Researchers discovered a gene, Hsp27, that protects mature nerve cells from death following injury. Delivering this gene via therapy may lead to new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases and nerve injuries.
A study by Massachusetts General Hospital researchers found that the activation of p38 increases TRPV1 protein in skin, leading to pain hypersensitivity. The findings may open up new options for pain management through the use of inhibitors to block this process.
Researchers found that beta-secretase activity is increased in Alzheimer's diseased brains, specifically in temporal and frontal cortex. This increase persists throughout the duration of the illness, making BACE a promising target for treatment, even late in the disease.
A clinical trial at Massachusetts General Hospital has shown that combined kidney and bone marrow transplantation can induce long-lasting tolerance in patients with multiple myeloma. The treatment, called non-myeloablative bone marrow transplantation, reduces the need for anti-rejection drugs.
A new time-release stimulant has been shown to produce significant behavioral improvements in children with ADHD, regardless of dosage. The medication offers a stable therapeutic environment and symptom control into the evening, allowing for improved daily functioning.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have identified a common immune system pathway shared by humans and worms, which could lead to therapies for chronic inflammatory diseases and other conditions. The study uses the C. elegans nematode worm as a model organism to investigate innate immunity.
Researchers at MGH Laboratory of Molecular Endocrinology found that GLP-1 causes adult islet stem cells to differentiate into functional beta cells. This discovery may help devise strategies for using islet stem cells to treat diabetes.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital developed a tri-modality approach to combat invasive bladder cancer, combining surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. The treatment strategy showed comparable ten-year survival rates to radical bladder removal, with 90% of patients surviving without bladder removal.
Researchers found that women who develop preeclampsia have reduced levels of SHBG protein in their first-trimester blood tests. The association remains even in lean or overweight women, suggesting insulin resistance as a true risk factor.
Researchers at MGH identified a key immune system molecule, PGRP-LC, essential for recognizing and ingesting gram-negative bacteria like E.coli. The protein plays a crucial role in the macrophage's response to infection.
Scientists at MGH discover herceptin has additional antitumor properties by targeting multiple factors that maintain tumor blood supply, slowing growth and prolonging survival in animal models.
A study published by Massachusetts General Hospital found that moderate alcohol consumption may lower the risk of developing hypertension in young women. The research, based on data from over 70,000 women aged 25 to 42, shows a J-shaped curve where light drinkers have a decreased risk compared to nondrinkers and heavier drinkers are at...
Researchers at MGH Structural Biology Program have unraveled the structure of a key protein involved in tumor angiogenesis and metastasis. The study reveals that alpha V beta 3 integrin changes its shape when bound to its ligand, allowing it to instruct tumor cells to grow and spread.
Plant cells employ a sophisticated immune system with a thick cell wall and Leucine-rich repeat receptor kinase that detects bacterial flagellin, triggering gene expression and immune response. The discovery sheds light on plant resistance to pathogens and paves the way for engineering pathogen-resistant crops.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have developed a gene therapy approach that inhibits phospholamban, a protein blocking normal calcium flow in the heart. This treatment strategy has shown promise in improving contraction and relaxation in diseased cells.
A study by Massachusetts General Hospital found that hormone therapy for prostate cancer can lead to significant weight gain, increased body fat, and decreased muscle mass. Researchers suggest modifying diet and exercise may help mitigate these effects, but better drugs are needed.
A new study reveals that data, materials, and information are often kept secret in academic genetics, hindering scientific progress. The survey found that 47% of geneticists were denied access to resources at least once in the past three years.
A review article highlights ethnic differences in access to medical services, particularly end-of-life care, among minority groups. Cultural mistrust and lack of awareness about individual patient preferences also hinder effective care.
A new study reveals that specific subdivisions of the auditory cortex play a crucial role in identifying fine distinctions in pitch. The research found that subtle manipulations in the brain's response to complex tones can significantly impact our perception of musical nuances.
A study from Massachusetts General Hospital found that parents of children with serious health problems are less likely to be employed. The study also highlighted the need for support services to meet the needs of chronically ill families, which often face increased costs and reduced income.
Researchers found that brain structures associated with rewarding experiences are also activated by painful stimuli, leading to a better understanding of pain's emotional component. This study may lead to the development of new approaches to diagnosing and treating chronic pain.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital found that a certain chemotherapy drug combination can increase the risk of lung inflammation in breast cancer patients. The study suggests doctors use extra caution when administering radiation therapy with paclitaxel, as it may lead to radiation pneumonitis in up to 14.6% of patients.
A new study published in Nature reveals that increased activity in one brain system is associated with decreased activity in another during learning of a simple skill. The findings suggest new strategies for dealing with learning disorders and diagnosing Alzheimer's disease, as well as a better understanding of brain plasticity.
A recent study conducted at Massachusetts General Hospital found that men expend effort to view attractive female faces, even when they're not part of a social stimulus. The research also shows that areas of the brain previously linked to rewards like food and money respond to facial beauty, but not to attractive male faces.
A new study from Massachusetts General Hospital suggests that HMO gatekeeping policies may not be effective in reducing specialty visits. The study found a small increase in new specialty visits, but no change in overall rates of specialist visits.
Researchers investigating immune system response to serious injury, including genetic elements, in hopes of identifying proteomic and genomic markers that could predict patient risk. The team also aims to develop standard operating procedures for treating burn and trauma patients.
The Cables protein inhibits cell growth through a chain reaction effect, prompting decreased division. Its expression may thwart uncontrolled cell growth indicative of cancer.
A new study from Massachusetts General Hospital found that medication pamidronate prevented bone loss in men with prostate cancer who received androgen-deprivation therapy. The study showed significant differences in bone mineral density between the treatment and control groups.
A study found that managed care coverage improves the quality of care for children with asthma, reducing the likelihood of unnecessary emergency department visits. Children in managed care plans were more likely to see their primary care physicians before visiting the ER, leading to more appropriate treatment.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have found a gene called archipelago, or ago, involved in destroying the protein cyclin E. This regulation is crucial for cell division, and irregularities may lead to uncontrolled growth and cancer.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital successfully used gene therapy to improve survival rates and energetic state of the heart in a rat model with heart failure. The study suggests a potential new treatment option for patients with cardiovascular diseases.
Researchers propose a novel strategy for anti-angiogenic treatment by normalizing tumor blood vessels, improving drug delivery and reducing side effects. Clinical trials are planned to test the efficacy of this approach.
Most adult patients with sore throats receive antibiotic prescriptions, despite antibiotics being effective in only 10% of cases. The study highlights the misuse of broad-spectrum antibiotics for viral infections, which can lead to resistance and harm.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have developed a new CT scan technique that allows for precise diagnosis and quick treatment of acute strokes. This technique involves perfusion-weighted CT scans that help physicians predict patient outcomes and administer the appropriate treatment, resulting in improved clinical recovery.
The MGH research team has solved the structure of an integrin receptor, a key protein involved in diseases such as tumor angiogenesis, breast cancer metastasis, and osteoporosis. The finding may help develop strategies to target these diseases with novel anti-angiogenic, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and anti-osteoporosis drugs.
A study of 4,832 medical residents found that one-tenth feel unprepared to handle tasks like HIV/AIDS treatment, substance abuse, and chronic pain management. Residents reported a positive view of their training for common clinical problems but expressed concern about inadequate preparation for non-traditional patient populations.
Medical school leaders in the US express concerns about the health and quality of their clinical research enterprises, citing pressure on faculty to see patients, insufficient revenues, and difficulties recruiting trained researchers. Despite some positive findings, many believe that addressing these challenges is crucial for advancing...
Parents of children with chronic conditions are less likely to enroll in gatekeeping HMO plans, which are designed to improve care coordination. The study found that after switching to an HMO, kids with chronic illness had fewer visits to specialists and primary care physicians.
Researchers found that minor mutations can significantly impair the immune system's ability to recognize and attack the virus. This means that vaccines targeting these regions may be less effective due to evolving strains of the virus.
Scientists at Massachusetts General Hospital discovered how smoking leads to premature ovarian failure by identifying a mechanism triggered by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in tobacco smoke. The findings support the hypothesis that PAH-induced egg cell death contributes to early menopause in women smokers.
Scientists at Massachusetts General Hospital have developed a new imaging technique that allows for the visualization of individual cells within living tumors. This technology enables researchers to monitor gene expression, therapy effectiveness, and tumor-cell interactions with normal cells, providing new insights into cancer biology.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital identify a new mechanism of breast cancer metastasis involving the growth of lymphatic vessels inside tumors. This discovery could lead to new approaches to treating and preventing cancer metastasis.
Scientists at Massachusetts General Hospital found a region on chromosome 10 that may harbor a genetic variant predisposing people to late onset Alzheimer's disease. The researchers believe this variant could be more potent than previously discovered risk factors like ApoE4 and A2M.
A study conducted at Massachusetts General Hospital found that over 90% of young women with anorexia nervosa suffered from significant bone loss. The research highlights the importance of regaining and maintaining a healthy weight in preventing or reducing bone loss.
Researchers at MGH/Harvard discovered a tiny RNA gene controlling developmental timing in animals, including fish, sea urchins, and humans. The gene is conserved across bilaterally symmetric animals but not in more primitive or plant species.
A compound called sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) has been found to block the destruction of ovarian egg cells by radiation therapy in animal studies. This protection was shown to be effective in female mice exposed to levels of radiotherapy that would otherwise have destroyed their ovaries.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital discovered a key link between presenilin gene mutations, altered calcium handling, and amyloid-beta42 production in Alzheimer's disease. Inhibiting a specific calcium pathway may lower A-beta42 levels, offering hope for preventing or slowing the progression of the devastating disease.
Researchers found that early antiviral treatment primes the immune system to suppress viral levels without drugs, achieving temporary suppression in several months. Five patients remained off treatment for up to 11 months, maintaining low viral levels.
A study found that a testosterone skin patch can relieve impaired sexual functioning in surgically menopausal women. The patch restored normal testosterone levels, leading to improved sexual activity and pleasure, as well as overall psychological well-being. Adverse side effects were minimal.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital used fMRI scans to study how the brain processes facial expressions from different racial groups. The results showed differences in amygdala response, suggesting people may become more familiar with their own racial group's faces.