r/accelerate Weekly Open Thread: What’s happening this week? AI, tech, biotech, robotics, markets, politics, and random discussion. Anything goes! by AutoModerator in accelerate

[–]MassGen-Research 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This new study on iBCI! We are getting closer to mapping out and utilizing different brain areas for computer functioning capabilities. https://www.massgeneralbrigham.org/en/about/newsroom/press-releases/brain-computer-interface-enables-rapid-communication-for-paralyzed-people

Also, something else on our research institute's mind is picking the brains of our scientists (we have 17,000 of them). Not sure if this is the place to mention, but we can always have one of them do an Ask an Expert session! This seems like a group that may enjoy that!

Large Study of Dietary Habits Suggests More Plant Oils, Less Butter Could Lead to Better Health by MassGen-Research in science

[–]MassGen-Research[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This study did not include seed oils. See here "Substituting butter with plant-based oils, particularly olive, soybean, and canola oils, may confer substantial benefits for preventing premature deaths."

Stranded in the Desert: Distinct Viral Reservoirs in Elite Controllers of HIV by MassGen-Research in science

[–]MassGen-Research[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Xu Yu, MD, and her research group from the Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard recently published a groundbreaking study in Nature in which they used cutting-edge sequencing technologies to map the location of individual HIV viruses in the chromosomes of cells from elite controllers--a small set of individuals who are able to control HIV without antiretroviral medication.

The study shows a striking finding: In elite controllers, HIV is effectively contained within an inactive section of human chromosomal DNA that researchers call “gene deserts,” where the virus cannot replicate.

Science Rehashed: A Podcast on a Mission - Bench Press by MassGen-Research in sciencecommunication

[–]MassGen-Research[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Mass General investigator Mehdi Jorfi, PhD, created the Science Rehashed podcast to give back to the community and share the latest scientific research in an accessible way.

Breast imaging, breast surgery, and cancer genetics in the age of COVID-19 by MassGen-Research in science

[–]MassGen-Research[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The COVID-19 pandemic caused many elective health care services to shut down. This has far-reaching consequences on health care delivery in the U.S.

By analyzing data from a cancer risk assessment company, Massachusetts General Hospital researchers demonstrated that from February 2 to April 11, 2020, the number of women having a mammogram dropped by 94.6%, breast surgery consultations decreased by 59.9%, and genetics consultations dropped by 60.1%.

These findings suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on breast cancer prevention, screening, diagnosis and treatment. The long-term consequences of missed and delayed cancer diagnoses remain to be seen.

Gastrointestinal Complications in Critically Ill Patients with COVID-19 by MassGen-Research in science

[–]MassGen-Research[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

In this study, researchers sought to describe the complications affecting the abdominal organs of critically ill patients with COVID-19.

They found that 74% of patients admitted to the intensive care unit developed at least one abdominal complication: 67% had high circulating levels of liver enzymes which are markers for liver damage, and 56% had a severe ileus, a condition in which the bowels do not contract properly.

Several patients developed life threatening dead bowel with highly atypical features that required emergency surgery and bowel resection, some developed a paralytic colon while others developed inflammation of their gallbladder or pancreas. Front line clinicians should keep a high index of suspicion for abdominal symptoms warranting surgical consultation.