A recent study published in The Journal of Craniofacial Surgery found that human skull dimensions follow the Golden Ratio. However, less related species such as dogs and monkeys diverged from this ratio, suggesting unique evolutionary patterns.
A Johns Hopkins-led study of thousands of children with congenital heart disease found that cardiac surgery within 10 years of birth increases the risk of death and kidney failure. Children who had more complex surgeries were at higher risk for these outcomes.
Research discovered that cancer cells with SF3B1 mutations are dependent on external sources of amino acid serine, which can be exploited through a patient-specific 'oncology diet'. A diet low in serine may help shrink tumors in mice with myeloid sarcomas.
Researchers have developed a new approach to delivering sight-saving gene therapy to the retina, using a small needle to inject harmless viruses into the suprachoroidal space. This method could provide a more permanent therapeutic option for patients with common diseases such as wet age-related macular degeneration and inherited retina...
A new technique uses nanoparticles to measure how quickly they move through mucus samples, correlating with COPD severity. The study's findings suggest that the structure of mucus in patients with severe COPD may be distinct and affect particle movement.
Scientists have identified a signaling channel in the carotid body that links obesity to high blood pressure, paving the way for potential new treatments. Blocking this molecule can effectively lower blood pressure in obese mice.
A survey of elderly patients with type 2 diabetes found that many long-time patients downplay medical and social factors in favor of more aggressive treatment. The study's findings suggest that patients' perceptions of their care diverge from professional recommendations, highlighting the need for better physician-patient communications.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine developed a compound that extends survival in mice models of pediatric brain tumors, particularly those expressing the MYC oncogene. The compound inhibits glutamine metabolism, making chemotherapy more effective.
Researchers found that stem cells transform into immune cells to perpetuate inflammation in chronic sinusitis, preserving the potential to regenerate olfactory tissue. This discovery may lead to better treatments for anosmia, a condition where people lose their sense of smell.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have discovered that the compound 4-HAP can reduce metastatic tumor formation in mouse models of human pancreatic cancer. By stiffening cells and overwhelming their ability to invade nearby tissue, 4-HAP may help halt the progression of disease-like behavior in pancreatic cancer cells.
In a breakthrough, Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers successfully transplanted protective brain cells into mice without the need for lifelong anti-rejection drugs. The innovative approach exploits the immune system's natural tendencies to accept transplanted cells as 'self', allowing them to thrive and protect brain tissue long-term.
Researchers say hospital emergency departments can play a critical role in curbing the spread of HIV infections in hard-to-reach populations. By initiating treatment and case management, EDs may be able to reach key targets in the global fight against HIV/AIDS.
A national survey of primary care physicians reveals significant knowledge gaps about prediabetes risk factors, diagnostic criteria, and management practices. The study highlights the need for improved healthcare education and reimbursement systems to prioritize preventive measures over treatment.
Researchers discovered that E-cadherin promotes metastasis in invasive ductal carcinoma by allowing breast cancer cells to survive during travel and form new tumors. The study reveals that the process of metastasis is inefficient, with only 1% of cells surviving and forming new tumors.
Researchers identified a genetic flaw in the ZCCHC8 gene that decreases protein production necessary for maintaining telomere length. This finding may lead to the development of diagnostic markers for inherited 'short telomere' diseases.
A new tablet-based app offers a faster, easier, and more accurate way to assess the cognitive function of people with multiple sclerosis. The app, called iCAMS, reduced test time from about 23 minutes to 14 minutes while producing highly accurate results.
Chronic kidney disease affects 37 million Americans, but primary care physicians lack sufficient knowledge and resources to effectively identify and manage patients. A focus group study found that PCPs need more training, resources, and clinical support tools to address the growing epidemic of CKD.
Researchers found that patients with non-small cell lung cancer who develop checkpoint inhibitor pneumonitis have higher levels of memory T cells in their lungs compared to those without the condition. The study also identified decreased levels of regulatory T cells, which may lead to new ways to treat this complication.
A new study suggests that marathon runners are at risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) due to fluid and salt losses, rather than core body temperature. Researchers found that managing fluid volume and salt losses with a personalized regimen during training may help reduce the incidence of AKI.
Researchers found that rats fed high fat diets during pregnancy and nursing had slower learning abilities and persistently abnormal brain development. They also had lower levels of insulin receptors, leptin receptors, and glucose transporter 1 compared to rats from mothers on normal diets.
The study found that disposable devices might lead to lower rates of post-colonoscopy infection, but institutions with thousands of procedures per year could better benefit from improved disinfection methods. High-volume centers tend to have lower infection risks due to increased experience and faster turnover of colonoscopes.
Researchers estimate that over 72 per 100,000 people in the US are affected by prurigo nodularis, a skin disease characterized by itchy bumps. The study also found associations with other conditions, including HIV, kidney disease, and mental health disorders.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center found that taking a single course of antibiotics may boost the risk of developing colon cancer a decade later. The study, published in the journal Gut, highlights the need for judicious use of antibiotics and careful stewardship.
A new care program featuring home visits and mobile phone links to caregivers improves treatment and follow-up for teens and young women with pelvic inflammatory disease. The study found a significant decline in new STIs among those receiving the innovative care program.
Researchers found that tumor cells depleted of ARID1A become highly sensitive to PARP inhibitor drugs after radiation treatment. This discovery could advance efforts to treat cancers resistant to current standard treatments.
A recent survey of over 24,000 internal medicine residents found that about 14% reported being bullied, with foreign-born trainees experiencing higher rates. The study also linked bullying to burnout, depression, and poor performance on exams.
Researchers have found that abnormal blood pressure in middle and late life significantly increases the likelihood of developing dementia. Maintaining a healthy blood pressure throughout life may be a key factor in reducing this risk.
Researchers found that bilirubin protects the brain against oxidative stress by regulating superoxide levels. The study suggests a novel therapeutic approach for neurodegenerative diseases. Bilirubin's unique chemical structure allows it to neutralize harmful superoxide molecules.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine developed a new mouse model that mimics the effects of red blood cell transfusions on human infants with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). The study found that severe anemia increases the risk of NEC after transfusion, and that free hemoglobin can trigger an immune response in the intestine.
A study reveals that mosquitoes' salivary glands contain a barrier that blocks most malaria-causing parasites from being transmitted during a bite. Researchers found that only a few parasites can pass through a narrow opening in the 'chitin wall', potentially leading to new strategies for preventing malarial infection.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine identified two proteins, Activin A and follistatin, that precisely regulate hair cell birth in the mammalian inner ear. This discovery may lead to future therapies for restoring hearing in individuals with irreversible deafness.
A new analysis of data on over 900 Baltimore adults has linked stressful life experiences among middle-aged women to greater memory decline in later life. The researchers found that women who experienced more stressful life events recalled fewer words and recognized less words during memory tests.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins clarify ketamine's antidepressant properties, stating it binds to NMDA receptors rather than opioid receptors. This mechanism allows ketamine to turn off the master control switch mTOR, enabling its therapeutic effects. The FDA has approved ketamine as a nasal spray for depression treatment.
Researchers have identified a specific role for astrocyte proteins in directing neural connections, using nanoparticles to deliver corrective proteins to replace missing proteins in neurodegenerative diseases. The study offers new hope for regrowing and repairing damaged brain networks.
A combination of two FDA-approved drugs significantly extended the lives of mice injected with human ovarian cancer cells, altering the natural ratio of macrophages and improving survival. The treatment targets M1 macrophages, which can protect against tumor growth and progression.
A study published in JAMA Oncology reports higher than expected five-year survival rates for patients with melanoma, renal cell carcinoma, and non-small-cell lung cancer treated with nivolumab. The treatment showed durable responses and improved outcomes for patients without cancer-related symptoms.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered that certain forms of heart disease may result when circulating anti-inflammatory white blood cells fail to properly differentiate into macrophages. Blocking a key protein, IL-17A, permits healthy cardiac function and allows macrophages to protect the heart muscle.
A novel laboratory test developed at Johns Hopkins Medicine can accurately detect malignant and benign breast tumors in a mere 5 hours, significantly reducing the wait time for diagnosis. The test exploits epigenetic alterations and has the potential to dramatically reduce wait times and improve survival rates in resource-poor settings.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine used mice to study decision-based memories, finding that they are stored in the prefrontal cortex. The study revealed that neurons in this region fire at a higher rate when making decisions, and that this rate slows down over time. This knowledge can help develop models of decision-making and poten...
Researchers found a common vulnerability among aneuploid cancer cells, which are bloated and overstuffed due to high intracellular protein concentrations. The team identified a molecular pathway involving proteins ART1 and Rsp5 that regulates nutrient uptake in these cells.
A new laboratory test using artificial intelligence tools has been shown to more accurately sort out which people with pancreatic cysts will go on to develop pancreatic cancers. The test, dubbed CompCyst, correctly identified patients who did not need surgery in over half of cases.
A recent analysis of clinical trials found that only a low-salt diet, omega-3 fatty acid supplements, and possibly folic acid supplements showed potential health benefits. The majority of supplements had no link to increased or decreased risk of death or heart health.
Johns Hopkins researchers found that laser treatments and retinoic acid share a common molecular pathway that senses loose RNA molecules. This pathway is also involved in mice regenerating hair follicles after a wound.
The American Heart Association has released a scientific statement to improve prediction of recovery in comatose cardiac arrest survivors. Current practices often lead to premature predictions, resulting in unnecessary suffering or withdrawal of care too soon.
Researchers identified three major disease categories associated with a high number of misdiagnoses. Vascular events, infections, and cancers account for nearly three-fourths of serious harms from diagnostic errors. The study's findings highlight the importance of improving bedside diagnostic decision-making in healthcare systems.
Researchers studied clinician and older adult perspectives on communicating cancer screening cessation. Key findings include framing discussions around risks and benefits, patient empowerment, and addressing life expectancy concerns. The study aims to personalize cancer screening for elderly patients.
A high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet improved brain function and memory in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. The modified Atkins diet showed small but measurable improvements on standardized tests of memory compared to a low-fat diet.
A survey of orthopaedic providers found that they frequently recommend prescribing a nine-day supply of oxycodone after surgery, exceeding current guidelines. Despite knowledge gaps, the study highlights the need for evidence-based guidelines to curb overprescribing and patient harm.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found evidence that Parkinson's disease originates in the gut and travels up the brain's neurons. The study used mice with misfolded alpha-synuclein protein, which causes nerve cell death, to demonstrate the connection.
Researchers found abnormal proteins in brains of people with schizophrenia, similar to those seen in Alzheimer's and Huntington's diseases. These misfolded proteins affect nervous system development and neural communication, consistent with theories of schizophrenia's origins.