Scientists at Tufts University have discovered a new molecular mechanism that controls brain plasticity, which they can target to restore it in aged brains. By focusing on specific nerve cell connections, researchers may develop treatments with reduced side effects for conditions like autism and stroke.
Researchers conducted real-life auctions where people were paid to close their Facebook accounts for varying durations. The results showed that the average value of Facebook access exceeds $1,000 for a year, with students placing higher values than community members. The study contrasts the company's market capitalization with the valu...
A systematic review of interventional studies found that food labels can lead to changes in consumer behavior, including reduced calorie and fat intake, but not significant impacts on other nutrients. Industry responses also showed reductions in trans fat and sodium, but no effects on added sugar or other healthy components.
A new study found that large, high-calorie portion sizes in fast food and full service restaurants are not unique to the US, affecting people globally. The research measured calorie content in popular meals from five countries and found that fast food meals contained fewer calories than full service meals.
A new study found that inflammatory proteins in the colon increase incrementally with weight in humans, leading to pro-cancerous changes. The study also suggests that NSAIDs may lower the levels of these pro-inflammatory proteins, reducing cancer risk.
A study from Tufts University suggests that SNAP policy interventions, such as food incentives and disincentives, can improve food choices and reduce disease burdens in low-income families. The study estimates that these interventions could save $6.77 billion to $41.93 billion in healthcare costs over a lifetime.
A new study estimates that implementing national food policies in schools could lead to a 17-25% increase in fruit consumption, a 15-27% decrease in sugary drink consumption, and a significant impact on long-term health outcomes. The policies are expected to prevent thousands of deaths per year.
Scientists at Tufts University visualized the flu virus's dynamic surface protein structure that reaches out to hijack target cells, revealing a 'better mousetrap' mechanism. The discovery sheds new light on viral entry and may help develop more effective vaccines.
A recent NIH-funded pilot study found that men and women infected with gonorrhea have distinct gene expression profiles during active infection, with increased antibiotic resistance detected more frequently in males. The research highlights the need for gender-specific strategies to combat this increasingly resistant bacterial pathogen.
A new study finds persistent disparities in diet quality for SNAP recipients, with lower consumption of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and fish/shellfish. Despite some improvements over time, SNAP participants still have the lowest diet quality compared to income-eligible nonparticipants and higher-income individuals.
A new study found that nearly three-quarters of adults on probation in Rhode Island experience food insecurity, with almost half having very low food security. The prevalence is substantially higher than the statewide average, highlighting a critical need for targeted interventions and policies to mitigate health disparities.
A new study suggests that altering US food consumption patterns could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Households spending more on beef, chicken, and other meats generate higher emissions, while lower-emission diets may disproportionately benefit wealthier households.
A new study found that early life trauma in men is associated with lower levels of two specific sperm microRNAs, which can be transmitted to the next generation. The study suggests a possible link between childhood trauma and increased risk of stress-related disorders.
Researchers at Tufts University have identified the neural circuit in the hypothalamus that mediates leptin's anti-obesity and anti-diabetes effects. The study reveals two distinct mechanisms underlying leptin's inhibition of appetite, providing important insight into how leptin works and how resistance to it develops.
A large study has found a significant link between severe gum disease and an increased risk of cancer, particularly lung and colorectal cancer. The study, which used data from over 7,400 participants, found that those with advanced gum disease were 24% more likely to develop cancer than those without.
Researchers at Tufts University have developed a novel preclinical model of postpartum depression, showing the involvement of the HPA axis and specific protein KCC2 in inducing disorder. The study provides empirical evidence that dysregulation of the HPA axis and KCC2 can lead to behaviors mimicking postpartum depression.
Tufts researchers have developed a method to regenerate adult stem cells in the nasal tissue, improving sense of smell in mice. The discovery uses Yamanaka factors and offers a more efficient alternative to existing induced pluripotent stem cell technology, with implications for treating various tissue degeneration associated with aging.
A new study suggests that altering prices of seven dietary items could prevent an estimated 23,000 deaths per year in the US. The study found that subsidies for healthy foods and taxes on unhealthy foods could reduce deaths from stroke, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, especially among Americans with lower socioeconomic status.
A new study by Tufts University found that adding 48 minutes of moderate exercise per week can improve overall physical functioning and lower the risk of major mobility disability in older adults. This is particularly encouraging as it suggests that even small, incremental changes to activity levels can have significant benefits.
A new tool, G-TRUST, has been developed to help clinicians identify trustworthy and relevant practice guidelines. The eight-item checklist assesses guideline quality based on expert consensus, identifying low-quality guidelines and disqualifying high-quality ones.
A study by Tufts University researchers found that Congress has no historical justification for preempting state and local sugar-sweetened beverage taxes. The authors argue that such preemption undermines local control and challenges the financial stability of local governments.
A new study reveals that brand awareness is not a key factor in purchasing snacks among children, but their experience with money plays a significant role. Higher prices for unhealthy snacks may motivate children who have handled money to choose healthier options.
Researchers found that participants with higher fasting plasma glucose levels lost more weight on a high-fiber, low-glycemic diet compared to those with lower blood sugar levels. Participants with high fasting blood glucose had lost an average of 9.4% body weight, while those with low fasting blood glucose had lost 4.1%.
A new study from Tufts University's Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging has found that dairy products, including milks, yogurts, and cheeses, contain appreciable amounts of vitamin K in two natural forms: phylloquinone (PK) and menaquinones (MK).
A low-glycemic diet has been shown to arrest damage to the retina and halt the development of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in mice. The study identified potential biomarkers, including AGEs and oxidized fats, that can be used to predict AMD risk.
Neuroscientists at Tufts University have discovered a new signaling pathway that connects two major receptors in the brain associated with learning and memory. Astrocytes play a key role in regulating this pathway by sensing wakefulness and releasing chemicals that activate these receptors.
Researchers used GIS and spatial epidemiology to identify areas with highest rates and counts of hepatitis C infections in Massachusetts. The study found hotspots around Boston, New Bedford, and Springfield, highlighting the need for targeted prevention and treatment interventions.
Researchers at Tufts University found that exercise-induced irisin increases bone formation and thickness in mice, mimicking the effects of exercise on the skeletal system. The study suggests a potential new mechanism for regulating bone metabolism.
A systematic review found that lowering healthy food costs increases their consumption, while raising unhealthy food costs decreases intake. This intervention strategy has the potential to prevent disease and reduce healthcare costs associated with diet-related health issues.
A pilot study found that community-based 'Change Clubs' improved measures of heart health in Black/African American women, including a decrease in systolic blood pressure. The clubs empowered individuals to make behavioral changes through nutrition and exercise education.
A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that substituting whole grains for refined grains increases calorie loss by reducing calories retained during digestion. Participants who ate a whole-grain diet lost close to an extra 100 calories per day due to increased resting metabolic rate and greater fecal ...
Eating whole grains improved gut microbiota diversity and short-chain fatty acid production, leading to reduced inflammation and increased memory T cells. The study also found modest effects on TNF-alpha production and immune cell function.
A team of scientists from Tufts University has developed a virus cocktail that prevents cholera infection in animal models. The treatment, which uses bacteriophages to target the cholera bacteria, was found to be effective in eliminating the bacteria and reducing symptoms in over half of treated animals.
A new organ culture system developed by Tufts University researchers enables tests of BPA's direct effects on developing fetal mouse mammary tissue. BPA significantly increased tissue growth at environmentally relevant doses, while higher levels inhibited growth.
A new paper reviews nutritional considerations for healthy aging and reduction in age-related chronic disease. The authors emphasize the need for dietary resilience, protein requirements, and biomarkers to understand the impact of advancing age on muscle mass and nutrient absorption.
A study by Tufts University found that SNAP participants have a significantly higher risk of all-cause and cardiometabolic mortality, with three-fold higher diabetes mortality compared to non-participants. This highlights the need for policymakers to improve health outcomes among low-income Americans.
A government-supported policy to reduce salt consumption is projected to be highly cost-effective across the world, saving nearly 6 million life-years currently lost to cardiovascular disease each year. The study found that such a program would save at an average cost of $204 per life-year saved.
A global analysis of marketed complementary foods found a widespread lack of consistency in their nutritional content. Only 15% met benchmarks for fat content and under 25% met standards for iron and zinc.
Researchers at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine have successfully regenerated dental pulp-like tissues in animal model experiments using a collagen-based biomaterial to deliver stem cells. The approach shows promise in restoring normal tooth function and may offer an alternative to traditional endodontic treatments.
A new study found that high school girls with body image misperceptions are more likely to try alcohol and engage in heavy drinking. The researchers analyzed data from the 2013 National Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System, which found that 67.7% of girls had had at least one drink in their lifetime.
The FDA's triclosan ban is a starting point for addressing antibiotic resistance and environmental concerns. Researchers emphasize the need for new chemicals that demonstrate both efficacy and safety in replacing banned substances.
A new study from Tufts University found that learning through practice testing can protect memory against the negative effects of stress. Participants who used retrieval practice showed no impairment in memory after experiencing acute stress, while those who used traditional study practice remembered fewer items overall.
A 14-year study of 1,685 adult Americans found that regular sugar-sweetened beverage consumption is associated with increased risk of prediabetes and insulin resistance. Higher intake was linked to a 46% higher risk of developing prediabetes compared to low- or non-consumers.
Researchers found that beta-cryptoxanthin inhibits nicotine-linked lung cancer development in mouse models, reducing tumor number and invasiveness. The study suggests that eating foods high in BCX may have a beneficial effect on lung cancer risk for smokers and tobacco product users.
Researchers silenced SIRT2 to accelerate the degradation of Slug protein, reducing tumor growth and invasiveness in basal-like breast cancer cells. The study revealed a direct relationship between SIRT2, Slug stability, and malignant behavior, providing new insights into treating aggressive basal-like breast cancers.
Adult survivors of childhood cancer have poor adherence to federal dietary guidelines, with low intakes of whole grains and excessive sodium and empty calories. Incorporating nutrition into cancer care may help establish long-term healthy eating habits to promote well-being and prevent or delay new chronic diseases.
A study found that high folate consumption is associated with increased risk of peripheral neuropathy in older adults with a specific genetic variant. The researchers recommend keeping folate intake close to the recommended amounts and obtaining nutrients from a balanced diet.
A new study by Tufts University researchers found that children and teens with autism spectrum disorder are more likely to be obese and stay obese during adolescence. The study analyzed data from the National Survey of Children's Health and found a higher prevalence of obesity in children with ASD, which remained steady across age groups.
A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found significant variability in glycemic index values within individuals and among populations. This variability can affect how a food impacts blood sugar levels.
A new study finds significant growth of infective endocarditis admissions among people who inject drugs, particularly among young, white, and female individuals. The study also highlights a shift towards youth, with injection drug use-related infections increasing by 12% between 2000 and 2013.