A study by Mass General Brigham researchers found that patients with rheumatic diseases who developed long COVID were more likely to have expanded, pro-inflammatory antibodies specific to a coronavirus that causes the common cold. The team identified OC43 as a potential biomarker for long COVID.
Researchers found that individuals with a genetic mutation linked to early-onset Alzheimer's disease had slower cognitive decline if they had higher education levels. The study also revealed that the APOE e4 mutation, which significantly increases risk for sporadic Alzheimer's disease, was less detrimental to cognitive function in thos...
Researchers investigated the quality of CPR directions provided by AI voice assistants and found they lacked relevance and consistency. The study recommends relying on emergency services for life-saving care instead of self-directed guidance from AI tools.
A new study found ChatGPT to be nearly 72 percent accurate across all medical specialties and phases of clinical care. It was also 77 percent accurate in making final diagnoses. However, the model struggled with differential diagnosis, which is a crucial aspect of medicine.
Researchers at Mass General Brigham used stem cells from patients with Alzheimer's disease to study the impact of SORL1 gene damage. They found that loss of normal SORL1 function leads to a reduction in key AD proteins APOE and CLU, highlighting a potential new strategy for treatment.
A study published in JAMA found that consuming sugar sweetened beverages daily increased the risk of developing liver cancer and chronic liver disease by 85% and 68%, respectively. Researchers analyzed data from over 98,000 postmenopausal women and found a significant association between sugary drink consumption and liver health outcomes.
Researchers discovered that nine percent of esophageal adenocarcinoma patients harbor cancer-predisposing gene mutations, which may trigger progression from Barrett's esophagus. This finding supports the idea that genetic testing can help risk-stratify EAC patients and potentially accelerate development of new treatments.
Researchers found that Syrian refugees with breast cancer were more likely to be younger than Jordanian women and diagnosed with late-stage cancers. The trauma associated with displacement was also a contributing factor to the disparities in treatment gaps for refugees.
Brigham researchers use induced pluripotent stem cells to restore hormone production and fertility in mice with premature ovarian failure. The study shows promise for treating incurable conditions and may lead to new therapies for patients with ovarian failure.
Mass General Brigham researchers have made key improvements to Parkinson's disease cell therapies by using regulatory T cells to supplement neuronal cell therapy. The study shows that co-transplanting regulatory T cells with dopaminergic neurons increases survival and improves behavior recovery in rodent models.
Researchers at Mass General Cancer Center treated 16 patients with a BRAF/MEK inhibitor, resulting in a 91% reduction in tumor size and complete response in all patients who received one or more cycles of therapy. The treatment showed unprecedented success in targeting brain tumors using precision medicine approaches.
Mass General Cancer Center researchers have pinpointed the APOBEC3A protein as a primary driver of drug resistance in non-small-cell lung cancer. The study reveals that this protein causes mutations and accelerates tumor growth, making it a promising target for new therapies.
A new study found that maternal mortality rates have worsened from 1999 to 2019, with the highest rates seen in Black women. The study used data from 1999 to 2019 and found significant disparities in maternal mortality rates across states and racial/ethnic groups.
A study found disparities in Hispanic cancer mortality rates, with higher rates for men in certain age groups and women for liver, pancreatic, and uterine cancers. The researchers highlight the need for targeted education and screening efforts to address these disparities.
A team of researchers identified TIM-1 as a key player in regulating anti-tumor immunity in melanoma. By targeting TIM-1, the immune system can activate killer T cells to inhibit tumor growth. The study's findings have significant implications for developing new cancer therapies.
A new study by Mass General Brigham found an association between increasing receipt of plant-based food packages and decreased BMI in children. The research suggests that providing healthy foods can help prevent childhood obesity, especially among families dealing with food insecurity.
Researchers found that ChatGPT 4 can accurately identify appropriate imaging services for breast cancer screening and breast pain. The AI model outperformed its predecessor, ChatGPT 3.5, in providing evidence-backed guidelines for radiologists.
A new study found that football players' cumulative repetitive head impact exposure was associated with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) status and severity. The study suggests that reducing both the number of head impacts and their force could lower CTE risk.
A recent study found that Black former NFL players experience higher levels of chronic pain intensity and greater impact on daily life compared to white counterparts. The researchers analyzed data from over 3,995 former NFL players and controlled for various factors to find these racial disparities in pain outcomes.
Researchers found that an older adult's performance on the phone menu test was associated with Alzheimer's disease pathology, including amyloid and tau depositions. The test detected clinically meaningful changes in daily functioning before pronounced symptoms of cognitive decline began.
Researchers at Mass General Cancer Center describe the evolution of proton therapy, its benefits to patients, and efforts to increase access worldwide. They highlight advancements in machine size reduction and treatment efficiency, paving the way for global democratisation.
A phase 2 trial found that immune checkpoint inhibitor pembrolizumab had a durable antitumor effect in 24 of 57 patients with metastatic brain cancer. The study achieved its primary endpoint, with median overall survival of 8 months and seven patients surviving longer than two years.
Researchers presented findings on pembrolizumab for brain metastases, virtual mind-body interventions for post-treatment survival, and dynamic HER2-low status in triple negative breast cancer. The studies aim to improve treatments and outcomes for patients with cancer.
Researchers found specific bacterial species significantly associated with the development of tubular adenomas and sessile serrated adenomas. The study suggests a potential opportunity to intervene through diet or probiotics to prevent colorectal cancer.
A nationwide study of nearly 10,000 adults identifies 12 hallmarks of long COVID, including debilitating fatigue, loss of smell or taste, and gastrointestinal symptoms. The findings provide a new scoring system for clinicians to define and investigate treatments for patients with long COVID.
A clinical trial of 403 patients found that ketamine treatment was non-inferior to ECT for treating non-psychotic treatment-resistant depression. Ketamine showed fewer side effects than ECT, with improved depressive symptoms and quality of life.
Researchers discovered a new genetic variant in the Reelin gene that provides protection from Alzheimer's disease. The variant was identified through clinical assessments, genetic and molecular studies, and neuropathological analysis of two patients with a similar genetic predisposition to developing early-onset Alzheimer's disease.
A new study led by Mass General Brigham researchers found that 88% of rare disease experts agree on the benefits of genomic sequencing in newborn screening. The experts recommended screening for over 600 genetic conditions, including those associated with hemophilia and retinoblastoma.
A former professional football player's life-altering cognitive decline was reversed after a comprehensive assessment revealed signs of hydrocephalus, which could be treated. The case study highlights the importance of considering alternative explanations for cognitive decline in athletes.
A clinical trial of 406 patients found that a fluorescent agent allowed surgeons to identify and remove residual tumor tissue with favorable results. The technique showed promising results in detecting tumor tissue missed by standard lumpectomy procedures, potentially avoiding second surgeries for positive margins.
Researchers have identified 11 somatic mutations in the RAS/MAPK pathway that contribute to treatment-resistant adult epilepsy, suggesting the potential for repurposed anti-cancer agents as new treatments. This study provides insight into the genetic mechanisms underlying this form of epilepsy and opens up new avenues for targeted ther...
A Mass General Brigham expert calls for additional measures to expand access to lifesaving buprenorphine treatment and harm-reduction services. The federal government's elimination of the X waiver is necessary but not sufficient to achieve overdose-prevention goals, according to the authors.
Experts review changing context for masking in healthcare settings, highlighting advancements in population immunity and medical countermeasures. They advocate for managing SARS-CoV-2 like other respiratory viruses, ensuring healthcare personnel use masks when necessary.
Researchers at Mass General Cancer Center presented recent breakthroughs in cancer treatment, including a new mutant-selective drug that targets PI3Kα inhibitors, and innovations in whole-genome sequencing and imaging-based evaluation of cancer dependencies. These findings aim to improve the effectiveness of immunotherapy and personali...
A new study from Mass General Brigham researchers found that early menopause may be a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease dementia. However, women who received hormone therapy around the time of menopause onset did not experience an increased risk of dementia. The study suggests that timing is crucial when it comes to hormone therapy, ...
A remote hypertension program, operated by Mass General Brigham, successfully supported patients through the COVID-19 pandemic in achieving their blood pressure goals. Participants who enrolled during the pandemic reached and maintained their goal blood pressures an average of two months earlier than in the pre-pandemic period.
The study found that Clostridioides difficile uses fermentation to rapidly colonize the gut and identified critical pathways converged on a metabolic integration point to produce amino acid alanine, driving bacterial growth. The findings provide new targets for small molecule drugs to counter C. difficile colonization and infection.
A virtual care team consisting of physicians and pharmacists improved the adoption of life-saving therapies in patients with heart failure, leading to increased use of evidence-based treatments and better patient outcomes. The strategy was safe and effective, with comparable length of stay and safety events between the groups.
A study of over 350 former NFL players found that those who reported concussion symptoms performed worse on cognitive tests, particularly in episodic memory and sustained attention. Cognitive decline was not associated with diagnosed concussions or age, but rather with the presence of concussion symptoms.
Researchers highlight potential risk of navicular bone stress injuries in athletes using carbon fiber plate footwear, emphasizing importance of recognition and safe use. The study features five cases of foot pain and subsequent diagnosis in elite track and field athletes and mid-30s competitors.
The SafeCare study found that adverse events occur in 23.6% of hospital admissions, with medication-related harm being the leading cause. The study recommends improved tracking of adverse drug effects, reliable data collection, and a culture prioritizing safe care.
A new study found that increased extracellular matrix stiffness leads to a decrease in the longevity protein Klotho in knee cartilage, damaging chondrocytes. Conversely, softer extracellular matrices restored healthy cartilage states in aged cells.
A study by Mass General Brigham found elevated levels of spike protein, increased cytokines, and troponin in the blood of 16 adolescents and young adults who developed myocarditis after COVID mRNA vaccination. The researchers also discovered no differences in antibody production or auto-antibodies between cases and controls.