Research finds that Massachusetts' policy mandating reporting to child protective services for prenatal opioid use disorder (MOUD) exposure can be stigmatizing and lead to medical decision-making changes. The study calls for changing the law to uncouple treatment decisions from mandated reporting during the perinatal period.
A new approach has been identified that stimulates cells' DNA repair mechanisms to combat fragile X syndrome. By inducing R-loops and triggering repair mechanisms, the expanded CGG repeat is excised, enabling cells to re-express the crucial FMR1 gene.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital found that treatment with the BCG vaccine was associated with a 20% lower risk of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The protective association was greater in patients aged 70 years or older.
Researchers found that certain genetic patterns associated with adult psychiatric illnesses also track with psychiatric symptoms in children, but with different underlying mechanisms. A new genetic measure predicts childhood psychiatric symptoms and suggests that interventions may need to start earlier in life.
A study found an association between gut microbiota and postoperative delirium in elderly patients, with higher levels of Parabacteroides distasonis positively associated with delirium. The findings suggest a possible pathogenesis of postoperative delirium and may lead to targeted interventions for better outcomes.
A study found that a conversational artificial intelligence program can generate easy-to-understand, scientifically adequate answers to common patient questions about colonoscopy. The program outperformed human ratings in terms of scientific adequacy and satisfaction with the answers.
Alcohol consumption increased substantially across US during COVID-19 pandemic, particularly among American Indian and Alaska Native populations, leading to a six-fold increase in deaths from alcohol-associated liver disease compared to white people. The study highlights the need for urgent action by public policy leaders to address th...
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital developed a genetic therapy to correct myotonic dystrophy in mice by targeting the abnormal splicing of the Clcn1 gene. The treatment restored muscle strength and corrected muscle stiffness, reversing muscle fiber type transitions.
Researchers engineered a strain of E. coli to secrete proteins that block inflammation and inhibit tumor necrosis factor alpha, showing efficacy comparable to injected antibodies in mice with inflammatory bowel disease. The engineered bacteria offer a potential treatment for intestinal-based diseases with reduced side effects.
Researchers found that a specific type of immune cell can detect and eliminate senescent cells in the skin by targeting human cytomegalovirus antigens. This discovery suggests a potential therapeutic approach to eliminate aging cells, which could have applications in cancer, fibrosis, and degenerative diseases.
Researchers found that SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy was associated with a nearly two-fold higher odds of neurodevelopmental diagnoses at 12 months of age among male children. The risk was not seen in female children.
A team of researchers has discovered a protein deficiency in the neurons of patients with neurodegenerative diseases, such as ALS and Alzheimer's disease. They have developed an approach to fix this deficiency using antisense oligonucleotides that can correct abnormal RNA processing and restore stathmin-2 protein levels.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital found that normalizing glioblastoma blood vessels using an antibody against VEGF improves the infiltration of CAR-T cells into tumors in mice, inhibiting tumor growth and prolonging survival. This approach may also improve CAR-T therapy against other solid tumors.
A study published in JCI Insight found that COVID-19 infection was associated with higher CMV and EBV antibody responses, while lower CD4+ T-cell counts were linked to ineffective SARS-CoV-2 responses. The research suggests that persistent inflammation may be a contributing factor to these differences.
Researchers at Mass General Hospital have found that intestinal fibrosis plays a critical role in the progression of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), affecting the growth and differentiation of intestinal stem cells. The study suggests targeting mechanosensing pathways may offer an attractive therapeutic strategy for IBD.
Researchers at Mass General Hospital have discovered a novel molecular mechanism responsible for acquired hydrocephalus, which could lead to the development of a non-surgical treatment. The study found that an anti-inflammatory drug, rapamycin, can target the pathway that causes swelling of the brain ventricles in patients with hydroce...
A new study by Massachusetts General Hospital found that genetic and socioeconomic factors interact to increase the risk of type 2 diabetes and obesity. The study's findings suggest that interventions to improve socioeconomic deprivation may decrease metabolic diseases at the individual and community levels.
Research suggests that withholding gender-affirming hormone therapy from transgender individuals may have negative mental and physical effects. A new study provides comprehensive guidance for assessing, managing, and treating venous thromboembolism in transgender patients receiving feminizing hormone therapy.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital developed an accurate method for detecting Alzheimer's disease using routinely collected clinical brain images. The AI model detected Alzheimer's disease risk with 90.2% accuracy across five datasets, regardless of age or scanner manufacturer.
A team at Massachusetts General Hospital developed a method to transplant pancreatic islets onto the omentum, a fatty tissue, and demonstrated its effectiveness in reversing type 1 diabetes in nonhuman primates. The approach normalizes blood glucose levels and restores insulin secretion.
A Mass General team has identified a single mutation in a non-coding gene, MIR145-5p, as the source of multisystemic smooth muscle dysfunction syndrome, which had gone undiagnosed in a child for years. The discovery enabled physicians to initiate treatment and lessen the risk of future strokes.
Interactions between lung nerves and immune cells drive the development of allergic asthma in early life. Blocking dopamine binding reduces T helper 2 cell transformation and alleviates lung inflammation.
Researchers found that combining losartan with chemotherapy and chemoradiation improves blood vessel normalization, immune cell maturation, and reduces immunosuppression in patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer. This combination therapy may potentiate the benefits of other anti-cancer treatments.
Researchers developed a computational tool called BipotentR that identifies targets to block immune activation while stimulating metabolism. The tool predicted patients' outcomes after immunotherapy and identified ESRRA as the top regulator.
Researchers have found that nasal drops of chemical compounds called polysulfides may prevent serious side effects of aortic surgery, such as paralysis of the lower body. In a mouse model of paraplegia after aortic surgery, intranasal administration of polysulfides inhibited damage to spinal cord motor neurons and prevented paraplegia.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital found that losartan can reduce the expression of inflammatory enzymes responsible for immunotherapy-related edema. The study suggests that losartan may allow patients to continue receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors without developing adverse effects in the brain.
A phase 2 clinical trial combining immunotherapy and targeted therapy showed a 24.3% confirmed response rate and 5-month median progression-free survival among patients with BRAF V600 mutations. The treatment also demonstrated increased durability, with 57% of patients remaining on treatment for more than 6 months.
New research reveals elevated suicide rates among adults undergoing cancer surgery, with significant increases observed in certain cancers and demographics
Research found that nonablative fractional lasers (NAFL) reduce the risk of subsequent keratinocyte carcinoma development. NAFL-treated patients had about half the risk of developing a new facial keratinocyte carcinoma compared to untreated controls.
A new study led by Massachusetts General Hospital researchers reveals that an investigational drug called YTX-7739 can delay the growth of brain tumors and increase their sensitivity to conventional chemotherapy. The drug works by inhibiting de novo lipid synthesis, a process used by cancer cells for energy production.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital created a new class of technologies called CRISPR-associated transposases (CASTs) to overcome diverse disease-causing mutations. The optimized approach improves product purity and genome-wide specificity, offering a potential solution for inserting entire genes into the genome.
A new clinical trial report reveals that brain-computer interface implants are associated with a low rate of adverse events, similar to those experienced by patients with other chronic medical conditions. The study, which followed 14 participants for an average of 872 days, found no serious adverse events or device removals.
Researchers at Mass General Hospital identified a gene target, TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1), that enhances the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapy. Silencing TBK1 sensitizes tumor cells to immune attack, overcoming resistance to treatment.
A new AI tool called Sybil has been developed to predict the risk of lung cancer for individuals with or without a significant smoking history. It uses deep-learning models to analyze low-dose chest computed tomography (LDCT) scans and provides accurate predictions for up to six years.
A mathematical model predicts the long-term effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccine booster doses in various patient populations, including those with healthy immune systems and cancer patients. The model suggests that robust antibody-based responses can be achieved through booster doses, but may wane quickly in immunosuppressed individuals.
Research reveals that cilia function as creators and sensors of biomechanical forces in the developing embryo, shaping the left-right body plan. Cilia sense flow forces and translate them into calcium signals controlling left-right development.
A team at Massachusetts General Hospital found that skin produces β-endorphin in response to radiation therapy, contributing to fatigue. Blocking this hormone with opiate antagonist drugs might benefit patients.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have identified a promising oral compound that stimulates bone formation in mice, increasing blood levels of calcium and vitamin D. The compound, SK-124, boosts bone formation and mass without short-term toxicity, offering new hope for preventing and treating osteoporosis.
Neutrophils can generate LTB4 through cooperative transcellular biosynthesis, rescuing defective swarming behavior in genetically deficient cells. This breakthrough enables therapeutic control of infection response and potentially auto-inflammatory processes.
A new analysis reveals that US adolescent e-cigarette use is increasing in intensity, with a significant rise in nicotine addiction over the past few years. The study found that 2.55 million adolescents use e-cigarettes, and 27.6% of them use it daily.
A team from Massachusetts General Hospital developed an AI-based method to predict which patients with early-stage melanoma are most likely to experience a recurrence. Machine learning algorithms extracted predictive signals from clinicopathologic features, including tumor thickness and rate of cancer cell division.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital analyzed data from March 2020 to June 2022 to assess the severity of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.2 subvariant compared to earlier variants. The study found that BA.2 was associated with lower mortality rates and reduced need for hospitalizations, invasive ventilation, and intensive care admissions.
A recent literature review found that vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 can effectively prevent adverse conditions such as stillbirth and infant death. Pregnant women with COVID-19 have an increased risk for stillbirth compared to uninfected women, and those who vaccinate can more effectively prevent these events.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital found that sedating patients after cardiac arrest can improve their chances of survival and regaining normal brain function. The study, conducted in mice, showed that sedatives like propofol and dexmedetomidine improved survival rates compared to those who received no sedation.
Researchers developed an antibody-based treatment that targets cadherins on circulating tumor cells, eliminating them in mouse models of breast and pancreatic cancer. The therapy shows promise in preventing cancer metastasis, a leading cause of cancer-related deaths.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital and Children's Hospital Philadelphia have identified a rare genetic disorder affecting mitochondrial energy production. The study found that identical twins exhibited hypermetabolism due to hyperactive mitochondria, resulting in low body weight despite consuming more calories than needed.
Scientists at Massachusetts General Hospital have developed a technology that enables cells to produce oxygen on demand, opening up new avenues for research and potential clinical applications. This breakthrough could improve therapies for conditions like cancer, which often have low oxygen levels.
A new CRISPR-Cas approach, SpRYgests, allows for precise DNA cleavage at any sequence, expanding the utility of molecular cloning approaches. This innovation simplifies and expedites DNA editing and has potential clinical implications.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have developed a radioactive demyelination tracer that can be detected by PET scans. The tracer was found to be safe and well-tolerated in healthy volunteers, but cleared from circulation faster than expected.
A new study found that depleting riboflavin in Caenorhabditis elegans worms extended their lifespan by 30%, promoting a favorable energetic state and activating protective pathways. This discovery offers a novel approach to longevity and metabolic diseases, such as Type 2 diabetes and fatty liver.