Researchers discovered two types of fat tissue cells that help bone heal: pericytes stimulate blood vessel growth and adventicytes form bone cells. Combination therapy using both cells promotes robust bone repair in mice with skull defects.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have discovered a new compound called rapadocin that may prevent reperfusion injury, a tissue-damaging complication of surgery. The compound was found to block the activity of a chemical pathway associated with reperfusion injuries, reducing markers of kidney damage in mice.
Two new forms of an older anti-cancer agent, s-DAB-IL-2 and s-DAB-IL-2(V6A), have been shown to enhance the immune system's ability to fight melanoma in mice. The agents depleted T regulatory cells and inhibited tumor growth when used individually or in combination with checkpoint blockade therapy.
A new study found that adolescent female blood donors are more likely to have low iron stores and iron deficiency anemia. The researchers propose various measures to help this vulnerable population, including oral iron supplementation and increasing the minimum time interval between donations.
Two clinical studies show that liquid biopsies can accurately track lung cancer treatment responses, detecting changes in circulating tumor DNA four weeks earlier than CT imaging. The tests provide a more accurate and noninvasive way to assess therapeutic responses, avoiding unneeded toxicity or ineffective treatments.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have discovered a molecular switch that regulates mTORC1 activity, slowing its action and preventing abnormal heart enlargement. This discovery has potential implications for treating heart disease, diabetes, kidney, lung, cancer, and autoimmune disorders.
A study led by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab is more effective than traditional chemotherapy for patients with aggressive Merkel cell carcinoma. The treatment showed high response rates and durable progression-free survival in both virus-positive and virus-negative subtypes.
Researchers use new PET scan technique to show that people with PTLDS have elevated levels of a chemical marker of brain inflammation, compared to healthy controls. The study suggests new avenues for treating the long-term fatigue and cognitive symptoms associated with PTLDS.
A federally funded study of nearly 400 patients found that compounded topical pain creams and gels offer no statistically significant difference in pain relief compared to placebos. The researchers concluded that people using these creams are being taken advantage of, as the scientific evidence supporting their benefits is lacking.
Researchers discovered rhomboid enzymes can move quickly through cell membrane by warping surroundings, allowing them to glide rapidly across. This ability enables them to scour the membrane for targets to cut, providing real-time signals to other cells.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that calorie restriction prevented asthma symptoms in mice, regardless of diet composition. The study's results add to evidence supporting links between obesity, inflammation, and asthma, highlighting the value of anti-inflammatory drugs in treating asthma symptoms in obese individuals.
Women physician researchers make 7-8% less per year than men, leading to tens of thousands of dollars less in lifetime wealth. Researchers used new models to calculate the impact of salary disparities on accumulated wealth.
A new esophageal cancer screening test called EsophaCap has been developed using genetic biomarkers to detect the deadly disease. The test involves swallowing a small capsule that dissolves into a sponge, which collects genetic material from the entire length of the esophagus and is then sent for analysis.
Researchers developed a rapid whole genome sequencing method that can identify specific antibiotic-resistant bacteria strains in under a day, reducing treatment time by at least 20 hours. The technology has the potential to speed personalized treatment of drug-resistant infections, which claim thousands of lives annually.
Researchers identified 13,000 epigenetic regions with varying activity levels in different brain regions. These changes were found to co-locate with genetic signals contributing to addictive behavior, schizophrenia, and neuroses.
Researchers found a significant association between schizophrenia and increased antibody levels against the Epstein-Barr virus. The study suggests that individuals with schizophrenia may be more susceptible to EBV infection due to an abnormal immune response.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have discovered a protein that can serve as an early biomarker for colorectal cancer. The protein, beta-1,4-GalT-V, is involved in cell proliferation and new blood vessel formation, which are critical processes in cancer growth.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified a cellular protein signal that drives both bone and fat formation in stem cells. Harnessing this signal, WISP-1, could help fractures heal faster, speed surgical recovery and prevent bone loss due to aging or injury.
A study combining technology with healthcare provider perceptions identifies nonadherent patients better than doctors' perceptions alone. Pharmacy refill data shows that combining provider reports and pharmacy data leads to the most balanced sensitivity and negative predictive power.
Researchers found that providing universal vaccination against meningitis B infection to college students would be too costly, as the vaccine prevents only a small number of cases. However, they suggest that if the price is lowered, universal vaccination might be worth requiring on college campuses.
A decade-long study found that vaginal childbirth substantially increases the probability of developing pelvic floor disorders, such as urinary incontinence and uterine prolapse, later in life. The study also identified delivery modes associated with higher risk, including spontaneous vaginal delivery and operative vaginal delivery.
Researchers discovered a combination of a cancer vaccine with two checkpoint drugs reduced pancreatic cancer tumors in mice, indicating a possible pathway for treatment. The approach has promise for patients who are or become resistant to immunotherapy drugs after a recurrence of their tumors.
A Johns Hopkins-led initiative screened over 5,000 Tibetan refugee children and staff for tuberculosis disease and infection. The study found nearly one in five children had TB infection, highlighting the need for population-level control measures.
Researchers identified optimal recipients for split liver transplants, including children weighing under 10 kilograms and those with rare diseases. Split liver transplants were found to have similar outcomes as whole liver transplants when adjusting for variables such as donor age and recipient health.
Researchers discovered that genetically vulnerable mice exposed to marijuana showed increased inflammation in brain cells linked to serious mental illnesses. The study suggests that marijuana's brain-damaging effects may be more pronounced in teens with a specific genetic mutation.
Researchers found that malnutrition in children with Crohn's disease significantly increases the risk of surgical complications and poor outcomes. Children with moderate or severe malnutrition have a higher rate of complications, reoperations, and longer hospital stays compared to non-malnourished patients.
A medical records study of over 7,000 patients awaiting a lung transplant in the US has confirmed that the current organ allocation system is geographically biased. The study found significant disparities in lung transplant rates between different regions, with some areas receiving nearly four times more transplants than others.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that the molecular underpinnings of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) lead to brain injury. They identified TLR4 as the cause and found that HMGB1 is generated in response to TLR4, leading to microglial activation and brain injury.
Scientists have observed a previously unrecognized swarming behavior in Spironucleus vortens, a single-celled parasite infecting ornamental fish. The swarm exhibits highly coordinated movement, suggesting interactions between the flagellates, which may contribute to its life cycle and lead to novel treatments.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that underrepresented populations are less likely to be eligible for hip or knee replacement surgeries due to inflexible hospital requirements. The researchers aimed to measure how these criteria worsen health disparities and identify disadvantaged groups affected.
A study analyzing 6,000 people found that tracking a patient's weight history from young adulthood can provide valuable insights into their future risk of heart failure. The investigation showed that maintaining a normal weight over the lifespan is ideal, while obesity at specific ages significantly increases the risk of heart disease.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Medicine reveals that humans are hardwired to maximize rewards, leading to faster movement towards desirable outcomes. The research found that richer rewards result in quicker eye movements and decision-making, with implications for understanding human behavior and economic theory.
Researchers discovered that protrusions on cells trigger Ras-ERK activity, a frequently mutated cancer pathway. This finding could lead to new targets for cancer therapeutics and potentially offer alternative approaches to modulating the pathway's activity.
Researchers have identified three promising radiopharmaceuticals that bind to tau tangles, a protein associated with neurodegenerative diseases. The tracers were tested in patients with Alzheimer's disease and found to show promise in measuring tau protein accumulation.
A new study found that young women with hormone receptor-positive luminal A breast cancer have a lower five-year disease-free survival rate compared to older patients. The study's authors hope their findings can inform better treatment options for this age group.
Researchers used PET scans to track TB drug levels in a rabbit model and human patients, revealing that current treatments may not be effective due to poor penetration of the drug into infected brain lesions. The study aims to optimize treatment by tailoring doses for individual patients based on imaging results.
A national study suggests that kidneys from deceased donors with acute kidney injury have the same success rates as non-injured kidneys, and may be a valuable resource for patients in need of transplantation. The study found no significant differences in organ rejection rates or recipient outcomes between AKI and non-AKI kidneys.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine developed EXoO, a new molecular tool that decodes where specific sugars are attached to proteins. The study successfully identified new markers for cancers and other diseases by mapping O-glycan sites on human blood, tumors, and immune cells.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Medicine reveals that vaping cannabis can deliver greater amounts of THC, the primary intoxicant in cannabis, increasing the likelihood of adverse reactions. Vaping is thought to be safer than smoking but may not be suitable for infrequent users.
A new study reveals that liver macrophages do not contain infectious forms of HIV and are unlikely to replicate the infection on their own. The findings narrow potential treatment targets for HIV-infected people taking long-term antiretroviral therapy.
A study of 73 adults with sickle cell disease found that even high-dose opioid treatment did not effectively manage pain in a subset of patients. The researchers emphasize the need for non-opioid pain relievers to address this challenge.
Researchers have identified two patients with a rare natural ability to suppress HIV, shedding light on the potential for a functional cure. Despite high levels of infected T cells, these patients show no measurable viral load in blood tests, raising hopes that long-term viral remission might be possible for more people.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center found that measuring circulating tumor DNA in blood samples can reveal early stages of cancer growth and spread. The study discovered new treatment options for some patients with melanoma who had mutations not detected by genetic profiling.
A six-month trial of a new self-management program for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) found it successfully reduced emergency room visits and hospitalizations. The program, which combined hospital-to-home transition support with chronic disease management, also improved quality of life scores.
A team of Johns Hopkins scientists analyzed DNA sequences from 910 individuals of African descent and found 300 million base pairs of genetic material missing from the current human genome reference. This discovery highlights the need for more diverse reference genomes to better understand genetic variations across populations.
A new study at Johns Hopkins Medicine shows that educating hospitalized patients quickly can lower missed dose rates of blood clot-preventing medications. The educational intervention led to a 47% decrease in non-administration rates due to patient refusal, with no change on control floors.
A study published in Optometry and Vision Science found that dry eye syndrome can slow a person's reading speed by up to 10% and make it difficult to read for more than 30 minutes. The condition affects millions of adults in the US, causing ocular discomfort and visual problems.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have found a link between low levels of specific microRNA molecules and the development of pediatric brain tumors. Increasing these molecules may potentially treat low-grade gliomas, which affect mostly school-age children and young adults.
Johns Hopkins researchers discovered that blocking the activin receptor can suppress the growth and spread of retinoblastoma cells, halting the cancer's progression. The therapy showed promising results in both human cells and zebra fish, offering new hope for treating this deadly eye cancer in children.
Scientists have discovered that some retina cells may be using an ancient light-sensing mechanism, which suggests a possible connection to the earliest photoreceptors. This finding was made in mice and has implications for understanding vision and its relationship to other biological processes.