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.
A study published in JAMA found that two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine provide some protection for people with solid organ transplants, but not enough to dispense with masks and physical distancing. Immunocompromised patients should continue to practice strict COVID-19 safety measures after vaccination.
Researchers developed SaferSeqS to detect rare mutations in blood more efficiently and reduce sequencing errors. The technology has shown a marked improvement in sensitivity and specificity in detecting previously undetectable cancer-related mutations.
Researchers found that common over-the-counter antibiotic treatments can slow healing and prevent regeneration of hair follicles after wounding. The study suggests that normal levels of bacteria actually improve healing, challenging the long-held theory that antibiotics promote healthy skin regeneration.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers found that mRNA vaccines for COVID-19 may provide protection against the latest variant strains and even the common cold. The vaccine-induced T cell response was found to be effective in recognizing the spike proteins of both SARS-CoV-2 and three common cold coronaviruses.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine used information theory to identify a likely key genetic culprit in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), the most common form of childhood leukemia. By analyzing DNA methylation patterns, they discovered a gene called UHRF1 that drives the development of cancer.
A new study suggests that pandemic eviction bans reduced infection rates and protected not only evicted individuals but also entire communities from the spread of COVID-19. The researchers found that without eviction bans, people who experience eviction or live with evictees have a higher risk of being infected, increasing transmission...
Researchers developed a new diagnostic tool that uses positron emission tomography and radioactive sugar to detect Enterobacterales infections. The technique was shown to be effective in detecting and localizing infections in patients, with no adverse effects.
Researchers identified a genetic pathway that could help treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by sweeping out excess mucus from the lungs. The pathway involves the ANT2 gene, which produces proteins that enhance cilia function and hydration layer formation in lung cells.
A medical records study revealed that infant cardiac surgery may be associated with increased hypertension in adulthood. Despite restored healthy heart function post-surgery within 10 years of birth, the study found a potential link between childhood CHD repair and high blood pressure later in life.
A recent Johns Hopkins Medicine study compared inpatient and outpatient surgical volumes during the pandemic and found significant declines, especially in regions hardest hit. Outpatient volumes recovered quickly, while inpatient volumes improved to near-pre-pandemic levels by September 2020.
A clinical practice review article by Rita Kalyani provides a systematic approach for treating patients with diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The article recommends using GLP-1 receptor agonists and SGLT2 inhibitors, particularly for patients with heart or blood vessel disease, to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events.
Researchers have developed DeepTCR, a software package that employs deep-learning algorithms to analyze T-cell receptor sequencing data. The software can identify patterns in the receptors that confer the function of the T cell to recognize and kill pathological cells.
A new molecular pathway discovered in fruit flies helps steer moving cells towards specific destinations, which may drive cancer cells to metastasize. The pathway involves a series of proteins and enzymes that work together to control cell movement, offering potential targets for interrupting cancer cell spread.
Researchers identify patients at high risk for esophageal adenocarcinoma through aneuploidy detection in Barrett's Esophagus, allowing for early intervention. The new method, RealSeqS, is quick, cost-effective, and can process hundreds of samples, making it ideal for clinical implementation.
A recent study by Johns Hopkins Medicine has found that COVID-19 vaccines may not produce sufficient antibody response in people who have received solid organ transplants and are immunocompromised. Only 17% of participants developed detectable antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 virus after receiving their first dose of the vaccine.