Researchers identified two inflammatory pathways involving complement and the inflammasome that promote abnormal blood vessel formation in wet AMD. Blocking these pathways, including essential proteins of the inflammasome, may lead to improved therapies for this common blinding disease.
Ezogabine, an antiepileptic drug, has been shown to reduce motor neuron excitability in people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurodegenerative disorder. The study's findings could lead to the development of new therapies for ALS and establish the use of neuron excitability metrics as valuable biomarkers.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital found that adding exercise to a genetic treatment for myotonic dystrophy type 1 reversed fatigue in mice. Exercise alone provided some benefit, whereas the treatment alone did not.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have identified a combination therapy that improves survival in mouse models of hepatocellular carcinoma. The dual therapy combines regorafenib to reprogram the tumor immune microenvironment and PD1 antibodies to stimulate anti-tumor immunity.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have created a compact, low-power 'head only' MRI scanner for brain imaging. The device can be mounted in ambulances or clinics and emits less noise than traditional scanners.
A study published in Health Affairs highlights the crucial role of infrastructure in ensuring COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness, alongside public willingness to be immunized. Greater investment is needed to produce and distribute vaccines efficiently and promote trust in vaccination.
A study using spectroscopic imaging found COVID-19 patients with neurological symptoms exhibit similar metabolic disturbances in the brain as those with hypoxia from other causes. However, there are also distinct differences, including elevated metabolites such as lactate and myo-inositol.
A study led by Massachusetts General Hospital found that early treatment with lorlatinib improved survival rates and reduced the risk of brain metastasis in ALK-positive lung cancer patients. Lorlatinib was shown to be effective as a first-line therapy, reducing the risk of cancer progression or death by 72%.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital found a unique mechanism of protection against Vibrio cholerae, the bacterium that causes cholera. Human antibodies block the bacteria's motility, preventing it from causing disease. This breakthrough could lead to more effective vaccines for cholera, particularly in young children.
Researchers discovered that short bursts of exercise induce changes in the body's levels of metabolites correlated to improved cardiometabolic, cardiovascular, and long-term health. Favorable shifts in specific metabolites were found to be associated with reduced risk of heart disease, diabetes, and decreased longevity.
A multifaceted public health strategy combining contact tracing, community-based screening with isolation and quarantine centers can substantially reduce COVID-19 cases in low-and-middle-income countries. The study found that this approach could save lives even where budgets are constrained.
A new study found that COVID-19 patients' early antibody evolution differs between survivors and non-survivors, with the former developing strong IgG antibodies and targeting the S2-domain on coronaviruses. This immunity may help patients generate killer antibodies faster and sooner after infection.
A study by Massachusetts General Hospital found that expanded access to health insurance significantly reduced ambulance dispatches for asthma emergencies in New York City. Improved access to outpatient management of the chronic condition is believed to be the likely reason for this decline.
A study published by investigators at Massachusetts General Hospital reveals that patients with type 2 myocardial infarction often receive inconsistent care. The research indicates that patients evaluated by cardiologists are more likely to undergo stress tests and heart imaging exams, and have higher rates of follow-up cardiology visits.
Using FDA-approved treatments increases the likelihood of success, but many smokers still struggle to quit. New research finds e-cigarettes containing nicotine are more effective than other therapies, including nicotine-free options and behavioral counseling.
Women with premature menopause are at higher risk of developing coronary artery disease due to the presence of clonal hematopoiesis in their blood cells. The study found a 36% increased likelihood of clonal hematopoiesis and a 48% higher risk of coronary artery disease among women with premature menopause.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have identified four distinct physical properties of cancer, including elevated solid stress and increased stiffness, which contribute to its sustained growth and destructive power. These findings point to new research opportunities and treatment approaches.
A new analysis found that some COVID-19 patients experience persistent skin-related symptoms long after recovery. Researchers evaluated almost 1,000 cases and identified a previously unreported subset of patients with long-standing skin symptoms from COVID-19.
A breakthrough discovery has revealed a new pathway for the development of allergy treatments by identifying the release of neuropeptide Substance P by sensory neurons upon detection of allergens. This finding suggests that interrupting this pathway could potentially stop allergic immune responses.
A study by Massachusetts General Hospital found that patients with significant decision conflict prior to cancer surgery are less active after surgery. The researchers used a smartphone app and sensor data to measure physical activity levels at 30, 60, and 90 days after surgery.
A new article and video from Massachusetts General Hospital provide step-by-step guidance on performing a tracheostomy to facilitate ventilator weaning in COVID-19 patients, reducing aerosol transmission risk. The procedure can decrease sedating medication use and allow family members to interact with loved ones.
A new report from sports cardiologists at Massachusetts General Hospital and Emory University School of Medicine offers guidance for athletes' return to play after COVID-19. For asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic athletes, detailed cardiac screening is not recommended, but those with moderate to severe symptoms should be screened for h...
A new AI-based tool, CoVA, has been developed to predict the prognosis of patients with COVID-19, identifying those at highest risk for complications. The tool was tested on over 9,381 adult outpatients and demonstrated excellent performance in predicting hospitalization, critical illness, or death within seven days.
A multidisciplinary team at Massachusetts General Hospital developed a novel treatment strategy for a young woman with an immune system defect. The treatment involved boosting her weakened neutrophils with growth factors, which restored their function and improved control of pathogens.
A new radiolabeled molecule, [18F]3F4AP, shows promising results in detecting and characterizing brain injury. The tracer binds to potassium channels exposed in demyelinated neurons, making it a potential tool for imaging multiple sclerosis and other neurodegenerative conditions.
Researchers used a novel MRI-based approach to study the interaction between patients and clinicians, finding that mirroring in facial expressions and brain activity can affect the patient-clinician bond and treatment. This study suggests that the clinical encounter has a measurable impact on the brain, emotions, and clinical outcomes.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that tocilizumab does not reduce the need for breathing assistance with mechanical ventilation or prevent death in moderately ill hospitalized patients with COVID-19. The treatment was tested on 243 patients with high levels of inflammation and pneumonia, fever, or low ...
A recent clinical trial found that patients with ALS who received the investigational neuroprotective therapy AMX0035 lived for a median of 6.5 months longer than those who received placebo. This result demonstrates the potential to prolong patient survival and slow disease progression.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have developed a non-invasive liquid biopsy test that can detect genetic mutations in brain tumor patients. The test, which improved detection sensitivity by tenfold, has the potential to revolutionize glioma diagnosis and monitoring.
A resiliency program for brain injury survivors and their caregivers has shown clinically significant improvement in emotional distress. The program, Recovering Together, achieved measurable reductions in depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress among individuals with acute neurologic illness and their caregivers.
A new study led by Massachusetts General Hospital found that frequent phone counseling significantly improves quit rates among cancer patients who smoke. The intensive program resulted in a 34.5% abstinence rate, compared to 21.5% for those receiving less frequent counseling.
A new AI-based model can help public officials and team owners make informed decisions about in-person attendance by predicting COVID-19 trends. The tool provides insights into doubling times and case increases in counties with NFL/NCAA stadiums, aiding in risk assessment and safety guidance.
A study found that female surgeons in the US perform 23% fewer complex procedures than their male counterparts, with no improvement over two decades. Researchers attribute this underemployment to biases among referring physicians and patients, not female surgeons themselves.
A new study found that protective antibodies against COVID-19 persist for four months in survivors of serious infections, making them a valuable tool for tracking the spread of the virus in communities. The study also identified key antibody responses to COVID-19 that are relatively short-lived, declining within two and a half months.
Scientists have overcome obstacles to cardiac xenotransplantation using genetic engineering and drug development, enabling the successful transplantation of pig hearts into baboons. The technology could help prolong and save countless human lives by solving the chronic shortage of donor organs.
A new study suggests genetic risk scoring of lipoprotein(a) can accurately predict atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, comparable to directly measured levels. This could help physicians identify candidates for treatment or clinical trials, particularly those using direct-to-consumer genetic testing kits.
Researchers found that relaxation of physical distancing measures led to a rapid reversal of public health gains against COVID-19, with most states reversing course. Only nine of 51 states remained at low transmission rates eight weeks after restrictions were lifted or loosened.
A new report in Health Affairs highlights the need for policymakers and local governments to implement evidence-based programs that address poverty, family supports, and universal healthcare. These interventions could substantially reduce the risks faced by children from poverty and early adversity.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have developed the Brain Age Index (BAI), a model that estimates brain aging through sleep data and electrical measurements during sleep. The BAI showed promise as a marker of dementia, correlating with neuropsychiatric scores from standard cognitive assessments.
A mobile health program has proven effective in bringing opioid addiction treatment services to marginalized individuals, particularly the homeless. The Community Care in Reach program uses a non-traditional combination of clinical care and harm reduction services, resulting in improved access to evidence-based services.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Asian Americans face a surge in anti-Asian racism, leading to increased stress, xenophobia, and violence. Research highlights the need for awareness and mechanisms to track incidents of racial bias.
Using a time and symptom-based protocol allows healthcare workers to return to work faster than a test-based approach, averting over 4,000 days of lost worktime. This strategy prioritizes employee safety while reducing strain on testing capacity.
A study published in the Western Journal of Emergency Medicine found that 85% of medical waste does not meet regulated standards for disposal. By implementing changes such as reusable devices, better sorting of infectious waste, and effective recycling, hospitals can reduce waste while saving costs. The study suggests that hospitals co...
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital identified a standard blood test that can predict high mortality risk in COVID-19 patients. The test measures red cell distribution width (RDW), which is highly correlated with patient mortality, and can be tracked during hospitalization to help determine treatment response.
A pioneering study by Massachusetts General Hospital researchers found light therapy to be safe and measurable in the brain, showing promise as a treatment for TBI. The study included 68 patients with moderate traumatic brain injury and found statistically significant differences in myelin integrity surrounding neurons.
Research suggests that repeated screening of asymptomatic individuals could significantly decrease COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations. The study's findings indicate that this strategy is cost-effective when testing costs are low, but may require more frequent testing to be effective.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have developed a molecular imaging probe to reveal γ-secretase related to Alzheimer's disease. The study aims to better understand the etiology of AD and facilitate drug discovery.
A new study published in European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry found that the death of a family pet can lead to prolonged and profound grief in children, potentially triggering depression. Researchers analyzed data from over 6,000 children and found that the emotional attachment to pets can result in measurable psychological distress.
A portable, low-field MRI device can be safely used at bedside to evaluate critically-ill patients for suspected stroke or traumatic brain injury. The device produced important neuroimaging findings in 29 of 30 patients and detected abnormal neurologic findings in eight of 20 patients with altered mental status.
Capmatinib shows high response rate (68%) in first-line treatment for NSCLC patients with MET exon 14 skipping mutations. Patients with lower MET amplification levels have limited effectiveness with the drug.