Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have successfully delivered the weight-loss hormone leptin through the nose to obese mice, alleviating breathing problems during sleep. The study suggests that nasal delivery may overcome leptin resistance and provide a new treatment option for obstructive sleep apnea.
A study published in Science identifies Parthanatos as a key driver of nerve cell degradation in Parkinson's disease. The researchers found that blocking a protein called PARP1 can rescue cells from death, suggesting new targets for drugs to interrupt the disease progression.
A Johns Hopkins study of over 75,000 teenagers and children found that gunshot wounds result in significant financial burdens and loss of life. The analysis highlights the need for policy changes to prevent firearm-related injuries among youth.
A new study of survey data reveals that parental concerns about the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine tend to focus on safety worries and lack of necessity. The findings suggest that physician education and recommendation may be key factors in increasing HPV vaccination rates.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered that low copper levels in cells make fat cells fatter by altering how they process fuels like fat and sugar. The study adds evidence that copper homeostasis could be a therapeutic target for metabolic disorders, including obesity.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine used an endoscopic procedure to deliver therapeutic genes to the liver via the common bile duct, demonstrating a safe and effective method for gene therapy. The technique, called ERCP, was found to be less invasive than traditional injection methods, with no biliary or liver injury observed.
Researchers found that hospitalization, critical illness, and major infection are associated with reduced brain volume in regions vulnerable to Alzheimer's disease. Critical illness was also linked to inflammation in the brain and systemic inflammation.
Psilocybin researchers propose moving the substance from a Schedule I classification to Schedule IV due to low potential for abuse and harm. This move would facilitate clinical trials and minimize logistical hurdles.
Researchers discovered that driver gene mutations are remarkably similar across different metastases from the same patient, offering hope for successful targeted therapies. This finding suggests that single biopsies can capture essential information for therapeutic decision-making.
Researchers analyzed 51,000 lawnmower injury-related emergency department visits between 2006 and 2013, finding that the majority were in men, with children up to age 4 being six times more likely to have foot/toe or lower extremity injuries
A study at Johns Hopkins Medicine identified barriers to reporting patient safety concerns and implemented interventions to promote employee voice, resulting in increased reports of disruptive behavior. The 'Safe at Hopkins' program made employees feel comfortable speaking up, leading to improved response to transgressive behavior.
Scientists studied octopus genome and behavior in response to MDMA, finding similarities with human serotonin binding transporter. Octopuses exhibited pro-social behaviors when exposed to the drug, hugging cages and displaying affectionate tendencies similar to humans.
Gunshot victims require significantly more blood transfusions due to severe injury severity, with a 14-fold increased risk of death compared to non-GSW trauma patients. Blood products cost a lot and are scarce, making it crucial for hospitals to improve outcomes for trauma victims.
Researchers developed 3D personalized computational models of patients' hearts to accurately identify arrhythmia locations. The models correctly predicted treatment targets and reduced ablated tissue areas in some cases. Clinical trials demonstrated the feasibility of integrating simulation predictions into routine procedures.
Researchers found that brain stimulation may be a viable treatment for RLS, which affects 10% of adults in the US. The study suggests that hyperarousal and excitability in the motor cortex are key factors contributing to the condition.
A study published in Frontiers in Immunology reveals that a specific immune checkpoint molecule, interleukin-10 (IL-10), is not functioning properly in mice with type 1 diabetes. This defect leads to an overactive immune response, attacking insulin-producing cells and causing the disease.
A computerized brain response study of 36 healthy adult volunteers found that practicing a movement makes future similar movements faster due to an unknown mechanism preparing their brains, not anticipation. The findings could help scientists understand how brain-controlled motor responses go awry after neurologic disease or injuries.
The guidelines, published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons, recommend custom-tailored pain management regimens based on the operation and patient needs. The ranges offered for each procedure generally call for reductions from current rates of opioid prescription.
A study of 200 patients undergoing hip fracture repair found that lighter sedation did not reduce the risk of postoperative delirium in severely ill patients. However, for healthier adults, deep sedation more than doubled the risk of delirium compared to light sedation.
Johns Hopkins researchers developed a new method to analyze bioinformatics data and determine how a patient's immune system responds to immunotherapy. The FEST analysis technique can be used to create a database associating immunotherapy-related responses with clinical benefits.
A Johns Hopkins study found that fewer than half of Baltimore caregivers for preschool children with asthma can manage their child's chronic condition. The researchers evaluated caregiver preparedness through medication availability, identification, and dosing instructions.
A Johns Hopkins Medicine study identified CMPK2 and BCLG as potential new drug targets for the treatment of HIV. The researchers found that these genes are selectively activated in response to type 1 interferon, a drug once used to treat hepatitis C.
Researchers used heart imaging technology to study hearts of pregnant women with severe preeclampsia, finding higher contraction pressures in right ventricles and abnormal relaxation rates. This led to overwork and poor pumping ability, increasing risk of heart failure, stroke, and heart attack.
A study suggests a simple imbalance in acid-alkaline chemistry inside endosomes may lead to amyloid protein accumulation and nerve cell degeneration. Researchers found that histone deacetylase inhibitors can reverse pH problems and improve amyloid beta clearance in lab-grown mouse brain cells.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center discovered that inhibiting the Yes-associated protein (YAP) reduces tumor burdens and enhances the effectiveness of immunotherapy treatments. YAP plays a role in suppressing antitumor immunity by regulatory T-cells, which can dampen immune responses to tumors.
A survey of Sexual Medicine Society members found that only half routinely ask patients about their sexual orientation, with 40% of those who don't believe it's relevant to good patient care. The study highlights the need for more professional and patient education to address the LGBT community's unique health needs.
Researchers have found that the cell layer surrounding breast milk ducts acts as an active defense mechanism to prevent cancer cells from spreading, grabbing stray cells and pulling them back in up to 92% of the time. This discovery challenges previous assumptions about the myoepithelial layer's role in cancer invasion.
Researchers have successfully reversed hair loss and skin inflammation in mice fed a Western diet high in fat and cholesterol. The experimental compound D-PDMP halts the production of glycosphingolipids, which are major components of skin and cell membranes.
A drug currently in clinical trials for treating Parkinson's disease shows promising effects on strengthening heart contractions in dogs and rabbits. The new compound works differently than current drugs, suggesting its use may be a safer way to increase heart contraction strength without the risk of dangerous complications.
Researchers found a significant association between cured meat consumption and mania, suggesting nitrates may contribute to the abnormal mood state. The study, published in Molecular Psychiatry, analyzed data from over 1,000 individuals with and without psychiatric disorders.
The RESPOND study will explore the role of social stressors and genetics in developing prostate cancer among African-American men. The study aims to recruit 10,000 participants nationwide to understand the factors contributing to poor outcomes in this disease.
A recent study found that a substantial majority of older adults with probable dementia in the US are either undiagnosed or unaware of their diagnosis. Factors such as lower education levels, attending medical visits alone, and fewer functional impairments were linked to this lack of awareness.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have successfully delivered nano-size packets of genetic code called microRNAs to treat human brain tumors implanted in mice. The contents of the super-small containers were designed to target cancer stem cells, a kind of cellular
A new study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology found that the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) has led to an earlier diagnosis of gynecologic cancers in young women, resulting in improved health outcomes and increased survival rates. The study analyzed data from the National Cancer Database and found a significant dec...
Researchers found specialized proteasomes target specific proteins involved in neuronal signaling and regulation. These proteins include Fos and Npas4, critical for active neurons, suggesting a connection between protein synthesis and degradation with independent roles in the cell.
A small study of 20 surgeons found that most err on the side of operating despite perceived futility of treatment due to internal pride and pressure from patients' families. The researchers highlight the need for objective tools to assess risk and inform confident decision-making.
Researchers develop experimental drug NLY01 that slows Parkinson's disease progression in mice by blocking degradation of brain cells and protecting nerve cells. The drug, similar to diabetes treatments, may offer a new treatment option for the progressive disorder.
A study of over 1,500 participants found that rising chronic inflammation in middle age was associated with brain damage and poor cognition. Researchers suggest reducing inflammation through lifestyle changes may help prevent or delay dementia.
A new computer algorithm developed by Johns Hopkins researchers can predict when cancer cells will develop resistance to treatment. The Coordinate Gene Activity in Pattern Sets (CoGAPS) algorithm uses in vitro cell models and computational analysis to track molecular changes over time.
A study investigating combination checkpoint immunotherapy in lethal advanced prostate cancer revealed that genetic subsets of patients with AR-V7+ prostate cancer may benefit from treatment. One-quarter of patients achieved an objective response, and at least two remain alive for over 18 months.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered that combining chemical compounds to activate specific nerve cell receptors may reduce the risk of opioid tolerance and side effects by minimizing the amount of opioids needed. The study used mice models, suggesting that this approach could lead to a lower-risk pain treatment option.
Researchers found that lower than normal blood levels of vitamin D were associated with an increased risk of early signs of interstitial lung disease, a condition that can lead to progressive lung damage. Vitamin D deficiency was linked to larger volumes of damaged lung tissue and abnormalities on full lung scans.
A team of biologists and civil engineers developed the first 3D computer model to capture breast duct development, using science and engineering principles to predict cellular forces. The model reveals that cells migrate by pulling forward and pushing backward, forming a teardrop shape.
Researchers found that prurigo nodularis disproportionately affects African-Americans, particularly between ages 50 and 65. The study also identified associations with HIV infection, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and clinical depression.
A study published in The American Surgeon found that ambulatory surgical centers who publicly listed their prices saw increased patient volume and revenue. Five of the six centers reported a 30-50% increase in revenue and patient satisfaction after implementing price transparency.
A Johns Hopkins study analyzed 250 user reviews and found that high star ratings do not guarantee medical accuracy. Despite disclaimers warning users against relying on the app for medical monitoring, diagnosis, or treatment effectiveness, many people continued to use it for these purposes.
A recent study suggests that metformin is safe for most adults with diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD). The research, conducted by Johns Hopkins Medicine, found no association between metformin use and acidosis in patients with mild to moderate CKD. However, the risk of acidosis increased significantly among patients with severe...
A Johns Hopkins study found that patients undergoing colonoscopies and upper-GI endoscopies at US outpatient specialty centers face a higher risk of bacterial infections than previously believed. The research revealed that infection rates vary widely among facilities, with some ASCs experiencing rates up to 100 times higher than expected.
Researchers have discovered a previously overlooked connection between neurons in two distinct areas of the mammalian brain that control the sense of touch. In mice, layer 4 neurons in the S2 region extended their axons beyond their local area to reach neurons in the S1 region, suggesting a link between movement and sensation.
A study of over 2,800 postmenopausal women found that a higher proportion of male to female sex hormones was associated with a significant increase in cardiovascular disease risk. The researchers suggest that having a more male-like hormone profile may affect heart disease risk independent of other risk factors.