Researchers found that lymph node metastases do not require new blood vessels but instead use existing ones, providing a mechanism for resistance to angiogenic therapies. The study suggests alternative treatments may be needed for patients at risk of lymph node metastasis.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have engineered a new version of the gene-editing tool CRISPR-Cas9, enabling it to target an expanded range of DNA sequences. The new variants show improved specificity, reducing off-target mutations and expanding the potential applications for CRISPR technology.
A new study documents the successful application of a Benson-Henry Institute program at a Boston high school, showing significant reductions in anxiety levels and improved stress management among students. The program teaches relaxation strategies, positive psychology techniques, and helps students build long-term resiliency.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital developed a new method for skin rejuvenation using pulsed electrical fields, which induce cellular death and proliferation without affecting the extracellular matrix. This non-invasive procedure shows promise in improving skin health with minimal risk of scarring or altered pigmentation.
Two MGH physicians, Renee Salas and Annekathryn Goodman, share their experiences in Nepal earthquake relief, highlighting the challenges of wilderness medicine in remote environments. The teams worked together to provide emergency care and support, while also addressing emotional devastation inflicted on villagers.
Researchers developed a microfabricated device to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of drugs metabolized through the liver, simplifying the process and overcoming limitations of existing systems. The device enables separate culture of primary liver cells and cancer cells, allowing for analysis of metabolic conversion and toxic effects.
A new study finds that providing direct assistance, such as counseling and nicotine replacement therapy, significantly improves the likelihood of patients quitting smoking. The research team analyzed data from over 1,600 participants who underwent lung cancer screening, finding that active clinician support increased quit rates by 40%.
Researchers found that elite HIV controllers' dendritic cells are better able to detect and respond to HIV, producing higher levels of immune-boosting proteins. This unique ability allows them to generate powerful T-cell responses against the virus, which may help others control or even cure HIV without treatment.
A five-year phase II clinical trial testing the ability of BCG to clinically improve type 1 diabetes in adults will be conducted at Massachusetts General Hospital. The trial aims to create a lasting therapeutic response and has received $19 million out of $25 million needed for the study.
A consortium led by Massachusetts General Hospital has launched a $5.2 million project to develop an RNA-based vaccine against Q fever, a disease affecting US troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. The VaxCelerate process aims to rapidly develop vaccines for emerging infectious diseases.
A team of Massachusetts General Hospital investigators has developed a bioartificial replacement limb suitable for transplantation using an experimental approach previously used to build bioartificial organs. The researchers successfully engineered rat forelimbs with functioning vascular and muscle tissue, and provided evidence that th...
Research reveals that diverse bacterial communities in healthy South African women's genital tracts are associated with elevated levels of inflammatory proteins, increasing the risk of HIV infection. The study found that these communities were more than four times as likely to have elevated genital inflammatory cytokines.
A new study found a sequential pattern of changes in the intestinal microbial population of patients recovering from cholera, suggesting potential strategies to support recovery. The gut microbiota usually returns to normal after cholera infection.
Researchers developed a microfluidic device called the Cluster-Chip to capture clusters of two or more cells, which are significantly more likely to cause metastases. The device proved 40-50% better at finding clusters with targeted markers and 1000% better at capturing cells without them.
A new system using automated analysis of vital signs during emergency transport has been shown to accurately detect life-threatening bleeding in trauma patients, identifying them 75-80% of the time. This technology could save lives by providing faster care and enabling hospitals to be ready for immediate surgery.
A new study found that adding radiation therapy to treatments blocking testosterone's effects can control tumors and save lives for men with node-positive prostate cancer. This combination therapy reduced death rates by 50% compared to hormone therapy alone in patients with regional lymph nodes.
A nine-week relaxation response training program improved symptoms and gene expression in patients with IBS and IBD. The study found significant improvements in disease-related symptoms, anxiety, and quality of life, with changes in the expression of nearly 200 genes in IBS patients and over 1,000 genes in IBD patients.
A redesigned wire system using stealth technology reduces heat generation in implanted device leads, allowing more patients to safely undergo MRI exams. This innovation expands access to state-of-the-art imaging for up to 300,000 patients worldwide.
A new targeted therapy drug rociletinib demonstrates significant activity against treatment-resistant EGFR-mutant lung tumors, improving outcomes for patients with advanced tumors. The drug showed promising results in patients with T790M-driven resistance, resulting in tumor shrinkage and symptom relief.
Researchers developed an imageable mouse model of brain-metastatic breast cancer and tested a stem-cell-based therapy that eliminates metastatic cells from the brain, prolonging survival. The treatment also prevents negative consequences by targeting tumor-specific molecules.
A six-year, $40 million trial aims to investigate the effectiveness of statin therapy in reducing HIV-associated cardiovascular risk. The REPRIEVE study is the largest clinical trial to focus on cardiovascular disease in HIV patients, targeting those with no known heart disease and low traditional risk factors.
A study by Massachusetts General Hospital found that two interventions combining up-to-date guidelines and family support reduced one-year weight gain in obese children. Clinicians who received clinical decision-support tools had better outcomes, while families who received coaching showed significant improvements in BMI.
Researchers found that a reduced red blood cell clearance rate is associated with increased risk of serious diseases like cancer and cardiovascular disease. This biomarker could improve disease diagnosis and prognosis by identifying early warning signs in healthy individuals.
A smartphone-based device developed by Massachusetts General Hospital researchers uses hologram technology to collect detailed microscopic images for digital analysis of cancer cells and tissues. The D3 system can detect cancer proteins with high accuracy, categorizing biopsy samples as high-risk or low-risk in under an hour.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital identified a protein called TREML4 that amplifies the cellular response to TLR7 receptor activation, leading to lupus symptoms. Suppressing this pathway may offer new hope for treating autoimmune disorders.
The Ebola epidemic has revealed critical weaknesses in the global public health system, including delayed responses and inadequate resources. Experts recommend adjusting WHO criteria for public health emergencies and increasing local authority involvement to develop culturally appropriate measures.
Regular use of aspirin or NSAIDs reduces colorectal cancer risk, but rare genetic variants do not offer the same benefit to some individuals. The study found a 30% reduction in risk for most participants, but no protective effect for those with certain genetic variations.
A study led by Massachusetts General Hospital investigators suggests that bariatric surgery can significantly reduce the risk of asthma attacks in obese patients. Significant weight reduction after surgery resulted in a half reduction in serious asthma-associated events, including emergency department visits and hospitalizations.
A Massachusetts General Hospital study found a correlation between hospitals' Facebook ratings and their performance on a widely-used measure of quality care. Hospitals with higher Facebook ratings had lower readmission rates within 30 days after discharge.
A study by Massachusetts General Hospital researchers reveals that Interleukin-3 (IL-3) promotes the production of inflammatory monocytes and neutrophils, which contribute to the 'cytokine storm' that underlies sepsis. Higher IL-3 levels in human patients with sepsis are associated with a greater risk of death.
Researchers at MGH and BWH identified the exact mechanism by which presenilin mutations in inherited Alzheimer's disease produce devastating effects. They found that these mutations decrease, rather than increase, function of the presenilin-1 protein and gamma-secretase enzyme.
Researchers discovered two groups of neurons in the anterior cingulate cortex that play key roles in predicting what another individual will do. The findings could lead to targeted treatments for disorders such as autism and antisocial behavior.
A study by Massachusetts General Hospital found that physicians have lower divorce rates compared to other healthcare professionals. Female physicians were more likely to be divorced than male physicians, possibly due to work-life tradeoffs.
A Massachusetts General Hospital team has developed a method to protect insulin-producing islets from the immune system, enabling long-term blood sugar control without immunosuppression. The approach involves coating or encapsulating islets with CXCL12, a protein that repels immune cells and attracts regulatory T cells.
Researchers at MGH have identified characteristics, including gene expression differences, that indicate which patients recovering from severe burns are at greatest risk for repeat infections. The study could lead to personalized therapies and more effective prevention and treatment strategies.
Researchers found that activation of cholinergic neurons in brain stem structures induced REM sleep in animal models. The findings provide a better understanding of brain mechanisms controlling different sleep states, essential for treating sleep disorders.
Researchers found that anti-TB granulomas have abnormal blood vessel networks, similar to solid tumors, which limit drug penetration. Treating these vessels with bevacizumab improved drug delivery and reduced oxygen-starved cells.
Researchers have identified a new potential treatment targeting the alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) pathway in cancer cells. Treatment with a small molecule inhibitor suppressed growth and survival of ALT-positive tumor cells.
A new study from Massachusetts General Hospital has found evidence of neuroinflammation in key brain regions of chronic pain patients. The study, published in the journal Brain, identifies a possible way to measure pain and may lead to new treatment strategies.
A recent survey of primary care clinicians reveals that more physicians would recommend careers as nurse practitioners than as primary care physicians, driven by the need for greater clarity about roles and a shift in how clinician's view their careers. The study suggests that efforts to bolster the workforce should focus on reimaginin...
Researchers found a significant impact of the FTO gene variant on body mass index (BMI) that largely depends on birth year, with stronger correlations in later years. The study suggests that broad environmental changes may alter the effect of the gene variant, highlighting the importance of considering time of birth in genetic studies.
A study found that high socioeconomic status, particularly in highly educated families, increases the risk of depression and discrimination among black young adults. Despite parental education's protective effect on white youth, high SES can lead to increased perceptions of being discriminated against, cancelling out its benefits.
A genetic abnormality drives Ewing sarcoma through two processes: stimulating tumor growth and suppressing cancer development. New therapies may target these mechanisms.
A new platform called GUIDE-seq detects unwanted DNA breaks induced by CRISPR-Cas RGNs across the entire human genome. The method is sensitive enough to detect off-target sites at a frequency as low as 0.1 percent in a population of cells.
Researchers identified two compounds that inhibit mitochondrial energy enzyme MDH2, blocking cardiac damage caused by doxorubicin and reducing heart failure risk. The findings suggest that these compounds could improve cancer treatment outcomes while minimizing cardiac toxicity.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have identified a potential biomarker for sepsis in patients with major burns. By analyzing the movement of white blood cells called neutrophils, they found that changes in their motility patterns may predict the development of sepsis, which is a leading cause of death among burn patients.
A recent study published in the Annals of Otology, Rhinology & Laryngology found that the pulsed-KTP laser treatment developed at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) is as effective as traditional approaches in curing patients' tumors while preserving vocal quality. The treatment has shown a high success rate of 96% among patients wit...
Researchers discovered that using solid-state proteins instead of solution increases laser intensity, leveraging natural protein structures to optimize brightness. This breakthrough enables the development of efficient miniature solid-state lasers and potential biocompatible applications.
Researchers developed a system to track dynamic process of falling asleep by combining physiologic measurements with behavioral task. The system provides valuable insight into diagnosing and understanding sleep disorders.
A month-long residential program with strong linkage to community-based follow-up care enabled almost 30% of opioid-dependent participants to remain abstinent a year later. This study suggests that abstinence-focused, 12-step residential treatment may be a viable alternative to outpatient approaches for young adults.