Researchers found that deleting the APC gene from select neurons in the mouse brain led to reduced social behavior, increased repetitive behavior, and impaired learning and memory formation. The study provides insights into how the loss of APC affects brain development, learning, and behavior.
A study published in Science Signaling reveals that calcium channels in resting neurons activate the breakdown of Sp4, a transcription factor regulating gene expression. The research suggests that misregulation of Sp4 may contribute to the development of bipolar disorder.
A new study found that individuals with a high genetic risk score for obesity who consume more saturated fat have higher Body Mass Index (BMI). Limiting saturated fat may help people with a genetic predisposition to obesity.
A study led by a Cummings School veterinarian aims to explore the benefits of pets in reducing childhood obesity. The research project will test whether companion animals can aid children in sticking with weight loss interventions.
A study led by Tufts University researchers reveals that SLUG transcription factor regulates stem cell function and determines breast cancer type, with potential implications for targeted therapies. The study found that SLUG-deficient mice exhibited defects in breast-cell differentiation and tumor formation.
Researchers at Tufts University have discovered a mechanism linked to the development of severe schistosomiasis, a disease caused by parasitic worms. The innate cell receptor CD209a controls the magnitude of disease, with mice expressing high levels of CD209a developing severe inflammation.
The Feinstein International Center at Tufts University is awarded an $8.5 million contract to support evidence-gathering from agriculture projects in Ethiopia. The project aims to understand the impact of agricultural development on rural communities and inform policy improvements.
Researchers at Tufts University have discovered that deleting the FAT10 gene reduces body fat and extends lifespan in mice by 20%, improving insulin sensitivity and protection against type 2 diabetes. The study provides a promising lead for future research into the role of FAT10 in coordinating immunity and metabolism.
A new cell type has been identified as a contributing factor to post-traumatic epilepsy caused by traumatic brain injury. The study found that damage to interneurons disrupts neurotransmitter levels, leading to increased epileptic activity.
A study at Tufts University has identified the gene TAZ as a critical regulator of breast cell development and cancer. The research team found that TAZ helps to control whether breast cells behave like basal or luminal cells, which is important in understanding and treating certain types of aggressive breast cancer.
The Northeast region of the US is vulnerable to changes in food production due to climate change, with population growth and dietary choices expected to impact regional self-reliance. The region can satisfy its residents' food needs through a diverse range of crops and livestock production.
Patients with Sjögren's syndrome report higher levels of cognitive, psychological, and physical impairment than peers, yet still maintain high functional levels. The study suggests that people with Sjögren's can compensate for the disease's effects and function reasonably well.
A study found that young adults who cared for animals reported feeling more connected to their communities and having empathy. The quality of the animal relationship was a key factor in developing positive youth development characteristics.
A recent study published in the Journal of Neuroscience has discovered a new player in regulating food intake and body weight, providing potential avenues for treating obesity. The research reveals that alpha2/delta-1 facilitates brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) function, which plays a critical role in appetite suppression.
Researchers at Tufts University found that wolfberries can increase immune system activity and protect against the flu virus in older mice who received the flu vaccine. The study suggests potential benefits for humans as well, where age-related weakening of the immune system reduces vaccine effectiveness.
Researchers at Tufts University found that exposure therapy remodels inhibitory junctions in the amygdala, allowing fear responses to be alleviated. The study may aid in developing more effective treatments for anxiety disorders.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that a topical compound called PPADS can inhibit symptoms associated with both dry and wet AMD, offering promise for a breakthrough treatment. The researchers tested the compound on mice and observed significant reduction in tissue damage and blood vessel growth characteristic of AMD.
A recent study by Tufts University researchers found that exposure to social stress in new mothers can negatively impact their daughter's ability to provide maternal care. The transgenerational study used female rats to model postpartum depression, revealing similar behavioral and physiological changes in second-generation females.
Researchers at Tufts University School of Medicine identified how Yersinia bacteria immobilizes the immune system to grow in infected organs. The study used a TEM-1 reporter system to color-code cells and found that YopH deactivates multiple proteins, blocking calcium flows vital to normal immune cell communication.
A new study by Tufts University suggests that vasectomy may be more effective than traditional neutering in managing feral cat populations, as it prevents reproductive hormones from protecting turf from competitors. The research supports the use of a trap-vasectomy-hysterectomy-release method to control feral cat colonies.
Two Tufts University biomedical graduate students, Seblewongel Asrat and Jennifer Nwankwo, have been awarded HHMI International Student Research Fellowships to study Legionnaires' disease and sickle cell disease. The fellowships provide $43,000 in funding for the first year, with renewal opportunities for two additional years.
A recent study found that a Mediterranean diet pattern can prevent stroke in individuals with a genetic variant associated with type 2 diabetes. The researchers discovered that adherence to the Mediterranean diet compensated for the increased risk of stroke in those with two copies of the gene variant, reducing their susceptibility.
A 20-month community intervention program, Shape Up Somerville, showed a modest but significant reduction in weight gain among children, with fewer obese and overweight kids compared to control communities. The program's success highlights the effectiveness of holistic, community-based approaches in addressing childhood obesity.
Researchers have discovered similar brain structural abnormalities in dogs with canine compulsive disorder (CCD) as those found in humans with OCD. This study may lead to the development of new therapies for OCD and related conditions.
A new study reveals that individual and small-chain restaurant meals significantly exceed recommended daily calorie needs, with an average single meal containing two to three times the estimated calorie needs of an individual adult. The findings suggest that limiting menu labeling to large chain restaurants may not be enough to lower t...
A team of healthcare professionals at Tufts University developed a list of 76 EPAs to structure competency-based assessment for family medicine residents. The EPAs cover key skills such as patient care, communication, and practice management.
Researchers at Tufts University found a statistical association between dental anesthesia and missing lower wisdom teeth in children. The study suggests that injecting anesthesia into young children may interrupt the development of wisdom teeth.
A research paper published in Academic Medicine highlights the successful development of an infectious disease curriculum, which increased student engagement and improved understanding of course content. The curriculum was piloted in five Boston Public Schools and showed significant improvements in science literacy and critical thinkin...
A clinical isolate of E. coli resistant to carbapenems has been studied, revealing four genetic mutations that enable the bacteria to survive and multiply despite the presence of antibiotics. These mutations involve changes to membrane proteins, regulatory proteins, and a multidrug efflux pump.
Researchers at Tufts University School of Medicine found that modifying astrocyte signals can limit the spread of damage after an ischemic brain stroke. By regulating neurotransmitter pathways, astrocytes play a critical role in the spread of damage following stroke.
A new study reveals that certain viruses, known as bacteriophages, can hijack the immune systems of bacteria to overcome their defenses. This discovery has significant implications for phage therapy, which could potentially treat bacterial infections resistant to antibiotics.
Employees enrolled in a six-month worksite-based weight loss intervention with behavioral counseling lost an average of 18 pounds, while those in a control group gained two pounds. The study also found improvements in markers for cardiovascular disease and diabetes risk.
Researchers at Tufts University have found that astrocytes regulate a neurotransmitter involved in sleep, which may lead to the development of effective and fast-acting antidepressant drugs. The study suggests that mimicking sleep deprivation in mice by manipulating astrocytes can rapidly improve depressive-like symptoms.
Researchers found a link between a specific gene variant and lower triglyceride levels, as well as higher HDL cholesterol. Carriers of the variant tend to have lower risk of cardiovascular disease, particularly when consuming more polyunsaturated fat.
A recent study published in Journal of Applied Physiology suggests that ceramide, a fat molecule, may contribute to muscle loss in older adults. The researchers found that older men had higher levels of ceramide in their muscles compared to younger men, and this was associated with reduced leg muscle mass.
A study published in Biological Psychiatry found that chronic social stress caused by unstable cage composition in adolescent mice led to increased anxiety and poor social interactions in their female offspring. The effects were observed across multiple generations, with stressed male mice also passing on these behaviors to their femal...
A comprehensive study of 4,732 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities found a high burden of oral disease, including dental caries and periodontitis. The study highlights the need for greater awareness and preventive strategies to improve oral health in this vulnerable population.
Researchers discovered that Candida albicans can distinguish between healthy and unhealthy hosts by altering its physiology based on the levels of protein Efg1p. In immunocompromised patients, fungal cells with lower levels of this protein thrive, leading to serious infections.
A study by Tufts University researchers found that a single moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury can disrupt proteins regulating BACE1 enzyme associated with Alzheimer's. The team identified complex mechanisms leading to rapid elevation of BACE1 in the brain, which may lead to new drug treatment targeting this mechanism.
Research from Tufts University found that being born to an obese mother with elevated hepcidin levels is associated with lower iron status at birth. Overproduction of hepcidin interferes with the transfer of iron from mother to infant, potentially leading to health problems.
A pooled analysis of 11 randomized clinical trials found that higher doses of vitamin D (above 800 IUs) significantly reduced the risk of fractures in older adults. In contrast, lower doses showed no benefit for fracture prevention.
Researchers at Tufts University have developed two surveys, FETCH and CATCH, to evaluate the quality of life for dogs and cats with heart disease. The tools ask owners to rank aspects of their pet's health on a scale of 0-5, allowing veterinarians to assess the animal's perceived quality of life.
A novel 'beads on a string' approach may help reduce cost and development time for agents that neutralize and clear pathogenic molecules. The strategy has been shown to be efficacious against several toxins and may also prove effective in targeting other types of pathogens.
A study in rats found that adolescent female rats exposed to marijuana-like cannabinoids through their mothers had a higher preference for morphine, suggesting increased risk of drug abuse in their male offspring. The findings support earlier reports on the negative effects of prenatal cannabinoid exposure on development and behavior.
A new study suggests that improving or maintaining physical fitness helps obese and overweight children reach a healthy weight. The research found that students who were initially underfit became fit, leading to a healthier weight, with benefits seen in both boys and girls.
A study at Tufts University has identified specific epigenetic signatures that can predict the expression of a wound-healing protein in reprogrammed skin cells. This breakthrough brings researchers closer to developing personalized tissue regeneration strategies using stem cells from patients, eliminating the need for human embryonic s...
Researchers at Tufts University have combined two peptides to successfully stimulate wound healing. The combination promotes blood vessel growth, tissue re-growth, and cell migration, demonstrating a 50% increase in blood vessel wall development.
Researchers created three-dimensional lab-made tissue models to study oral cancer, revealing the importance of epigenetic mechanisms in cancer development and progression. The findings support the need for more complex tissue-like systems in cancer drug screening, replacing conventional petri dish cultures.
Researchers at Tufts University have discovered a novel mechanism regulating stress response in the brain, involving neurosteroids and specific receptors. Blocking these receptors may lead to new approaches for managing stress-related disorders such as depression, epilepsy, and obesity.
The widespread use of antibiotics in animal farming creates an environment for antibiotic-resistant bacteria to multiply and spread to humans. Studies show that up to 90% of antibiotics given to livestock are excreted into the environment, contributing to resistance genes and promoting infection risk.