Researchers found that people with ALS have higher levels of arachidonic acid, a lipid involved in inflammation, and that tampering with this pathway can reduce muscle-weakening symptoms. The study suggests that targeting the arachidonic acid pathway may offer potential new therapies for Lou Gehrig's disease.
A study with lab-grown mouse cells reveals that lamin C plays a key role in maintaining the structural network under the cell's nucleus, ensuring proper DNA organization. This finding has significant implications for diagnosing and treating genetic disorders linked to DNA disorganization, such as progeria and muscular dystrophy.
A Johns Hopkins-led study found that leptin cancels out the effects of Tamoxifen, making it ineffective for obese patients with breast cancer. Researchers suggest that interventions targeting leptin or Med1 may improve Tamoxifen's success in this group.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center found a new treatment option for inoperable pleural mesothelioma using immunotherapy agent durvalumab combined with platinum-based chemotherapy. Patients with epithelioid tumors experienced higher survival rates, including some who remained tumor-free after completing the trial.
Researchers identified two distinct clusters of patients with Prurigo nodularis: those with increased inflammation and those with a higher likelihood of spinal disease. This study suggests that personalized treatment approaches can be tailored to specific patient profiles.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that combining copper ions with a drug once used for treating alcoholism kills medulloblastoma cancer cells and prevents new ones from forming. The therapy also curtails the creation of cancer stem cells, which initiate tumor growth and recurrence.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that antibody levels against SARS-CoV-2 stay higher in people who were infected by the virus and then received protection from mRNA vaccine compared to those who only got vaccinated. A longer interval between virus exposure and first vaccine dose may enhance antibody response.
A new analysis finds that 67 million US adults identify as disabled, with significant disparities among different socioeconomic and demographic groups. The study highlights the need for accurate data on disability to inform effective policies and solutions.
A recent Johns Hopkins Medicine-led study suggests that statin use is not beneficial for reducing COVID-19 mortality or severity. Instead, patients taking statins had an increased risk of developing a more severe form of the disease. The researchers found no significant impact on mortality rates.
Research reviews show that back pain in space is often sciatica, a form of back pain radiating down the legs. Astronauts experience changes in spine curvature due to microgravity, leading to acute and chronic pain upon return to Earth.
Scientists have identified a previously unknown species of ground sloth, Parocnus dominicanus, from fossils found in the Dominican Republic. The species was smaller than its tree-dwelling cousins and had anatomical differences that may have allowed it to occupy lowland areas.
Researchers found a chemical inhibitor of PDE9 stimulates cells to burn more fat in mice, reducing obesity and fatty liver. The study's findings suggest the experimental drug may be effective in treating severe obesity and improving heart function.
Researchers identified a pattern that links the accumulation of amyloid beta (Aβ) proteins with a reduction of serotonin, which may help predict who will develop late-life depression. The study found that individuals expressing this pattern had more severe depressive symptoms.
Pediatric transplant recipients have a more robust immune response to COVID-19 vaccines, achieving higher antibody levels after two doses compared to adult counterparts. This study suggests that the standard two-dose regimen may be safe and effective in pediatric transplant recipients.
Researchers have identified a way to restore the effectiveness of drugs in clinical trials for treating AML by using human alpha(1)-acid glycoprotein (AGP) as a 'decoy' to bind and inhibit FLT3-mutated leukemia cells. The approach has potential for improving patient outcomes, particularly for patients with FLT3-mutated AML.
A Johns Hopkins Medicine research team has provided a definitive view of the biological process leading to necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a dangerous inflammatory disease that can destroy a premature infant's intestinal lining. The loss of enteric glia leads to intestinal dysmotility, which is a key factor in NEC's genesis.
Researchers discovered that new mutations in the BRAF gene can lead to gliomas growing back after treatment, suggesting personalized approaches to therapy. The study also explored potential impacts of COVID-19 vaccines on menstruation.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center discovered differences in gene activity between immune cells from patients with lung cancer who responded and did not respond to immunotherapies. The findings suggest that non-responders' immune cells can be reprogrammed to act more like responders', potentially leading to new treatment...
A study of 200 heart attack survivors who used a smartphone app showed that they had a 52% lower risk of hospital readmission within 30 days. The app, which tracked medication use and lifestyle changes, also motivated users to improve their quality of life.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified promising new targets for pancreatic cancer treatment and early detection, including glycosylated proteins that could be captured in the blood for diagnosis. The study also suggests new ways to improve immune response to these tumors.
Researchers find PADI4 and HIF-1 proteins work together to deliver oxygen and nutrients to tumors, allowing them to grow. The discovery provides new avenues for anti-cancer therapies targeting blood vessel development.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine used food science concepts to study membrane-free droplets in cells, finding they are highly organized and respond to the environment. They discovered a protein called MEG-3 that stabilizes these droplets, allowing them to separate and react quickly to changes.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that contact with police is associated with negative health outcomes for Black youth, including poor mental health, substance use, and risky behaviors. The researchers also found that Black youth experience feelings of alienation and hopelessness due to lack of support from social institutions.
Researchers found that remnant cholesterol levels above 24 micrograms per deciliter were associated with a 40-50% higher risk of major heart disease or stroke. The study suggests using remnant cholesterol as an additional metric for predicting cardiovascular disease and stroke risk, in addition to LDL cholesterol levels.
Researchers analyzed large datasets to find biomarkers that could help select immunotherapy treatment for older patients. The analysis suggests that factors such as mutational burden and immune checkpoint protein expression are associated with increased response to immunotherapies in older patients, despite lower general immunity.
A study of over 20,000 medical records found pregnant women with regurgitant or 'leaky' heart valves are up to 100 times more likely to experience cardiac complications during delivery. Women with any type of valve disease should receive increased screening and attention before and during pregnancy.
A novel AI-powered blood test, DELFI, has been developed to detect lung cancer with high accuracy. The test uses machine learning to analyze cell-free DNA in the bloodstream and has been shown to identify over 90% of patients with lung cancer.
Researchers found a safe and tolerable combination of entinostat and immunotherapy, increasing CD8/FoxP3 gene expression and resulting in 16% objective response rate. The study showed promising results for patients with advanced cancers that have not responded to traditional therapy.
A recent study found that a muscle protein called CaMKII improves strength, endurance, and fitness in young animals, but also contributes to an evolutionary tradeoff: increased susceptibility to age-related diseases. The research suggests that future therapies targeting CaMKII could stave off diseases of old age.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have discovered that mebendazole, an anti-parasitic drug, can prevent and slow the growth of pancreatic cancer in genetically engineered mice. The study suggests that mebendazole may act similarly to collapsing cancer cells' structure and reducing inflammation.
Researchers identified a genetic mutation linked to a weakened immune system response in the gut, leading to rare and severe inflammatory bowel disease. The study found that mutations in the IFIH1 gene result in abnormal production of the MDA5 protein, causing improper immune activation and inflammation.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered a combination therapy that allows some advanced liver cancer patients to undergo successful surgical removal of their cancer. The treatment, involving cabozantinib and nivolumab, has shown promising results in shrinking tumors and reducing the risk of recurrence.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that hospitalized Black patients were diagnosed with aortic stenosis at half the rate of white patients, while Hispanic patients received treatment at a quarter of the rate. The study suggests racial differences may impact heart valve disease risk, highlighting the need for further exploration.
Researchers found that farnesol prevents loss of dopamine neurons and reverses behavioral deficits in mice, indicating its potential as a drug treatment for Parkinson's disease. The compound blocks the PARIS protein, which is involved in the progression of the disease.
Researchers found that a type of echocardiogram can predict which COVID-19 patients are most at risk of developing atrial fibrillation, a condition that increases the risk of heart failure and stroke. Patients with high levels of certain biomarkers in their blood also showed increased risk.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine report a potential noninvasive biomarker for tracking gene editing therapies in early-stage Huntington's disease. By measuring blood volume in the brain, they found that suppressing the mutant huntingtin gene can normalize altered arteriolar blood volumes and delay or prevent symptom development.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have discovered an enzyme inhibitor, Q-VD-OPH, that boosts the immune system to fight antibiotic-resistant MRSA and other skin infections. The treatment works by reducing apoptosis of neutrophils and monocytes, leaving them in plentiful numbers to remove bacteria.
A recent study by Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers suggests that playing virtual reality games during a venipuncture procedure can reduce pain and anxiety in pediatric patients. However, the study also found that VR gameplay added an average of 4-6 minutes to the procedure time due to technical issues.
Research suggests that smoother silicone breast implants produce less inflammation and fibrous tissue, reducing the need for replacement. Studies using mice, rabbits, and human breast tissue show a significant reduction in immune responses with surface designs featuring a roughness of approximately 4 microns.
Researchers charted health characteristics among 1,374 people with achondroplasia over 60 years, including growth patterns, surgical outcomes and medical treatments. The study found that nearly 80% of patients had at least one surgical procedure to relieve pain or symptoms, while limb-lengthening surgeries were relatively uncommon.
Researchers developed a new computational approach, CancerCellNet, to evaluate research models. The tool uses RNA sequences to compare lab-grown cancer cells with human tumor data, finding that cell lines are genetically inferior to genetically engineered mice and tumoroids in 4 out of 5 tested tumor types.
Researchers found that a third vaccine dose increased antibody levels against SARS-CoV-2 in transplant recipients more than the standard two-dose regimen. The study suggests booster doses should be investigated for those who are immunocompromised to determine if they can receive COVID-19 vaccines as standard clinical practice.
Researchers developed AstroPath, a platform combining astronomy and pathology to analyze tumor microenvironments. It predicts response to anti-PD-1 therapy in melanoma patients, providing new insights into cancer treatment options.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found long-term exposure to PM2.5 increases the risk of losing one's smell by nearly twice, potentially due to airborne pollutants reaching the olfactory nerve. The study also highlights the need for better air pollution management, especially in vulnerable populations.
Researchers developed two experimental drug approaches targeting cancer cell metabolism, showing promise in treating highly aggressive pediatric brain cancer. The treatments extended survival and enhanced effectiveness of standard chemotherapies in patients with MYC-amplified medulloblastoma.
A recent study suggests that COVID-19 may cause myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) in young people. Three case studies reviewed by Johns Hopkins Medicine found ME/CFS-like symptoms within two weeks of illness, with all patients meeting criteria for the condition six months later.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine counted brain cells in fruit flies and three mosquito species, revealing an average of 200,000 neurons. This estimate likely represents a baseline number of brain cells required for complex behaviors. The study provides insight into the intricate processing capabilities of these insects.
Elevated levels of O-GlcNAc can make mice more prone to heart failure, but lowering them restores normal risk and function. The findings suggest targeting the O-GlcNAc pathway could help prevent or stop human heart failure.
A recent case study by Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers provides evidence that medical marijuana may be an effective treatment for patients with chronic itch. The team found that THC, a compound in cannabis, attaches to brain receptors and reduces inflammation, leading to a reduction in skin sensations such as itchiness.
Researchers developed the COVID Control app, which predicts COVID-19 outbreaks using user-reported symptoms and correlates with increased coronavirus prevalence in Baltimore City. The study showed that new loss of taste or smell was a strong predictor of confirmed cases, averaging five days before an outbreak.