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2002 News Releases
New 3-D mammography
system may improve breast imaging
December 10, 2002 — A new approach to mammography,
developed by researchers at the MGH, holds the potential for greatly
improving the detection of breast lesions and the ability to predict
whether they are benign or malignant.
Immune system control
of HIV may not protect against second infection
November 27, 2002 — MGH researchers report on a individual
who, having maintained successful immune control of HIV for almost
a year, became infected with another strain of the virus after an
unprotected sexual encounter. Moreover, the patient's immune system
has not effectively controlled the second viral strain.
Advanced
CT Scan Technique Provides Quick and Accurate Diagnosis
November 14, 2002 — The multidetector CT scan is an
effective new imaging modality that offers rapid and accurate diagnosis
of injuries in multiple trauma patients, according to Robert Novelline,
MD, director of Emergency Radiology at MGH.
David Torchiana,
MD, selected to lead Massachusetts General Physicians Organization
November 6, 2002 — The Board of Trustees of the Massachusetts
General Physicians Organization has named David F. Torchiana, MD,
to the position of CEO and chairman, effective Jan. 1, 2003. Torchiana,
who currently serves as chief of Cardiac Surgery at the MGH, will
succeed Peter L. Slavin, MD, who is assuming the role of MGH president
at the beginning of the year.
Whitehead
Genome Center Accelerates Effort to Build Haplotype Map
October 29, 2002 — An international research consortium
today launched a $100 million public-private effort to build the
next generation map of the human genome. Called a "haplotype
map," this effort is expected to make it easier, faster, and
perhaps cheaper to find genes that predispose us to common diseases
such as diabetes and cancer.
Chili peppers and
inflammation: researchers unravel mechanism of pain sensitivity
September 25, 2002 — Scientists at Massachusetts General
Hospital have discovered a common component to the burning sensation
produced by chili peppers and the pain associated with arthritis.
The finding could help scientists devise new strategies to block
the pain hypersensitivity associated with inflammation.
Gene found that
helps nerve cells survive by preventing cell suicide
September 25, 2002 — Why do some nerve cells survive
and regrow after injury while others shrink away and die? A new
discovery by researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital shows
that the expression of a particular gene may be responsible for
protecting neurons from death.
Alzheimer's-associated
enzyme elevated in key brain areas
September 12, 2002 — MGH researchers have found that
the amount and activity of an enzyme associated with the creation
of amyloid-beta protein - the sticky fragments making up the plaques
found in the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease - are elevated
in parts of the brain where those plaques most frequently occur.
Information
age will change doctors' role in healing
September 3, 2002 — Even though more people are turning
to the Internet for medical information, doctors will not lose their
trusted status as society's "healing class," predicts
an expert in health care policy. They may have to change the way
they practice, however.
Drug
Protects Fertility, Offspring in Mice after Radiation Exposure
August 30, 2002 — Scientists have discovered a drug
that prevents sterility in female mice after exposure to ionizing
radiation. Additional findings suggest that this is accomplished
without yielding genetic damage in the offspring of the irradiated
mothers.
Non-Invasive
Approach to Aneurysm Repair Shows Better Results for Patients
August 27, 2002 — Non-invasive repair of abdominal
aortic aneurysms offers better short-term results than traditional
surgical treatment, according to a study published in the September
issue of the journal Radiology.
Combined kidney and
bone marrow transplantation allows patients to discontinue anti-rejection
drugs
August 26, 2002 — An experimental treatment protocol
involving combined kidney and bone marrow transplantation has enabled
several patients to accept their transplanted kidney without immunosuppressive
drugs, reports a researcher from MGH.
Newly equipped molecular
probes may improve early detection of cancer, other diseases
August 19, 2002 — Researchers at MGH have created key
components for near-infrared probes that could be used to pinpoint
the exact location of cancer and other diseases in the body.
Time-release stimulant
effective for once-daily treatment of ADHD
August 5, 2002 — A research team led by an MGH investigator
has found that a long-acting form of the stimulant medication Adderall
is effective in controlling symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity
disorder (ADHD) in children when taken in a single morning dose.
Immune system component
found common to both humans and worms
July 25, 2002 — The innate immune system sets off the
initial steps of the body's response to pathogens. Researchers have
known that key components of innate immunity are conserved across
a variety of animals, and now scientists at Massachusetts General
Hospital have shown that these same elements are used by the lowly
worm as well.
Massachusetts General
Hospital names Peter L. Slavin, MD, as next president
July 19, 2002 — Peter L. Slavin, MD, MBA, chief executive
officer and chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Massachusetts
General Physicians Organization, has been named president of the
Massachusetts General Hospital, effective Jan. 1, 2003.
MGH nurses make
"house calls" in Boston's West End and Beacon Hill neighborhoods
July 17, 2002 — From free nursing and social service
clinics in apartment buildings to discount meals at the hospital
to health and wellness education, MGH is expanding its community
health programs for senior citizens in Boston's West End and Beacon
Hill neighborhoods.
Researchers identify
hormone that prompts adult stem cells to differentiate into insulin-producing
cells
July 17, 2002 — Scientists at MGH have discovered that
a naturally occurring hormone can cause adult islet stem cells to
mature into pancreatic beta cells, the insulin-secreting cells that
are depleted or compromised in diabetes.
Telemedicine
Link With South Pole Allows Remote Knee Surgery
July 17, 2002 — In a groundbreaking telemedicine development,
doctors in Massachusetts earlier this month helped a physician at
Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station to surgically repair the damaged
knee of a meteorologist spending the winter in Antarctica..
Bladder-sparing procedure
found effective for treating invasive bladder cancer
July 8, 2002 — MGH researchers have shown that therapeutic
strategies aimed at sparing the bladder have long-term cure rates
similar to that of complete bladder removal.
ACC,
AHA, NHLBI Clinical Advisory Confirms Safety, Effectiveness of Statins
June 28, 2002 — The cholesterol-lowering drugs known
as statins are both safe and effective and physicians should continue
to use them, according to a joint clinical physician advisory released
today.
MBTA
and Massachusetts General Hospital announce public/private initiative
to modernize Charles/MGH Station
June 20, 2002 — MBTA officials joined Massachusetts
General Hospital President James J. Mongan, MD, today to announce
a public-private initiative to assist in the modernization of Charles/MGH
Station.
Hazing underrecognized
as cause of serious injury, says MGH physician
May 24, 2002 — Young people and others who are injured
in hazing incidents should be regarded as victims of crimes in their
treatment by health care professionals, says an emergency physician
at Massachusetts General Hospital.
Genome-wide
survey of human variation provides strong support for building haplotype
map
May 23, 2002 — In the first broad-based survey of its
kind, scientists have found that most of the genetic variation in
the human genome is organized into large, neat units called "haplotype"
blocks.
Task
force finds training at the nation's medical schools is uneven;
calls for improvement in cost and quality of physician education
May 15, 2002 — As challenges facing the medical community
continue expanding exponentially, a new report released today by
the Commonwealth Fund Task Force on Academic Health Centers suggests
that some of the nation's teaching hospitals and medical schools
may not be keeping pace.
Yawkey
foundation contributes $25 million to Massachusetts General Hospital
May 6, 2002 — The Massachusetts General Hospital today
announced that the Yawkey Foundation has committed $25 million to
support the hospital's efforts to expand access to outpatient care
and services. The gift represents the largest contribution to MGH
in its history.
Study
finds children's doctors not asking parents about smoking
May 6, 2002 — Parental smoking creates significant
health risks for children; but are pediatricians and family practitioners
doing anything about it?
Lymphatic
vessels surrounding tumors play a key role in cancer spread
April 25, 2002 — Scientists at Massachusetts General
Hospital have discovered that metastasis, or spreading, of cancer
cells depends upon lymphatic vessels at the margins of tumors, not
those within the tumor itself, as had been speculated.
Spiral
scan sees stroke blockage more quickly
April 5, 2002 — The accuracy of diagnosing a blocked
brain vessel in an emergency setting improved nearly 100 percent
when physicians used a high-speed CT scanner.
Simple blood
test may be able to predict risk of preeclampsia
April 4, 2002 — A simple blood test conducted during
the first trimester of pregnancy may be able to identify women at
risk for preeclampsia, a common and dangerous complication of late
pregnancy.
MGH study identifies
key immune system molecule
March 24, 2002 — Researchers have identified a molecule
that is key to how white blood cells called macrophages recognize
the common bacteria E. coli.
MGH study finds
herceptin has additional antitumor qualities
March 20, 2002 — Scientists have discovered
powerful anti-angiogenic properties in herceptin, a monoclonal antibody
used to fight certain forms of breast cancer.
Alcohol linked to decreased
hypertension risk in young women
March 10, 2002 – Moderate alcohol consumption can lead
to a reduced risk of developing hypertension in young women.
MGH researchers
unravel structure of a key protein involved in tumor angiogenesis
and metastasis
March 7, 2002 – Cancer cells need a blood supply to
grow. MGH scientists have deciphered the detailed structure of a
protein that plays a key role in formation of blood vessels to supply
tumors.
MGH-based disaster
teams meet the challenges of September 11
March 1, 2002 – The first International Medical and
Surgical Response Team of the National Medical Disaster System –
based at Massachusetts General Hospital – was first called
into action in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks on New
York City.
Researchers discover mechanism
of plant resistance to pathogens
February 27, 2002 – Researchers have uncovered
the molecular basis by which plants protect themselves against bacteria
and fungi.
Inhibiting cardiac protein through
gene therapy improves human heart cell function
February 25, 2002 – Blocking a key protein involved
in calcium regulation can improve the function of failing heart
cells, a discovery that may improve treatment of congestive heart
failure.
Hormone therapy for prostate cancer
causes weight gain and increased body fat
February 22, 2002 – Study reveals that unwanted weight
gain, particularly increased fat body mass, is a common occurrence
in prostate cancer patients who receive androgen-deprivation therapy.
Partners' Thier to step down in 2003:
Mass General's Mongan will be new president and CEO
February 19, 2002 – Partners HealthCare President and
CEO Samuel O. Thier, MD, will step down from his position effective
January 1, 2003. The Partners Board of Directors has named Massachusetts
General Hospital President James J. Mongan, MD, Thier's successor.
Diet
and exercise delay diabetes and normalize blood glucose
February 6, 2002 – Millions of overweight Americans
at high risk for type 2 diabetes can delay and possibly prevent
the disease with moderate diet and exercise, a major clinical trial
has found.
$3 million gift from Purdue Pharma
to support MGH Pain Program
February 5, 2002 – A significant gift to the Massachusetts
General Hospital from Purdue Pharma L.P., will support programs
aimed at improving the understanding and management of pain.
Many genetic researchers denied access
to resources related to published studies
January 22, 2002 – Although the progress of science
depends on the free exchange of resources and knowledge, a new study
finds data, materials and information are often kept secret in academic
genetics.
Can weight loss decrease heart
disease in type 2 diabetes?
January 22, 2002 – A nationwide study — conducted
locally at Massachusetts General Hospital, Joslin Diabetes Center
and Beth Israel-Deaconess Medical Center — will look at the
effects of weight loss in people with type 2 diabetes.
Minority patients face barriers
to optimum end-of-life care
January 10, 2002 – Minority groups in America have less
access to many medical treatments, one of which is end-of-life care.
Study adds to the understanding of
musical pitch perception
January 9, 2002 – There is no "music center"
in the brain, but distinct regions are involved in different aspects
of music perception. Now there is evidence that an area key to sound
interpretation, is important for frequency processing and pitch
perception.
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