A new, dissolvable hydrogel developed by Mass General Hospital promotes wound healing for second-degree burns while minimizing pain and trauma. The biomaterial is highly absorbent, based on green chemistry approaches, and can be dissolved in under five minutes.
A recent clinical trial published in Circulation found that Fitbit wearable devices can identify patients with undiagnosed atrial fibrillation, a condition that can lead to strokes. The study, led by Massachusetts General Hospital, used a novel algorithm to detect irregular heart rhythms based on Fitbit sensors.
Researchers developed a new 3D organoid model that replicates the unique disease process of autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (APRKD). The model identified potential therapeutic targets, including FOS and RAC1, and showed therapeutic effects with FDA-approved drugs.
A study by Massachusetts General Hospital researchers found that fentanyl stops breathing before noticeable changes occur, leading to a high risk of death when used illicitly. The discovery could enable safer opioid administration through EEG monitoring.
A new clinical decision support system, MPX-CDSS, has been developed to aid frontline clinicians in identifying and treating patients at risk for monkeypox. The tool is embedded in electronic health records and provides structured screening questions and image upload capabilities.
A new study by Massachusetts General Hospital researchers suggests that certain anti-cancer drugs may target a key player in Crohn's disease, a type of inflammatory bowel disease. The study found that mutations in a specific chromatin reader, SP140, are associated with an increased risk of immune diseases like Crohn's.
A study by Massachusetts General Hospital found that surgical volumes remained significantly lower than pre-pandemic levels despite a full recovery of nonurgent procedure volumes after vaccination. This has resulted in more advanced disease states and poorer outcomes for patients when they finally receive treatment.
Researchers found gout is more prevalent among Black adults in the US compared to White adults, with differences attributed to factors like poverty and body mass index. The study used nationally representative data from 2007-2016 and suggests that culturally sensitive efforts could help reduce disparities.
A double-blind study found that 12.5% of placebo-treated individuals and 1% of BCG-treated individuals met criteria for confirmed COVID-19, indicating a 92% vaccine effectiveness. The BCG-vaccinated group also displayed protective effects against other infectious diseases, including fewer symptoms and reduced disease events.
A new study published in PNAS found that angiotensin-II, a blood pressure hormone, can enhance bacterial killing functions, increase bacterial clearance, and modulate systemic inflammatory responses in sepsis. The treatment improved immune function without increasing inflammatory injury.
A recent study by Massachusetts General Hospital found that urgent care centers can divert imaging tests away from emergency departments after spinal trauma, resulting in cost savings. The study analyzed data from May 2021 to August 2021 and estimated annual savings of $437,928.
A recent clinical trial led by Massachusetts General Hospital validated a strategy for increasing shared decision-making about colorectal cancer screening in older patients. Brief physician training plus reminders resulted in patients reporting higher quality conversations, with more discussing their preferences and having more options...
Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital found that wrist-worn devices are more cost-effective than traditional electrocardiograms and pulse palpation for screening individuals with atrial fibrillation. The use of these devices was also associated with a reduction in stroke incidence.
Researchers have constructed a comprehensive map of CLL genetic changes, providing a better understanding of the complex malignancy. The study identifies key genes and subtypes with distinct prognoses, paving the way for more accurate diagnoses and personalized treatments.
Research found that everyday discrimination during COVID-19 led to increased odds of moderate to severe depression and suicidal ideation, particularly among Hispanic/Latino and Asian/Pacific Islander participants. The study highlights the need for clinicians and society to address the toll of discrimination on mental health.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have developed a blood test that can detect multiple mutations associated with brain cancer, including EGFRvIII. The test showed high sensitivity and specificity, making it a powerful tool for diagnosing gliomas and monitoring tumor progression.
Researchers develop new method to preserve organs by freezing them partially, allowing for longer storage duration and improved organ matching. This breakthrough could lead to more successful transplants and increased organ availability.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital found that paclitaxel improves clinical outcomes and is cost-effective compared to commonly used treatments in Kenya. Using paclitaxel instead of bleomycin-vincristine could save 6,400 years-of-life and reduce healthcare expenditures by $3.7 million over five years.
A Colombian woman lived dementia-free for three decades due to a rare genetic mutation, providing valuable insights into the pathology of dementia. Her brain showed distinct patterns of abnormal tau protein aggregation, which may impact treatment and prevention strategies for Alzheimer's disease.
A new blocking antibody therapy targeting placental growth factor (PlGF) has shown promise in treating advanced, treatment-refractory pediatric brain cancer. The therapy, called TB-403, was well-tolerated and induced stable disease in some patients.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital discovered that two white blood cell types, neutrophils and macrophages, play opposing roles in affecting heartbeat irregularities after a heart attack. Neutrophils promote ventricular tachycardia (VT), while macrophages protect against it.
A team of researchers developed a nanoparticle probe that can detect an indicator of heart damage from chemotherapy. Experiments revealed that intermittent fasting before chemotherapy can prevent this damage and preserve cardiac function.
Research at Massachusetts General Hospital has identified plasma biomarkers Tau-PT217 and Tau-PT181 as predictors of postoperative delirium. High preoperative concentrations of these biomarkers are associated with increased risk, suggesting a potential early warning sign for patients.
A study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology found that high-dose inhaled nitric oxide gas significantly reduced the need for supplemental oxygen and hospital stays in pregnant women with severe COVID-19 pneumonia. The therapy was administered twice daily to patients, resulting in no adverse events.
A study found that older adults with superior memories, known as 'SuperAgers,' have a greater thickness in the anterior mid-cingulate cortex, potentially making it a biomarker for predicting delirium after surgery. This region of the brain regulates effort and behaviors, and its structure can be improved with training.
A study examined maternal immune responses and antibody transfer from mother to fetus for different COVID-19 vaccines across pregnancy trimesters. mRNA vaccination induced higher levels and functions against SARS-CoV-2 variants, including Omicron, while first and third trimester vaccination led to enhanced maternal immune responses.
A healthcare system model offering tobacco cessation treatment produced higher tobacco abstinence rates than referral to a state-based telephone quitline in the short term. After six months, both treatments yielded comparable quit rates.
Researchers discovered 'replay' during slow-wave sleep in a person with tetraplegia, suggesting the brain practices newly learned information through neuronal firing. This finding may help guide the development of new therapies and tools for people with neurologic diseases and injuries.
A team of researchers developed a framework using artificial intelligence to improve long-term life satisfaction. The model, called a self-organizing map, estimates an individual's psychological age, future well-being, and risk of depression, providing personalized daily tips for improved well-being.
A new study of patients with Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA) shows that those who struggle with complex words compensate by using simpler ones. Healthy volunteers also exhibit a similar balance between word complexity and syntactic structure, suggesting a fundamental property of language production.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Neuroscience found that COVID-19 long haulers experience a range of symptoms including brain fog, anxiety, depression, and executive dysfunction. The root cause of these symptoms is often multifactorial and may be influenced by individual characteristics.
A study published in the British Journal of Anaesthesia found that fentanyl can induce changes similar to autism-like behaviors in young male and female mice. The research team discovered that fentanyl induces autism-like behaviors via activating the mu-opioid receptor in the anterior cingulate cortex.
A new analysis suggests expanding COVID-19 vaccine delivery to low-income countries would save hundreds of thousands of lives and be cost-effective. The study found that achieving 60% vaccination coverage in these countries could prevent up to 68 million infections and 160,000 deaths.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital discovered that the interferon gamma receptor (IFNgR) signaling pathway is crucial for susceptibility of glioblastoma tumors to CAR T-cell immunotherapy. The study found that loss of genes in this pathway renders solid tumors resistant to CAR T-cell killing, but not liquid tumors.
Researchers reviewed literature from 2000 to find only one reported case of monkeypox transmission following exposure in non-endemic areas. The study suggests a low risk of nosocomial transmission, but highlights the need for more data on exposure definitions and personal protective equipment use.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital discovered a novel immunotherapy mechanism that uses CD4+ T helper 2 cells to suppress breast cancer development. These cells force breast cancer cells to revert to benign breast gland cells, providing new insights into the treatment of this disease.
A new data-driven model, SOURCE, tracks the opioid crisis over 21 years to better understand its evolving nature and guide policy response. The model projects that deaths from opioid overdose will increase before trending downward as opioid use disorder decreases.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital developed scission-accelerated fluorophore exchange (SAFE) to visualize molecules in living cells without disrupting normal physiological processes. The method uses immunofluorescence tags and fast chemical reactions to remove tags, creating a multi-color movie-like continuous stream of ima...
A new data-driven simulation model, SOURCE, has been developed to help policymakers understand and address the nation's rampant opioid crisis. The model presents a detailed understanding of the crisis by capturing how interconnections between stages of prescription and illicit opioid use have evolved over time.
Research suggests that medications for excessive alcohol use may help prevent and treat ALD by lowering the risk of disease progression among individuals with alcohol use disorder. The study also found that treatment with certain medications was linked to a reduced incidence of ALD among participants without existing liver disease.
Early treatment with psychotropic medications in children and adolescents significantly reduces the risk of developing a substance use disorder (SUD) by 30-35% for ADHD and major depressive disorder. Longer treatment durations also show positive results, especially when initiated before age nine.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital developed two approaches to repair tumor blood vessels, alleviating hypoxia and improving chemotherapy's effectiveness. Combining these approaches may create a more powerful anti-cancer strategy.
A new clinical decision support software platform reduces harm due to medication errors in the OR by more than 95%. Clinicians using the system work with greater efficiency and provide better care, with improved blood pressure control and accurate pain medication adjustments.
Researchers have developed a novel biomaterial that promotes immune tolerance and allows islets to survive after transplant without the need for long-term immunosuppression. This breakthrough enables patients with type 1 diabetes to control their blood sugar levels without lifelong medication.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have developed a series of animal models to test nonsurgical drug treatments for congenital giant nevi, which can cause large and permanent scars. The studies found that some treatments led to significant nevus regressions and even prevented skin cancer formation.
A new method for generating polygenic risk scores (PRS) has been developed to predict disease risk across populations, reducing bias and improving accuracy. The PRS-CSx tool integrates data from multiple populations and accounts for genetic similarities and differences between them.
A new study from Massachusetts General Hospital found that starting endoscopic screening at age 45 can significantly reduce the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) in women. The study included 111,801 women and showed a 50-60% lower risk of CRC among those who started screening at this age.
A machine-learning model developed by researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital predicts which US Army soldiers are at greatest risk of homelessness upon transitioning to civilian life. The study identifies lifetime depression, trauma, and PTSD as key predictors, allowing for targeted interventions to mitigate homelessness.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital discovered that skull channels enable cerebrospinal fluid to flow out of the brain and into the bone marrow, where immune cells can screen for signs of infection. This finding has significant implications for conditions like dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers used PET and fMRI to study brain connectivity changes years before symptoms of Alzheimer's disease appear. Disruptions were found in the main memory network, even before cognitive impairment was observed, suggesting potential strategies for early detection.