For centuries, archaeologists have reconstructed the early history of Europe by digging up ancient settlements and examining the items that their inhabitants left behind. More recently, researchers have been scrutinizing something even more revealing than pots, chariots and swords: DNA. David Reich, professor of genetics, led the research.
New research reveals that people who report higher levels of intellectual stimulation throughout their lifetimes don’t actually exhibit lower levels of protein plaques and other signs of Alzheimer’s compared to those who don’t. But also found that staying mentally and socially active can push back the appearance of memory problems and other symptoms of Alzheimer’s. Keith Johnson, professor of radiology at Massachusetts General Hospital, led the research.
In a recent study, researchers discovered “biological commonalities” among women who look younger than their actual age. Alexandra Kimball, professor of dermatology at Massachusetts General Hospital, led the study.
Cesarean section may leave babies vulnerable to chronic health problems such as asthma, diabetes and obesity, a new analysis hints. Susan Hellerstein, assistant professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive biology at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, is quoted.
Never before has mankind’s obsession with the smile been so easily actionable. Cosmetic dentistry now represents the largest nonsurgical beauty industry after makeup. Marc Ackerman, assistant professor of developmental biology at Boston Children’s Hospital, is quoted.
Rudolph Tanzi, Joseph P. and Rose F. Kennedy Professor of Child Neurology and Mental Retardation at Massachusetts General Hospital, coauthored this opinion piece about the public’s determination to find an easy cure for Alzheimer’s.
As an alternative to prosthetics, some scientists are interested in bioengineering replacement limbs using tissues or cells from limb recipients. Researchers took a step toward this goal by essentially regrowing rat forearms and hands from a biological scaffold. Harald Ott, assistant professor of surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital, is the study’s coauthor.
Researchers from a Boston hospital detailed the results of a five-year study, showing that a Sanofi drug which helps moderate glucose levels in those with type II diabetes, did not increase the risk of a cardiovascular event. Marc Pfeffer, Victor J. Dzau Professor of Medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, is principal investigator of the study.
For women already facing the physical and emotional trauma of breast cancer, chronic pain after a mastectomy can be devastating. Julie Silver, an associate professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, is quoted.
Jean Fain, teaching associate in psychiatry at Cambridge Health Alliance, participated in an interview about self-compassion as an antidote to dieting and eating issues. Joji Suzuki, assistant professor of psychiatry at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, discussed motivational interviewing as a tool to support healthier eating.
