Tufts scientists highlight the overlooked feedback loop between drought, soil desiccation cracking, and carbon dioxide emissions, which could accelerate climate change. The study suggests that soil's 80% carbon storage capacity is releasing increasing amounts of greenhouse gases as droughts trigger cracks in soils.
Researchers found that individuals with poor self-reported oral health are at the same level of risk as those with diagnosed periodontal disease. Infrequent dental visits were also associated with an increase in all-cause mortality.
Researchers at Tufts University School of Medicine found that traumatic brain injuries lead to widespread changes in neural connections throughout the brain. The study used imaging technology to track neuronal activity after a brain injury, revealing new pathways formed by both hemispheres.
Researchers have engineered bovine muscle stem cells to produce their own fibroblast growth factor, reducing the cost of production for cultivated meat. This innovation could lead to more affordable and accessible cultured meat products in the near future.
A study found that women consuming higher amounts of plant-based protein developed fewer chronic diseases and were generally healthier later in life. Plant protein was strongly linked to sound mental health, lower LDL cholesterol, and improved insulin sensitivity.
A study by Tufts University found that employer-sponsored health insurance costs are holding back wage growth, with premiums eating up a growing proportion of workers' compensation. This has contributed to income inequality, particularly among Black and Hispanic families, as well as lower-wage workers.
Researchers created multicellular bots from human tracheal cells that move across surfaces and promote healing of damaged neurons in a lab dish. The discovery could lead to new therapeutic tools for regeneration, healing, and disease treatment using patient-derived biobots.
A Tufts University study found strong links between residential segregation and disparities in early death rates from common causes. The research suggests that reducing segregation can lead to reduced health disparities and lower mortality rates.
Researchers at Tufts University have created hybrid transistors using silk proteins that can detect changes in humidity, oxygenation levels, and glucose. The transistors have the potential to enable integrated circuits that train themselves and respond to environmental signals.
Researchers at Tufts University developed a genome-scale metabolic model to identify potential new treatment targets for Lyme disease. The model successfully predicted two compounds that selectively target Lyme bacteria while leaving other helpful bacteria untouched.
A new study published in Nature Communications found that global sugary drink consumption increased by at least 16% since 1990, with the highest intakes observed in Latin America and Sub-Saharan Africa. The study also reveals significant regional differences and correlations between sugary drink intake and socio-economic status.
Researchers discovered how corrosion and crystallization over centuries created nanofabrication of photonic crystals in ancient Roman glass. The crystals have applications in modern technology, including waveguides, optical switches, and devices for fast optical communications.
A new study by Tufts University reveals that nearly 36 million people in the US live behind levees, but many are from vulnerable populations, including minorities, people with disabilities, and low-income individuals. The study highlights alarming disparities in population density behind levees compared to those on higher ground, parti...
A Tufts University study found that produce prescription programs associated with significant improvements in health outcomes, including halving food insecurity and lowering blood pressure. The programs provided free fruits and vegetables to low-income individuals with diet-related illnesses, resulting in clinically relevant outcomes.
A study by Tufts University researchers suggests that fully synchronizing school meals with updated US nutrition standards would have significant health benefits for children. The changes, including limiting added sugars and sodium, could prevent over 10,600 deaths per year and save billions in healthcare costs.
A recent study by Tufts University researchers found that myo-inositol in human breast milk increases synaptic connections between neurons, indicating stronger brain connectivity. This finding could lead to improved infant formulas and better brain health outcomes for adults with certain psychiatric conditions.
A study by researchers at Tufts University found that the majority of forced labor risks come from animal-based proteins, processed fruits and vegetables, and discretionary foods. The study aims to provide policymakers with information to create a just and sustainable food supply.
Researchers at Tufts University have developed modified yeast that can efficiently consume agricultural waste biomass sugars, including xylose, arabinose, and cellobiose. This breakthrough enables the production of biofuels, pharmaceuticals, and bioplastics with a significantly reduced carbon footprint.
A recent study by Tufts Wildlife Clinic found that approximately 30% of hawks and owls were positive for exposure to neurotoxic rodenticide bromethalin. This discovery expands upon the previous research on anticoagulant rodenticides, which showed that all red-tailed hawks tested were positive for ARs.
A new national study found whole genome sequencing to be nearly twice as effective as a targeted gene sequencing test at identifying genetic disorders in newborns and infants. The targeted panel missed 40% of diagnoses that WGS captured, while also revealing 134 new genetic diagnoses.
A nationwide produce prescription program for patients with diabetes and food insecurity could prevent 296,000 cases of cardiovascular disease and gain 260,000 quality-adjusted life years. The program is estimated to save $39.6 billion in healthcare spending and $4.8 billion in lost productivity costs.
Research suggests that seaweed farming could be a game-changer for addressing food insecurity globally. By reducing the need for land, freshwater, and chemical fertilizers, seaweed cultivation can lead to higher incomes for farmers in coastal regions of Africa and Southeast Asia. As demand for nutrient-rich seaweed products grows world...
The Tufts Clinical and Translational Science Institute has received a $78.4 million NIH grant to accelerate the translation of laboratory and medical research into clinical use. The grant will support efforts to improve health and increase health equity, with a focus on addressing health disparities.
A new study from Tufts University predicts a significant increase in extreme temperatures affecting wheat yields in the US and China. The research warns of potentially disastrous consequences for global food supplies if crops are impacted by heat stress, which can occur at temperatures above 27.8°C.
Tufts University researchers have developed immortalized bovine muscle stem cells that can grow rapidly and divide hundreds of times, making it possible to produce millions of metric tons of cell-cultured meat per year. This breakthrough reduces the need for animal biopsies and increases scalability for the production of cultured meat.
A study by Tufts University researchers reveals how DNA repair can fail near expanded repeats, leading to mutations and disease. The team found that certain proteins play a crucial role in stabilizing the DNA during repair.
Researchers at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine and Tufts Medical Center have developed a new platform to test cardiac side effects of chemotherapy using canine heart tissue. The platform yields quicker and more comprehensive results than standard rodent models, making it a promising alternative for cancer drug toxicity testing.
A study from Tufts University researchers estimates that menu calorie labels can prevent at least 28,000 obesity-associated cancer cases and 16,700 cancer deaths over a lifetime, saving $2.8 billion in healthcare costs. The policy is expected to have the greatest impact on young adults and Hispanic/Black individuals.
A study by Tufts University researchers estimates that poor diet contributed to over 14.1 million cases of type 2 diabetes in 2018, accounting for 70% of new diagnoses globally. The analysis found that diets rich in refined grains and processed meat had the greatest impact on type 2 diabetes incidence.
Researchers at Tufts University have successfully produced bulk fat tissue in a lab that has a similar texture and makeup to natural animal fat. The aggregated fat cells can be fine-tuned to resemble real-life fat within meat, offering a key step towards mass production of cultured meat.
A new study reveals that cross-sector coalitions can create effective policies, systems, and environments for change in addressing early childhood obesity. By bringing together individuals from government, public health, healthcare, and other arenas, coalitions can diffuse knowledge into social and professional networks, leading to inc...
A new study from Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University found that highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) was associated with the deaths of over 330 New England harbor and gray seals. The virus was detected in birds and seals on the same beach, highlighting a potential route of transmission.
A new study by Tufts University researchers has identified a small molecule, Compound 350, that may help treat people with epilepsy whose condition has become resistant to traditional anti-seizure drugs. The compound was found to reduce seizure activity in rodents with drug-resistant seizures and lower brain cell death.
A new study from Tufts University School of Medicine and the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences suggests that the timing of inhibitory neuron cell death may be a key factor in infantile spasms syndrome. Early diagnosis and treatment could potentially prevent significant impairments associated with the condition, offering hope for f...
A study in mice found that chronic stress impairs allopregnanolone production, a key neurosteroid involved in regulating emotions. This finding suggests that synthetic neurosteroid analogs might exert a beneficial effect in individuals with depression.
A Tufts-led team discovered a brain region marker that indicates vulnerability to developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The study found heightened amygdala activation in response to neutral facial expressions, suggesting an acquired characteristic of PTSD. This finding may inform early intervention strategies for individual...
A new study from Tufts University finds that dollar stores have doubled their share in rural areas, with households headed by people of color and lower-income households relying heavily on them. The growth of dollar stores raises concerns about the nutritional value of their food offerings and potential displacement of local grocers.
Researchers at Tufts University develop biopolymer-based sensors that can detect bacteria, toxins, and chemicals in the environment. The sensors glow when dangers are present and can be printed on a wide range of materials, including wearable items and food jars.
Researchers propose that some Micronesian islands were settled around 3,330 years ago, challenging the current assumption of a 1,000-year gap. Sea-level rise data suggest interaction between northern and southern migration routes, potentially revealing more about Pacific peopling.
A study published by Tufts University has found a link between higher levels of vitamin D in brain tissue and improved cognitive function in adults. The research, which analyzed brain tissue from over 200 participants, suggests that vitamin D may play a role in protecting the aging brain against diseases such as Alzheimer's.
A recent study by Tufts University School of Dental Medicine found a significant association between vaping and an increased risk of developing cavities. The study analyzed data from over 13,000 patients and found that 79% of vaping patients were categorized as having high-caries risk, compared to 60% of the control group.
Researchers at Tufts University found a strong correlation between higher Food Compass scores and lower risk of disease and death. Diets with higher scores were associated with improved blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, and hemoglobin A1c levels.
A new report from Tufts University School of Medicine proposes a policy platform that reduces gun violence by 28%, backed by research on common ground between gun owners and non-gun owners. The platform includes policies such as violent misdemeanor laws, universal background checks, and state gun permitting systems.
Researchers at Tufts University have created silk-based materials with exceptional water-repelling properties, surpassing those of current nonstick coatings. The modified silk can be molded into various shapes and forms, making it suitable for a wide range of consumer products and medical applications.
Using artificial intelligence, researchers from Tufts University have devised rules for faster and more effective identification of potential new drug cocktails against tuberculosis. The study developed a set of design principles to assemble drug combinations, reducing the amount of testing needed before moving to further study.
Researchers at Tufts University have developed a novel mRNA-based approach to generate complex antibodies in muscle cells, which can be used to treat various diseases including botulism and cancer. The technique has shown promising results in neutralizing lethal doses of botulinum neurotoxins in mice.
Researchers at Tufts University have developed a targeted cancer vaccine that delivers mRNA directly to the lymphatic system, resulting in potent immune responses and complete remission in mice with metastatic melanoma. The vaccine's effectiveness was demonstrated by a 40% rate of complete response and excellent immune memory.
Researchers at Tufts University School of Medicine suggest improvements to the release process and treatment for individuals with opioid use disorder (MOUD) who are transitioning from jail to the community. The study identifies three critical areas for improvement: bridge doses, better communication, and phone access.
A new study found that higher red meat consumption is linked to a 22% increased risk of cardiovascular disease in older adults, with gut bacterial metabolites like TMAO playing a key role. The study also suggests that traditional ASCVD risk pathways like blood cholesterol and blood pressure may be less important than previously thought.
Scientists at Tufts University found that varicella zoster virus (VZV) may activate herpes simplex virus (HSV-1), leading to inflammation and accumulation of Alzheimer's associated proteins in the brain. This suggests a new pathway to Alzheimer's disease.