Researchers found that traditional cardiovascular disease risk factors and elevated natriuretic peptide levels were associated with increased cancer risk. In contrast, participants with ideal cardiovascular health had a lower risk of future cancers.
A new study reveals how proteins alter X chromosome architecture, contributing to its inactivation and potentially leading to cures for genetic disorders. The findings suggest that the shape and structure of the X chromosome play a vital role in gene silencing.
Researchers found that neutralizing antibodies from COVID-19 vaccines are less effective against new variants, including those from South Africa and Brazil. The study suggests that mutations in the spike protein may contribute to the variants' resistance.
A study using real-world data from employees at Mass General Brigham found that the incidence of anaphylaxis was higher than CDC estimates, but still extremely low. The majority of cases recovered without serious complications.
Higher obesity rates in Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) can be attributed to systemic racism, according to a new perspective article. The authors offer a 10-point strategy to study and solve the public health issues responsible for this disparity.
A team at Massachusetts General Hospital developed an artificial intelligence-based method to screen currently available medications as possible treatments for Alzheimer's disease. The analysis yielded a ranked list of candidates, including anti-inflammatory drugs used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and blood cancers.
Delayed injection-site reactions can occur in some patients who received the Moderna mRNA-1273 vaccine, researchers say. Most symptoms clear up after a week, and completion of the second dose should not be discouraged.
Swollen lymph nodes after COVID-19 vaccination can be managed with proper documentation and follow-up care. Imaging centers should document vaccination information to avoid unnecessary biopsies.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital found that atherosclerosis can accelerate the development of clonal hematopoiesis. Clonal hematopoiesis is an age-related condition where descendants of one hematopoietic stem cell dominate blood cells.
Researchers developed risk stratification models to predict COVID-19 patient outcomes, including mechanical ventilation and in-hospital death. The VICE and DICE scores utilize clinical data to differentiate between risk, with age being a significant predictor of mortality but not mechanical ventilation.
Radiologists at Massachusetts General Hospital have developed an approach to manage swollen lymph nodes on mammograms in women who have recently received COVID-19 vaccinations. The approach aims to reduce delays in vaccinations and breast cancer diagnoses while reassuring patients that the swelling is a normal response to vaccination.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital discovered that activating nuclear IL-33 in chronic inflammation promotes abnormal cell growth and division, leading to cancer. Inhibiting IL-33's expression may help prevent cancers associated with inflammation.
A study published in Nature Medicine found that high levels of IgG antibodies may drive MIS-C in children, while increased IgA antibodies may contribute to severe disease in adults. The findings suggest a common immune mechanism underlying different COVID-19 outcomes in children and adults.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital found that a cosmetic laser can trigger local inflammation mimicking mutations, enhancing immune attacks against nonmutated tumor proteins. This approach could make immune checkpoint inhibitors effective against currently incurable cancers.
Researchers found that high levels of antibodies against a specific part of the virus may be key to understanding immune response to COVID-19. Individuals with stronger antibody responses showed immune functions associated with natural protection, offering a promising avenue for vaccine development and effective global rollout.
Researchers identified three mechanisms that promote napping and found many genes also regulate sleep. The study linked napping to cardiometabolic health concerns, suggesting personalized recommendations may be needed.
A new tool called CORAL guides clinicians through diagnostic evaluations of patients with COVID-19 symptoms, allowing for safe discontinuation of isolation. The tool was developed to minimize the chance of false-negative test results and reduce hospitalization time.
Fine particulate air pollution stimulates production of inflammatory cells, leading to inflammation of the arteries and elevated risk of heart attacks and strokes. Researchers found that exposure to high levels of fine particulate matter increased the risk of cardiovascular events by 29% beyond other confounders.
A study from Massachusetts General Hospital used electronic health records to identify key factors predicting poor COVID-19 outcomes. Age, pneumonia history, diabetes, cancer, and pulmonary system diseases emerged as significant risk factors. The analysis demonstrated performance comparable to complex prognostic models.
A study of critically ill COVID-19 patients found that early therapeutic anticoagulation did not reduce the risk of death, but may increase the risk of major bleeding. The study analyzed data from over 3,200 patients and used simulation to estimate the effects of treatment on clinical outcomes.
A new software package called Tractor allows researchers to include people of diverse ancestry in large-scale gene discovery efforts. This increases the power of genomics in understudied populations by pinpointing genetic associations to disease at many more spots across the genome.
Researchers developed an automated method to identify and track tau deposits in the brain, which may lead to earlier diagnoses of Alzheimer's disease. The technique revealed that tau deposits first emerge in the rhinal cortex region before spreading to other brain regions.
A national survey found that four-fifths of US physicians believe significant disabilities are associated with worse quality of life. The study highlights the need for medical education to include training on disability and awareness of unconscious bias.
A review found that routine surveillance is unlikely to affect SARS-CoV-2 transmission in healthcare settings, and may even have unintended negative consequences. Low infection rates among asymptomatic healthcare providers make routine testing impractical.
Researchers recorded neuron activity in patients with Parkinson's disease to understand how individual neurons represent others' beliefs. They found specialized neurons that respond when assessing another's false beliefs and those that encode information to distinguish between one's own and another's thoughts.
A recent study found that daily aspirin use does not reduce the risk of colorectal cancer among adults who start taking it after age 70. However, there may be a potential benefit for those who begin taking aspirin at an earlier age.
Researchers found that using medical terminology can reduce certain types of stigma but increase others. Non-medical terms, on the other hand, may boost confidence in recovery and perceptions of danger. The study suggests tailoring language to specific purposes is key to reducing stigma.
A new study published in Scientific Reports found that religious beliefs and spiritual struggles modulate protein expression associated with cardiovascular disease in US South Asians. The research suggests that spiritually focused psychotherapy may help reduce risk of CVD for individuals experiencing spiritual distress.
Scientists have discovered that complexes of proteins with molybdenum cofactor (Moco) can be taken up by Moco-deficient nematodes, which may lead to a treatment for human Moco deficiency. This rare condition is lethal and causes devastating neurological and developmental defects in children.
A pilot study at Massachusetts General Hospital found that inpatient mammograms can be effective in increasing breast cancer screening rates among low-income women. The study identified 21 women who were eligible for an inpatient mammogram and successfully completed the test, with 35% having never had a mammogram before.
A mutation in the gene KCTD1 leads to kidney defects that can cause metabolic bone disease. The study reveals KCTD1's critical role in regulating electrolyte balance in the distal nephron.
A multidisciplinary team of experts calls for medical institutions to support and promote the safe return to work for all health care workers disabled from lingering COVID-19 symptoms. Current national guidelines focus on infection status, leaving institutions to establish their own policies or for employees to opt for medical leave.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have found that reprogramming the connective tissue microenvironment of a liver cancer can inhibit its progression and resistance to chemotherapy. Blocking placental growth factor (PlGF) with antibodies reduces production of connective tissue and increases survival in mice with liver cancer.
A large-scale international study found strong associations between specific gut microbes, dietary habits, and cardiometabolic disease risk. Participants who consumed a healthy, plant-based diet had higher levels of beneficial gut microbes.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have developed a gene therapy strategy that effectively treats mice with a mutated TSC2 gene, causing the growth of noncancerous tumors. The treatment extends survival to 462 days and reduces brain damage in mice, suggesting potential for human clinical trials.
A large-scale study found that following specific guidelines, including regular exercise and a prudent diet, can lower GERD symptoms by 37% in women. Adhering to these lifestyle factors can also reduce the need for medication.
Researchers developed a biology-based mathematical model that incorporates information about SARS-CoV-2 and various treatments. The model suggests optimal treatment for older patients and those with pre-existing conditions, including the use of clot-preventing drugs and immune response-modifying drugs.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital resolved a long-standing debate about PRC2's targeting mechanism, revealing RNA motifs as the key to specific interactions. This finding has significant implications for cancer treatment and development of new therapeutics.
A group of neurologists from Massachusetts General Hospital argue that police neck restraints pose significant health risks, including stroke and death. They call for greater transparency around their use.
Experts from MGH's Department of Medicine developed a language-concordant care approach based on best practices during the COVID-19 surge. The Spanish Language Care Group provided 24/7 cultural connection to vulnerable patients, highlighting the value of diversity and linguistic competency.
New research found that pregnant women and newborns face elevated risks of severe COVID-19 due to lower-than-expected transfer of protective antibodies. The cause may be alterations to these antibodies after they're produced, which prevent their passage from mother to fetus.
A study at Massachusetts General Hospital found that pregnant women with COVID-19 do not transmit the virus to their newborns, but also show reduced antibody transfer. This has implications for maternal vaccine administration and optimal timing of vaccination.
A new liquid bandage sensor measures the amount of oxygen reaching transplanted tissue, a crucial measure of its viability, and detected tissue oxygenation as well as the gold standard of an oximeter. The technology eliminates restrictions on patient movements and provides a major advancement over existing methods.
A new study published in the European Journal of Human Genetics found that prenatal testing has halved the number of babies born with Down syndrome in Europe. The growth of noninvasive prenatal screening has led to a significant reduction in DS births, with some countries experiencing reductions of up to 71%.
A randomized clinical trial demonstrated the benefits of early integration of palliative care into oncology care for patients with high-risk AML. Patients who received integrated palliative and oncology care reported significantly better quality of life and lower levels of depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
A new study by Massachusetts General Hospital has established normal heart scan results for elite female and male soccer players. The research aims to differentiate between normal exercise-induced adaptations and abnormal responses detrimental to health.
Scientists at the Ragon Institute found that neutralizing antibody potency is significantly reduced in patients with severe or fatal COVID-19 compared to those with milder infections. The study suggests measuring antibody potency could predict patient outcomes and guide treatment options.
A new study has identified two phases of infection in patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia, revealing that the virus triggers an immune response and causes significant lung damage. The findings suggest that treatments targeting viral replication may only be effective in the early phase of infection.
Researchers developed a manganese-based contrast agent that is diagnostically equivalent to gadolinium-based contrast agents but without the toxicity, offering a safer alternative for patients with chronic kidney disease. The new agent, Mn-PyC3A, is rapidly and completely eliminated from the body and does not accumulate in tissues.
Researchers at the Ragon Institute have developed a new one-step CRISPR technique to rapidly create mice capable of producing human antibodies. The method dramatically shortens the timeline for generating specialized mice, allowing scientists to accelerate their research and respond more quickly to new developments in the field.