Researchers identified 11 new gene sites associated with cholesterol and triglyceride levels, bringing the total to 30 lipid-associated genes. Common variations in these genes can significantly influence blood lipid levels, potentially identifying individuals at higher risk for heart disease.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital found a subpopulation of hematopoietic stem cells that reproduce much more slowly than expected. This discovery may lead to improved treatment outcomes for leukemia and other marrow-based diseases through enhanced bone marrow repopulation.
Researchers found that combining PI3K and MEK inhibitors led to significant tumor shrinkage in mice with lung cancer driven by K-Ras mutations. The combination treatment eradicated the tumors with minimal toxicity, providing a strong rationale for testing this therapy in human trials.
A non-invasive device has been shown to treat obesity and resolve diabetes in an animal model by altering complex gastrointestinal signals. The procedure resulted in a significant reduction in food intake and weight loss, as well as restoration of normal glucose metabolism.
Researchers found that genetic screening for type 2 diabetes is not significantly better than traditional risk factors such as weight, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels. The study identified 18 gene variants associated with increased risk, but the value of genetic screening improved as more risk genes were discovered.
Researchers developed an optical imaging technique called OFDI that visualizes areas of inflammation and plaque deposits in coronary arteries, improving understanding of coronary artery disease. The technique has the potential to diagnose and treat plaque before it leads to serious problems.
Glioblastoma cells release exosomes containing RNA and proteins that promote tumor growth, but also carry data that can be used to guide targeted therapy. The study identified factors in these exosomes that could be used as biomarkers to monitor treatment response.
Research shows that isoflurane, a commonly used anesthetic, can induce Alzheimer's-associated changes in mouse brains, including generation of toxic amyloid-beta protein and apoptosis. The study confirms previous laboratory findings and suggests potential risks for elderly and Alzheimer's patients.
A collaborative study reveals how interactions between common gene variants affect brain function in schizophrenia patients, particularly in working memory. The findings suggest that combining these genetic variations may lead to reduced cortical activity, making them potential new targets for treatments.
A recent study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology reveals that nearly 40% of women experience sexual problems, but only 12% report these issues as a source of significant personal distress. The study suggests that certain age groups and health conditions can influence the level of distress associated with sexual problems.
A recent study has identified four novel genes associated with Alzheimer's disease, including a gene on chromosome 14 that may influence age of onset. The research also found connections to other diseases, such as spinocerebellar ataxia and innate immune system disorders.
Young people with ADHD are more likely to become dependent on nicotine and experience environmental factors that increase their risk of smoking. The study found that individuals with more ADHD-related symptoms were at greater risk of nicotine dependence than those with fewer symptoms.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital used gene therapy to restore useful vision to mice with retinal degeneration by expressing a light-sensitive protein in other neuronal cells. The treatment showed promise, enabling the mice to find dark refuges and learn to associate light with safe platforms.
Intensive support programs can significantly improve patients' ability to stay smoke-free, with follow-up assistance required for long-term success. Hospitals that offer these programs with extended counseling and post-discharge support see a higher quit rate among smokers.
A brain imaging study found cocaine addicts exhibit reduced cortical thickness in areas responsible for attention and reward-based decision-making. The study suggests a mixture of drug effects and predisposition underlying these structural alterations, with potential implications for prevention efforts.
Researchers found that treatment with stimulant drugs significantly decreased the risk that girls with ADHD will begin smoking cigarettes or using alcohol or drugs. The study's results mirror those of earlier studies in boys and suggest a potential protective effect of stimulant treatment.
A study from Massachusetts General Hospital found that women with vulvar carcinoma and extra copies of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene are at increased risk of dying from their cancer. EGFR amplification is associated with poor survival rates, making targeted therapies a promising treatment option.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have discovered a new approach to gene therapy that uses normal brain tissue to create a 'zone of resistance' against brain tumor growth. By delivering a cancer-fighting gene to the surrounding tissue, tumors can be suppressed and eventually eliminated.
A significant percentage of resident physicians reported that patient handoffs contributed to incidents resulting in patient harm. The study found that half the residents reported that problematic handoffs reduced their ability to provide complete and accurate information.
A long-term study of Alzheimer's disease patients treated with combination therapy found significant benefits in slowing symptom progression. The results support the effectiveness of this treatment approach, which may protect brain cells from further damage.
Gary Ruvkun and colleagues discovered that tiny molecules of RNA can control the activity of critical genes in animals and plants. MicroRNAs may control one third of human protein-coding genes and have potential applications in diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of disorders.
A new blood analysis technique identified markers that could improve treatment and save lives for patients having a heart attack. By analyzing hundreds of molecular markers, doctors can confirm the presence of a heart attack within minutes, allowing for rapid treatment.
A large study has found a significant increase in fracture rates among HIV-infected patients compared to non-infected controls. The study, published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, reveals that nearly 3% of HIV patients experienced fractures, with risks increasing with age.
Researchers at MGH confirmed a potential new therapy for type 1 diabetes by selectively killing autoimmune cells in human patients. The treatment, which blocks a metabolic pathway regulating the immune system, eliminates immune cells that react against a patient's own tissues.
Researchers found that bone marrow stem cells protected gastrointestinal tissue from autoimmune attack in a mouse model, allowing the regeneration of the gastrointestinal lining. MSC therapy may become a useful treatment for inflammatory bowel disease.
A new study suggests that monitoring fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) levels can provide crucial information for the treatment of kidney failure patients. Elevated FGF-23 levels have been linked to a significantly increased risk of death among dialysis patients, even when phosphate levels are normal.
Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital linked genetics to brain reward circuitry and preference, revealing a connection between gene variants and brain activity. The study used brain imaging, genetics, and experimental psychology techniques to identify a correlation between the CREB1 gene variant and brain structure activity.
A low-dose growth hormone treatment reduced abdominal fat deposits and improved blood pressure and triglyceride levels in HIV patients with lipodystrophy. However, growth hormone treatment appeared to increase blood glucose levels, particularly in those with impaired glucose tolerance.
A multinational study has discovered that people with schizophrenia are more likely to carry rare chromosomal structural changes, particularly those altering gene function. Two new genomic areas have been identified as significantly increasing the risk of developing the disease.
Researchers found that elevated calcium levels near amyloid plaques can disrupt neuronal function, leading to cellular degeneration. This study provides a new understanding of the connection between amyloid plaques and neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease.
A multi-institutional team has developed a powerful tool for genomic research and medicine, generating synthetic enzymes that can target specific DNA sequences for inactivation or repair. This new method, called OPEN, enables customized zinc-finger nucleases with high efficiency in many cell types.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital found that HIV can escape the immune system by exchanging genetic information with other strains, leading to more potent strains. This mechanism, known as superinfection, can cause rapid increases in viral levels and poses a challenge for vaccine design.
A study found that nearly 23% of patients reported experiencing complications during or after their hospital stay, compared to 11% identified through medical record review. Patient reports can provide additional important information and are particularly useful for events that occur after discharge.
A new microchip-based device can analyze tumor cells in the bloodstream to identify genetic signatures of dangerous lung cancers, enabling targeted treatment and monitoring. The device detected mutations 92% of the time and showed promise for non-invasive continuous monitoring.
A study by Massachusetts General Hospital found that the relaxation response influences stress-related genes, affecting inflammation, programmed cell death, and free radical handling. Long-term practitioners of relaxation response techniques showed pronounced changes in gene activation patterns compared to non-practitioners.
An international team of researchers has identified 21 new genetic risk factors for Crohn's disease, building on earlier studies that linked the disorder to disruptions in autophagy and immune system response. The findings, published in Nature Genetics, may lead to novel therapies and prevention strategies.
Researchers found that simple membranes composed of fatty acids can allow small molecules to pass through, supporting a theory about the first cells' interactions with their environment. The study also confirms the ability of nucleotide molecules to form DNA within vesicles, suggesting a possible way for early cells to replicate.
A study confirms that bipolar adolescents face a significant risk of smoking and substance abuse, with rates of 34% in the bipolar group compared to 4% in controls. Early preventive measures and screening are essential for this high-risk population.
A US clinical trial confirms early use of targeted therapies like gefitinib can improve lung cancer patient outcomes. The study found that 31 out of 34 patients with sensitizing EGFR mutations showed significant tumor shrinkage or no growth after receiving Iressa treatment.
A study at Massachusetts General Hospital confirms the benefits of surgery for patients with persistent gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms. Most patients reported improved quality-of-life scores and high satisfaction rates with their long-term results, suggesting that antireflux surgery is an excellent treatment alternative.
Researchers at MGH have developed a new laser treatment that targets blood vessels to remove tumors while preserving and restoring vocal quality. Over 25 patients have been treated, with all being cancer-free up to 5 years after treatment.
Researchers at PARC-MGH found that chronic viral replication leads to exhaustion of HIV-specific T cells. The study suggests that understanding the nature of CTL responses is crucial for designing effective vaccines against HIV. Persistent exposure to specific viral protein segments appears to be the key factor in CTL exhaustion.
Researchers found that endurance athletes experienced significant increases in heart size, while strength athletes saw thickening of the left ventricle. The study provides new insights into the effects of exercise on cardiac function, which may benefit heart disease patients in the future.
Researchers found that high urate levels among recently diagnosed Parkinson's patients slowed disease progression during a two-year study period. Elevated urate levels have been linked to reduced risk of developing Parkinson's disease, and may offer new treatment strategies for the disorder.
A team of researchers has identified a molecular switch controlling multidrug resistance in fungi, which could lead to novel therapies for resistant fungal infections. The discovery was made using genetic, biochemical, and molecular approaches, and found to be similar to the regulatory switches controlling drug detoxification in humans.
A study found that relaxation response training significantly improved treatment of isolated systolic hypertension in elderly patients. The approach reduced the need for medication and cut healthcare costs by billions of dollars. By eliciting the relaxation response, participants experienced a significant drop in systolic blood pressure.
A study suggests that accelerating efforts to provide antiretroviral therapy (ART) in South Africa could prevent over 1.2 million AIDS-related deaths by 2012, with full access reducing projected deaths to 800,000. Current treatment capacity would lead to 2.4 million deaths.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital found that low doses of hydrogen sulfide can safely depress metabolism and cardiovascular function in mice, producing a suspended-animation-like state. The effects are reversible and do not depend on reduced body temperature.
A study led by Massachusetts General Hospital confirms that a combination of gene variants associated with cholesterol levels reflect patients' cholesterol levels and increase risk of heart attack, stroke, or sudden cardiac death. The study's findings provide a foundation for personalized medicine and may lead to the development of mor...
Scientists at MGH are exploring a potential cure for type 1 diabetes through a Phase I clinical trial. The trial uses the BCG vaccine, which has shown promising results in mouse models of autoimmune diabetes.