A new study from Oregon Health & Science University finds almost six out of ten in-network providers listed under Oregon Medicaid provider directories are not actually available to see patients. This 'phantom' networks undermine access to care, leading to delays and interruptions in treatment.
A survey of rural women in the US found that those using illicit drugs have low contraceptive use rates and high unintended pregnancy rates compared to non-drug users. The study highlights the need for expanded access to reproductive health care and substance use treatment in rural areas.
A systematic review of cannabis-related products found short-term benefits for neuropathic pain, particularly with dronabinol and nabilone. However, the evidence is limited, with many products not well-studied, and patients should consult their primary care physician before using cannabis-based treatments.
Physicians recognize benzodiazepine dependence as a significant contributor to the opioid crisis, coined a new term CPBD. Long-term treatment can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms and recurrence of underlying anxiety and insomnia.
The OHSU clinic, which provides same-day access to buprenorphine, has successfully served patients in 32 of Oregon's 36 counties. A new study found that many patients prefer the virtual model, with 12 out of 19 participants expressing strong support for its ease of access and critical role in treatment.
A new study found that extended space flight increases perivascular spaces in the brains of first-time astronauts, but not those who previously served in space. No neurological deficits were detected despite the changes.
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly increased delivery of mental health counseling through telehealth, with 47.9% of outpatient visits transitioning online by December 2020. Unequal access to mental health care was found among older adults, Black and Hispanic people, and those with lower incomes.
A study has discovered that using a strategically-timed pull from a waist belt can help individuals walk more efficiently, reducing metabolic cost by as much as half. This approach uses biomechanical testing to optimize the timing of assistance, which was found to be most effective during a brief window between steps.
A systematic review of psilocybin interactions with psychiatric medications reveals a lack of scientific research, leaving clinicians and patients uncertain about treatment combinations. The review highlights the need for further studies on clinical outcomes of combining pharmaceutical medications with psilocybin.
A new study from Oregon Health & Science University found that people infected with SARS-CoV-2 develop durable immunity against variants for at least 11 months. The research suggests that immune protection may endure long-term, potentially reducing the need for vaccine booster shots.
Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University have made a groundbreaking connection between the gut microbiome and cognitive decline in an animal model of Alzheimer's disease. Fecal implants induced significant behavioral and cognitive changes in mice, offering new avenues for treating or forestalling dementia.
Researchers at OHSU are developing a new approach to scientific imaging to study the dynamic organization of cells by examining how tiny molecules make cells work. The W. M. Keck Foundation has awarded $1 million to develop a one-of-a-kind imaging and computational system.
A new study published in Fertility & Sterility found that chronic marijuana use negatively impacts male reproductive health, leading to decreased testicular size and lowered testosterone levels. The Oregon Health & Science University study used nonhuman primates to assess the effects of daily THC consumption on reproductive function.
A new study finds that breakthrough infections following vaccination and natural infection followed by vaccination provide roughly equal levels of enhanced immune protection. Researchers at OHSU found that both groups generated greater levels of immunity compared to those who were vaccinated with no infection.
A new review and meta-analysis found that drug companies are increasingly disclosing negative study findings for antidepressants. While progress has been made, full transparency remains an issue, with researchers emphasizing the need to report all trial results, both positive and negative, to inform patient treatment.
Phoebe Lin's research establishes a gut-eye association in animal models, finding that certain interventions can enhance Tregs and decrease eye inflammation. Her five-year grant will investigate how intestinal microbes and the immune system can be rebalanced to treat uveitis.
A new study suggests that breakthrough infections generate 'super immunity' to COVID-19, providing a robust immune response against the delta variant and potentially other variants. The study found that antibodies generated from breakthrough cases were 1,000% more effective than those from vaccinated individuals.
A new evidence review by Oregon Health & Science University researchers found that the expensive multiple sclerosis drug Acthar provides very little clinical benefit compared to less-expensive alternatives. The study screened 41 studies and found weak or no benefit from Acthar against standard medications like corticosteroids.
Researchers at OHSU have discovered a unique neural cell assembly that enables complex learning in songbirds, similar to those found in the human primary motor cortex. This finding has implications for understanding fine motor control and may lead to new avenues for treating disorders such as ALS.
A group of deaf and hard-of-hearing scientists argue that providing basic standards of support can increase diversity in fields of science and medicine. The authors propose five pillars to promote inclusion, including peer mentorship, captioning at conferences, and opportunities for leadership roles.
A review board comprising healthcare professionals from various disciplines has sharply reduced opioid prescribing at an OHSU internal medicine clinic. The clinic uses a systematic approach to review high-risk cases and coach primary care providers on tapering patients off opioids.
A survey of opioid treatment program leaders reveals reluctance to allow take-home methadone despite federal guidelines easing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many programs still require patients to come in for in-person administration, citing stigma and concerns over overdose risk.
A study to investigate stem cell therapy as a potential treatment for glaucoma, the world's second leading cause of blindness, has received $6.7M in NEI funding. The research team will explore ways to make stem cell-derived neurons survive and integrate into the eye.
A study from OHSU found that almost 8% of patients with opioid use disorder died within 12 months of hospital discharge, comparable to those who suffered heart attacks. The researchers highlight the need for comprehensive addiction care and destigmatizing healthcare systems.
A new study by OHSU researchers found that blood serum from vaccinated or infected individuals shows significantly reduced defense against two widely circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants. The findings emphasize the importance of vaccinations combined with maintaining public health measures to cut off the spread of the virus.
Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University have successfully used a synthetic compound to regulate the TREM2 gene, implicated in neurodegenerative diseases. The findings raise hope for developing new treatments for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Cohesive national standards in US neurosurgery education improve patient care, driven by decades of work from leading institutions. The new structure includes 'boot camp' courses and rigorous accreditation standards.
Researchers identified a genetic mutation in nonhuman primates that closely resembles Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease, a rare and progressive disorder affecting the central nervous system. The discovery was made possible by a massive genomic database built at OHSU's Oregon National Primate Research Center.
A new study recommends making methadone more widely available through office-based visits with primary care physicians to improve access and convenience for patients with opioid use disorder. This could reduce transportation costs and enhance treatment retention rates, but further research is needed to confirm its effectiveness.
Researchers found that older people have lower antibody responses against COVID-19 variants, making them more susceptible to infection. Vaccination still appears effective in preventing severe illness, but promoting vaccinations is crucial to protect the community.
Researchers have devised a way to multiply the accessible details of gene activity in individual cells, allowing for better understanding of cancer development and brain function. The new method delivers about a ten-fold improvement in DNA recovery from single cells and reduces sequencing costs by one third.
Researchers developed a novel gene therapy approach that utilizes acetaminophen to correct disease-causing mutations and make liver cells immune to its toxic effects. This allows treated cells to multiply and reduces the need for liver transplants in treating genetic disorders.
A lab-made monoclonal antibody, leronlimab, has been shown to completely prevent nonhuman primates from being infected with the monkey form of HIV. The results inform a future human clinical trial evaluating leronlimab as a potential pre-exposure prophylaxis therapy.
A new treatment option has been developed to improve survival and disease control in men with advanced prostate cancer. The targeted radioligand therapy significantly extended survival and delayed progression, with a substantial effect given the high progression of disease despite previous treatments.
A recent study by Oregon Health & Science University found that people of color are more than twice as likely to die after a traumatic brain injury compared to white patients. The researchers analyzed over a decade of data and attributed the disparity to underlying social determinants such as diet, lifestyle, and access to healthcare.
A new study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found that chronic exposure to second-hand smoke results in lower body weight and cognitive impairments, particularly affecting males. Researchers used a specially designed 'smoking robot' to expose mice to cigarette smoke over 10 months.
Scientists have uncovered the molecular structure of three major complexes of glutamate receptors in the hippocampus, a region crucial for memory and learning. The discovery has significant implications for treating epilepsy and seizure disorders, as it enables the development of targeted drugs to modulate specific receptor activity.
A study published in PNAS found that zebra finches have a low-density lipoprotein receptor gene with key domains missing, allowing them to carry high levels of good cholesterol while avoiding high cholesterol-related diseases. This genetic adaptation may hold clues for improving cardiovascular disease treatment.
One in five pharmacies in the US refuse to dispense buprenorphine, a vital medication for opioid use disorder patients. This study highlights the need for reduced stigma and increased collaboration between pharmacists and healthcare providers.
New research reveals that people with hearing impairment experience abnormal binaural pitch fusion, which can lead to sound blending together and difficulties with understanding speech in noisy environments. This discovery suggests the possibility of targeted rehabilitation strategies to improve speech perception in noise.
Researchers from Oregon Health & Science University have finally understood how their cytomegalovirus-based vaccine works in monkeys, generating a unique type of immune response to fight off SIV. The breakthrough sheds light on the design of future CMV-based vaccines and offers new hope against HIV.
Researchers found that poor sleep leads to increased signs of brain waste and post-concussive symptoms among veterans with traumatic brain injuries. A new technique developed at OHSU measures the brain's waste-clearance system through MRIs.
Research at OHSU finds that patients with substance use disorder face housing instability, hospital isolation, and uncertain transitions home due to pandemic-related policies. The study emphasizes the need for healthcare systems to incorporate patient voices and address systemic needs.
Researchers at OHSU have developed a new method to quickly map single-cell genomes and clarify spatial cell positions within complex tissues. This technique has the potential to precisely identify and target cells in diseases like cancer or stroke, allowing for novel therapies.
Researchers at OHSU discovered a correlation between gut microbiome composition and cognitive performance in mice with genes associated with Alzheimer's. The study suggests a relationship between microbes and epigenetic changes in the brain, potentially leading to new treatments for Alzheimer's.
A third of patients with COVID-19 did not have another health condition before contracting the virus, highlighting the need to protect those with pre-existing conditions. This study suggests that repealing Affordable Care Act protections for pre-existing conditions could further increase health disparities among people of color.
A new report proposes a system of universal coverage to support the long-term care of all older Americans, aiming to protect against financial catastrophe and create a more stable funding stream. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for reform in the US system of long-term services and supports.
A new study published in The Lancet HIV found that integrating opioid use disorder treatment with HIV care in Vietnam can be effective. The study suggests that countries aiming to expand treatment should consider interventions supporting retention on treatment through family networks, peers, and community health workers.
A study by Oregon Health & Science University found that firearm-related deaths among children ages 1-4 increased exponentially between 1999 and 2018, with non-Hispanic Black and White children being disproportionately affected. Nearly 90% of these incidents occurred in or near the victim's home, making them preventable.
A new study demonstrates that SARS-CoV-2 reacts to antibodies of other coronavirus strains and vice versa. However, antibodies from the 2003 SARS outbreak had only limited effectiveness in neutralizing the new virus.