all Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center stories

NIH funds risky, potentially transformative research by Harvard faculty members

404132862 — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 11:17:05 -0400

Eighteen faculty members at Harvard and Harvard-affiliated institutions are among 115 scientists nationally whose promising and innovative work was recognized today with the announcement of three grant programs by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Drug for MS reactivates virus causing deadly brain disease

404132862 — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 17:00:00 -0400

The virus responsible for progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a rare brain disease that typically affects AIDS patients and other individuals with compromised immune systems, has been found to be reactivated in multiple sclerosis patients being treated with natalizumab (Tysabri).

Low-carb diets linked to atherosclerosis and impaired blood vessel growth

404132862 — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 15:00:00 -0400

Even as low-carbohydrate/high-protein diets have proven successful at helping individuals rapidly lose weight, little is known about the diets’ long-term effects on vascular health.

Fragile period of childhood brain development could underlie epilepsy

705287540 — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 14:59:30 -0400

A form of partial epilepsy associated with auditory and other sensory hallucinations has been linked to the disruption of brain development during early childhood, according to a study led by researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC).

When physicians share notes with their patients

50443248 — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 14:59:33 -0400

Patients across the country are voicing a growing desire for greater engagement in, and control over, their own medical care. A new study led by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) will examine the impact of adding a new layer of openness to a traditionally one-sided element of the doctor-patient relationship – the notes from patients’ doctors’ visits.

Shining light on leptin’s role in brain

50443248 — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 15:42:36 -0400

In investigating the complex neurocircuitry behind weight gain and glucose control, scientists have known that the hormone leptin plays a key role in the process. But within the myriad twists and turns of the brain’s intricate landscape, the exact pathways that the hormone travels to exert its influence have remained a mystery.

Preventive care savings calculator devised

50443248 — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 03:05:42 -0400

Study finds Harvard program may save millions

50443248 — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 03:17:04 -0400

Harvard Medical School researchers say they’ve come up with cost saving care

404132862 — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 11:25:26 -0400

Mobile health van returns $36 for every dollar invested

50443248 — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 13:08:55 -0400

Researchers from Harvard Medical School (HMS) have developed a prototype “return on investment calculator” that can measure the value of prevention services. Using a Boston-based mobile health program called the “Family Van” to test the tool, the team found that for the services provided in 2008, this program, in the long run, will return $36 for every dollar invested.

Mobile health clinics: Saving lives and money

50443248 — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 03:12:13 -0400

Acid-suppressive medicines increase pneumonia risk for hospital patients

50443248 — Wed, 27 May 2009 11:35:06 -0400

Ever since a class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors was introduced to the market in the late 1980s, the use of these acid-suppressive medications for heartburn, acid reflux, and other gastrointestinal symptoms has grown tremendously. The widespread use has extended to the inpatient hospital setting, where patients are often routinely given the medications as a way to prevent the development of stress ulcers.

Patients expect computers to play major role in health care

50443248 — Tue, 19 May 2009 16:18:28 -0400

As President Obama calls for streamlining heath care by fully converting to electronic medical records, and as Congress prepares to debate issues of patient privacy, one question has largely gone unasked: What do patients want?

Glutamine supplements show promise in treating stomach ulcers

50443248 — Fri, 15 May 2009 14:58:58 -0400

Nearly 20 years ago, it was discovered that bacteria known as Helicobacter pylori were responsible for stomach ulcers. Since then, antibiotics have become the primary therapy used to combat the H. pylori infection, which affects approximately 6 percent of the world population and is also a primary cause of stomach cancer. But today the bacteria are growing increasingly resistant to antibiotics.

Common virus could cause high blood pressure

50443248 — Thu, 14 May 2009 19:57:42 -0400

A new study suggests for the first time that cytomegalovirus (CMV), a common viral infection affecting between 60 percent and 99 percent of adults worldwide, is a cause of high blood pressure, a leading risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease.