Mass General Brigham-led researchers investigated data from over 200,000 individuals who were followed for more than 30 years, and found that higher intake of plant-based oils, especially soybean, canola, and olive oil, was associated with lower total, cancer, and cardiovascular disease mortality, whereas butter intake was associated with increased risk of total and cancer mortality. The researchers also found that less than a tablespoon of butter per day with equivalent calories of plant-based oils could lower cancer deaths and overall mortality by 17%.

Chemotherapy and immunotherapy followed by de-escalated chemoradiation showed increased survival and reduced side effects in aggressive head and neck cancers that are not associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, according to a new study.

More than 120 million Americans suffer from diabetes or pre-diabetes. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive form of breast cancer, and TNBC patients with obesity-driven diabetes often have worse outcomes.

A new study by researchers from Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine helps explain why this happens and suggests a potential way to improve treatment for these patients.

The researchers' new method, called chemical tomography, provides insights into tissue function by analyzing volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These molecules are present in exhaled breath, saliva, sweat, and other bodily fluids. Prof. Haick is a leading global expert in the use of VOCs for early disease detection. His prior research has led to the development of multiple diagnostic technologies based on VOC analysis.

In this study, VOC monitoring enabled the dynamic molecular and functional mapping of a human breast tissue organoid, revealing key protein and genomic data associated with the transformation of healthy breast tissue into cancerous tissue.

The system detects VOCs using a graphene-based sensor array, with the collected data analyzed through generative artificial intelligence (AI). The inspiration for this technology comes from the compound eye of insects – a structure composed of multiple small eyes that send numerous images to the insect’s brain for analysis. In the system, the graphene sensors function as the compound eye, while AI acts as the brain, processing and interpreting the data.