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Gender differences in the ability to recognize female celebrities linked to the level of a country’s gender equality

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Study in mice shows the nervous system not only detects the presence of Salmonella in the gut but actively stops the organism from infecting the body Nerves in the gut prevent Salmonella infection by shutting the cellular gates that allow bacteria to invade the intestine and spread beyond it As a second line of defense, gut neurons help avert Salmonella invasion by maintaining the levels of key protective microbes in the gut Findings reveal prominent role for nervous system in infection protection and regulation of immunity

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New study reveals hierarchy of behaviors in a single-cell organism The organism, S. roeselii, appears to “change its mind” and modify its response to repeated exposure to irritating particles Findings suggest certain single-cell organisms may have the capacity for relatively complex "decision-making"

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DARPA-funded project called STOP PAIN aimed at the design of safer, more effective pain treatments Research to focus on understanding the biology of pain as a way to transform clinical care, help stem the public health crisis fueled by opioids Efforts will encompass expertise from fields including neurobiology, stem cell biology, artificial intelligence and computational and medicinal chemistry

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Neuroscientists have decoded how visual cues reorganize the activity of compass neurons in fruit flies to maintain an accurate sense of direction. Tracking individual neurons as flies navigate a virtual reality environment, they shed light on how organisms build a spatial map of their world.

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New analysis casts doubt on effectiveness of Medicare payment incentive program as a way to curb hospital readmissions Study suggests drop in readmission rates observed after program launch likely stemmed from a broader decline in admissions rather than as a result of the program The findings highlight the need for implementing policies in ways that allow their impact to be distinguished from other changes in health care

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Study shows measles wipes out 20 to 50 percent of antibodies against an array of viruses and bacteria, depleting a child’s previous immunity Measles-ravaged immune system must “relearn” how to protect the body against infections Study details mechanism and scope of this measles-induced “immune amnesia” Findings underscore importance of measles vaccination, suggesting those infected with measles may benefit from booster shots of all previous childhood vaccines

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HMS scientist's work will aim to elucidate the role of cellular decision-making in cancer development

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Study in mice reveals new immune regulatory mechanism involved in cancer, viral infections Silencing immune-regulating gene in immune cells eradicated colon cancer in mice Approach also helped some animals clear an aggressive form of melanoma Findings offer pathway for design of new class of immune-based cancer therapies

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Barely half of authors of more than 7,000 research papers on health in sub-Saharan Africa come from the country studied in the paper. More than two-thirds of these studies include authors from the U.S., Canada, Europe or a different African country. Overall, about half of first authors were from the country studied. In papers that included co-authors from top U.S. universities, fewer than one in four first authors were from the country studied.

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Harvard Medical School has selected the 2019 media fellows for the second of its two thematic tracks this year: Immunity and Inflammation: A friend, a foe (Nov. 4-8).

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Researchers discover that the activity of the nervous system might influence human longevity Neural excitation linked to shorter life, while suppression of overactivity appears to extend life span Protein REST, previously shown to protect aging brains from dementia and other diseases, emerges as a key player in molecular cascade related to aging Findings suggest future avenues for intervention in diseases ranging from Alzheimer’s to bipolar disorder

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New center for autism research will explore the basic biology of autism and related neurodevelopmental disorders Scientists to study how genetic and environmental factors intersect to give rise to a family of dauntingly complex conditions affecting one in 59 children in the United States Scientists will tackle current gaps in knowledge in the neurobiology of the condition Center enabled by $20 million gift from philanthropists whose contributions to autism-related research total nearly $70 million to date

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Secret-shopper-style study of nine Web-based and digital-app vendors of contraception scripts shows their services are overall safe and efficient Analysis also reveals reliable screening by vendors for contraindicated health conditions and medications in line with CDC prescription guidelines Such services may help reduce barriers to contraception and expand access for underserved populations Further improvements needed, particularly in counseling about alternative birth control methods and ensuring patient ability to adhere to prescribed medication

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Researchers analyzed the genomes of 524 never before-studied ancient people, including the first genome of an individual from the ancient Indus Valley Civilization Insights answer longstanding questions about the origins of farming and the source of Indo-European languages in South and Central Asia Study increases the worldwide total of published ancient genomes by some 25 percent

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Study identifies possible gene variants that determine whether a person infected with TB will progress rapidly to active disease.

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Study shows link between longer NFL career and higher risk of cognitive, mental health problems Risk persisted over time, even 20 years following injury.

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Former NFL players reporting concussion symptoms following head injury more likely to report erectile dysfunction and low testosterone levels Players reporting the most concussion symptoms have nearly twice the risk of ED, compared with players with the fewest symptoms The elevated risk was present even when researchers accounted for other possible drivers of ED as well as among younger players who suffered concussions Researchers caution that the exact biological mechanisms remain to be elucidated, but injury to the pituitary gland and downstream hormonal changes may be one possible explanation Players with ED should seek prompt evaluation for this common, highly treatable condition, which can also indicate the presence of other diseases, including cardiovascular illness and diabetes Clinicians treating patients with head trauma should inquire proactively about symptoms of ED and low testosterone Results may be relevant in other sports where head injuries are common, including h

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Harvard Medical School has selected the 2019 media fellows for the first of two thematic tracks this year: The Doctor and the Machine: The promise and peril of artificial intelligence in medicine (Sept. 9-13)

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Scientists have analyzed the genetic repertoire of bacteria in the human mouth and gut The effort marks the first chapter in efforts to compile a compendium of all genes in the human microbiome Mapping the microbial genome can reveal links between bacterial genes and disease risk and could inform the development of precision therapies Analysis reveals staggering person-to-person variation in microbial gene content Unique microbial genes, specific to each person, have functions distinct from common, or shared, genes Unique genes may act as a microbe’s evolutionary organ Researchers have made the data publicly accessible at The Universe of Microbial Genes

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Study in mice reveals several distinct molecular mechanisms underlying abnormal touch sensitivity in autism spectrum disorders

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Over eight years, patients covered under a global budget payment model for doctors and hospitals showed slower spending growth and better quality than comparable populations mostly under the traditional fee-for-service model.

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The 2019 Warren Alpert Foundation Prize has been awarded to four scientists for pioneering work in the field of optogenetics, a revolutionary technique that uses light and genetic modification to control the activity of cells in the brain

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First national study shows cutting residents’ training hours has not resulted in lower performance for new doctors Resident training was capped at 80 hours per week in 2003, down from 100+ hours, a controversial move that left many worried Despite worries, reduced hours did not change 30-day patient mortality, readmissions or spending

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Scientists have used an optimized version of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing system to prevent hearing loss in so-called Beethoven mice, which carry a genetic mutation that causes profound hearing loss in humans and mice alike The new gene-editing system successfully identified a single misspelled “letter” in the defective copy of a hearing gene and disabled the aberrant copy, sparing the healthy one DNA analyses and follow-up tests in treated animals showed no detectable off-target effects Results offer proof of principle for using the same gene-editing technique in more than 20 percent of dominantly inherited human genetic diseases

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Researchers use new method to predict structures for four proteins and one RNA molecule from humans, bacteria and yeast In a marked departure from previous work, the new method uses synthetic mutations in the DNA sequence rather than naturally occurring variations in DNA Lab-derived mutational libraries provided enough data to produce 3D structures of proteins that match those derived through traditional methods 3D structures of biomolecules yield valuable clues about protein function that can illuminate the effects of individual genetic differences and shed light on basic mechanisms of disease Method can aid the design of synthetic proteins for therapeutic use

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Study using mouse neural crest tissue reveals how primitive, undifferentiated cells choose their adult fate

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Harvard Medical School’s Media Fellowship program, now entering its 22nd year, is accepting applications for Fall 2019.

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First-of-its-kind comparison between elite pro athletes suggests higher overall mortality among NFL players compared with MLB players NFL players also appear to have higher risk of dying from cardiovascular and neurodegenerative causes compared with MLB peers Differences warrant further study of sport-specific mechanisms of disease development Clinicians treating current and former NFL players should be vigilant about the presence of cardiovascular and neurologic symptoms and promptly treat risk factors such as sleep apnea, obesity, hypertension

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Research uncovers key mechanism that allows some of the deadliest human RNA viruses to orchestrate the precise copying of the individual pieces of their viral genome and replicate. Research reveals that the tail end of a virus’s RNA plays a key role in ensuring each segment of the viral genome is copied in the correct amount. Experiments show the viral replication machinery latches onto the 5' end of the virus’s RNA strand, a move that activates the enzyme to start copying at the opposite end of a specific segment. The findings identify new targets to inhibit viral replication and may inform the development of a novel class of antiviral drugs.

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New computer program uses artificial intelligence to determine what visual neurons like to see. Algorithm generates synthetic images that morph into “super stimulus” for neurons, removing inherent bias of using natural images to gauge preferences. The approach could shed light on learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders and other neurologic conditions.

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Researchers’ work shows how curiosity, creativity drive science and illustrates how a passion for discovery enriches knowledge

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Harvard Medical School, MIT receive $9 million to study neurobiology, physiologic effects of cannabinoids

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Study found more than half of older adults with end-stage kidney disease died within a year of starting dialysis. Nearly one in four older dialysis patients (23 percent) succumbed to the disease within a month of starting treatment. Analysis reveals markedly higher death rates than previous reports of dialysis outcomes among older patients. Findings can help patients and clinicians make better-informed decisions to determine optimal course of treatment.

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Now research conducted in mice offers new hope that neonatal herpes infections might eventually be avoidable by stimulating an immune response in mothers.

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Artificial intelligence approach predicts the 3D structure of proteins based on its amino acid sequence

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First major multisite randomized controlled trial of a workplace wellness program shows mixed results at 18 months Program led employees to increase exercise and improve weight-management habits, but it had no effect on health outcomes Program did not improve worker absenteeism, tenure or job performance Program did not reduce employees’ use of health care services or health care spending in the short term

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New algorithm successfully identifies patients with a tumor-fueling DNA repair defect found in multiple cancers and treatable with a common cancer drug.

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New algorithm successfully identifies patients with a tumor-fueling DNA repair defect found in multiple cancers and treatable with a common cancer drug. Most genetic tests currently used in clinic do not reliably capture the cancer-causing defect, missing many patients who could benefit from treatment. Incorporating the new algorithm into common gene panels could double the number of breast cancer patients who could benefit from targeted therapy. Patients with other cancers driven by the same DNA repair defect could also benefit from such enhanced genetic testing. Researchers say new algorithm can be incorporated readily into standard genetic tests already in clinical use.

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Single-cell sequencing reveals 25 subpopulations of myeloid immune cells in lung cancer tumors. Many subpopulations are similar across humans and mice, supporting the use of mouse models in immunotherapy research. Findings set stage to assess myeloid cells as targets for new or improved immunotherapies.

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Insulin triggers genome-wide changes in gene expression via an unexpected mechanism. The insulin receptor is transported from the cell surface to the cell nucleus, where it helps initiate the expression of thousands of genes. Targeted genes are involved in insulin-related functions and disease but surprisingly not carbohydrate metabolism. Findings outline a set of potential therapeutic targets for insulin-related diseases and establish a wide range of future avenues for the study of insulin signaling.

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A New England Journal of Medicine report penned by scientists at Harvard Med and Google offers a blueprint for integrating machine learning into the practice of medicine as way to optimize clinical care.

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-Honors recognize researchers’ transformational work in global mental health and protein science

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An international team led by researchers at Harvard Medical School and the Institute of Evolutionary Biology in Spain has conducted the largest-ever study of ancient DNA from the Iberian Peninsula (modern-day Spain and Portugal), spanning 8,000 years. Analyses suggest the Iberian Y chromosome was almost completely replaced between 4,000 and 4,500 years ago. Findings provide the first opportunity to compare ancient Iberian genomic information to historical records.

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Analysis shows the monthly rate of first-time opioid prescriptions dropped by more than half between 2012 and 2017. Though some physicians wrote no new prescriptions at all, others continued to prescribe dosages and durations that put patients at risk for misuse, overdose and death. Findings underscore importance of nuanced, individualized prescribing over all-or-nothing approach.

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Overlapping surgeries, in which more than one procedure is performed by the same surgeon working in different operating rooms, have raised concerns about potential adverse outcomes. A new analysis shows that most overlapping surgeries are safe, with no greater risk for complications or patient death. Slight elevation in mortality and complications were found among high-risk patients and those undergoing coronary-artery bypass surgeries. Overlapping surgeries had greater procedure duration than nonoverlapping surgeries.

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A new study shows vigorous exercise and fasting improve the ability of human and mouse cells to remove misfolded, toxic, unnecessary proteins Hormones, including adrenaline and glucagon—released during food deprivation and intense physical activity—boost cells’ capacity to dispose of defective proteins The findings reveal a previously unknown mechanism that activates the cells’ protein-disposal machinery, allowing them to adapt their protein content to shifting demands and new conditions The findings set the stage for development of therapies that activate the cells’ protein-disposal system and optimize the body’s natural defenses

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Once deemed nothing more than signal-transmitters, the axons of nerve cells now emerge as far more complex and autonomous than thought, according to new research

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Researchers have created a new model-in-a-dish of sporadic Alzheimer’s, the most common form of the disease, which arises in people without family history. Findings suggest early changes in neural stem cells raise the likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s later in life. For the first time, the same abnormalities were found in multiple sporadic Alzheimer’s cell lines and in cells with the major Alzheimer’s genetic risk factor APOE4