Researchers found nearly all employees with a history of severe allergic reactions could become fully vaccinated, despite higher reported symptoms. The study suggests COVID-19 vaccines are safe for individuals with high-risk allergy histories.
A team of researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital has identified distinct brain cells in the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex that respond to the actions of other monkeys in a group. These neurons encode information about past interactions, influencing an animal's upcoming decisions to reciprocate or retaliate.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have found that immune checkpoint inhibitors can generate promising results in patients with leptomeningeal carcinomatosis (LMD), a rare complication of cancer. The treatment showed increased activity in cancer-killing immune cells and expression of particular genes within cells.
A new study published in Science Translational Medicine found that male placentas have increased immune activation and receive fewer anti-COVID antibodies from their mothers. This may help protect male fetuses but pose risks to the fetus and child.
A new study found that pregnant and lactating women need to adhere closely to recommended COVID-19 vaccine schedules to attain full antibody protection. Key antibody functions are delayed in these groups following the initial dose, but the second dose induces robust antibody responses similar to those in nonpregnant women.
Black women physicians in the United States encounter barriers such as lower earnings and reduced promotion opportunities, despite having the same training and expertise as their colleagues. The essay highlights the need for sustained efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in academic medicine to address these disparities.
A study published in the European Heart Journal found that increasing steps per day, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, or reducing sedentary time can improve cardiorespiratory fitness. Individuals with higher-than-average activity levels had better fitness regardless of sedentary time spent.
A study published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases found that children can carry high levels of live, replicating SARS-CoV-2 virus in their respiratory secretions, with no correlation between age and viral load. The researchers also noted that viral loads are highest early in the illness in both symptomatic and asymptomatic children.
A new scientific resource, TIGER, has been developed to help uncover the genetic underpinnings of type 2 diabetes. Analyses of TIGER data revealed 32 novel genes that may contribute to type 2 diabetes risk, providing a valuable tool for identifying potential drug targets and understanding disease physiology.
New research identifies SGK as a key driver of insulin resistance in the liver, which can be targeted to prevent type 2 diabetes. Inhibiting SGK activity restores normal insulin action and helps block fat buildup in the liver.
New research reveals that boosting numbers of immune cells called dendritic cells may be key to overcoming colorectal cancers' immunotherapy resistance. By augmenting dendritic cells in liver metastases, treatment led to increased cytotoxic T lymphocytes and made tumors sensitive to immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Researchers found that validating accuracy of in vitro diagnostic tests carried costs and had higher true limits of detection than reported. The study suggests mechanisms for expanded regulatory oversight by the FDA, including technology certification to assess performance of complex diagnostic tests.
A study by Massachusetts General Hospital researchers disproves the idea that increasing brain urate levels can slow Parkinson's disease progression. The SURE-PD3 trial showed no therapeutic benefit to inosine treatment, which raises urate levels, and an increased rate of kidney stones among those treated.
A study found that the ability to lose control over HIV is linked to a decrease in proliferative and cytolytic ability of immune cells, years before actual virus loss. In contrast to other infections, T cell dysfunction here impairs their response only to HIV.
A recent study found that individuals with healthy plant-based diets had a 9% lower risk of developing COVID-19 and a 41% lower risk of severe disease. The study also highlighted the importance of addressing social determinants of health and improving access to healthy foods.
A randomized clinical trial shows that a community-based weight management program delivered at health centers improved BMI in Hispanic children aged six to 12. The program, which included text messaging and connections to community resources, also reduced sugary beverage consumption, increased physical activity, and led to healthier l...
A Massachusetts General Hospital physician suggests that emoji could facilitate communication between patients and doctors, particularly in emergency medical settings. The use of emoji has the potential to improve patient-doctor communication, especially for those with disabilities or language barriers.
Researchers found that breathing humid air and delivering salt droplets reduced respiratory droplet generation by 50% within 10 minutes. A correlation between elevated airborne salt concentration and reduced COVID-19 incidence and deaths was also observed along US coastlines.
A new study suggests that reducing sugar in packaged foods could prevent 2.48 million cardiovascular disease events, as well as 750,000 diabetes cases over the lifetime of the adult population in the US. The model also estimates significant cost savings and health gains for underserved populations.
A study of 282,271 European ancestry participants found 26 genetic regions associated with increased preference for high-fat foods. The research also identified specific subtypes of neurons responsive to protein, fat, or carbohydrate, which may explain individual differences in food choice behavior.
Scientists at Massachusetts General Hospital found that the hormone irisin drives cognitive benefits of exercise, potentially treating Alzheimer's disease. Elevated irisin levels improved cognitive function and neuroinflammation in mouse models for Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have discovered the molecular changes triggered by converting skin cells into immature muscle cells. The findings may lead to generating patient-matched muscle cells for treating muscle injuries and conditions like muscular dystrophy.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have developed pre-epicardial cells from human induced pluripotent stem cells, which support embryonic heart formation and can be used to generate functioning heart tissue. This breakthrough could lead to novel therapies for heart failure, end-stage lung disease, and kidney disease.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have identified two separate genetic alterations that enable triple-negative breast cancer cells to develop resistance to a highly effective drug. The findings could help improve therapy and prolong survival for patients with this aggressive form of breast cancer.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital found that NFL and NCAA games held with limited in-person attendance did not cause an increase in COVID-19 cases. The study suggests that measures such as strict mask use and open air helped prevent the spread of COVID-19 during these events.
A CDC mask guidance update in May 2021 ignored realities that left vulnerable communities exposed to increased transmission of COVID-19. The guidance relied on the honor system to ensure unvaccinated individuals wore masks, but experts say this approach was flawed due to lack of verification methods.
Researchers have discovered how PARP inhibitors selectively kill cancer cells carrying BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations. The findings provide a mechanistic explanation for the selectivity of PARP inhibitors toward BRCA-mutant cells.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital uncover key factors that enable immune cells to survive in tumor environments, including the chemokine CXCL16. This understanding may lead to more effective immunotherapies for cancer patients.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital found that crowding in prisons significantly increases the risk of COVID-19 infections among inmates. The study suggests that policy changes are necessary to protect this vulnerable population and notes that even a small increase in crowding can pose a significant threat.
A new study by researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital found that preoperative urinalysis screening for asymptomatic patients undergoing surgery has little or no benefit. However, the test may lead to unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions and exposure to potential harms, including Clostridium difficile infection.
A new intervention program, First 1,000 Days, has been shown to decrease excess weight gain in infants. The program combines individualized health coaching for pregnant women with changes in clinical care, resulting in lower odds of being overweight at six months and one year.
Studies reveal that chronic viral infections can lead to T cell exhaustion, where immune cells become dysfunctional and unable to respond effectively. Researchers discovered epigenetic scars on exhausted T cells, which may prevent their recovery even after infection clearance.
A multi-hospital analysis of patients who experienced allergic reactions to their first mRNA COVID-19 vaccine dose found that all patients who received a second dose tolerated it without complications. The study suggests it's safe for most individuals to receive a second dose, despite initial concerns.
A new study highlights challenges of achieving equity for diverse patients in communication at hospital discharge. The survey found that one in four patients were alone without a family member or friend, while over half reported limited access to medical interpreters and translated materials.
Researchers found that cancer cells in lymph nodes avoid immune destruction due to increased physical forces causing impairment of T cell entry. Alleviating solid stress with losartan boosts blood vessels and T cells, suggesting a potential strategy to improve immune responses.
A new study found that body mass index (BMI) is a risk factor for diabetes, but the optimal BMI threshold for screening varies significantly across low- and middle-income countries. The researchers analyzed data from over 680,000 people in 57 countries and found that individuals with a BMI of 23 kg/m2 or greater had an increased risk o...
A new study found that antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections are killing children in Bangladesh, with 77% of pneumonia cases caused by gram-negative bacteria. Children with resistant infections were 17 times more likely to die than those without.
Researchers found that losartan treatment reduced inflammatory signaling and swelling in vestibular schwannomas, preventing hearing loss. The drug also increased oxygen delivery to enhance the effectiveness of radiation therapy, potentially lowering radiation doses needed to control tumor growth.
A new study in Nature reveals a subset of astrocytes releasing interleukin-3 (IL-3) to convert killer microglial cells into nurturing and protective ones, potentially warding off Alzheimer's disease. This mechanism may provide a new therapeutic opportunity to combat neurological diseases.
A longitudinal study of infants found substantial microbial changes in the intestines months before celiac disease onset. The study's findings suggest that these preclinical alterations could inform novel strategies for diagnosis and treatment of celiac disease through microbiome manipulation.
A group of older adults called 'superagers' have been found to maintain the same level of neural differentiation as young adults, enabling them to create distinct representations of visual information and accurately recall image-word pairs. This study used fMRI to understand how superagers learn and remember new information.
Aducanumab, a monoclonal antibody approved for Alzheimer's disease, has no proven benefits in treating cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), according to doctors. The FDA approval opens the door for off-label use, but experts caution against it due to safety concerns and lack of evidence.
A study published in JAMA Network Open found that nearly half of people living with HIV have coronary artery plaque, even those considered at low-to-moderate risk. The plaque was linked to increased arterial inflammation and immune system activation, independent of traditional cardiovascular disease risk factors.
Scientists at Massachusetts General Hospital discovered a biochemical mechanism that can darken human skin, providing natural protection against UV-related cancers. The enzyme NNT plays a key role in melanin production and inhibition of this enzyme may lead to skin darkening and reduced risk of skin cancers.
Scientists have identified stable T cell vaccine targets in SARS-CoV-2, offering long-lasting protection against multiple variants. The approach, developed for HIV, uses structure-based network analysis to identify mutationally constrained epitopes that can be recognized by immune cells.
Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital found that the BCG vaccine significantly lowers blood sugar levels in type 1 diabetics, with faster response times and greater changes in HbA1c for younger patients. The vaccine also restores gene expression in regulatory T cells over three years.
A study by Massachusetts General Hospital researchers discovered that a subset of white blood cells, known as CD4+ T cells, reside in moles and can be activated to attack melanoma. This approach could potentially broaden the body's antitumor response and overcome current cancer immunotherapies.
A study by Massachusetts General Hospital found that COVID-19 vaccine skin reactions are rare, affecting approximately 1.9% of recipients after the first dose. The majority of these reactions did not recur after a second dose, providing critical reassurance to individuals with concerns about vaccination.
Researchers found that higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-12 and IFN-γ, are associated with slower cognitive decline in aging adults with amyloid beta deposits in their brains. Elevated levels of IL-12 were also linked to fewer tau tangles and better brain health outcomes.
Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital have discovered a biological mechanism that transforms carcinogen-exposed cells into immunogenic cells, which can be harnessed therapeutically to fight treatment-resistant cancers. The mechanism involves the release of small proteins known as chemokines that recruit antitumor immune cells.