A study by Geisel School of Medicine researchers identifies specific macrophage populations that help coordinate anti-tumor immunity, while others support tumor growth. By selectively targeting these immune programs, cancer treatments may be improved without eliminating entire immune cell populations.
Researchers at Dartmouth's Geisel School of Medicine are conducting the first-ever multisite clinical trial to evaluate long-acting medication in treating opioid use disorder among adolescents. The study aims to establish guidelines for clinical care and understand what best practices are for treating adolescent opioid disorder.
A dual-principal investigator research group led by Dartmouth and the Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS at Massachusetts General Hospital will test the effectiveness of video as a communication tool during patient visits for people living with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and their caregivers.
A new study reveals that asymptomatic neonatal HSV infections in mice can lead to persistent CNS infection and long-term cognitive decline. Maternal vaccination may prevent this cognitive impairment, suggesting a potential strategy for reducing neurological damage in infected offspring.
A Dartmouth-led study reveals that cystic fibrosis disrupts the maturation of the gut microbiome in infants, leading to a depletion of health-associated bacteria and potentially poor health outcomes. The study found that the microbiomes of infants with CF remained stunted or delayed in their development compared to healthy infants.
The partnership aims to create, study, and implement digital health solutions to address mental and behavioral health conditions. Researchers will use ecological momentary assessment and digital sensors on a patient's mobile phone to monitor cognitive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia.
A new Dartmouth-led study has provided new insights into the therapeutic potential of bacteriophage therapy for treating diseases like cystic fibrosis. Researchers found that respiratory epithelial cells sense and respond to therapeutic phages, and interactions between phages and epithelial cells are heterogenous in nature.
Researchers found that secreted products from certain bacteria strains can reduce inflammation in gut-derived cell lines and improve airway health in mice with cystic fibrosis. The study suggests probiotics could be beneficial for kids with CF, providing a potential proof of concept.
Researchers at Dartmouth's Geisel School of Medicine and Thayer School of Engineering have made significant breakthroughs in understanding how antibodies combat herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections. The study reveals that antibody effector functions play a critical role in protecting against HSV, which may lead to new treatments for n...
A team of researchers at Dartmouth's Geisel School of Medicine has been awarded a $16.2 million grant to study inequities in healthcare for adults with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, with a focus on racialized and marginalized populations. The five-year renewal grant will explore how intersecting identities affect treatment...
A new study found that nearly half of low-value care received by Medicare beneficiaries occurs outside of their health systems. Factors such as advanced age, gender, and geographic location are associated with higher risk of receiving out-of-system low-value care.
A Dartmouth-led project has updated the Know Your Chances website to include smoking status as a major risk factor for mortality estimates. The new estimates provide more accurate predictions of cancer and disease risk, with smokers facing significantly higher risks after age 40.
A study by Dartmouth's Geisel School of Medicine found that Medicare fraud in home healthcare billing spread rapidly across U.S. regions between 2002 and 2009, driven by characteristics such as shared patients, high expenditures, and rapid growth in the number of home health agencies. The researchers developed a novel network analysis ...
A Dartmouth-led study found that team-based coaching significantly improves the risk of acquiring post-procedural acute kidney injury (AKI) when compared to other interventions. The Collaborative with Surveillance intervention reduced the odds of AKI by 46 percent, making it a promising approach to address this prevalent adverse event.
A Dartmouth study reveals that disruptions in the mTORC1 pathway can rescue neuronal overgrowth and synapse function dysregulated by Pten loss, potentially offering new treatments for autism spectrum disorders. The research team also found that administering Rapamycin to children showed some benefit to symptoms of autism.
A Dartmouth-led research team will assess the effectiveness of visit information provided to older adult patients and caregivers in improving quality of life. The CHRONICLE Trial aims to determine whether audio recordings or written summaries are more effective in sharing healthcare visit information.
Researchers from Dartmouth's Geisel School of Medicine found a significant rate of new TB infections among Tanzanian adolescents. The study used serial testing and identified transient, persistent, and irregular conversions between positive and negative IGRA test results.
Researchers aim to develop an audio health library to enhance communication during triadic visits. The study will analyze primary care visits and conduct user-design sessions to refine the system.
A new study by Dartmouth's Geisel School of Medicine found higher mortality rates among older adults with cognitive impairment during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study showed a 24% increase in mortality for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and a 36% increase for nursing home residents with ADRD.
A new Dartmouth-led study found that antimony and other metals are associated with lower birthweight, while some metals show group- and sex-dependent associations. The research suggests that reducing exposure to these metals could help prevent harmful effects on fetal growth.
A Dartmouth study reveals that consumers using at-home COVID-19 self tests may misinterpret the implications of their test results, leading to either unnecessary or inadequate quarantine. The study suggests that individuals at high risk for infection should still quarantine after a negative test result.
A Dartmouth study found that the stratified approach to statistical modeling in health services research can lead to inaccurate conclusions about disparities and inequities in healthcare. Joint modeling, on the other hand, provides a more accurate estimate of physician treatment patterns across different patient types.
A new Dartmouth-led study found a direct association between the infant microbiome and early childhood behavioral health, with sex-specific differences. The study characterized the species of microbes present in each participant's gut and their functions, establishing that microbiome changes occur before behavioral changes.
A Dartmouth research team led by Glyn Elwyn is testing interactive educational approaches to boost vaccine confidence among unvaccinated long-term care workers. The study aims to measure vaccine confidence, knowledge, and trust in the COVID-19 vaccines.
A new Dartmouth-led study found that white patients receive higher annual doses of prescription pain medicine than Black patients, even when treated by the same health system and team of clinicians. The researchers suggest that systematic racial bias is a major contributor to these disparities.
A new study published in Pediatrics found that child-targeted TV ads for fast-food meals often overemphasize premiums like toys and games, relative to the actual food being sold. This marketing practice is deceptive and violates industry guidelines aimed at preventing childhood obesity.
Researchers at Dartmouth's Geisel School of Medicine will engage breast cancer teams across the US in a learning collaborative to adopt and implement conversation aids for early-stage breast cancer treatment options. The goal is to improve patient involvement in decision-making and increase awareness of PCORI-funded research findings.
A new Geisel-led study found substantial regional variation in the intensity of fracture-associated drug (FAD) use among long-term care facility residents, with areas experiencing higher FAD use having higher hip fracture rates. The study analyzed Medicare data and prescription records, revealing a 12% difference in FAD prescribing ran...
A new study from researchers at the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth has found that skin exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light can trigger inflammatory processes in the kidney, even in normal, healthy mice. This subclinical injury may lead to pathologic consequences in lupus patients and worsen their clinical symptoms.
New study assesses association between clinical and financial integration, finding that financial integration has few positive effects on patient outcomes. Clinical integration, however, is associated with greater use of quality-focused care delivery processes and less spending.
A new study by Dartmouth researchers calls for stricter regulations on commercial educational websites that expose children to unhealthy food marketing. The team visited popular sites and found ads for sugary cereals and packaged kids' meals, prompting companies like McDonald's and Kellogg to pledge to stop marketing on these platforms.
A study by researchers at Dartmouth's Geisel School of Medicine found that active surveillance can be successfully implemented in patients with low-risk thyroid cancer. The study shows that 91% of patients adhered to the prescribed ultrasonography schedule and retention rates were high, with only 4.5% choosing surgery after two years.
A Dartmouth study found that involving pediatric practices in promoting private well water testing can significantly influence parental compliance. The study, which tested two interventions, showed that providing both parents and clinic access to results and follow-up reminders increased testing completion rates.
A new TB vaccine developed by Dartmouth's Geisel School of Medicine has shown promising results in a Phase 2 trial, inducing immune responses against the disease. The vaccine was safe and well-tolerated, with minimal local reactions, and may prevent TB disease by inducing a favorable immune response.
A Dartmouth-led study reveals that pediatric mental health boarding is a prevalent and understudied issue, affecting 40,000 to 66,000 youth admitted to hospitals each year. The research team found key risk factors for children, including age, suicidal thoughts, and seasonal hospital visits.
A recent study found that larger, more integrated health systems do not generally deliver better quality of care. The research highlights the importance of enforcing antitrust guidelines and providing financial support for smaller healthcare organizations threatened by consolidation.
Researchers found that HIV-positive adults' brains process speech cues differently, with disrupted responses even when hearing tests are normal. This non-invasive test holds promise for understanding brain dysfunction in HIV and other disorders.
A new report published in the New England Journal of Medicine examines the limitations of COVID-19 diagnostic tests, highlighting concerns over false-negative results. The study emphasizes the need for highly sensitive and validated tests to accurately declare individuals uninfected, ensuring safe reopening of communities.
A new study published by Dartmouth's Geisel School of Medicine found a strong link between fast food consumption and weight gain in pre-school age children. The research followed over 500 children for one year and showed that eating fast food independently contributes to excess weight gain at this young age.
Despite initial efforts to improve patient outcomes through integrated care, a recent study found that Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) face significant challenges in integrating social services into their medical practices. The researchers identified limitations in data collection and partnership development as major obstacles.
A new Dartmouth study found that pharmaceutical companies' promotional access to US primary care practices is substantial, especially in smaller practices and those without academic affiliation. The researchers also discovered a pattern of higher promotional activity in the Southern region of the country.
A recent study found that providing more context about a drug's efficacy can improve physicians' knowledge but reduce enthusiasm for prescribing it. The researchers also discovered that company-sponsored information about off-label uses can increase prescription rates.
A Dartmouth study analyzed prescription records of 2.5 million Medicare beneficiaries and found that taking any one fracture-associated drug doubles a person's risk, while taking three or more increases it four-fold. The most hazardous combinations included opioids with sedatives, diuretics, or PPIs.
A Dartmouth study reveals that the way human fungal pathogens form colonies can significantly impact their ability to cause disease. The researchers identified a specific mutation that causes key changes in gene function, leading to improved virulence and host damage. Understanding these characteristics is crucial for developing effect...
A new Dartmouth study reveals that most US physician practices and hospitals screen patients for at least one social need, with varying rates across different organizations. Screening efforts are expected to increase due to growing recognition of the link between social needs, health outcomes, and costs.
A Dartmouth report finds nearly half of newborns in NICUs are normal birth weight, but many low-birth-weight babies lack access to higher-level care. This disparity highlights the need for more equitable distribution of neonatal intensive care resources.
A new study from The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice found that care management and coordination activities in Medicare Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) were not associated with improved outcomes or lower spending for patients with complex medical and social needs. Researchers analyzed data from over 1....
Researchers found that environmental stressors can influence phenotypes of offspring and even be passed down to future generations. The study discovered a specific brain region involved in the inheritance of ethanol preference behavior, which was observed for five generations in fruit flies.
A new study found that while the number and variety of ACO contracts have increased, downside risk contracts remain relatively rare. Researchers analyzed data from 2012 to 2018 and found that only a third of ACOs chose contracts with downside risk in 2018.
A Dartmouth-led study published in JAMA Network Open found that quitting smoking during pregnancy reduces the risk of preterm birth. The probability of preterm birth decreased by up to 20% if cessation occurred at the beginning of pregnancy. However, only about 25% of women who smoked prior to pregnancy were able to quit throughout the...