A recent JAMA study found that nearly 46% of college students used tobacco products in the previous year, with cigar use being a significant contributor. The study also highlights the need for colleges to implement smoke-free policies to discourage tobacco use and protect nonsmokers.
A pilot study suggests metformin, a type 2 diabetes drug, may help treat HIV lipodystrophy by reducing insulin levels and improving metabolic changes. The treatment was well-tolerated with no serious side effects reported, but further studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness.
Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital found that inhaling nitric oxide gas can prevent the development of pulmonary vascular disease (PVD) in infant rats by reducing cell proliferation in lung arteries. The study suggests that this therapy may significantly improve the quality of life and save lives of infants at risk for PVD.
A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that female medical school faculty perceive gender discrimination and sexual harassment, with 77% reporting bias and 30% of men experiencing similar issues. Despite this, women who report discrimination are as productive but less satisfied with their careers.
A study published in Nature found that individuals with aphasia, who experience language loss after a stroke or brain damage, possess an exceptional ability to detect deception. They were able to identify lies cued by facial expressions alone with high accuracy, outperforming other groups.
Researchers from MGH discover that a protein called SDF-1 not only attracts but also repels T cells at high concentrations. This finding opens up potential new ways to manipulate the immune system for treatment of autoimmune diseases and organ transplantation.
Despite evidence supporting aspirin's effectiveness in preventing future heart problems, low usage rates were found among patients with coronary artery disease. The study, published in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association, highlights the need for optimal use of life-saving medications.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have identified a molecular switch, the protein p21, that controls the development and proliferation of hematopoietic stem cells. The discovery may solve a major limitation to using these stem cells in transplants and gene therapies.
A new diode laser technique developed by MGH dermatologist Eliot Battle successfully removes excessive hair from individuals with darker ethnic skin. The longer-wavelength laser light and slower pulse delivery reduce damage to the surrounding skin, enabling patients with darker skin tones to tolerate higher energy dosages.
Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital report that delivering extra copies of the SERCA2a gene to the heart muscle via gene therapy techniques alleviates diastolic dysfunction in aging rats. This study provides a potential target for therapies to prevent progression to heart failure.
A recent study by the Massachusetts General Hospital found that young, productive researchers are more likely to be denied access to data and materials. The survey of 2,366 scientists revealed that junior faculty members and those publishing multiple articles were at a higher risk of being withheld from resources.
A study led by MGH researchers found that androstenedione supplementation increases testosterone levels in healthy young men, with estrogen levels also rising at both 100 and 300mg doses. Long-term effects of androstenedione on hormone levels and athletic performance are unknown
A study at Massachusetts General Hospital identifies a new tumor suppressor gene CHK2 in Li-Fraumeni syndrome, which shares similar functions with p53 and controls cell growth. The discovery provides a potential new target for developing chemotherapy approaches to make cancer cells more vulnerable.
A new MGH study has identified thrombospondin-2 (TSP-2) as a natural factor that inhibits tumor angiogenesis and growth in mouse models. The researchers found that TSP-2 completely stopped tumor growth when reintroduced into tumor cells, outperforming earlier anti-angiogenesis factors.
Researchers have successfully delivered additional copies of a gene called SERCA2a to muscle cells from failing human hearts, enabling them to function normally. This breakthrough could lead to novel therapeutic approaches for heart failure, which affects millions worldwide.
A study by MGH researchers has identified a gene malfunction that appears central to the development of type 1 diabetes. The malfunction affects the Lmp2 protein, which is required for immune system cells to recognize self-proteins, leading to an autoimmune reaction.
A study by Massachusetts General Hospital found that only 17% of office visits included smoking-related counseling for adolescents. The frequency of questioning about smoking habits did not improve during the study period, and younger nonwhite adolescents were less likely to receive counseling.
Researchers identified two critical developmental genes, Dnmt3a and Dnmt3b, which control methylation patterns and are associated with ICF syndrome. Mutations in these genes may cause ICF, a rare condition characterized by immune system defects and facial abnormalities.
Elevated cholesterol levels are associated with an increased risk of preeclampsia, a pregnancy complication that can lead to seizures, liver or kidney failure, and premature delivery. Women with high cholesterol before pregnancy are more likely to develop the condition, which affects thousands of women each year.
Researchers at MGH discovered TGF-beta-1 inhibits blood vessel growth associated with metastatic gallbladder cancer. The study's results may lead to anti-angiogenesis agents for cancer treatment.
Physicians at Massachusetts General Hospital have successfully induced a state of immune tolerance in a patient, allowing her to discontinue immunosuppressive drug treatment without rejecting a transplanted kidney. The breakthrough approach, known as mixed chimerism, has the potential to revolutionize organ transplantation for thousand...
A study from Massachusetts General Hospital found that treated ADHD boys are one-third as likely to develop substance abuse or dependence compared to untreated peers. The research contradicts the myth that stimulant treatment could lead to future drug abuse.
A new computer model suggests that more frequent mammogram screenings can dramatically reduce breast cancer deaths. The study found that prompt annual screening could result in a 51% reduction in breast cancer deaths, with twice-yearly screenings potentially cutting death rates by as much as 80%.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital discovered a critical protein called cryptochrome that assists per in regulating the mammalian clock's feedback loop. This finding effectively closes the gap in understanding the mechanisms behind human sleep-wake cycles and their disruptions.
A Massachusetts General Hospital study reveals that a majority of patients with unpaid bills were poor enough to qualify for state-sponsored free care or Medicaid. The study found that 84% of free-care patients and 78% of emergency bad debt patients had incomes below the federal poverty level.
Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital found no link between mitral valve prolapse and stroke in young people, contradicting earlier studies. The study's authors used advanced imaging techniques to diagnose mitral valve prolapse accurately, revealing the condition occurs in only about 2% of the population.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have induced the growth of severed adult mammalian spinal cord fibers across the site of injury without implanted cells or tissues. The study calls into question current assumptions about barriers to spinal cord regeneration and points towards a promising new direction for achieving this goal.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have developed a new approach to bone marrow transplantation that induces mixed chimerism in four patients with treatment-resistant non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Two patients achieved long-term remission without significant graft-versus-host disease, a dangerous complication of the procedure. The...
A research team at MGH and Harvard University identified a molecule called TRP2 that may play a crucial role in the process of converting chemical signals into nerve impulses in rats. This discovery suggests that humans might process pheromones through a different mechanism than most other mammals.
A study found a significant increase in advertising for calcium channel blockers and ACE inhibitors, paralleling a trend away from beta blockers and diuretics. The authors suggest that pharmaceutical marketing efforts may have contributed to this shift, despite scientific evidence favoring the older drugs.
A new study from the Wellman Laboratories of Photomedicine at Massachusetts General Hospital found that Er:YAG laser treatment is as effective as CO2 laser for wrinkle removal but with fewer side effects. Patients experienced less skin reddening and faster recovery times with Er:YAG, which requires more passes to achieve similar results.
A study by Massachusetts General Hospital found that those who lost Medicaid coverage reported significant difficulties in accessing healthcare services, including delayed or foregone care due to cost concerns. Only a small percentage could afford insurance on their own, highlighting the need for more affordable options.
A gene knockout study has found that inactivating the Bax gene in female mice sustains ovarian function into advanced age. The research reveals that aged Bax-deficient mice maintain hundreds of ovarian follicles with functioning cells but are unable to ovulate or become pregnant.
Four Harvard physicians recommend a moratorium on reducing the national cesarean section delivery rate due to concerns about maternal and infant safety. They argue that economic forces are driving the goal, rather than patient well-being.
A study found that physicians are slow to adopt newer medications for atrial fibrillation, with older drugs continuing to be used despite their limitations. The research team calls for better treatment guidelines and physician education to improve patient care.
The Massachusetts General Hospital is leading a five-year, $20 million research study to improve the diagnosis and treatment of bipolar disorder. The study aims to evaluate existing treatment protocols and test new medications for the condition.
Researchers discovered specific genetic changes that indicate whether chemotherapy is effective in treating patients with anaplastic oligodendrogliomas. The discovery allows for immediate determination of chemotherapy response at diagnosis, offering improved treatment options for patients.
A study of 1,979 female and male faculty members found that women with children published fewer peer-reviewed research studies and reported less career satisfaction. The survey also identified specific obstacles to career advancement for women with children, including lack of on-site child care and emergency leave options.
A study found that increased school breakfast participation correlates with better social and academic functioning, including lower tardiness, higher math grades, and reduced problems like depression and anxiety. Students were more likely to participate when meals were offered free to all students.
A research team has identified a gene that causes two forms of muscular dystrophy, a genetic disease characterized by progressive weakness and deterioration of skeletal muscles. The discovery may lead to improved diagnosis and treatment options for patients with these disorders.
Researchers used fMRI to capture brain activity during verbal tasks, revealing specific structures involved in memory formation. The study found that increased activity in the left frontal and temporal lobes can predict whether participants will remember a word seen in the scanner.
Researchers have discovered a new gene mutation associated with late-onset Alzheimer's disease, which interacts with other Alzheimer's genes and proteins. The A2M protein plays a crucial role in breaking down toxic amyloid plaques, suggesting a potential target for drug development to prevent or treat the disease.
Researchers analyzed data from over 72,000 screening mammograms to show a steady increase in cancer detection across all ages, with no abrupt jump at 50. The study challenges previous conclusions that suggested an age-related change in mammography's effectiveness, supporting the continued use of screening for women aged 40-49.
A recent study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that testosterone administration significantly increases lean body mass and improves the quality of life in men with AIDS wasting syndrome. The treatment was shown to produce significant term benefits, making it an important new therapy for patients with this condition.
The international panel emphasizes that blood tests measuring HIV levels and CD4 cells should guide treatment decisions, rather than resistance testing. The panel also highlights the limitations of current resistance assays and recommends further epidemiological studies to monitor resistant strain prevalence.
Infants of smoking mothers who breastfeed have higher urine levels of cotinine, a substance produced by nicotine breakdown, compared to bottle-fed children. The study highlights the importance of helping mothers quit smoking during pregnancy and nursing.
Despite evidence of warfarin's effectiveness, it remains underused to prevent strokes in those with atrial fibrillation. The study found that increased prescriptions from 13% to 40% between 1989 and 1993 did not lead to significant changes in usage from 1993 onwards.
Research-related gifts from companies pose ethical quandries for scientists, with over half accepting gifts and 66% finding them important to their research. The study recommends guidelines for accepting industrial gifts to avoid problematic expectations and restrictions.
A study of 290 hospital patients found that nearly 60% had vitamin D deficiency, with severe cases common among those without known risk factors. The researchers highlight the importance of screening and treating low vitamin D levels to prevent bone-related issues and fractures.
Primary care physicians are spending more time with their young patients, providing increased preventive services and counseling. The study also found a rise in medication prescriptions, including antibiotics and the stimulant Ritalin, without clear evidence of their appropriateness.