Researchers developed a new cancer immunotherapy that uses engineered T cells to target a genetic alteration common among all cancers. The approach stimulates an immune response against cells with the loss of one gene copy, called loss of heterozygosity (LOH), and has shown promising results in laboratory studies and mouse models.
A Johns Hopkins Medicine-led study evaluating over 9,500 Orthodox Jews in 12 states identified key factors contributing to the spread of COVID-19 within culturally bonded groups. The findings informed the development of safety guidelines for COVID-19-free celebrations among Orthodox Jewish communities.
Frailty is characterized by three or more of five key clinical signs and symptoms, including weakness, slow walking speed, and fatigue. Researchers developed a system for diagnosing frailty and found that it's a distinct state caused by disharmony among physiological and biological systems.
A study by researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that proteins in urine can be used as biomarkers to predict the likelihood of progression to chronic kidney disease and death after acute kidney injury. The three protein biomarkers, MCP-1, UMOD, and YKL-40, showed promise in predicting patient outcomes.
Researchers develop targeted immunotherapy approach that specifically kills cancer cells by targeting mutant protein fragments presented on the cell surface. The therapy uses bispecific antibodies to recognize and destroy cancer cells, bypassing conventional antibody limitations.
A Johns Hopkins Medicine research team discovered that a diet rich in indole-3-carbinole, found in green leafy vegetables like broccoli, can protect premature infants from necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). The study also found that breast milk from these mothers provided continued immunity against NEC.
A study published in JAMA Neurology suggests that large bone marrow cells called megakaryocytes may be responsible for the lingering aftereffects of severe COVID-19 cases, including brain fog. The researchers found evidence of megakaryocytes in the brains of patients who died from COVID-19 and believe they may reduce blood flow to the ...
A Johns Hopkins Medicine study reveals that emotional stress promotes symptoms of genetic heart disease and worsens its progression. Physicians and patients are advised to focus on good mental health, in addition to exercise avoidance, to keep patients healthy.
Researchers found that sounds can change brain circuits in newborn mice, even before the ear canal opens, and may eventually help detect and intervene in abnormal wiring. The study's findings suggest that sensory experience can alter cortical circuits at a very young age, potentially leading to neurodevelopmental problems.
A new genomic test helps oncologists determine which patients with recurrent prostate cancer may benefit from hormone therapy, guiding precision medicine efforts. The Decipher test, measuring tumor gene activity, predicts risk of metastasis and death, even after adjusting for other factors.
A new implant has improved balance, movement and quality of life for patients with bilateral vestibular hypofunction (BVH), a condition that affects 1.8 million adults worldwide. The device, which stimulates the vestibular nerve, has been shown to reduce dizziness and improve walking ability.
A commentary by Johns Hopkins experts highlights the need for standardized data collection and analysis to inform policy decisions and strategies. They propose creating a consensus task force to define metrics and refine them over time, enabling public health leaders and healthcare organizations to identify effective solutions.
Pharmacologist Namandje Bumpus outlines a four-part plan to improve the equity of drug development, emphasizing the need for increased diversity in clinical trials. The plan includes implementing diversity requirements for funding agencies and research institutions, as well as genetic engineering of animal models to reflect ethnic vari...
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine used autonomous AI to detect pediatric diabetic retinopathy in a study of 310 patients. The AI tool achieved high sensitivity, specificity, and diagnosability rates, leading to improved screening adherence and early diagnosis.
A Johns Hopkins Medicine study profiles immune cells called T lymphocytes that fight COVID-19, identifying specific proteins recognized by these cells. The findings may help guide the development of next-generation vaccines.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered that the gene-cutting system CRISPR-Cas9 can be used as a genetic dimmer switch, allowing scientists to develop new ways to genetically engineer cells. The long form of tracrRNA was found to repress CRISPR-related genes and protect bacteria from excessive activity.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have developed a new experimental therapy that prevents premature birth using nanosized particles of drugs. The treatment decreases contractions in uterine muscles and could be a clinical option for preventing preterm labor.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that various oral sex behaviors may increase the risk of oral HPV infection and head and neck cancer. Behaviors such as having multiple partners, early age of sexual initiation, and higher 'intensity' of oral sex were associated with a higher risk of the disease.
Researchers found that removing the internal limiting membrane can help transplanted retinal cells integrate into the retina, improving vision loss caused by glaucoma and other diseases. The study aims to develop new ways to repair or replace lost optic neurons by growing new cells.
Hydrogen sulfide has been shown to improve cognitive and motor function in mice with Alzheimer's disease by 50%. The compound reversed behavioral outcomes of the disease. Research also revealed a change in enzyme activity that could lead to new therapies.
The study identified three distinct subtypes of HPV-negative head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) with varying prognoses. The subtypes CIN, Basal, and Immune showed potential for different treatments, including CDK4/6 inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies targeting EGFR, and immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified a link between gut disease and brain injury in premature infants. The study found that an immune system cell called CD4+ T cells travels from the gut to the brain and attacks healthy cells, leading to severe brain injury.
A study from Johns Hopkins Medicine reveals that exposure to B. fragilis toxin can increase the risk of breast cancer by leaving a lasting impression on cells. Researchers found that breast tissue cells exposed to the toxin retained a long-term memory, leading to tumor growth and metastasis in mice.
New research from Johns Hopkins Medicine has uncovered that greater obesity seems to make muscle contraction much weaker in this very common form of heart failure. The study found that in patients with severe obesity, the force response to high calcium was reduced by 40%, suggesting that obesity is the key factor.
A study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that COVID-19 pandemic led to decreased suicides in the overall population, but increased suicides among Black Marylanders. The researchers highlight the importance of identifying high-risk groups and vulnerable populations to reduce suicide numbers.
Dysphagia diagnosis and treatment are being conducted remotely using telemedicine, enabling safe care for COVID-19 patients. Clinicians use digital methods to assess swallowing ability and identify potential complications.
Researchers argue that NCITs fail to accurately identify infected individuals, with only one person out of 85,000 screened being positive for SARS-CoV-2. Additionally, NCIT readings can be misleading during fever spikes and drops, making it difficult to determine actual fever presence.
Researchers found decreases in reported cases of chlamydia and syphilis, but a rise in syphilis cases, with weekly numbers for STIs inversely rising or falling with COVID-19 case reports. The pandemic may have led to fewer people seeking medical attention for STI symptoms.
A large retrospective study found that patients with non-small cell lung cancer who developed two immune-related side effects had improved patient survival and delayed tumor progression. The researchers identified a correlation between multisystem immune-related adverse events and improved survival outcomes.
Researchers found non-pharmacological interventions such as fan therapy and bilevel ventilation to be effective in improving breathlessness in patients with advanced cancer. In contrast, medications like opioids had limited impact on symptom relief.
Researchers found that large doses of vitamin D supplements offered no benefits in preventing falls among people aged 70 and older. In contrast, lower doses were associated with a reduced risk of falls. The study's findings challenge the common assumption that higher doses are always better for vitamin D supplementation.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that a majority of anorexia patients tolerated and met their weight gain goals on a rapid weight gain plan, with 70% reaching a healthy BMI. The study suggests that meal-based nutritional approaches can be well-tolerated and achieve weight restoration in a majority of patients.
A recent study has identified a genetic variation that influences cognition and IQ in people with schizophrenia, suggesting the possibility of developing new therapies to target learning and memory problems. Higher levels of a specific brain chemical were found to be associated with better visual and working memory.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine investigate using UVC light to disinfect CT scanning machines, which can eliminate SARS-CoV-2 virus particles in minutes. They also explore the relationship between low Ct values in diagnostic tests and infectiousness.
A comprehensive review of research studies on SARS-CoV-2 infections in infants less than 3 months old found that the majority experience mild to moderate cases and usually recover with supportive care. No deaths were reported, contradicting earlier findings suggesting myocarditis as a rare but possible complication.
Researchers have created a map of the proton-activated chloride channel (PAC), a protein that can help brain cells survive during stroke. Understanding its structure, they hope to develop ways to reduce permanent damage caused by acidosis and improve medical outcomes.
A small study of adults with major depression found that two doses of psilocybin, given with supportive psychotherapy, produced rapid and large reductions in depressive symptoms. Most participants showed improvement and half achieved remission after a four-week follow-up.
Researchers design theragrippers, tiny star-shaped devices that latch onto intestinal mucosa and release drugs. The devices stay in the intestine for a desired duration, solving a long-sought goal in medicine.
Two studies found age to be a primary determinant of melanoma treatment resistance, revealing new mechanisms common in aging that contribute to melanoma spread. Researchers found that older fibroblasts upregulated FATP2 and increased fatty acid uptake, protecting melanoma cells from anti-cancer drugs.
Researchers found connections between autism types and abnormalities in parvocellular oxytocin neurons, which regulate platonic love and sociability. The study could fuel the development of autism therapies targeting disease symptoms spurred on by these brain cells.
A new medical records analysis found that Black patients in the US pursue more intensive treatments than white Americans in the last six months of life. White people are more likely to use hospice care, which reduces emergency department visits and invasive procedures.
Researchers identified a protein, factor D, that enables the virus to turn the immune system against healthy cells. Inhibiting this protein can curtail inflammatory reactions and prevent cell destruction.
Researchers found that genetic pathways allowing fish to regrow neurons remain present in mammals, but are turned off, blocking regeneration and healing. The study may advance genetic therapies for blindness and other neurodegenerative diseases.
A Chinese study suggests that wearing eyeglasses for over eight hours a day may provide some protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, an infectious disease expert at Johns Hopkins Medicine cautions that the findings are not conclusive and more research is needed to confirm their validity.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers found that methamphetamine use increases the risk of casual sex without a condom, particularly among those with higher sexual desire. The study demonstrated that intense sexual arousal leads to rapid shift in preference for using a condom.
Researchers used data from seven weeks of COVID-19 patient care to create the 'COVID Inpatient Risk Calculator' (CIRC), which assesses patient risk of disease worsening. The model considers factors like age, BMI, lung health, and vital signs to predict disease progression.
A new study finds that early age-appropriate discussions about safe sex lead to fewer unintended pregnancies and better long-term sexual health. Black male teens who had their first sex before age 13 reported more negative behaviors and poorer relationship quality with parents.
Chinese American families are experiencing increased racist experiences during COVID-19 due to SARS-CoV-2 discovery in China. Johns Hopkins experts offer steps to combat racism, including learning about racial bias and its impact on health outcomes.
Researchers found a gene that produces high levels of TRIM37 protein controlling centrosomes in breast cancer cells. Using an experimental drug to disrupt proteins making centrioles, they selectively killed cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed.
A commentary by Dr. Tina Cheng and her daughter Alison Conca-Cheng highlights the impact of racism on Chinese American parents and children during COVID-19. They advocate for learning about racial bias history, teaching children about it, and addressing clinician biases to achieve health equity.