It’s well known by now that active people typically live longer than those who are sedentary. But precisely what types or amounts of exercise most affect life span has not been clear. Several new studies, though, are beginning to provide some clarity, suggesting that certain activities may be better than others in terms of affecting mortality risk. A study by I-Min Lee, HMS professor of medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, is mentioned.
The threat of deep spending cuts to begin in January if Congress does not act has prompted 16 Massachusetts university presidents and hospital executives to fire off letters today to the Bay State delegation, pleading with them to adopt deficit reduction strategies that preserve federal funding for scientific research. Harvard and several affiliated hospitals are represented in the letter.
A device that would allow paralyzed people to use their thoughts to move robotic limbs fluidly and realistically is now one step closer to reality. Ziv Williams, HMS assistant professor of surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital, led the team.
Scientists have identified a new gene variant that seems to strongly raise the risk for Alzheimer’s disease, giving a fresh target for research into treatments for the neurological disorder. Rudolph Tanzi, the Joseph P. and Rose F. Kennedy Professor of Child Neurology at Massachusetts General Hospital, is quoted.
A small study of professional soccer players found that even those who have never experienced a concussion still have changes in the white matter of their brains, likely from routine and unprotected headers. Inga K. Koerte, HMS visiting research fellow in psychiatry at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, led the study.
Taking periodic stock of your emotional well-being can help identify warning signs of common ailments like depression or anxiety. Douglas Jacobs, HMS associate clinical professor of psychiatry at McLean Hospital is the founder of Screening for Mental Health. Jeffrey Borenstein, HMS instructor in medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, is also quoted.
