accuracy and could detect IPV up to four years before patients sought care.
A phase 3 clinical trial by Mass General Brigham reveals romiplostim's ability to prevent chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia, allowing full-dose chemotherapy delivery. The medication boosts bone marrow's resistance to chemotherapy, reducing the risk of life-threatening bleeding and improving cancer treatment outcomes.
A large randomized trial found that high-dose vitamin D3 did not reduce COVID-19 infection severity, but may impact long COVID outcomes. Researchers observed a promising signal that vitamin D supplementation could reduce long COVID symptoms, warranting further research in larger populations.
A new approach, called INSTALL, enables non-toxic DNA integration in multiple human cell types and successfully inserts large genetic payloads in mice, offering a promising solution for genetic therapies. The study's findings have the potential to broaden the applicability of genome editing therapies.
A daily multivitamin may slow biological aging in older adults, with benefits seen in those with accelerated biological age. The study found slowing in all five epigenetic clocks, including those predictive of mortality, equating to about four months less biological aging over two years.
A new study reveals the experiences of people traveling to Illinois for abortion care after the Dobbs v Jackson Women’s Health Organization Supreme Court decision. The study found that delays were common, with participants waiting an average of a month for care, and that abortion stigma, information, and resource availability are major...
A new study successfully detected heterotopic ossification (HO) weeks before current imaging techniques, enabling early intervention and potentially transforming HO prevention and treatment. The liquid biopsy method identified a unique gene signature associated with bone formation, achieving high accuracy in predicting at-risk patients.
Researchers analyzed data from nearly 4,300 stable outpatients with chest pain and found that women experienced similar rates of MACE as men despite having smaller plaque volumes. The study suggests incorporating sex into the interpretation of coronary plaque metrics may help advance tailored approaches to cardiac risk stratification.
A study found that patients value AI-based interpretation for routine situations due to its speed and convenience, while remote video interpretation is preferred for emotionally sensitive or high-stakes conversations. Patient trust, autonomy, and perceived control drive interpreter preferences.
A Phase 3 trial found stereotactic radiation targeting individual tumors improved symptom burden, cognitive outcomes, and daily function compared to whole brain radiation. Patients managed with stereotactic radiation also displayed better performance status and could remain more independent with everyday activities.
Researchers at Mass General Brigham have demonstrated the technical feasibility of using ultra-low field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for breast imaging, offering an alternative to existing methods and potentially reducing barriers to screening. Further study is needed to establish diagnostic performance and refine technology.
Researchers from Mass General Brigham have identified a neural circuit linking prior experiences with current aversions and preferences when it comes to dining choices. The findings suggest that dysfunction in this brain circuit could be a factor in disordered eating and obesity, providing new potential targets for treatment.
A single injection of an oncolytic virus recruits immune cells to penetrate and persist deep within brain tumors, inducing long-term infiltration of immune T cells. This therapy expands pre-existing T cells in the brain, leading to a therapeutic benefit for patients with glioblastoma.
A new study by Mass General Brigham highlights the efficacy of proton therapy in achieving excellent tumor control rates while minimizing side effects compared to traditional radiotherapy. Proton therapy limits radiation exposure to healthy tissue, potentially preserving cognition and hormone function.
A large prospective cohort study found that consuming 2-3 cups of caffeinated coffee daily or 1-2 cups of tea daily reduced dementia risk, slowed cognitive decline, and preserved cognitive function. Caffeine was identified as the active factor producing these neuroprotective results.
Researchers developed BrainIAC, a robust AI foundation model that analyzes brain MRI datasets to identify key neurological health indicators. The tool outperformed conventional AI models in diverse tasks, including predicting dementia risk and detecting brain tumor mutations.
A study of US veterans has identified a possible link between exposure to Agent Orange and acral melanoma, a rare form of skin cancer. The researchers found that veterans exposed to the herbicide had a 30% higher odds of developing this type of melanoma.
A Mass General Brigham-led study found that integrating feedback and personalized palliative care can improve the quality of life for children with advanced cancer. The study showed significant improvements in symptoms and well-being for patients who received the intervention, highlighting the potential benefits of early palliative care.
A study by Mass General Brigham found that individuals with traumatic brain injury and their caregivers consider recovery of basic communication an 'acceptable' outcome, challenging traditional assumptions about what constitutes a 'favorable' recovery. The study highlights the need for person-centered approaches to TBI outcome research.
A study found that using SGLT2i drugs in patients with gout and type 2 diabetes can lead to lower rates of starting urate-lowering therapy, NSAIDs, and diuretics. This could streamline care and reduce medication burden for these patients.
Research identifies reduction in recovery focus as most prevalent and potent contributor to long-term relapse, emphasizing the importance of ongoing monitoring and proactive interventions. The study highlights the need for integrated biopsychosocial disease-management models to address complex relapse risk factors.
Researchers identify fibroblast TGFβ signaling as a key driver of treatment-resistant rheumatoid arthritis. Advances in technology enable precision medicine approaches, promising to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.
Researchers found a strong link between human genetic factors and the oral microbiome, with specific genes influencing cavity and tooth loss risk. The study analyzed over 12,500 individuals' saliva-derived DNA, revealing genome-to-genome interactions between human and bacterial DNA.
The Kraft Prize for Excellence and Innovation in Community Health recognizes organizations driving measurable improvements in community health. The prize recipient will receive $100,000 and tailored support from the Kraft Center.
Researchers developed an innovative centrifugal system called SpinEx that separates plasma, enriches EVs, and labels proteins in one device. The technology enables fast and automated EV isolation from small blood volumes, accurately distinguishing cancer from non-cancer samples and identifying specific tumor types.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that children whose parents were injured by firearms experience substantial mental health impacts, with a 42% increase in psychiatric diagnoses and 60% increase in mental health visits. Early, targeted interventions are needed to address this growing need.
Researchers used MRI analysis to measure glymphatic system activity, finding changes related to IIH stage and pressure levels. The findings suggest a noninvasive test could diagnose IIH more reliably, improving treatment options for patients with symptoms including headaches and vision loss.
Researchers at Mass General Brigham report preclinical efficacy and human safety data for high-dose inhaled nitric oxide as a potential antimicrobial therapy. The treatment demonstrated strong antipseudomonal effects and was safe and feasible in early human studies.
A study found that one-third of patients in an at-home hypertension management program could not complete weekly readings, highlighting the need for more convenient and less burdensome monitoring tools. The researchers suggest innovative wearable devices that can passively collect blood pressure readings to reduce patient burden.
Researchers have identified a new method to predict asthma exacerbations using sphingolipid and steroid ratios, allowing for accurate identification of high-risk patients. The method has the potential to revolutionize asthma treatment by enabling clinicians to intervene before an attack occurs.
Patients who undergo unscheduled cesarean deliveries are at substantially increased risk for acute psychological stress during childbirth. Results show that over 1 in 4 patients experienced clinically significant acute stress shortly after birth.