A new study published in JAMA Pediatrics found no association between male circumcision and an increased risk of autism. The analysis of nearly 3,000 boys followed from birth into childhood showed that circumcised boys did not have a higher risk of autism compared to uncircumcised boys.
Between 2018 and 2024, insurance denials for brand-name prescriptions increased by 67%, with nearly half not being filled within 90 days. The study highlights the trade-offs between controlling spending and ensuring timely treatment access.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health discovered that a common yeast called Rhodotorula taiwanensis can lure and trap the Anopheles gambiae mosquito, the principal malaria-transmitting mosquito in Africa. The yeast's blend of scent chemicals attracts mosquitoes via their sense of smell, primarily through odoran...
A team of researchers has discovered large droplets of proteins known as condensates near inactive chromosome regions within the cell nucleus that are a feature of some cancer cells. The newly found condensates store excess gene-activating protein TEAD1, regulating its activity and preventing toxicity to the cell.
A new study finds that nearly one-quarter of income-eligible older adults and people living with disabilities face barriers to Medicaid enrollment due to asset limits, which may discourage savings and penalize economic resilience.
Researchers found a clear spike in fungal microfossils following the asteroid impact that wiped out the dinosaurs 66 million years ago. This global event, occurring tens of thousands of years before the extinction, suggests that volcanism may have contributed to the mass extinctions in that period.
Researchers developed a combined sensorimotor assessment measure to gauge risk of mild cognitive impairment, a condition that can progress to dementia. The measure was associated with lower risk of mild cognitive impairment in older adults.
A study published in JAMA Network Open found that stronger, more stable, and less fragmented daily patterns of rest and activity are associated with slower physiological aging. The research suggests that these patterns may serve as potential targets for interventions to slow the aging process.
A study found that weaker, more fragmented daily rhythms were associated with smaller memory-related brain regions and faster brain atrophy. The study suggests that a weaker circadian rhythm can be an early sign of adverse neurological changes and contribute to the underlying neurodegenerative process.
A new study found that eviction moratoria and climate disasters explain US homelessness surges, with longer protections linked to smaller increases. Climate-related displacement accelerated homeless rises, emphasizing the need for resilient housing and disaster response plans.
A large study using simulated clinical trial analysis based on medical records found that GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs reduced the risk of major cardiovascular events and end-stage kidney disease in type 1 diabetes patients. The study, led by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, showed significant risk reductions without in...
A large study finds that Medicare Part D beneficiaries saw a substantial decrease in out-of-pocket insulin costs following the implementation of a $35 cap. The percentage of patients paying $35 or less increased from 48% to 75%, and mean costs dropped from $50.87 to $21.98 between 2019 and 2023.
A study of nearly 700,000 health records reveals that young people with cannabis use disorder are more likely to be diagnosed with psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia, recurrent major depression, and anxiety disorders. In contrast, adults with cannabis use disorder are less likely to develop these conditions.
A Johns Hopkins study found that 42.3% of people with medical debt delayed dental care, 23.0% delayed medical care, and 14% delayed mental health care. Medical debt contributes to unmet need for treatment across health needs, regardless of insurance coverage.
A meta-analysis of 64 clinical trials found that GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs are moderately effective for weight loss, with women losing an average of 11% of their starting weight, compared to 7% for men. The analysis also found similar effectiveness across different age groups, races, and starting body mass indexes.
Enrollment among eligible individuals increased by 27.5% after subsidy expansion, with gains seen among children 18 and under, Black and Hispanic individuals, part-time workers, and rural residents. The study found that 7.8 million enrollees retained marketplace coverage over the 2021-2022 period
A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that people with medical debt are more likely to experience housing instability. The research analyzed data from 1,515 US adults and found that those with medical debt had a higher risk of reporting housing instability in subsequent years.
Researchers found that FDA decisions were based on safety considerations, with limited instances of political intervention. The agency acted cautiously, incrementally, and with a commitment to well-grounded scientific evidence.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health reveals that manure digesters are not a climate solution due to methane emissions and increased pollution hazards. The technology is criticized for incentivizing industrial animal agriculture with no meaningful climate benefit.
Researchers found that fungal species from warmer sites in Baltimore had lighter pigmentation and greater heat resistance compared to cooler sites. This study suggests that urban fungi may be adapting to higher temperatures, potentially leading to new disease-causing pathogens like Candida auris.
Researchers found that Medicare patients receiving federal housing assistance were diagnosed at earlier stages with breast, colorectal, and non-small cell lung cancers compared to peer patients. Early cancer diagnosis is key to better prognoses and has saved millions of lives.
A new study found that 14% of bariatric surgery patients use GLP-1 weight loss drugs, with higher rates among those who underwent sleeve gastrectomy and experienced lower post-operative weight loss. The rate of GLP-1 use increased as more powerful drugs became available.
A new study found substantial increases in the use of continuous glucose monitoring and insulin delivery devices among children and adults with type 1 diabetes, resulting in improved blood-sugar control rates from 7% to 19% and 21% to 28%, respectively
A modified version of the DASH diet has been shown to lower glucose levels and improve blood glucose control in adults with type 2 diabetes. The DASH4D diet, which is similar to the original DASH diet but lower in carbohydrates and higher in unsaturated fats, helped participants with type 2 diabetes control their glucose levels.
A new study has identified genetic changes in the parasite responsible for trichomoniasis that may have helped it adapt to human hosts. The research found dozens of genes associated with key functions such as phagocytosis and exosomes, which could be exploited for future treatments.
A community-driven study found that air pollutants, including particulate matter and black carbon, were highest when bulldozer activity and wind from the coal terminal coincided. The study supports long-standing complaints of Curtis Bay residents about coal-related air pollution.
A new study found significant gaps between recommended and actual use of cholesterol-lowering drugs, with nearly half of eligible patients not taking them. Closing these gaps could prevent tens of thousands of heart attacks, strokes, and bypass surgeries annually, saving up to $30.6 billion in medical costs.
A new study from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health reveals that people with medical debt are significantly less likely to receive mental health care treatment. The research found that nearly 34% of respondents with medical debt forwent mental health care in the following year, compared to just 6.3% without medical debt.
The CDC report found an overall prevalence of autism of 1 in 31 among 8-year-olds, with significant differences by racial and ethnic background. Among Maryland 4-year-olds, the prevalence was 1 in 41, with boys being more likely to be identified with autism than girls.
A study published in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism found that obesity rates among type 1 diabetes patients increased for all age groups and ethnicities from 2008 to 2023. GLP-1 receptor agonist use also rose sharply, with a sevenfold increase in severely obese youth with type 1 diabetes between 2008-11 and 2020-23.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health discovered a molecular quality-control system in Anopheles mosquitoes that can be targeted to disrupt malaria parasites. Disrupting the prefoldin chaperonin system reduced mosquitoes' ability to host and transmit malaria parasites, killing about 60% of them.
A new study found that patients with depression from high-wealth neighborhoods in Maryland were significantly more likely to have telehealth visits compared to those from low-wealth neighborhoods. This trend suggests that telehealth may not be improving access to care for all patients, especially those living in disadvantaged areas.
A new study found that engaging in as little as 35 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per week significantly lowers the risk of developing dementia. Even frail older adults can benefit from low-dose exercise, with the risk decreasing by up to 69%.
Two new studies estimate that abortion bans in 14 US states resulted in 22,180 additional live births and 478 infant deaths. The effects of these bans vary across racial and socioeconomic groups, with the largest impacts on populations experiencing structural disadvantages.
The number of family caregivers supporting older adults living in home and residential-care settings increased to 24.1 million, a 32% rise from 18.2 million in 2011. Caregiving responsibilities continued to fall primarily to women, with those caring for individuals with dementia facing unique challenges.
A new study finds that pulse oximeters are infrequently tested for accuracy on diverse skin pigmentation groups, contradicting the FDA's 2013 recommendation. The analysis of FDA clearance documents reveals only a quarter of summaries since 2016 include language suggesting compliance with the guideline.
A new analysis found that ultraprocessed foods account for more than half of calories consumed at home by adults in the US, increasing from 51% in 2003 to 54% in 2018. This trend is linked to chronic health conditions such as cardiovascular disease and obesity.
A new biopesticide made from dead bacterial cells has shown promise in killing malaria-carrying mosquitoes and reducing disease transmission. The powder, which retains the bacterium's mosquitocidal properties, also inhibits malaria transmission at sub-lethal doses.
A new study reveals that the sleeping sickness parasite hides in tissues and evades antibodies by constantly changing its protective surface coat. This discovery could lead to a better understanding of the immune response to other pathogens, and may pave the way for developing treatments.
Researchers analyzed opioid industry documents and found that 15 key articles were cited to support unsubstantiated claims about prescription opioids' safety and effectiveness. The study highlights the need for regulatory safeguards to protect public health, particularly for potentially addictive pharmaceuticals.
Researchers estimate that treating hospitalized COVID patients with convalescent plasma saved between 16,476 and 66,296 lives in the US between July 2020 and March 2021. The use of convalescent plasma could have reduced mortality by up to 225% if it had been administered more widely.
Nonprofit hospitals in the US received a total of $37.4 billion in tax benefits in 2021, with about 55% coming from state and local tax benefits. The largest tax benefits were found in Massachusetts, while Delaware had the lowest. Only 7.3% of nonprofit hospitals accounted for half the total tax benefits.
A recent study found that one-third of adults with medical debt and depression or anxiety delayed mental health care in the previous 12 months. Medical debt significantly increases the likelihood of delaying or forgoing mental health care among those with these conditions. The study highlights the need for healthcare systems to improve...
A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health researchers found that infant deaths in Texas increased by 255 deaths between 2021 and 2022, a 12.9% increase compared to the US average. The analysis suggests that the state's 2021 abortion ban may have led to an increase in infant deaths due to congenital anomalies.
A study analyzing Medicare admissions at nearly 2,000 acute care hospitals nationwide found that most hospitals admitted a significantly different proportion of Black fee-for-service Medicare patients compared to the surrounding hospital market. Hospitals admitting fewer Black patients may have lower care quality.
A randomized controlled trial found that filters, coupled with a digital health program, reduced urinary arsenic levels by 47% in households relying on well water. The study, conducted in American Indian communities, also showed significant increases in household use of filtered water for drinking and cooking.
A new study identifies characteristics of cities that would support young people’s mental health. The findings prioritize life skills, age-friendly environments, free public spaces, and employment opportunities.
The study found that non-Hispanic Black people were disproportionately injured in nonfatal shootings by police, with 35% lower odds of fatal injury when shot. Police responses initiated by a call to emergency dispatchers were also more likely to end with a fatal shooting injury.
Researchers found that immune system proteins in breast milk protect offspring by shaping gut microbiota, making them less susceptible to certain disease-causing bacteria. The study demonstrates a critical role for breast milk complement proteins in promoting infant health and defending against bacterial infections.
Research found that Black adults spent $79 less on health expenditures per year in highly integrated communities compared to whites, while in non-integrated communities they spent $2,145 less. Despite these disparities, physical health was similar across racial groups in integrated areas.