Increased support for minority-focused research and community-based participatory research can improve understanding of chronic diseases across races and ethnicities. Policy recommendations include increasing non-white participant enrollment, educating healthcare providers, and funding research on gene-environment interactions.
A new food-print model suggests that the US can feed up to 800 million people from existing agricultural land with dietary changes. A vegetarian diet with dairy products has the highest carrying capacity, while vegan diets have the lowest.
A new meta-analysis of 102 randomized controlled trials found that consuming unsaturated fats in place of either carbohydrates or saturated fats improves insulin resistance and secretion. This could aid in the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes.
A two-year study found that restricting calories by 25% in healthy non-obese individuals reduced markers of chronic inflammation without negatively affecting immune responses. Chronic inflammation is linked to age-related diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and dementia.
Seventeen undergraduate students from diverse backgrounds participate in a ten-week research experience focused on heart and lung diseases. The program provides career mentoring, research training, and networking opportunities to prepare students for advanced study in biomedical science.
A new study from Tufts University researchers shows that the average weight of offensive linemen in Division III college football conferences has increased nearly 38 percent since 1956. The study highlights the need for post-football lifestyle changes to prevent long-term health complications and emphasizes the importance of helping at...
Researchers discover that AMPK, a protein activated during fasting, regulates 'hunger' neurons involved in feeding behavior, leading to increased food intake and body weight. Blocking AMPK activity reduces hunger and AgRP neuron firing, even after fasting.
Researchers at Tufts University School of Medicine identified a novel astroglia-mediated pathogenic mechanism contributing to fragile X syndrome symptoms. The study found that disrupting an astrocyte-specific glutamate transporter contributed to FXS-like symptoms, which were reversed by restoring FMRP and glutamate signaling.
A new study found that individual mycobacteria respond differently to antibiotics based on growth and timing, shedding light on the complexity of antibiotic tolerance. Bacteria in different stages of their cell cycle and size are susceptible to varying degrees.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE analyzed the association of butter consumption with chronic disease and all-cause mortality. The researchers found that butter consumption was only weakly associated with total mortality, not associated with cardiovascular disease, and slightly inversely associated with diabetes.
A study by researchers at Tufts University successfully reprograms cells from diabetic foot ulcers into pluripotent stem cells, which can be turned into various cell types important for wound healing. The findings provide a new target for treatment and may lead to the development of more effective therapies for non-healing wounds.
A study of 19 international studies found that higher blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids from seafood and plants were associated with a 10% lower risk of fatal heart attacks. People with the highest levels had a 25% lower risk, while nonfatal heart attacks showed no significant association.
Silva-Valenzuela will work in the laboratory of Andrew Camilli to determine which types of bacteriophages can effectively eliminate the cholera bacteria in water. The team aims to develop a novel approach to prevent cholera outbreaks.
A new study reveals a mechanism involved in lymphangiogenesis, specifically in corneal transplants and infectious eye disease, by inhibiting the overgrowth of lymphatic vessels. Galectin-8 promotes pathological lymphangiogenesis, increasing the risk of organ rejection and cancer metastasis.
Only 15% of children met the daily recommendation for moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, and girls were even less likely to meet the guideline. Overweight and obese children were also less active overall and achieved fewer minutes of MVPA during school, out-of-school, and on weekends.
The updated MyPlate for Older Adults icon emphasizes the nutritional needs of older adults, focusing on 50% fruits and vegetables, 25% whole grains, and 25% protein-rich foods. The icon also encourages physical activity and reduces sodium intake through spices.
The Tufts University School of Medicine/University of Massachusetts Boston Enrichment Program introduces undergraduate students to careers in clinical healthcare or biomedical research. Students participate in an intensive curriculum, career workshops, and mentoring relationships with medical professionals.
A recent study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that zinc supplementation significantly improved serum zinc concentrations and T-cell function in older adults with low zinc levels. The researchers also discovered a positive correlation between serum zinc levels and the number and effectiveness of T-cells.
A study of 364 restaurant meals found that 92% exceeded daily calorie requirements. Researchers propose restaurants be required to offer portion control options at a proportional price.
A study by Tufts University researchers found that high folic acid intake causes a lowered immune response in aged mice, particularly affecting natural killer cells. The study used an aged mouse model and found that excess folic acid impaired NK cell development, leading to reduced immunity against viral infections and cancer.
Researchers defined the makeup of synaptic clefts, the gaps between nerve cells, and found dynamic structures that can be altered by genetic mutations. The study sheds light on potential causes of autism and related disorders, including increased risk for drug addiction and impaired learning and memory.
A large prospective community-based study of older Americans found that modest physical activity is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Walking at a pace faster than three miles per hour and engaging in leisure activities such as lawn-mowing, raking, or hiking also showed significant CVD benefits.
A new study suggests that coconut oil can effectively control the overgrowth of a fungal pathogen called Candida albicans in mice. The research found that a coconut oil-rich diet reduced C. albicans in the gut by more than 90% compared to other dietary fats.
James Munro of Tufts University School of Medicine has received the NIH Director's New Innovator Award to develop a new way to use single molecule imaging of Ebola glycoproteins. This research aims to inform the design of structure-based vaccines to fight the spread of Ebola.
A recent study found that decreasing sugar-sweetened beverage intake in children over 12 months was associated with an increase in favorable HDL-C levels. The researchers also discovered that higher SSB consumption was linked to higher triglyceride concentrations and lower fruit/vegetable intake.
A global survey of beverage intakes found diverse consumption patterns, with younger adults consuming high levels of sugar-sweetened beverages and older adults drinking more milk. The study's results inform research on beverage health impacts and nutrition policy development.
A study at Tufts University trained medical residents to reflect on their interactions with patients, revealing three key themes: interdependence of physician-patient communication, subtleties of patient behavior, and images of growth and awareness. These reflections improved physicians' ability to respond empathetically to patients.
A recent study published in Circulation estimates that sugary drink consumption is responsible for approximately 133,000 deaths from diabetes, 45,000 deaths from cardiovascular disease, and 6,450 deaths from cancer annually. Reducing sugar-sweetened beverage consumption could save tens of thousands of lives worldwide.
Researchers argue that restrictive guidelines on total fat consumption have led to unhealthy choices and neglect the importance of healthy fats like nuts, vegetable oils, and fish. They advocate for a focus on adopting a healthier food-based dietary pattern with more vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
Research from Tufts University reveals that hyperlipidemia, high cholesterol and high triglycerides, accelerates heart-transplant rejection in mice. The studies, published online in the American Journal of Transplantation, found that mice fed a high-fat diet rejected their transplants faster than those on a lower-fat diet.
A daily sugar-sweetened beverage habit may increase the risk for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), researchers found in a study of over 2,600 adults. Consuming more than one sugar-sweetened beverage per day was associated with a higher prevalence of NAFLD.
New research finds that dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) preserves avian red blood cell viability, offering a potential solution for treating birds with life-threatening conditions. Further studies are needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of DMSO for long-term blood storage.
A new study from Tufts University found that diets high in glycemic load, such as those with refined grains and sugars, are associated with more weight gain. In contrast, protein-rich foods like fish, nuts, and yogurt are linked to weight loss, while dairy products with lower fat content do not seem to impact weight gain.
A study found that individuals on insulin experienced significantly higher levels of inflammation compared to those living in lower traffic areas. People taking oral diabetes medications did not show the same increase in inflammation, suggesting a potential protective effect.
The study found that overall diet quality worsened globally despite increased consumption of healthier foods in many countries. Poorer regions, such as Sub Saharan Africa and Latin America, showed little improvement in dietary patterns, highlighting the need for urgent action to address diet-related health issues.
A new study uses a fluorescent probe to track osteoarthritis development in male mice, providing insights into early detection and monitoring of the disease. The findings show that the probe emits a brighter signal in injured knees as the disease progresses.
Tufts researchers discovered a link between the ubiquitin and calpain pathways, leading to protein degradation and clouding of the lens that causes cataract. The study may provide insights into developing pharmaceutical and dietary approaches to delay cataract onset.
Researchers found that fast food portions remained relatively consistent in terms of calories, saturated fat, and sodium, but showed variation among chains. The exception was a decline in trans fat content, likely due to legislative efforts.
A new analysis shows that parents of children involved in an elementary school-based community intervention to prevent obesity appear to share in its health benefits. The study found a modest decrease in body mass index (BMI) among parents compared to those in control communities.
Researchers at Tufts University found that extra vitamin E protected older mice from pneumonia by regulating their immune system and reducing inflammation. The study shows promise for future research into the effects of vitamin E on human infections.
A Tufts University study reveals large disparities in death rates across race and ethnicity in Massachusetts for HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C. Hotspots of high mortality were found in communities with highest need for targeted public health and clinical responses.
A large-scale survey found that caregivers providing at-home oral care to adults with developmental disabilities face significant challenges, including behavioral problems and lack of training. The study emphasizes the need for policy initiatives to provide additional support for caregivers to promote good oral health outcomes.
Researchers found that phages can force cholera bacteria to give up their virulence in order to survive, making them less fit to cause infection. This discovery suggests a new strategy for treating or preventing cholera using phage therapy.
Researchers propose taxing nearly all packaged foods and subsidizing healthier options to encourage better dietary choices. The goal is to reduce health care costs associated with diet-related illnesses, such as diabetes and heart disease.
A new weight loss program has been shown to reverse the addictive power of unhealthy food and increase preference for healthy foods. The study found that participants who underwent the program had increased sensitivity to healthy foods and decreased sensitivity to unhealthy foods.
A new gene therapy approach has been shown to be effective in preventing and treating botulism exposure, with a single treatment leading to prolonged production of antitoxin proteins. The therapy, known as VNA gene therapy, can protect against toxin-mediated diseases such as C. difficile and Shiga toxin-producing E. coli infections.
A new analysis found that high sodium intake above the World Health Organization's recommendation of 2.0g per day contributes to nearly one in 10 global cardiovascular deaths. The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, estimated 1.65 million annual cardiovascular deaths globally.
A study conducted by researchers at Tufts University found that only 27% of elementary school children's lunches met federal guidelines for fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low- or non-fat dairy. The researchers also found that snacks from home were often high in sugar and calories, with few students drinking water instead of suga...
A retrospective study found that adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities experienced a significant decrease in cavity rates as they received regular dental care. However, gum disease rates increased over time, highlighting the need for effective solutions to address these challenges.
A study published in the FASEB Journal identified a key gene regulation mechanism associated with age-related muscle loss. The researchers found that older adults had lower levels of microRNAs, small RNA molecules that regulate genes, compared to younger men, which hindered their ability to build muscle after exercise.