The study found a 12.3% increase in firearm incidents overall, with higher rates of non-hunting-related incidents such as suicide, alcohol-related incidents, and domestic violence during deer hunting season.
A new inpatient onconephrology service has been established to care for patients with cancer and kidney disease, resulting in improved kidney recovery rates. The study found that patients treated by the dedicated service were more likely to have kidney recovery at discharge compared to those treated by general nephrology services.
Combining dexmedetomidine with spinal anesthesia prolongs pain relief and reduces shivering during surgery, suggesting improved recovery outcomes. However, it may slightly increase the risk of a slower heart rate.
A study of nearly 2 million people found that the use of GLP-1RA-based medications increased from 13% to 35% among those with type 2 diabetes, while traditional medications like metformin declined. Tirzepatide saw a steeper and more sustained rise in its use compared to other recently approved medications.
A new study found that a specific brain circuit is associated with the intensity of political involvement, regardless of political ideology. The researchers analyzed data from 124 male military veterans who had experienced penetrating head trauma and found lesions to this circuit in both liberal and conservative participants.
Researchers have identified Tim-3 as a promising therapeutic target for Alzheimer's disease by targeting microglia in the brain. Deleting Tim-3 helps kickstart plaque removal, reduce neuroinflammation, and limit cognitive impairment.
STITCHR uses an RNA system to replace entire genes, overcoming CRISPR limitations in targeting every mutation. The tool offers a one-and-done approach for gene therapy, addressing cystic fibrosis and other diseases with thousands of mutations.
Researchers have identified nearly 300 genetic disorders that can be treated during pregnancy or in the first week of life, offering unprecedented opportunities for early intervention. The 'treatable fetal findings list' aims to improve diagnosis and enhance treatment options for fetuses with these conditions.
A study of over 9,000 participants found that early life adversities correlate with diminished white matter connections, increasing the risk for cognitive difficulties. However, supportive relationships such as neighborhood cohesion and positive parenting may offer protection against these effects.
Mass General Brigham researchers have identified 17 modifiable risk factors shared by stroke, dementia, and late-life depression. Modifying any one of these risk factors can reduce the risk of all three conditions, providing an opportunity to simultaneously reduce the burden of age-related brain diseases.
A new study by Mass General Brigham researchers reveals that many eligible patients who receive other preventative screenings are not getting screened for lung cancer. The study found that 65% of those eligible received breast and colorectal cancer screening, a nearly 4-fold higher rate than lung cancer screening.
A clinical trial found that electronic messages sent to providers improved care for patients with severe aortic stenosis, including higher rates of treatment with valve replacement. The study also showed improved survival for patients in the notification group, with an average increase of 12 days.
A new study from Mass General Brigham identified patients with heart ultrasound results indicating thickened heart muscle, a condition often caused by hypertension. The study used natural language processing to analyze electronic health records and found that physicians were nearly four times as likely to diagnose hypertension and pres...
Researchers at Mass General Brigham have developed a new hydrogel that continuously releases medication without breaking down under mechanical stress. The hydrogel showed promising results in preclinical studies, significantly reducing cartilage damage and improving joint lubrication.
Researchers at Mass General Brigham have identified mutations in VPS35 that can prevent chemotherapy-induced cell death, leading to treatment-resistant tumors. Higher tumoral VPS35 levels were associated with improved treatment responses and overall survival rates in patients with ovarian cancer.
Mass General Brigham researchers developed an olfactory test, where participants sniff odor labels on a card, to assess cognitive impairment. The test showed promise as a tool for identifying risk of cognitive decline and was found to be successful at home.
A new long-acting contraceptive implant has been developed that can be delivered through tiny needles, reducing patient discomfort and increasing medication use. The Self-assembling Long-acting Injectable Microcrystals (SLIM) system slowly releases the drug levonorgestrel, providing a potential alternative to surgically implanted devices.
A computer simulation model suggests that administering long-acting, injectable antibodies to infants can reduce HIV transmission and be cost-saving in high HIV burden settings. The study found that bNAbs could potentially prevent up to 42% of all new infant HIV infections.
Researchers found that the current standard monitoring time of one-and-a-half to two months following surgery is too short to accurately identify recurrence and inform treatment decisions. Monitoring PSA levels for at least three months can avoid overtreatment and mislabel patients as having recurred.
A new study by Mass General Brigham researchers has found a link between genetic mutations and toxin exposure in firefighters' brain tumors. The study identified a unique pattern of genetic mutations, known as a mutational signature, in many firefighter samples, especially those who had spent more years firefighting.
A large study of dietary habits found that diets higher in butter but low in plant oils were associated with elevated risk of mortality. Replacing butter with plant-based oils, such as soybean and olive oil, was linked to lower total, cancer, and cardiovascular disease mortality rates.
A Phase 1 clinical trial is examining the safety and feasibility of a groundbreaking treatment approach for Parkinson's disease, in which a patient's stem cells are reprogrammed to replace dopamine cells. The trial uses autologous stem cell transplantation, avoiding immunosuppressive treatments, and has enrolled three patients so far.
A study by Mass General Brigham researchers found that women over 70 who took hormone therapy had faster tau accumulation than those who didn't. This increase was seen in specific brain regions vulnerable to Alzheimer's disease. The findings suggest delaying hormone therapy may lead to worse Alzheimer's outcomes.
Researchers developed an AI tool to predict cognitive impairment over the next five years by analyzing brain wave patterns during sleep using EEG. The tool identified subtle differences in brain wave patterns that predicted which participants would later be diagnosed with cognitive impairment.
A new radiology screening tool can help detect intimate partner violence (IPV) in patients, enabling healthcare providers to identify victims earlier. The study found that imaging studies and injury patterns differ between women who have reported IPV and those who have not.
A nasal spray being tested for Alzheimer's disease could also reduce neuroinflammation in traumatic brain injury, according to a Mass General Brigham-led study. The treatment modulates the immune response, reducing anxiety, cognitive decline, and improving motor skills in mouse models of TBI.
Researchers developed a polygenic risk score that examines genes associated with endothelial cell function to identify individuals with higher cardiovascular disease risk. The study found that individuals with intact endothelial function may have protection, while those with EC dysfunction may be more sensitive to LDL-C concentrations.
A multi-ancestry genome-wide study has identified 16 novel Alzheimer's disease-associated genetic signals, expanding the understanding of the disease in underrepresented groups. The study aims to improve predictions of Alzheimer's disease risk and guide new treatment targets for diverse populations.
Researchers found that patients receiving telemedicine care had lower rates of low-value tests, such as cervical cancer screening and imaging for uncomplicated low back pain. However, virtual options may reduce barriers to care but also deter clinicians and patients from completing some low-value tests.
A new study reveals that most well-known national suicide prevention organizations do not have easily accessible resources targeting older adults, who are at the highest risk of suicide. The findings highlight the urgent need for targeted campaigns and tailored prevention programs that address the unique healthcare needs of older adults.
Researchers at Mass General Brigham used a generative AI tool to screen patients for a heart failure clinical trial, significantly improving speed and efficiency compared to manual screening. The study found that the AI-assisted screening process screened 458 eligible patients compared to 284 in the manual group.
The PARADIGM program aims to create a scalable, multi-purpose Care Delivery Platform to deliver advanced services in rural areas. The project will integrate various medical devices and technologies to provide hospital-level care without the need for fixed locations.
Researchers found that long-term yogurt intake was associated with lower rates of proximal colon cancer positive for Bifidobacterium, a bacterial species found in yogurt. The study showed that higher yogurt consumption over time may protect against colorectal cancer through changes in the gut microbiome.
Researchers re-analyzed data for 111 products and found significant associations between production process, ingredient composition, and benzene levels. The study suggests opportunities to improve formulation, production, and distribution of benzoyl peroxide containing products to reduce the likelihood of them degrading into benzene.
A study projects the impact of PEPFAR funding cuts on South Africa, finding that eliminating funding would lead to significant increases in HIV infections and related deaths. The analysis highlights the devastating consequences of abrupt funding cuts, including a $1.7 billion increase in healthcare expenditure.
A team of researchers at Mass General Brigham has discovered that granzyme K activates the complement system against own tissues, driving inflammation and tissue damage. Inhibiting this pathway could preserve anti-microbial functions while targeting chronic inflammatory diseases.
The Kraft Center for Community Health at Mass General Brigham is awarding the Kraft Prize to recognize transformative organizations or innovations making a measurable impact on community health. The $100,000 prize includes travel accommodations and support from Mass General Brigham's Innovation MESH Network.
A large genetic dataset and multi-omics approach identified 58 novel drug targets for both heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). The study highlights the importance of developing targeted therapies for both subtypes, which have limited therapeutic options.
A new study has developed a polygenic risk score for COPD that improves identification of individuals with the disease in the community. The test uses genetic samples from a cheek swab or blood test, and when combined with a case-finding questionnaire, it identifies undiagnosed cases more accurately.
A new TB risk scoring tool has been developed to assess patients for potential TB infections, enabling accurate decisions on isolation precautions. The tool has been validated and is now in use at all MGB sites, positively impacting patient care and clinician workflows.
Scientists from Mass General Brigham create bioprinted tissues that can be remotely stimulated by light to generate electrical activity, enabling non-invasive control of heart tissue. This breakthrough has the potential to promote long-term tissue regeneration and integration into the heart's biology.
Researchers have developed a novel stem cell treatment strategy for leptomeningeal brain metastasis, a severe form of metastatic brain cancer. The new therapy, which combines allogeneic dual stem cells with oncolytic herpes simplex virus and single chain variable fragment of anti-PD-1, shows promise in preclinical models.
A new method can detect tiny amounts of SARS-CoV-2 virus in blood, stool, and saliva from patients with acute COVID-19 infections. The technology has potential for guiding treatment of long COVID and monitoring viral loads for future infectious diseases.
The study found that a new class of anticoagulants, Factor XI inhibitors, significantly reduced bleeding events compared to standard-of-care treatment. The researchers report that abelacimab, a Factor XI inhibitor, reduced bleeding by 62% in patients with atrial fibrillation.
A global study of individuals with HIV found that current risk models underestimated cardiovascular events, particularly for women and black men in high-income countries. The researchers developed correction factors to fine-tune these models, highlighting the need for nuanced, region-specific predictions.
A new study identifies the molecular mechanisms underlying increased osteoarthritis risk in postmenopausal females, revealing that menopause-induced changes in sex hormone levels contribute to joint degeneration. Restoring these hormones may protect against cartilage degeneration, paving the way for novel treatments.
A new study from Mass General Brigham found that approximately 1-in-5 patients experience acne recurrence after isotretinoin treatment. The researchers identified factors that increase the risk of recurrence, including female gender and lower cumulative dosages.
A new study published in Neurology found that eating greater quantities of red meat, especially in processed forms, increases the risk of dementia. Replacing processed red meat with protein sources like nuts and legumes or fish may decrease dementia risk by approximately 20 percent.
A study from Mass General Brigham and Washington University School of Medicine found that Xenon gas inhalation reduced brain atrophy, neuroinflammation, and improved nest-building behaviors in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease. The treatment also induced a protective microglial response associated with clearing amyloid and improving ...
Researchers found that despite higher supplemental benefits, Medicare Advantage beneficiaries use fewer services and pay similar out-of-pocket costs. Out-of-pocket expenses for supplemental benefits were modestly lower for Medicare Advantage enrollees, with some services costing up to 9% less.