A study published in Nature Communications suggests that a key mutation rendering malaria parasites resistant to atovaquone also makes them non-transmissible via mosquitoes. Researchers propose an injectable formulation of atovaquone for long-acting protection against malaria, overcoming concerns about resistance.
A new mouse model study suggests that Paxlovid treatment can prevent COVID-19-like disease symptoms in mothers and developmental deficits in offspring. The treatment reduced viral loads and disease signs in mothers, and prevented growth and developmental deficits in their offspring.
A new algorithm developed by Johns Hopkins researchers can assess genetic risks for major diseases across diverse ancestry populations. The CT-SLEB method uses machine learning and Bayesian statistical modeling to generate genetic scores for 13 traits in five different ancestry categories.
Patients receiving methadone treatment for opioid use disorder show significant decline in fentanyl and heroin use over the course of a year, with average positivity rates dropping from 21.8% to 17.1% for fentanyl and 8.4% to 4.3% for heroin. Methamphetamine and cocaine use remains steady.
Signs of common infections in middle-aged and older adults were associated with poorer performance on a test of global cognitive function. Elevated antibodies to herpes simplex virus type 1 or cytomegalovirus were individually linked to worse performance, with more positive tests related to multiple infections showing stronger effects.
A new study from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health suggests that chronic health conditions such as type 2 diabetes and asthma are greatly undertreated in the US jail and prison population. The researchers found significant disparities in treatment rates compared to the general US population, with incarcerated individuals ...
The CDC report found a continued rise in autism prevalence among 8-year-olds, with girls now surpassing 1% prevalence rate, while boys remain more likely to be diagnosed. The report also showed shifts in racial and ethnic backgrounds of children identified with ASD, with non-white populations having greater diagnostic access.
A new study found that 62% of adults with type 1 diabetes are overweight or obese, similar to the general population. The high rate is attributed to the lack of evidence-based weight-management strategies for type 1 diabetes patients.
A new study found that the majority of top-selling prescription drugs in the US have low added benefit, with consumer advertising favoring these products. The analysis revealed a significant shift in promotional spending to direct-to-consumer ads, which may drive patient demand for less effective treatments.
Men who would use PrEP prefer long-acting injectable medications due to lower cost and reduced side effects. The survey found that respondents ranked costs and potential side effects as the most important factors in considering whether to take PrEP, with a preference for lower-cost options.
A new study found that older adults with moderate to severe hearing loss are more likely to develop dementia, but those using hearing aids have a lower risk. The study highlights the potential link between hearing loss and dementia, emphasizing the importance of improving hearing care access.
A pilot study found that a school-based prevention program increased knowledge about child sexual abuse norms and laws, and students' intention to avoid or prevent child sexual abuse with younger children. The program showed promise in building a foundation for prevention.
Research suggests people with HIV and CD4 counts lower than 350 cells per microliter are at increased risk of severe breakthrough COVID-19 infections. The study's findings support the CDC's recommendations for additional vaccine dosing and risk-reduction measures for these individuals.
A new study by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that relaxing conceal carry permit restrictions led to a significant increase in firearm assaults, with an average rate of 12.75 per 100,000 people. States with shall issue laws and live-firearm training requirements did not see the same increases in gun violence.
A new study links historic redlining and ongoing segregation by race and income to a higher rate of nonfatal shootings in Baltimore's most disadvantaged neighborhoods. The researchers found that doubly disadvantaged neighborhoods experienced 24 more nonfatal shootings per 10,000 residents compared to sustainably advantaged neighborhoods.
A new study suggests that the true figure of undiagnosed diabetes in the US is significantly lower than current government estimates, with a prevalence rate of around 9.5% of the total diabetes burden. Disparities in access to healthcare and screening contribute to higher rates in older adults, racial/ethnic minorities, and those witho...
A national PrEP program is proposed to improve access to the highly effective yet underutilized preventive treatment, which could greatly reduce HIV rates. The special issue supports increased access, affordability, especially among Black and Latino populations.
Researchers analyzed data from wearable activity monitors on nearly 600 participants to identify changes in movement patterns that may predict cognitive decline. The study found significant differences in activity during waking hours and afternoons, with fragmented activity being a key indicator of mild cognitive impairment or Alzheime...
A new study found that Americans with low incomes eat less seafood high in Omega-3s, while higher-income groups consume more of these nutritious species. This disparity affects nutrient-dense seafood options, including mackerel and herring, which are lower-priced but have favorable nutrient profiles.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that people with HIV are at a higher risk of breakthrough COVID-19 infections after vaccination. The study analyzed data from nearly 114,000 fully vaccinated individuals and found that the HIV group had a 28% higher rate of breakthrough infections compared to the non-HIV group.
A long-term study found that cigarette smoking significantly increases the risk of developing both reduced ejection fraction and preserved ejection fraction heart failure. Former smokers retained a higher risk of heart failure for decades after quitting, with the risk decreasing only after 30 years without smoking.
A new study found that Medicare spent $1.2 billion on 36 drugs with no confirmed clinical benefits, mainly for cancer-related indications. The study suggests reforming the FDA's accelerated approval program to reduce waste and ensure patients receive effective treatments.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that federal subsidies offset losses for hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research revealed that hospitals serving socioeconomically disadvantaged patients and those with higher uninsured patient populations were particularly affected by financial losses.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that relaxing concealed firearm laws led to a 12.9% increase in officer-involved shootings with civilian victims in 10 US states. Four states saw significantly higher rates, including Missouri and West Virginia.
Researchers have mapped the connections between DNA and blood proteins in two large populations, providing insights into disease causes and potential treatment targets. The study's findings could shed light on health disparities and help develop new therapies.
For 18 out of 21 analyzed conditions, patients with telehealth consults did not require more unplanned hospitalizations or emergency department visits within 14 days compared to those making an initial in-person visit. However, patients with upper respiratory infections and bronchitis were more likely to need follow-up visits.
A survey found that individuals experiencing food insecurity were twice as likely to delay or forego medical care due to cost concerns. Food insecurity disproportionately affected racial and ethnic minority groups, low-income individuals, and those who lost their jobs or income.
Scientists have discovered a yeast self-destruct pathway, adding to evidence that unicellular organisms have programmed cell-death mechanisms. This finding could lead to new antifungal drugs targeting such mechanisms.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health estimated that the US spent an average of $34,191 per incarcerated adult convicted of sex crimes against children under 18 in 2021. The total annual cost was over $5.4 billion, with conservative estimates suggesting nearly $49 billion for the current cohort of inmates.
Researchers found that infants and toddlers had significantly higher levels of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 compared to adults. Children under 4 years old had the highest levels of RBD and neutralizing antibodies, indicating a strong immune response.
A new study found that more than half of local public health departments experienced harassment during the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Over one-third of public health officials who resigned or were fired reported incidents of harassment.
A new study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that state laws regulating opioid prescriptions had no effect on prescribing patterns for commercially insured adults with chronic non-cancer pain. The study suggests that declines in opioid prescribing may be driven by shifting clinical guidance or other factors.
A study of 22 large cities across 14 countries reveals that more than one-quarter did not involve public health agencies in their climate change plans. Despite this, 73% reported having a public health department on their climate-plan teams. The researchers recommend enhancing public health agency involvement to target activities to th...
An analysis of pre-Omicron data found that COVID-19 vaccines retain nearly all their ability to prevent severe disease up to six months after full vaccination. Protection against severe COVID-19 dropped by an average of 10 percentage points over the same interval.
A study from Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute uses CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing to delete a protein called CTL4 from mosquitoes, resulting in a 64% decrease in infection prevalence. The researchers believe targeting the CTL4 protein could be a new strategy for controlling malaria.
A large multi-year study found that 21.8% of US children have one or more common mental, emotional, and behavioral health conditions. Relational and social risks were associated with a fourfold range in rates of mental health problems among US children.
Researchers discovered a bacterial toxin that can accelerate colon cancer in mice, sharing similarities with human tumors. The study's findings suggest a potential link between transient food poisoning and colorectal cancer development, highlighting the need for further epidemiological studies.
Researchers developed a high-throughput platform to screen for new class of coronavirus antiviral compounds, targeting the macrodomain protein. The platform identified existing drugs that block macrodomain activity, including dasatinib, which shows promise as a potential treatment for COVID-19 and other coronaviruses.
A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that over half of US hospitals failed to comply with new pricing disclosure rules, despite 75% compliance in some regions and states. Hospitals' decisions on compliance were linked to peer hospital performance and health IT preparedness.
The US HIV treatment population is projected to increase by 36% by 2030, with older adults making up nearly a quarter of users. The population is expected to shift towards more older age groups, with nearly one in four people with HIV aged 65 or older by 2030.
A nationwide study found that hospitalized COVID-19 patients taking immunosuppressive medications did not have a significantly increased risk of dying from COVID-19 or being put on a ventilator compared to non-immunosuppressed patients. However, patients taking rituximab were at a substantially increased risk of death.
A new sex education program, Respecting the Circle of Life, has been shown to improve pregnancy prevention skills among Native American teens. The program, delivered through a summer basketball camp, significantly increased condom use self-efficacy, intention, and negotiation skills.
A new study finds that HPV vaccination will significantly reduce rates of throat and mouth cancers in younger age groups, but the overall impact may not be seen until 2045. The study projects a substantial decline in oropharyngeal cancer rates among well-vaccinated individuals aged 36-45 and 46-55 between 2018 and 2045.
A study by researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that nearly 15% of college students were food-insecure. These students were 43% less likely to graduate from college and 61% less likely to attain a graduate or professional degree compared to non-food-insecure peers.
A large study found that people with hypertension or diabetes often lack a simple urine test for protein in the urine, despite being at high risk of chronic kidney disease. The researchers suggest widening albuminuria testing to detect early chronic kidney diseases and emphasize the importance of treatment.
A nationwide study found that US health systems used COVID-19 treatments dexamethasone and remdesivir variably, with dexamethasone possibly underused in severe cases. The use of these drugs peaked in mid-2020 but fell to lower rates by late February 2021.
Researchers found that chlorpyrifos, a common pesticide, amplifies the effect of CHD8 gene mutations, leading to reduced protein levels in brain organoids. This study highlights the potential role of genetic and environmental interactions in autism spectrum disorder.
A study found that children exposed to higher levels of selenium and manganese during pregnancy had lower blood pressure in childhood. Manganese also protected against the hypertensive effect of cadmium, a toxic heavy metal.
A nationwide study found that blood sugar control among US adults with diabetes declined significantly between 2007-2010 and 2015-2018. The proportion of adults achieving glycemic control dropped from 57.4% to 50.5%, while blood pressure control decreased, but cholesterol control levels remained stable.
A large study of plasma proteins and dementia found abnormal blood levels of dozens of proteins up to five years earlier may predict dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. High levels of one protein, SVEP1, are linked to the disease process.