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.
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.