Researchers found that specific disease-severity scores, including the Denver and Marshall scores, can accurately predict susceptibility to multiple independent infections after trauma. Early prognosis could guide antibiotic administration and implement prophylactic measures to protect at-risk patients.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital discovered that intestinal alkaline phosphotase (IAP) helps maintain gut barrier function and reduces systemic inflammation, leading to increased lifespan and reduced frailty. IAP supplementation may have therapeutic potential for conditions linked to the gut and inflammation.
A recent analysis found that low-dose aspirin significantly reduces the risk of liver cancer and mortality from liver disease in high-risk adults. Over an 8-year follow-up, 4.0% of patients who took low-dose aspirin developed liver cancer, compared to 8.3% of nonusers.
A study of veteran endurance athletes aged 50-75 found that 20-25% had an enlarged aorta, challenging the concept that the aorta is a stable structure. The study's findings suggest that lifelong exercise may cause dilation of the aorta with attendant risks.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital used cutting-edge imaging technology to detect abnormally low levels of a key protein in the brains of young men with autism. The study suggests that these low levels may be linked to inflammation and metabolism, and could have important implications for understanding the origins of autism.
Parents receiving prenatal Down syndrome diagnosis face complex decision-making, with most choosing to continue pregnancy despite low prenatal screening uptake. Key factors influencing their decisions include perceived welcome of a child with DS, quality of screening test, and information provided.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital discovered extensive brain inflammation in veterans with Gulf War Illness, particularly in cortical regions involved in memory and reasoning. This finding may help identify new therapeutic targets for conditions linked to neuroinflammation.
Research at Massachusetts General Hospital examines brains of individuals with early-life trauma and functional neurological disorder, finding correlations between childhood abuse severity and altered brain connectivity. The study's findings may provide new insights into the plastic brain mechanisms underlying FND.
A study found that Google Trends shows a significant increase in searches for 'quit vaping' during the EVALI outbreak, with a 3.7-fold rise, highlighting the need for public health messaging and clinical screening of patients who vape.
Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center identified an adaptation by cancer cells that facilitates their spreading to distant sites. Targeted therapies disrupting the ribosome function and inhibiting cancer cell growth slows the spread of breast cancer in a mouse model.
Researchers at Mass General Hospital identified Argonaute 4 as a key protein protecting cells against viral infections. Boosting levels of AGO4 could provide protection against multiple viruses, and the study aims to understand how the immune system works to create treatments that target various viruses.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital developed mathematical models to predict how tumors may respond to immunotherapy and how adding other anti-cancer drugs could lead to improved treatment. The models suggest that normalization of the tumor microenvironment, including blood supply, could improve treatment efficacy.
Research shows that gut microbes influence the development of specialized immune cells in the thymus, promoting a well-functioning immune system. The study highlights a novel communication between intestinal microbes and developing thymic cells, shaping the immune repertoire in early life.
A specialized Lung Rescue Team at Massachusetts General Hospital has significantly reduced mortality rates in patients with obesity and acute respiratory failure compared to standard treatment. By individualized treatment, the team has cut the risk of death by half for up to a year.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital develop new non-surgical Coolsculpting method targeting fat almost anywhere in the body using a safe, injectable ice solution. The technology selectively reduces fat tissue at any depth and site accessed by a needle or catheter.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have developed a new therapy to alleviate problems caused by dysfunctional mitochondria, which produce energy in cells. The discovery could lead to treatments for rare diseases and age-associated disorders characterized by redox imbalance.
A new study reveals that persistent genital arousal disorder (PGAD) is caused by altered nerve firing and spinal cord damage, which can be treated with neurological interventions. The study found that 80% of patients benefited from treatments targeting the affected nerves and areas.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have discovered that jumping genes, such as B2 and ALU, cut themselves in response to stress. This discovery has significant implications for understanding stress responses in the body, particularly in relation to developing new treatments for infections, cancer, and autoimmune diseases.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital and the University of Florida have identified a promising strategy to make glioblastoma susceptible to immune checkpoint inhibitors. The approach targets chemokine receptors that allow myeloid-derived suppressor cells to infiltrate tumors, leading to immunosuppression and treatment resistance.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that 30% of pregnant women with HIV were prescribed medications with insufficient evidence of safety in pregnancy. The study, led by Kathleen M. Powis, suggests that physicians may be prescribing ahead of recommended guidelines.
A team of scientists from Massachusetts General Hospital has developed an algorithm to estimate dementia risk using EHRs, predicting new diagnoses up to eight years in advance. The tool uses machine learning and NLP to analyze clinical terms and estimate patient risk.
A new study by Massachusetts General Hospital researchers identified over 100 genetic variants that increase the risk for more than one psychiatric disorder. The study found that many distinct psychiatric diseases share a common genetic structure, with genes producing multiple effects in the body.
A study found that almost 60% of eligible young travelers were not vaccinated due to clinician decision or guardian refusal, despite recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. The researchers emphasize the urgent need for greater awareness of MMR vaccination benefits for international travelers.
A recent study at Massachusetts General Hospital has uncovered evidence of fimbriae that aid adherence to epithelial cells, an important step in the start of a shigellosis infection. The research team used in vivo-like culture methods and human intestinal organoids to confirm their findings.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital found that slow spontaneous vessel pulsations drive the clearance of substances from the brain. Targeting vasculature health may prevent or treat Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers found that cromolyn sodium delayed the development of ALS symptoms in mice with a genetic mutation causing the disease. The treatment also protected neurons from degeneration and reduced inflammation by targeting mast cells.
Researchers discovered disruptions in white matter fibers within specific pathways linked to patient-reported impairments in physical health and illness duration. The findings advance current understanding of FND mechanisms and may identify biomarkers for diagnosis and clinical outcomes.
Adults in recovery report experiencing micro and macro forms of discrimination, leading to increased distress and decreased quality of life. The study highlights the need for addressing discrimination to support successful recovery.
A recent study published in the European Heart Journal has identified a potential mechanism linking long-term exposure to environmental noise and cardiovascular disease. The research found that high noise levels lead to activation of the amygdala, a deep brain structure, triggering changes that increase the risk of heart attack, stroke...
Researchers identified rare DNA variants in 1% of asymptomatic adults that substantially increase risk of sudden cardiac death. Genetic sequencing may enable new opportunities to identify high-risk individuals prior to any symptoms.
Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital found that uninfected adolescents and young adults born to mothers with HIV have a fourfold increased risk of obesity and asthma-like symptoms. The study revealed metabolic and immune consequences of in utero HIV exposure.
Researchers identified several risk factors associated with postpartum opioid overdose, including history of overdose during pregnancy, OUD diagnosis, and certain medical conditions. The study suggests that improving screening and providing supportive care can help reduce the risk of postpartum overdose.
Chemotherapy-induced cardiomyopathy affects approximately 9% of cancer patients, leading to reduced heart function and poor outcomes. Researchers found that pacemakers can significantly improve left ventricular ejection fraction, a measure of blood flow from the heart, in these patients.
Research confirms women with gestational hypertension or preeclampsia have higher cardiovascular risk and persistent risks into their 60s. Women are advised to adopt heart-healthy modifications such as exercising, eating healthy and controlling weight.
A study found that regular exercise reduces chronic inflammation and its role in artery-clogging blockages. By affecting the bone marrow's activity, exercise dampens inflammation and protects against heart disease.
A study from Massachusetts General Hospital found that increased physical activity can significantly reduce the risk of depression, even among those with a high genetic risk. Individuals who engaged in at least several hours of exercise per week were less likely to be diagnosed with new episodes of depression.
A new study identified a gene variant that may delay or prevent Alzheimer's disease. Carrying two copies of the APOE3ch variant may limit tau pathology and neurodegeneration, allowing individuals to age with fewer cognitive impairments. Researchers hope this finding can lead to new treatment strategies for Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have discovered a link between the brain's extracellular matrix and Alzheimer's disease, finding that elastin-like polypeptides increase amyloid-beta peptide accumulation in cell and animal models. This discovery offers new insights into the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease.
A multidisciplinary team of MGH researchers has created the highest resolution MRI scan of the human brain, with a resolution of 1,000 times more detailed than standard clinical scans. This dataset has broad applications in understanding brain anatomy and diseases.
A new study by Massachusetts General Hospital researchers highlights the risk of drug-resistant E. coli infections in patients receiving fecal microbiota transplants, particularly those who are immunocompromised. The study's findings emphasize the need for improved donor screening to prevent transmission of these resistant organisms.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital developed a new method to examine the activity of human hair follicles using magnetic fields. The technique measures electrical activity in individual study subjects and has shown promise as a biomarker for treating hair loss conditions like alopecia.
Researchers found that commensal papillomaviruses on human skin can induce immunity protecting against squamous cell carcinoma. The presence of these viruses in patients with suppressed immune systems was shown to reduce the risk of skin cancer, suggesting a novel method for prevention using a vaccine to boost the immune system.
Researchers found patients with significant blood vessel calcification were more likely to have a specific variant of HDAC9, implicating the gene in cardiovascular disease. The study suggests HDAC9 causes abnormal changes in vascular cells, resembling bone cells, leading to hardening of arteries.
Research suggests that elite athletes, particularly football linemen in the US, have a higher risk of cardiovascular problems due to rapid weight gain during early training. Aerobic training can help offset this risk, according to a new study published in JAMA Cardiology.
Researchers found that epigenetic changes allow cancer-promoting genes to interact, leading to drug resistance. The study identified strategies to overcome this resistance using FGFR inhibitors and targeted therapy.
A new study from Massachusetts General Hospital suggests that glowing particles in the blood of patients with brain cancer may be used to diagnose and monitor the disease. The discovery uses a substance called 5-aminolevulinic acid, which makes tumor cells fluorescent, allowing for non-invasive blood tests.
A study published in Biological Psychiatry found that mindfulness meditation training enhances the ability to recall a 'safety' memory, leading to reduced fear and anxiety. The researchers used MRI scans to examine changes in the brain associated with attention and memory following mindfulness meditation training.
A new therapy shows promise in reducing liver fat and fibrosis in people with HIV, a form of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The study found that tesamorelin reduced liver fat by 37% and slowed the progression of fibrosis in treated subjects.
A new phototherapy strategy has been shown to effectively remove carbon monoxide from the blood of rats with and without lung injury. The treatment increased CO elimination rates by threefold compared to ventilation alone, leading to improved survival rates among affected animals.
A study found that human hearts have evolved to handle sustained endurance activity, while sedentary lifestyles lead to more 'ape-like' hearts and increased hypertension. Researchers compared heart function in apes and four groups of humans with varying activity levels.