https://annamctigue.journoportfolio.comRSS Feed for Anna McTigueenFri, 30 May 2025 00:00:00 +0100https://www.massgeneralbrigham.org/en/about/newsroom/press-releases/national-fluoride-ban-increase-childrens-tooth-decay-dental-costsFluoride has been added to public water systems in the United States since 1945 to strengthen tooth enamel and fight off bacteria, ultimately reducing tooth decay. Researchers developed a model to estimate dental health outcomes for children if the United States were to ban fluoridation of public water. The new study, published in JAMA Health Forum, found that banning fluoride would substantially increase dental decay and costs particularly for publicly insured children.Fri, 30 May 2025 00:00:00 +0100https://www.massgeneralbrigham.org/en/about/newsroom/press-releases/national-fluoride-ban-increase-childrens-tooth-decay-dental-costshttps://www.massgeneralbrigham.org/en/about/newsroom/press-releases/timely-initiation-of-statins-for-diabetes-reduces-heart-attack-and-strokeMass General Brigham observational study of over 7,000 patients with diabetes showed those who started statin therapy immediately cut the risk of a cardiovascular event by a third compared to those who opted to delay statin treatmentThu, 22 May 2025 00:00:00 +0100https://www.massgeneralbrigham.org/en/about/newsroom/press-releases/timely-initiation-of-statins-for-diabetes-reduces-heart-attack-and-strokehttps://www.massgeneralbrigham.org/en/about/newsroom/press-releases/researchers-develop-nasal-spray-gene-therapy-targeting-airway-lungsFor gene therapy to work well, therapeutic molecules need to be efficiently delivered to the correct locations in the body—a job commonly given to adeno-associated viruses (AAV).Thu, 22 May 2025 00:00:00 +0100https://www.massgeneralbrigham.org/en/about/newsroom/press-releases/researchers-develop-nasal-spray-gene-therapy-targeting-airway-lungshttps://www.massgeneralbrigham.org/en/about/newsroom/press-releases/pulse-rate-measure-predicts-cognitive-declineMass General Brigham study suggests the new measure is more sensitive than conventional ones. Healthy hearts are adaptable, and heartbeats exhibit complex variation as they adjust to tiny changes in the body and environment.Wed, 14 May 2025 00:00:00 +0100https://www.massgeneralbrigham.org/en/about/newsroom/press-releases/pulse-rate-measure-predicts-cognitive-declinehttps://www.massgeneralbrigham.org/en/about/newsroom/articles/cell-line-atlas-resource-for-biliary-tract-cancerNabeel El-Bardeesy, PhD, the John R. Gallagher III and Katherine A. Gallagher Endowed Chair in Gastrointestinal Cancer Research at Massachusetts General Hospital and an associate member at the Broad Institute, is a co-senior author of a paper published in Cancer Discovery.Wed, 14 May 2025 00:00:00 +0100https://www.massgeneralbrigham.org/en/about/newsroom/articles/cell-line-atlas-resource-for-biliary-tract-cancerhttps://www.massgeneralbrigham.org/en/about/newsroom/press-releases/persistent-mucus-plug-linked-to-faster-decline-copd-patientsSenior author Alejandro Diaz, MD, MPH, of the BWH Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, and team previously published a paper linking mucus plugs to increased mortality in patients with COPD, even for those who were not experiencing the hallmark symptoms like cough and phlegm production. The researchers next wanted to figure out how the persistence or resolution of mucus plugs influence the progression of the disease.  They examined data from 2,118 participants in the NIH-funded COP...Wed, 14 May 2025 00:00:00 +0100https://www.massgeneralbrigham.org/en/about/newsroom/press-releases/persistent-mucus-plug-linked-to-faster-decline-copd-patientshttps://www.massgeneralbrigham.org/en/about/newsroom/press-releases/increase-of-clu-promotes-brain-resilience-protection-from-alzheimersRecently approved Alzheimer’s drugs offer a step forward for treating the disease, but new therapeutic strategies are needed to complement them and provide personalized therapeutic approaches. Mass General Brigham researchers have identified a potential strategy to protect against Alzheimer’s disease by increasing the clusterin protein (CLU).Thu, 01 May 2025 00:00:00 +0100https://www.massgeneralbrigham.org/en/about/newsroom/press-releases/increase-of-clu-promotes-brain-resilience-protection-from-alzheimershttps://mgriblog.org/2025/04/30/how-the-nurses-health-study-transformed-public-health/The half-century-long, multigenerational study of over 280,000 nurses has helped shape our understanding of how lifestyle factors affect health and disease—and it’s still going strong today.Wed, 30 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0100https://mgriblog.org/2025/04/30/how-the-nurses-health-study-transformed-public-health/https://www.massgeneralbrigham.org/en/about/newsroom/articles/iv-magnesium-reduces-kidney-damage-from-cisplatin-chemotherapyShruti Gupta, MD, MPH, and David Leaf, MD, MMSc, of the Renal Division, Department of Medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital are the first and senior authors, respectively, of a paper published in JAMA Oncology, “Intravenous Magnesium and Cisplatin-Associated Acute Kidney Injury: A Multicenter Cohort Study.”Thu, 24 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0100https://www.massgeneralbrigham.org/en/about/newsroom/articles/iv-magnesium-reduces-kidney-damage-from-cisplatin-chemotherapyhttps://www.broadinstitute.org/news/potential-alzheimers-disease-therapeutic-target-identified-brain-immune-cellsTim-3 is an immune checkpoint molecule involved in immunity and inflammation recently linked to late-onset Alzheimer’s disease (AD), but its role in the brain was unknown until now. In a paper published in Nature, researchers from Mass General Brigham used preclinical models to uncover Tim-3’s role in microglia, the brain's resident immune cells, and have identified it as a promising therapeutic target for Alzheimer’s disease.Wed, 09 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0100https://www.broadinstitute.org/news/potential-alzheimers-disease-therapeutic-target-identified-brain-immune-cellshttps://www.massgeneralbrigham.org/en/about/newsroom/press-releases/new-gene-editing-tool-shows-promise-for-treating-diseases-with-multiple-mutations‘STITCHR’ uses an RNA system to replace entire genes, offering a practical and economically feasible innovation that addresses limitations of current gene-editing technologiesWed, 09 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0100https://www.massgeneralbrigham.org/en/about/newsroom/press-releases/new-gene-editing-tool-shows-promise-for-treating-diseases-with-multiple-mutationshttps://www.massgeneralbrigham.org/en/about/newsroom/press-releases/childhood-experiences-shape-white-matter-cognitive-effects-seen-years-laterA Mass General Brigham study of over 9,000 participants showed that early life adversities correlate with diminished white matter connections, increasing risk for cognitive difficulties, but supportive relationships may offer protectionMon, 07 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0100https://www.massgeneralbrigham.org/en/about/newsroom/press-releases/childhood-experiences-shape-white-matter-cognitive-effects-seen-years-laterhttps://www.massgeneralbrigham.org/en/about/newsroom/press-releases/automated-searches-of-health-records-unearth-hidden-hypertensionA Mass General Brigham trial of 648 patients found that the new automated method and intervention strategy resulted in nearly four times as many diagnoses and treatment plans for high blood pressure compared with traditional office-based health care visits.Mon, 31 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0100https://www.massgeneralbrigham.org/en/about/newsroom/press-releases/automated-searches-of-health-records-unearth-hidden-hypertensionhttps://www.massgeneral.org/news/research-spotlight/understanding-the-role-of-biological-sex-in-age-related-neurological-diseasesAnna K. Bonkhoff, MD and Natalia S. Rost, MD, MPH, of the Department of Neurology at Massachusetts General Hospital, are the lead and senior author, respectively, of a paper published in Science Advances titled “Sex differences in age-associated neurological diseases—A roadmap for reliable and high-yield research.”Mon, 24 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000https://www.massgeneral.org/news/research-spotlight/understanding-the-role-of-biological-sex-in-age-related-neurological-diseaseshttps://www.massgeneralbrigham.org/en/about/newsroom/press-releases/new-non-surgical-contraceptive-implant-delivered-through-tiny-needlesPreclinical study by Mass General Brigham researchers suggests a more patient-friendly approach to self-administered contraceptive shots that could offer an alternative to surgically implanted devices.Mon, 24 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000https://www.massgeneralbrigham.org/en/about/newsroom/press-releases/new-non-surgical-contraceptive-implant-delivered-through-tiny-needleshttps://www.massgeneral.org/news/research-spotlight/simulation-model-shows-affordability-hiv-prevention-infantsChristopher Alba, of the Medical Practice Evaluation Center at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) is the lead author and Caitlin Dugdale, MD, MSc of the Division of Infectious Diseases at MGH, is the senior author of a paper published in PLOS One, Cost-effectiveness of broadly neutralizing antibodies for HIV prophylaxis for infants born in settings with high HIV burdens.Thu, 20 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000https://www.massgeneral.org/news/research-spotlight/simulation-model-shows-affordability-hiv-prevention-infantshttps://www.massgeneralbrigham.org/en/about/newsroom/articles/inside-the-brain-quiz#accordion-749f4ba3ff-item-992a5eb9a4The brain is home to many biological processes that keep us alive and help make us who we are. Zooming in to the details of the underlying biology of the brain not only reveals fascinating research stories — it also creates stunning works of art! Check out these brain-related images from the annual Mass General Research Institute Image Awards that celebrate the beauty of research at Mass General Brigham and the incredible discoveries happening every day within the walls of our system. Can you...Tue, 18 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000https://www.massgeneralbrigham.org/en/about/newsroom/articles/inside-the-brain-quiz#accordion-749f4ba3ff-item-992a5eb9a4https://www.massgeneralbrigham.org/en/about/newsroom/press-releases/checking-psa-levels-prostate-cancer-surgery-overtreatmentAfter surgical removal of the prostate to treat prostate cancer, clinicians monitor Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) levels. Persistently elevated PSA levels indicate residual cancer and are linked to worse outcomes.Fri, 14 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000https://www.massgeneralbrigham.org/en/about/newsroom/press-releases/checking-psa-levels-prostate-cancer-surgery-overtreatmenthttps://www.massgeneralbrigham.org/en/about/newsroom/press-releases/mattress-satisfaction-surveySleep quality is a crucial aspect of health, yet while adults spend around a third of their lives sleeping, there is surprisingly little research on mattresses. Mass General Brigham researchers developed and tested the Boston Mattress Satisfaction Questionnaire (BMSQ), a new tool to rigorously assess mattress satisfaction and characteristics.Wed, 12 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000https://www.massgeneralbrigham.org/en/about/newsroom/press-releases/mattress-satisfaction-surveyhttps://www.massgeneral.org/news/research-spotlight/researchers-identify-link-to-kidney-in-myotonic-dystrophy-type-1Thurman M. Wheeler, MD, of the Department of Neurology at Massachusetts General Hospital, is the senior author of a paper published in Nature Communications, “Analysis of human urinary extracellular vesicles reveals disordered renal metabolism in myotonic dystrophy type 1.”Mon, 10 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000https://www.massgeneral.org/news/research-spotlight/researchers-identify-link-to-kidney-in-myotonic-dystrophy-type-1https://www.massgeneralbrigham.org/en/about/newsroom/press-releases/semaglutide-before-bariatric-surgery-does-not-improve-weight-loss-or-safetyMass General Brigham researchers found that total weight loss did not increase for patients who took semaglutide before having weight loss surgery, suggesting that a surgery first strategy could lead to better outcomes.Wed, 05 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000https://www.massgeneralbrigham.org/en/about/newsroom/press-releases/semaglutide-before-bariatric-surgery-does-not-improve-weight-loss-or-safetyhttps://bwhclinicalandresearchnews.org/2025/03/04/research-spotlight-identifying-intimate-partner-violence-with-a-radiology-screening-tool/Patrick J. Lenehan, MD, PhD and Anji Tang, MD are co-first authors, and Bharti Khurana, MD, MBA, in the Department of Radiology Trauma Imaging Research and Innovation Center (TIRIC) at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, is the corresponding author of a paper published in the Journal of the American College of Radiology (JACR), “Utilizing Radiology as a Screening Tool to Identify Intimate Partner Violence.” Intimate partner violence (IPV) is very common, with over 40% of women in the United States ex...Tue, 04 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000https://bwhclinicalandresearchnews.org/2025/03/04/research-spotlight-identifying-intimate-partner-violence-with-a-radiology-screening-tool/https://www.massgeneralbrigham.org/en/about/newsroom/press-releases/researchers-find-vulnerability-in-metabolism-that-drives-lung-cancer-growthResearchers from Mass General Brigham worked with a team to identify an enzyme that boosts cancer cell metabolism to fuel growth in a subset of lung cancers.Tue, 18 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000https://www.massgeneralbrigham.org/en/about/newsroom/press-releases/researchers-find-vulnerability-in-metabolism-that-drives-lung-cancer-growthhttps://www.massgeneralbrigham.org/en/about/newsroom/articles/world-cancer-day-2025-researchEarly detection and prevention remain key strategies to reduce the worldwide burden of cancer. In recognition of World Cancer Day on Feb. 4th, here are some recent highlights from Mass General Brigham investigators who are spearheading research-driven advances in cancer treatment, prevention and detection.Thu, 06 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000https://www.massgeneralbrigham.org/en/about/newsroom/articles/world-cancer-day-2025-researchhttps://bwhclinicalandresearchnews.org/2025/02/03/research-spotlight-predicting-consciousness-after-cardiac-arrest/Christopher Connor, MD, PhD, of the Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, is the senior author, and Samuel B. Snider, MD, of the Division of Neurocritical Care at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, is the first author of a paper published in Anesthesiology, “Developing an EEG-based model to predict awakening after cardiac arrest using partial processing with the BIS Engine.”Mon, 03 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000https://bwhclinicalandresearchnews.org/2025/02/03/research-spotlight-predicting-consciousness-after-cardiac-arrest/https://www.brighamandwomens.org/about-bwh/newsroom/research-briefs-detail?id=4838Researchers from Mass General Brigham and collaborating institutions have developed a non-invasive approach to manipulate cardiac tissue activity by using light to stimulate an innovative ink incorporated into bioprinted tissue.Thu, 30 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000https://www.brighamandwomens.org/about-bwh/newsroom/research-briefs-detail?id=4838https://annamctigue.journoportfolio.com/articles/new-antibody-approach-blocks-several-coronaviruses-and-resists-mutations/An international team of scientists has developed a new approach that uses antibodies that work together to prevent infection from several coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2. This approach is more resilient to viral evolution and offers valuable insight for developing the next generation of coronavirus vaccines and therapeutics.Mon, 20 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000https://annamctigue.journoportfolio.com/articles/new-antibody-approach-blocks-several-coronaviruses-and-resists-mutations/https://open.spotify.com/episode/77PKodMoza5ndHXZkJCrO4?si=5OZBhBl3T6O6OsKysKAd_ATuna live in international waters—so how can countries work together to manage tuna populations worldwide and fish responsibly? On this episode of Life in Life Science, conservation ecologist Nicole Schroeter takes us behind the scenes of a global mission to make the tuna industry more sustainable. We’ll also dive into the realities of working in the nonprofit world, and how a bredth of experiences helped her naviagate the workforce after college.Tue, 24 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000https://open.spotify.com/episode/77PKodMoza5ndHXZkJCrO4?si=5OZBhBl3T6O6OsKysKAd_Ahttps://annamctigue.journoportfolio.com/articles/she-trusted-her-gut-and-it-helped-revitalize-gene-therapy/Gene therapy is a revolutionary field of medicine that has the potential to cure genetic diseases—but after some adverse events in early clinical trials, it was broadly deemed too risky to pursue further. Dr. Stephanie Cherqui didn’t let this skepticism scare her; her vision for the potential of gene therapy allowed her to defy these setbacks and push through the barrier to bring gene therapy for Cystinosis, a rare genetic disease, from bench to bedside.Wed, 13 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000https://annamctigue.journoportfolio.com/articles/she-trusted-her-gut-and-it-helped-revitalize-gene-therapy/https://neuwritesd.org/2024/10/31/the-double-edged-sword-of-cellular-senescence/Why do some cells age gracefully and others lead to disease? Cellular senescence is a hot topic in aging and disease research, but it is a bit of a double-edged sword. This fascinating process can be both a friend and a foe to our health, playing both beneficial and detrimental roles.Thu, 31 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000https://neuwritesd.org/2024/10/31/the-double-edged-sword-of-cellular-senescence/