Researchers examining whether COVID-19 vaccination affects persistent smell or taste problems after contracting the virus have found that, in most cases, it does not.

Justin Lui, MD, MS, FCCP, ATSF, assistant professor of medicine at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, is one of seven physicians to receive the 2026 Network Rising Star Award for the Pulmonary Vascular and Cardiovascular Network from the American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST). Established in 2024, the award recognizes an individual’s contributions in the areas of clinical care, education, research, and/or other scholarly activity, as well as someone who has shown growth and potential within each of the seven CHEST Networks.

Blood-based biomarkers (BBMs) are revolutionary blood tests that can detect Alzheimer's disease (AD) brain changes earlier, cheaper and more easily than traditional methods such as Aβ-PET scans which are expensive and have limited accessibility. However, blood tests do not always give a clear yes-or-no answer. One of the most promising blood markers, called p-Tau217, can leave a substantial number of people with an uncertain diagnosis. Patients within this “gray zone” may need an expensive brain scan or other testing to determine whether amyloid, a key feature of Alzheimer’s disease, is present.

To address this problem, researchers at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine and the University of Connecticut have developed and tested a two-step approach called Gatekeeper‐Reflex model for AD (GRAD)—a step-by-step blood-testing strategy that could resolve many of these uncertain results. While promising, the researchers caution that GRAD is not ready to replace confirmatory imaging and still needs to be tested prospectively before use in routine clinical care.

Scientists have found a striking correlation between unexpected death and the speed of reported rebirth. The correlation was strongest among families that did not believe in reincarnation, defying the researchers’ expectations.

Social transition for trans young people is an evolving process involving changes in names, pronouns and appearance, according to new research.

The research, led by Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI), reinforces the need for families, schools and healthcare providers to support young people in finding the form of gender expression that feels right for them, rather than expecting a single gender affirmation journey.