Researchers found that immunotherapy 'checkpoint' inhibitor treatment before surgery eliminated cancer evidence in nearly half of patients with Merkel cell carcinoma. The treatment approach may reduce surgery extent and slow tumor relapses.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that adding $8 an hour to the paychecks of people with opioid dependence can help them stay drug-free longer and encourage them to get regular jobs. The study also showed that this financial stimulus can reduce poverty and improve employment outcomes.
Researchers discovered a key role for H2-O chaperone protein in protecting the immune system from autoimmunity, which causes diseases such as multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. The study found that the absence of H2-O disrupted normal helper T cell function, leading to autoimmune reactions.
A team of Johns Hopkins experts has developed a comprehensive guidebook for convalescent plasma therapy, a treatment that leverages immune system components found in the plasma portion of blood from people who have recovered from COVID-19 illness. The guide outlines protocols and guidelines for hospitals to rapidly scale up their abili...
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine repurposed hospital staff badges to monitor patient mobility, revealing that ambulation is crucial for recovery. The device accurately predicts readmission rates and discharge plans, encouraging clinicians to provide targeted feedback.
Researchers found that nanoparticles coated with trastuzumab were better retained in tumors and stimulated an anti-cancer immune response, even in HER2-negative tumors. The study suggests that the host's immune system plays a crucial role in determining nanoparticle retention and efficacy.
A phase II clinical trial found that stereotactic ablative radiation (SABR) slowed disease progression in a subset of men with limited spread of prostate cancer. SABR treatment was associated with an expanded population of T cells, suggesting a full-body immune system response to their cancers.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have discovered that statins can kill cancer cells by blocking the creation of a molecule necessary for their survival. The study suggests that statins may be valuable in combating certain types of cancer and could lead to new treatment options.
Scientists have successfully turned back the biological hands of time by coaxing adult human cells to revert to a primitive state, unlocking their potential to replace and repair damaged blood vessels in the retina. The findings advance regenerative medicine techniques aimed at reversing diabetic retinopathy.
Scientists have developed a free computer program called HemoSYS to quantify structural and functional changes in tumor blood flow networks. The tool provides insights into cancer progression and metastasis, potentially accelerating the development of new therapies targeting tumor blood vessels.
A study published in Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer found that introducing bone marrow cells with a specific gene deletion can induce an immune response against prostate and pancreatic cancer cells. The technique, known as adoptive cell therapy, uses patients' own marrow cells to target cancer.
Studies show a growing number of US medical students with disabilities, but disparities continue in terms of research funding and job prospects. Researchers highlight the need for increased support and accommodations to address barriers to inclusion.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine developed a proof-of-principle urine test detecting prostate cancer using RNA and metabolites in the urine. The test identified cancer-specific changes in urinary RNAs and metabolites that may lead to future development of a noninvasive diagnostic tool.
Researchers developed a nanoparticle delivery method that tags implanted human cancer cells with molecular signals, making them visible to the immune system. The treatment showed promise in mice with melanoma and colon cancer, with some surviving up to 60 days without tumor growth.
Researchers successfully used CRISPR to make targeted cuts in human breast cancer genes, allowing for efficient sequencing of critical alterations. The technique has the potential to streamline cancer treatment selection and use of targeted therapies.
Researchers developed a noninvasive imaging technique to monitor rifampin levels in TB patients. The dynamic 11C-rifampin PET/CT tool successfully tracked the movement of the tagged drug into lesions and cavities, revealing low penetration rates that can change over time.
Researchers from Johns Hopkins Center for Fetal Therapy report improved lung function in infants born after FETO therapy, which involves a minimally invasive procedure to block the fetal trachea. The study found that prenatal and postnatal monitoring and care were highly coordinated, allowing for favorable outcomes in the 14 infants born.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center found that combining TAK228 and trametinib may be more effective than either drug alone in decreasing pediatric low-grade glioma growth. The combination therapy also suppressed activity in key cell signaling pathways, reducing tumor growth and increasing survival in mice.
Researchers found long guns were used more often in suicides by kids and teens than adults, particularly in rural counties. Rifles were also used during hunting season, increasing by 60%. Adopting safety measures for rifles or shotguns may prevent suicides.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have proposed five quality measures for medical billing, including itemized bills, price transparency, and service quality. The measures aim to reduce financial toxicity and promote transparency, enabling patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare costs.
A survey of over 2,700 kratom users found the substance has a lower rate of harm than prescription opioids for treating pain, anxiety, and depression. While self-reporting surveys are not always reliable, the results suggest kratom may have medical applications to explore as an alternative to opioid use.
Climate change is likely to unlock dangerous new microbes and threaten humans' ability to regulate body temperature. Rising temperatures pose a threat to humanity's thermoregulation and survival.
A study of over 4 million Medicaid claims records found that less than a third of adolescents and young adults who survived nonfatal opioid overdoses received timely follow-up addiction treatment. Only 1 in 54 youths received standard-of-care counseling and medications recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Researchers developed an integrated genomic approach to predict which lung cancer patients will respond to immunotherapy. They found a correlation between tumor mutational burden and tumor purity, and corrected TMB estimates improved prediction of overall survival.
A study published in Nature Communications suggests that age-related changes to spinal cartilaginous tissue can lead to painful nerve growth, causing unexplained low back pain. The research found that a porous structure in the cartilage endplates can invite abnormal nerve growth, making the normal load-bearing work of the spine painful.
Researchers found that surgically removing the entire tumor can boost median survival length from eight months to 16 months or more. The study analyzed data from 103 patients and suggests surgery may be a viable treatment option for brainstem high-grade gliomas, which are rare and deadly brain cancers.
Hundreds of discarded deceased donor kidneys with acute kidney injury (AKI) can be successfully used for transplantation. This finding challenges current medical criteria and has the potential to significantly increase the organ donor pool, helping to address the growing shortage of available kidneys for transplant.
Researchers develop biodegradable nanoparticles that target and kill pediatric brain tumor cells in mice, surviving 20-63% longer than untreated mice. The treatment uses a combination of the suicide gene and ganciclovir, showing promise for new therapies targeting these deadly brain malignancies.
Research shows increased AMPAR activity in both motor and visual cortex during learning tasks, indicating a whole-brain approach to motor control. This challenges the long-held assumption that motor-based learning occurs solely in specific brain regions.
Researchers found that treatment with intranasal mupirocin and chlorhexidine wipes significantly reduced parentally acquired Staphylococcus aureus infections in NICU babies. The study suggests a simple strategy to reduce the spread of deadly bacteria in hospitals.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that specialized cells use a process more common in non-mammalian species to create hundreds of cilia, challenging the long-held assumption that deuterosomes play a central role. This discovery could lead to new treatments for cilia-related disorders.
A review article published in The New England Journal of Medicine suggests that intermittent fasting can improve blood sugar regulation, increase resistance to stress, and suppress inflammation. Studies have shown that this adaptation may trigger a slower metabolic process, which can lead to weight loss and reduced belly fat.
A study from Johns Hopkins Medicine suggests that being around dogs from an early age may have a health benefit, decreasing the chance of developing schizophrenia as an adult. However, no significant link was found between dogs and bipolar disorder or cats and either psychiatric disorder.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine used targeted gene epigenome editing to reverse a genetic mutation causing WAGR syndrome, a condition leading to intellectual disability and obesity. The study suggests the potential for developing epigenome editing therapies to prevent brain developmental disorders.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine developed a nanosize container made of biodegradable polymer to deliver protein-based medicines and gene therapies, including CRISPR, into specifically selected target cells. The invention could offer a way to efficiently ferry larger medical compounds into cells with fewer side effects.
A recent Johns Hopkins Medicine study found that a protein signal stimulates the generation of vital nerve cells throughout injured areas, crucial for bone repair. Without this signaling pathway, bone formation is hampered, leading to significant reductions in blood vessel formation and mineralization of new bone.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered a new pathway contributing to degeneration of the light-sensitive tissue in the eye. A potential treatment involves blocking a protein called angiopoietin-like 4, which acts synergistically with VEGF activity.
Cenobamate reduces seizures by 55% in patients with treatment-resistant epilepsy, offering new hope for those who have limited success with traditional medications. The study, led by Johns Hopkins lead investigator Gregory Krauss, involved 437 participants across 16 countries and found significant improvements in seizure control.
Researchers found increased variability in electrical 'resetting' between heartbeats in people with HIV, linked to virus levels and increasing risk of sudden cardiac deaths. The study suggests that this measure could be used to assess risk and identify ways to intervene.
A compound developed by Johns Hopkins researchers has been shown to slow tumor growth, alter the tumor microenvironment, and promote durable and highly active anti-tumor T cells. The drug, a prodrug version of glutamine antagonist DON, was designed to target cancer cells' high demand for glutamine.
Researchers found that oxygen-starved tumor cells have a four times greater probability of becoming viable circulating tumor cells than those under normal oxygen conditions. These cells also have six times the probability of forming lung metastases, suggesting that oxygen starvation enhances their metastatic capabilities.
Researchers found that artificial intelligence can detect subtle language changes in patients with failing livers, suggesting a potential diagnostic tool for early identification of cognitive issues. Following a liver transplant, patients returned to normal or near-normal language patterns.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that vaping 'high CBD, low THC' cannabis products can result in positive urine drug test results. Two out of six participants tested positive for THC after vaping a batch containing 10.5% CBD and 0.39% THC.
A study at Johns Hopkins Medicine identified three complement system genes linked to MS-caused vision loss. The researchers found that patients with specific genetic changes in these genes were more likely to experience severe vision problems, opening up new avenues for precision medicine and potential treatments.
Researchers identified four distinct immune-based subtypes of kidney cancer, which could help predict patient survival and response to treatment. The study also found that certain tumor microenvironment signatures were associated with better or worse overall survival.
A federally funded study by Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers shows that wearable accelerometers are a reliable tool for predicting death risk in older adults. The research found that an accurate and objective accounting of physical activity outperforms traditional predictors of mortality, such as age, smoking, diabetes, alcohol use, ...
Researchers found that cell division rates slowed by about 40% in colon tissue samples collected from patients in their 80s compared with those in their 20s. This slowdown may help explain why cancer incidence decreases at older ages.
Researchers discover a new drug that reduces inflammation and improves heart function in genetically inherited heart disease, ACM. The treatment targets the immune system's role in disease progression.
Researchers found that DEET traps and masks human scents, preventing them from reaching mosquito odor detectors. This interaction leads to a lower response in mosquitoes, reducing the risk of malaria transmission. The study provides insight into how repellents work and may lead to new, more effective repellent development.
A novel molecular marker has been identified for tumor aggression in neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), a rare genetic syndrome. ALT-positive tumors were found to be more aggressive, occurring mostly in gliomas.