Snapshot of Science for September 2020

Welcome to our Snapshot of Science for September 2020

Here's a quick look at some recent publications, press releases and stories about the Mass General Research Institute community.

In this issue we highlight:

25 new studies published in high impact journals, along with 17 summaries submitted by the research teams
15 new research-related press releases from the Mass General Public Affairs office
5 posts from the Mass General Research Institute blog

Publications

DRUG SELECTION LAWS AND GENERIC SUBSTITUTIONS IN THE U.S.
Assessment of Variation in State Regulation of Generic Drug and Interchangeable Biologic Substitutions
Sacks CA, Van de Wiele VL, Fulchino LA, Patel L, Kesselheim AS, Sarpatwari A
Published in JAMA Internal Medicine on August 31, 2020

NEW ORAL ANTI-COAGULANTS VS. WARFARIN
Rationale and Design of the Randomized Controlled Trial of New Oral Anticoagulants vs. Warfarin for Post Cardiac Surgery Atrial Fibrillation: The NEW-AF Trial
Osho A, Moonsamy P, Ethridge BR, Leya GA, D'Alessandro DA [et al.], Sundt TM
Published in Annals of Surgery on September 01, 2020 | *Summary available

LISO-CEL FOR B-CELL LYMPHOMA PATIENTS
Lisocabtagene Maraleucel for Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Large B-cell Lymphomas (TRANSCEND NHL 001): A Multicentre Seamless Design Study
Abramson JS, Palomba ML, Gordon LI, Lunning MA, Wang M [et al.], Siddiqi T
Published in The Lancet on September 01, 2020 | *Summary available

CD49A PROMOTES MEMORY T CELL RESPONSE IN SKIN INFECTIONS
CD49a Regulates Cutaneous Resident Memory CD8+ T Cell Persistence and Response
Bromley SK, Akbaba H, Mani V, Mora-Buch R [et al.], Luster AD
Published in Cell Reports on September 01, 2020 | *Summary available

A DEEP LEARNING MODEL TO PREDICT LUNG CANCER RISK USING CHEST RADIOGRAPHS
Deep Learning Using Chest Radiographs to Identify High-Risk Smokers for Lung Cancer Screening Computed Tomography: Development and Validation of a Prediction Model
Lu MT, Raghu VK, Mayrhofer T, Aerts HJWL, Hoffmann U
Published in Annals of Internal Medicine on September 01, 2020 | *Summary available

DKN-01 COMBINATION THERAPY FOR BILIARY TRACT CANCER
Phase 1 and Biomarker Study of the Wnt Pathway Modulator DKN-01 in Combination with Gemcitabine/Cisplatin in Advanced Biliary Tract Cancer
Goyal L, Sirard C, Schrag M, Kagey MH, Eads JR [et al.]. Duda DG
Published in Clinical Cancer Research on September 02, 2020

MECHANISMS BEHIND AGE OF ONSET IN HUNTINGTON'S DISEASE
Promotion of Somatic CAG Repeat Expansion by Fan1 Knock-out in Huntington's Disease Knock-in Mice Is Blocked by Mlh1 Knock-out
Loupe JM, Pinto RM, Kim KH, Gillis T, Mysore JS [et al.], MacDonald ME
Published in Human Molecular Genetics on September 02, 2020

PROFILING NEURONS IN THE ENTERIC NERVOUS SYSTEM
The Human and Mouse Enteric Nervous System at Single-cell Resolution
Drokhlyansky E, Smillie CS, Van Wittenberghe N, Ericsson M, Griffin GK [et al.], Xavier RJ
Published in Cell on September 03, 2020

BENEFITS OF CAPMATINIB IN ADVANCED LUNG CANCER
Capmatinib in MET Exon 14–Mutated or MET-Amplified Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Wolf J, Seto T, Han JY, Reguart N, Garon EB [et al.], Heist RS
Published in The New England Journal of Medicine on September 03, 2020 | *Summary available | Press Release

NEW MEDICATION SLOWS PROGRESSION OF ALS
Trial of Sodium Phenylbutyrate-Taurursodiol for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Paganoni S, Macklin EA, Hendrix S, Berry JD, Elliott MA [et al.], Cudkowicz ME
Published in The New England Journal of Medicine on September 03, 2020 | *Summary available | Press Release

ROLE OF LONG NONCODING RNAS IN ENDODERM DIFFERENTIATION
lncRNA DIGIT and BRD3 Protein Form Phase-separated Condensates to Regulate Endoderm Differentiation
Daneshvar K, Ardehali MB, Klein IA, Hsieh FK, Kratkiewicz AJ [et al.], Mullen AC
Published in Nature Cell Biology on September 07, 2020 | *Summary available

PORTABLE MRI AND BRAIN IMAGING AT THE BEDSIDE
Assessment of Brain Injury Using Portable, Low-Field Magnetic Resonance Imaging at the Bedside of Critically Ill Patients
Sheth KN, Mazurek MH, Yuen MM, Cahn BA, Shah JT, Ward A [et al.], Kimberly WT.
Published in JAMA Neurology on September 08, 2020 | *Summary available | Press Release

BIOMARKERS FOR RESPONSE OR RESISTANCE TO IMMUNE CHECKPOINT BLOCKADE
A Bilateral Tumor Model Identifies Transcriptional Programs Associated with Patient Response to Immune Checkpoint Blockade
Chen IX, Newcomer K, Pauken KE, Juneja VR, Naxerova K [et al.], Jain RK
Published in PNAS on September 09, 2020 | *Summary available

SIMULATING PATTERNS OF RECURRENCE IN NON-SMALL CELL LUNG CANCER
Modeling Resistance and Recurrence Patterns of Combined Targeted-Chemoradiotherapy Predicts Benefit of Shorter Induction Period
McClatchy DM, Willers H, Hata AN, Piotrowska Z, Sequist LV [et al.], Grassberger C
Published in Cancer Research on September 09, 2020 | *Summary available

EVALUATING PROSTATE CANCER SURVIVAL WITH DAROLUTAMIDE
Nonmetastatic, Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer and Survival with Darolutamide
Fizazi K, Shore N, Tammela TL, Ulys A, Vjaters E [et al.], Smith MR
Published in The New England Journal of Medicine on September 10, 2020

SACITUZUMAB GOVITECAN BREAST CANCER TRIAL SHOWS ENCOURAGING RESULTS
Sacituzumab Govitecan in Previously Treated Hormone Receptor-Positive/HER2-Negative Metastatic Breast Cancer: Final Results from a Phase 1/2, Single-Arm, Basket Trial
Kalinsky K, Diamond JR, Vahdat LT, Tolaney SM, Juric D [et al.], Bardia A
Published in Annals of Oncology on September 14, 2020 | *Summary available

COVID-19 AMONG HEALTHCARE WORKERS
The Association Between Symptoms and COVID-19 Test Results Among Healthcare Workers
Sacks CA, Dougan M, McCoy TH Jr, Zheng A, Buonomo G [et al.], Walensky RP
Published in Annals of Surgery on September 15, 2020

ASSESSING CANCER SURGERY PATIENTS USING SMARTPHONE APPLICATION
Smartphone-based Assessment of Preoperative Decision Conflict and Postoperative Physical Activity Among Patients Undergoing Cancer Surgery
Panda N, Solsky I, Cauley CE, Lipsitz S, Desai EV [et al.], Haynes AB
Published in Annals of Surgery on September 15, 2020 | *Summary available

BRIDGING BIOLOGICAL PATHWAYS AND NEUROIMAGING IN DEPRESSION
Convergent Molecular, Cellular, and Cortical Neuroimaging Signatures of Major Depressive Disorder
Anderson KM, Collins MA, Kong R, Fang K, Li J [et al.], Homes AJ
Published in PNAS on September 21, 2020

BIOMARKERS OF KIDNEY HEALTH AND PROGNOSIS
Circulating Testican-2 is a Podocyte-derived Marker of Kidney Health
Ngo D, Wen D, Gao Y, Keyes MJ, Drury ER [et al.], Rhee EP
Published in PNAS on September 21, 2020 | *Summary available

SEX-SPECIFIC ASSOCIATIONS OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE RISK AND HEART FAILURE
Sex-Specific Associations of Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Biomarkers with Incident Heart Failure
Suthahar N, Lau ES, Blaha MJ, Paniagua SM, Larson MG [et al.], de Boer RA
Published in Journal of the American College of Cardiology on September 22, 2020 | *Summary available

NOT ALL NEUTROPHILS ARE SHORT-LIVED: IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER
Tumor-Promoting Ly-6G + SiglecF High Cells Are Mature and Long-Lived Neutrophils
Pfirschke C, Engblom C, Gungabeesoon J, Lin Y, Rickelt S [at al.], Pittet MJ
Published in Cell Reports on September 22, 2020 | *Summary available

ASSOCIATION BETWEEN RED BLOOD CELL WIDTH AND SARS-COV-2 MORTALITY RISK
Association of Red Blood Cell Distribution Width with Mortality Risk in Hospitalized Adults with SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Foy BH, Carlson JCT, Reinertsen E, Padros I Valls R [et al.], Higgins JM
Published in JAMA Network Open on September 23, 2020 | *Summary available

USING AI TO IMPROVE CHEST RADIOGRAPHS AND DETECT LUNG CANCER
Validation of a Deep Learning Algorithm for the Detection of Malignant Pulmonary Nodules in Chest Radiographs
Yoo H, Kim KH, Singh R, Digumarthy SR, Kalra MK
Published in JAMA Network Open on September 24, 2020

COVID-19 AND GASTROINTESTINAL COMPLICATIONS
Gastrointestinal Complications in Critically Ill Patients With and Without COVID-19
El Moheb M, Naar L, Christensen MA, Kapoen C, Maurer LR [et al.], Kaafarani HMA
Published in JAMA on September 24, 2020 | *Summary available

Summaries

Warfarin is the drug of choice for stroke prophylaxis in patients who develop atrial fibrillation following cardiac surgery but has never been compared against novel oral anticoagulants (NOAC) in this population. As a result, rates of NOAC use following cardiac surgery remain low despite several robustly powered clinical trials in non-surgical populations demonstrating significant benefits over warfarin. The Trial of New Oral Anticoagulants vs. Warfarin for Post Cardiac Surgery Atrial Fibrillation (NEWAF) is designed as a pragmatic, randomized controlled trial to compare outcomes with NOACs versus Warfarin when used in patients who develop atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery.

(Summary submitted by Asishana Osho, MD, MPH, Division of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery)

The TRANSCEND study evaluated lisocabtagene maraleucel (liso-cel) in patients with relapsed/refractory large B-cell lymphomas. Liso-cel is a CD19 targeted CAR T-cell with a 4-1BB co-stimulation domain administered with equal target doses of CD8+ and CD4+ CAR T-cells. Overall and complete responses were seen in 73% and 53% of patients, respectively, and the median duration of response has not yet been reached. At one year, 44% of all patients remained progression-free. Liso-cel was well tolerated with the majority of patients experiencing no cytokine release syndrome or neurologic toxicities. Overall, the favorable balance of efficacy and safety could make liso-cel the CAR T-cell treatment of choice in most patients with relapsed/refractory large B-cell lymphomas.

(Summary submitted by Jeremy Abramson, MD, Mass General Cancer Center, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine)

Following herpes simplex virus infection, memory T cells persist long-term within the epidermis and provide virus-specific immunity to prevent recrudescence. These so called “resident memory” T cells form branched extensions that probe their surroundings in search of virus and can rapidly secrete cytokines to protect against reactivation and/or reinfection. Resident memory T cells that persist within skin express CD49a, an adhesion receptor known to regulate T cell migration. We determined that although CD49a is expressed rapidly following T cell activation, it is not required for initial T cell entry into the skin or migration into the epidermis. Rather, this receptor helps to maintain memory T cells within skin, regulates their formation of branched projections, and increases their cytokine response for enhanced response to local reinfection.

(Summary submitted by Shannon Bromley, PhD, Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology, Department of Medicine and Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases)

Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer death; lung cancer screening with chest CT prevents cancer death. Researchers from the Mass General Cardiovascular Imaging Research Center developed an artificial intelligence (AI) system (CXR-LC) that identifies persons at high-risk of lung cancer based on an individual’s chest x-ray image. The CXR-LC model was developed using 41,856 individuals, then validated in 11,108 people. CXR-LC “missed” 31% fewer people who later developed lung cancer than current Medicare lung cancer screening guidelines. This is an opportunity to better identify people who should have lung cancer screening CT, using commonly available chest x-rays.

(Summary submitted by Michael T. Lu, MD, MPH, Department of Radiology and Heart Center)

Lung cancer treatment has greatly advanced in the last decade, in large part by identifying specific targets, or biomarkers, where targeted therapy can more effectively treat cancer. MET exon 14 skipping, whereby tumor gene alterations in the MET gene lead to skipping or deletion of exon 14 in the expressed receptor, is one such target. We used capmatinib, a potent and selective MET inhibitor, in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with MET exon 14 skipping as well as other potential markers of MET overactivity. The study showed a very high response rate (i.e. significant shrinkage of cancer burden) and duration of response, especially in the first line setting, and was the basis for the FDA approval of capmatinib in NSCLC with MET exon 14 skipping.

(Summary submitted by Rebecca Heist, MD, MPH, Cancer Center, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine)

We reported that a new experimental medication called AMX0035 slows the progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or Lou Gehrig’s disease, a fatal neurodegenerative disease. In the trial, people with ALS who were treated with the study drug retained higher levels of physical functions such as the ability to move, speak, and eat over a six month period compared to those who received placebo. Amylyx Pharmaceuticals, Inc., the manufacturer of AMX0035, is working with regulatory authorities to discuss the next steps for AMX0035.

(Summary submitted by Sabrina Paganoni, MD, PhD, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service, Neurological Clinical Research Institute, Healey Center for ALS)

Bromodomain and extraterminal domain (BET) proteins recognize histone modifications to bind chromatin and control gene expression. In this study, we find that BRD3, a BET protein, is required for endoderm differentiation and interacts with the long noncoding RNA DIGIT to regulate this process. The interaction between DIGIT and BRD3 not only controls how BRD3 interfaces with chromatin but also promotes the formation of phase separated condensates, droplets of BRD3 protein, which may function to concentrate transcription machinery. These findings show that long noncoding RNAs can interact with proteins to promote chromatin binding and formation of phase separated condensates in order to control differentiation.

(Summary submitted by Alan Mullen, MD, PhD, Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Digestive Healthcare Center)

Traditional MRI uses high magnetic fields to acquire images of the brain and other parts of the body, which are acquired in an access-controlled, shielded room. Advances in low-field MRI have flipped the paradigm whereby a fixed magnet with a low magnetic field can be used to acquire neuroimages at the bedside. In this study, we demonstrate the first use of a portable, low field scanner that can acquire images in a critical care environment, imaging patients who are too unstable to transport to a traditional MRI scanner. This study highlights the potential for how portable MRI can increase access to neuroimaging, which may be applied in other health care settings in the future.

(Summary submitted by W. Taylor Kimberly, MD, PhD, Division of Neurocritical Care, Department of Neurology and Center for Genomic Medicine)

Antibodies blocking checkpoints like PD-1 have revolutionized cancer treatment, but less than 15% patients show durable response. Hence, there is an urgent need to identify predictors of response early during treatment. We developed a model to identify early determinants of response PD-1 inhibitors in mice. Here, two tumors are implanted, and one is surgically removed and comprehensively analyzed early after blocking PD-1, and the other keeps growing so we can determine disease outcome. Gene signatures of responders and non-responders identified using this approach segregated patients by survival, suggesting that this approach may be useful for identifying predictive biomarkers and discovering novel therapeutic targets in patients.

(Summary submitted by Rakesh Jain, PhD, Department of Radiation Oncology, Mass General Cancer Center)

Molecularly targeted therapies have proven effective for genotype-defined metastatic cancer, but inevitably lead to acquired drug resistance. Using evolutionary mathematical modeling, we studied how combinations of targeted therapy and radiation could modulate and restrain acquired drug resistance. Specifically, we simulated how to improve outcomes in locally-advanced EGFR mutated non-small cell lung cancer by adding various targeted drug regimen before chemoradiation. We found that induction periods of >1 month could trigger the process of acquired drug resistance, which limits the efficacy of adjuvant therapy and results in poorer outcomes. Our work shows the possible impact that mathematical modeling can have on clinical trial design exploring the integration of new biological agents with radiotherapy into current treatment approaches.

(Summary submitted by David McClatchey, PhD, and Clemens Grassberger, PhD Department of Radiation Oncology)

While hormonal therapy is the mainstay of management of HR+/HER2- BC, treatment for hormone-refractory breast cancer (BC), requires chemotherapy. However, objective response rates (ORR) to chemotherapy are low (~10%-15%). Sacituzumab Govitecan (SG) is a novel antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), targeting trop-2, an antigen overexpressed in HR+ BC. In this study, among heavily pre-treated patient population (all patients had received at least two prior lines of therapy), the ORR with SG was 31.5% and the responses were durable. Key toxicities included neutropenia and diarrhea. In conclusion, SG demonstrated encouraging clinical activity in patients with pretreated HR+/HER2- metastatic BC, and further evaluation is ongoing in a randomized phase 3 trial (TROPiCS-02; NCT03901339).

(Summary submitted by Aditya Bardia, MD, MPH, Cancer Center, Division of Hemtology/Oncology, Department of Medicine)

Innovations in cancer care have made decision-making increasingly complex, which may result in patients experiencing clinically significant decision conflict when considering treatment decisions. Decision conflict negatively affects patient-provider relationships, psychosocial health and overall health-related quality of life. Using a smartphone platform, our team evaluated the prevalence of clinically significant decision conflict among patients undergoing cancer surgery and its association on the postoperative accelerometer-derived physical activity levels. These results suggest that there are opportunities for surgeons to address the unmet decisional needs of patients to minimizing decision conflict and mitigate the effects on physical health during postoperative recovery.

(Summary submitted by Nikhil Panda, MD, Department of Surgery)

All existing blood markers of kidney function are excreted by the kidneys. The levels of the blood markers increase with kidney disease. We measured over a thousand proteins in blood obtained from the kidney vein of patients to identify new markers that are actually made by the kidney and might be used as a marker of kidney health, rather than kidney disease. Using this approach, we identified a protein testican-2 that is made in a specific cell type in the kidney called podocytes, and blood levels of this protein are associated with better kidney prognosis over time.

(Summary submitted by Eugene Rhee, MD, Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine)

The lifetime risk of developing heart failure (HF) is similar in men and women, but how men and women develop HF is very different. We examined how cardiovascular (CV) risk factors and biomarkers (substances found in the bloodstream) are associated with risk of future HF in men and women. We found that CV biomarkers and CV risk factors—including age, smoking, diabetes, hypertension, body mass index, atrial fibrillation and history of heart attack—were strongly associated with future HF in both men and women. These findings highlight the importance of screening, detection and treatment of risk factors associated with the development of future HF for both men and women.

(Summary submitted by Emily Lau, MD, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine)

Neutrophils are immune cells that can be found in large numbers within tumors. Some neutrophils are thought to accelerate tumor growth but recognizing them has been difficult. This new study reveals that cells co-expressing the markers CD11b, Ly-6G and SiglecF are bona fide neutrophils, which display tumor-promoting functions. Unlike other neutrophils, which live for a few hours only, these ones live for several days, giving them ample time to mediate their deleterious functions within tumors. These discoveries open up opportunities for the development of new cancer immunotherapies.

(Summary submitted by Mikael Pittet, PhD, Center for Systems Biology, Department of Radiology)

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an acute respiratory illness with a high rate of hospitalization and mortality. Biomarkers are urgently needed for patient risk stratification. We reported that a standard test that assesses variations in red blood cell volume (RDW) can identify hospitalized patients with COVID-19 at the time of admission who have a 2.7x increased risk of mortality. Patients who had RDW values above the normal range when they were admitted to the hospital had a mortality rate of 31% compared with 11% in patients with normal RDW values. An increasing RDW during hospitalization was also associated with increased mortality.

(Summary submitted by John Higgins, MD, Center for Systems Biology and Department of Pathology)

COVID-19 AND GASTROINTESTINAL COMPLICATIONS
Gastrointestinal Complications in Critically Ill Patients with and Without COVID-19
El Moheb M, Naar L, Christensen MA, Kapoen C, Maurer LR [et al.], Kaafarani HMA
Published in JAMA on September 24, 2020

In this study, we sought to compare the incidence of gastrointestinal complications of critically ill patients with COVID-19 to comparably ill patients with non–COVID-19 acute respiratory distress syndrome. After matching for demographics, comorbidities and severity of illness, patients with COVID-19 were more likely to develop gastrointestinal complications, including transaminitis, ileus and mesenteric ischemia, than those without COVID-19. The difference in incidence was more evident after the third day of critical illness. Translational studies are needed to examine the pathophysiology of these findings.

(Summary submitted by Mohamad El Moheb, MD, Division of Trauma, Emergency Surgery, and Surgical Critical Care, Department of Surgery)

Press Releases

HIV: New Study of ‘Elite Controllers’ Offers Powerful Evidence That A Cure is Possible
Featuring Xu Yu, MD, and Bruce Walker, MD

A new study reveals how elite controllers quarantine HIV in remote corners of the chromosome, rendering it unable to replicate. These findings represent a major step toward an effective vaccine and cure for HIV.

Mass General Study Demonstrates that Kidneys Infected with Hepatitis C Can Be Safely Transplanted into Healthy Recipients
Featuring Raymond Chung, MD, and Meghan Sise, MD

Kidneys from deceased donors with hepatitis C virus infection can be safely transplanted into noninfected recipients when a regimen of direct-acting antiviral therapies is initiated as early as two days after the transplant, according to a study from Massachusetts General Hospital.

Investigational ALS Drug Generates Promising Clinical Trial Results
Featuring Sabrina Paganoni, MD, PhD, and Merit Cudkowicz, MD, MSc

An experimental medication slows the progression of the neurodegenerative disease called amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), according to recently released results from a clinical trial run by investigators at the Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS at Mass General and Amylyx Pharmaceuticals, Inc., the company that manufactures the medication.

Clinical Trial Finds Targeted Drug Effective in Patients Who Have Lung Cancer with Certain Gene Mutations
Featuring Rebecca Suk Heist, MD, MPH

An international team of researchers find that a targeted therapy called capmatinib can provide significant benefits to patients who have advanced lung cancer with specific gene mutations.

Elevated Clotting Factor V Levels Linked to Worse Outcomes in Severe COVID-19 Infections
Featuring Elizabeth M. Van Cott, MD

A recent study finds patients hospitalized with severe COVID-19 infections who have high levels of the blood clotting protein factor V are at elevated risk for serious injury from blood clots such as deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism.

Study Underscores Value of Mass General’s Down Syndrome Clinic to You Program
Featuring Brian Skotko, MD, MPP

Mass General offers a first-of-its kind online health tool aimed at improving adherence to U.S. national Down syndrome guidelines.Those who participated in the program had a 1.6-fold increase in the number of guideline-indicated evaluations their primary care provider recommended.

Mass General Study Finds That the Loss of a Pet Can Potentially Trigger Mental Health Issues in Children
Featuring Erin Dunn, ScD, MPH

A Mass General research team finds that the strong emotional attachment of youngsters to pets might result in measurable psychological distress that can serve as an indicator of depression in children and adolescents for as long as three years or more after the loss of a beloved pet.

Portable MRI Brings Brain Imaging to the Patient Bedside
Featuring W. Taylor Kimberly, MD, PhD, and Matthew S. Rosen, PhD

Results of a proof-of-concept study show a portable, low-field magnetic resonance imaging device can be safely used at bedside in complex clinical care settings to evaluate critically-ill patients for suspected stroke, traumatic brain injury, or other neurological problems.

Mass General Nurses Willing to Counsel Patients on Gun Safety Protocols after Receiving Hospital-led Education, Study Finds
Featuring Kim Smith Sheppard, RN

A survey of Mass General nurses in the Departments of Medicine and Psychiatry finds that the majority of respondents would feel comfortable assessing firearm access and providing patients with educational resources on safe gun storage.

New Tool Can Detect COVID-19 Outbreaks in U.S. Counties
Featuring Jagpreet Chhatwal, PhD

A new machine learning–based online tool developed by researchers at Mass General, Harvard Medical School, Georgia Tech and Boston Medical Center allows for early detection of COVID-19 outbreaks in different U.S. counties.

Development of an Imaging Probe to Visualize Alzheimer's Disease-related Gamma-Secretase in the Brain
Featuring Can (Martin) Zhang, MD, PhD, Yulong Xu, PhD, and Rudolph Tanzi, PhD

Scientists at the Mass General have developed a molecular imaging probe to reveal Alzheimer’s disease-related γ-secretase in rodents and macaques with translational potentials in humans.

Low-cost, Frequent COVID-19 Screening of Asymptomatic People Could Decrease Infections, Deaths and Be Cost-effective
Featuring Andrea Ciaranello, MD, and Anne Neilan, MD, MPH

New research suggests that when the COVID-19 pandemic is slowing, low-cost, recurring screening of asymptomatic people – at an expense of approximately $3 or less per test every two weeks – could decrease COVID-19 infections and deaths and be cost-effective.

Mass General-led Study Shows Light Therapy Is Safe, Modulates Brain Repair, and May Benefit Patients with Moderate Traumatic Brain Injury
Featuring Raj Gupta, MD, PhD, and Benjamin Vakoc, PhD

Light therapy is safe and has measurable effects in the brain, according to a pioneering study by researchers from the Wellman Center for Photomedicine. This study is one of the first, if not the first, prospective, randomized, interventional clinical trials of near-infrared, low-level light therapy in patients who recently suffered a moderate brain injury.

Mass General Brigham Study Finds COVID-19 Infected Workers Return to Work Faster Using Time and Symptom-based Protocols Rather than Repeat Testing
Featuring Erica Shenoy, MD, PhD

Recently, investigators from Mass General assessed the experience of using a test-based protocol in over 1,000 infected health care workers and found a "time-plus-symptoms" approach would have averted more than 4,000 days of lost worktime.

Waste Generation by Hospital Emergency Departments Is Highlighted for First Time in a Mass General Study
Featuring Jonathan Slutzman, MD

Mass General researchers find emergency departments of hospitals generate significant amounts of environmentally harmful waste that could be reduced through basic changes to disposal policies and practices, while producing lower operating costs.

Blog Posts

Mass General ER Doctor Aims to Promote Health Through Voter Registration
Featuring Alister Martin, MD, MPP

Mass General emergency medicine specialist Alister Martin, MD, MPP, created VotER to help patients with voter registration in health care settings.

Ten Myths You May Have Heard About Wearing Masks
Featuring George Alba, MD

Certain questions and theories about face mask safety and efficacy continue to circulate, which can make it hard to tell the difference between fact and fiction. To set the record straight, we spoke with George Alba, MD, a researcher and pulmonary and critical care specialist at Mass General.

The Queen Bee Phenomenon and Encouraging the Success of Junior Colleagues with Dr. Margaret Ormiston

The Women in Science team at the Martinos Center recently invited Dr. Margaret Ormiston to speak about the Queen Bee phenomenon and the importance of encouraging junior colleagues.

Congratulations to the 2020 Claflin Distinguished Scholars

The Claflin Distinguished Scholar Awards were established to support women and their careers during their child-rearing years.

Is Tenacity A Matter of Willpower or Does Brain Structure Play a Role, Too?
Featuring Alexandra Touroutoglou, PhD, and Lisa Feldman Barrett, PhD

In a recent review paper, Mass General researchers identify a part of the brain that could play a key role in individual levels of grit.

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Snapshot of Science for September 2020