A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that US citizen children whose mothers are eligible for DACA are more likely to participate in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC). The study analyzed data from nearly 2,000 children and their mothers, revealing a significant increase in WIC ...
A study of over 7,000 low-income urban mothers found that fewer than 5% started folic acid supplementation before pregnancy. Despite the high risk of neural tube defects, many women did not take prenatal vitamins preconception or during pregnancy. The research team also found that black and Hispanic mothers had lower plasma folate conc...
A special section in Perspectives in Biology and Medicine examines the newest and most complex issues surrounding stem cells. The issue includes essays on the potential impacts of using a person's own stem cells on patients, health-care systems, and the public trust in science and medicine.
A small study of adults with pancreatic cancer reveals that patients with BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations have poorer overall survival rates compared to those without the mutations. However, those with BRCA1 or BRCA2 had better survival rates with platinum-based chemotherapy.
A study of over 11,000 American adults found that increasing physical activity to recommended levels over six years in middle age significantly decreases the risk of heart failure. Conversely, a decrease in physical activity during this period is linked to an increased risk of the disorder.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine and National Tsing Hua University developed a method to rapidly manipulate cilia's chemical signaling pathways, which can lead to breakthroughs in understanding and treating human diseases. The technique, called STRIP, enables precise control over microtubule modifications in living cells.
A new 'scoring' system developed by Johns Hopkins Medicine enhances the prediction of survival in people with colorectal cancers that have spread to the liver. The system includes traditional Fong indicators plus genetic and morphological evaluation (GAME) factors, which outperform the existing Fong system in predicting patient outcomes.
A Johns Hopkins study found that physicians' use of stigmatizing language in medical records can lead to negative attitudes towards patients and less aggressive pain management. The study suggests that neutral language in medical records can perpetuate bias among physicians.
Researchers have identified protein clumping in the hearts of mice and people with heart failure, suggesting a potential link between the two conditions. The team used non-invasive PET scans to visualize the clumps, which could lead to advances in monitoring disease progression and testing new therapies.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have made significant discoveries about the cerebellum's role in learning and prediction. By studying monkey brains, they found that Purkinje cells communicate through simple spikes (predictions) and complex spikes (error feedback), organizing into small groups to learn together.
A review of nearly 300 studies on obesity policies found that natural experiments have strengths, but need better standards. Researchers recommend stronger study designs and standardized reporting methods to identify effective policies.
A new study led by Johns Hopkins researchers found that only a small percentage of patients use nonopioid pain relievers to supplement opioid pain management after spine and joint surgery. Patients also improperly store and dispose of opioids.
A smartphone video-based app substitutes for in-person daily visits required for tuberculosis treatment, with patients showing similar adherence rates as traditional DOT. The app offers a more private and cost-effective option for monitoring medication intake, but further research is needed to assess its full impact.
A study of nearly 6,000 Americans found that mid-life chronic inflammation may be linked to an increased risk of frailty and overall poorer health decades later. Having high levels of inflammation in middle age was associated with a 39% higher odds of frailty approximately 24 years later.
Researchers found that children with asthma often miss their daily medication due to barriers such as forgetfulness and running out of medication. The study suggests that improving communication among patients, families, and pediatric clinicians is crucial to ensure consistent use of daily anti-inflammatory medication.
Researchers have developed a concept to preferentially inhibit pain-transmitting neurons using direct electrical current. The new approach could reduce side effects of conventional devices, allowing for more precise targeting of pain-transmitting nerve cells.
A multicenter database study of adults undergoing spinal deformity surgery found that daily opioid users had longer ICU stays and more severe postop disability compared to non-opioid users. The study highlights the need for preoperative counseling and alternative pain management strategies for patients at risk of daily narcotic use.
A Johns Hopkins Medicine analysis shows that trauma patients are four times more likely to die from gunshot wounds and nearly nine times more likely to die from stab wounds before getting to a trauma center. The increased prehospital mortality suggests that violence is intensifying.
A new drug treatment has shown major tumor responses in early stage lung cancer patients before surgery, resulting in fewer relapses. The study found that providing the anti-PD-1 drug nivolumab before surgery increased anti-tumor T-cells that remained after the tumor was removed.
Researchers found that adding trastuzumab to chemotherapy regimen for women with uterine serous carcinoma significantly increased progression-free survival time, from an average of eight months to 12.6 months. The treatment showed promise in reducing tumor growth and improving overall survival.
A mouse study found that metformin blocks symptoms of nicotine withdrawal in rodents, eliminating anxiety and negative effects. The diabetes drug appears to activate AMPK, a pathway stimulated by chronic nicotine use, reducing withdrawal symptoms.
Geneticist Andrew Feinberg highlights the importance of combining epigenetics and genetics research to understand the impact of environmental exposures on human health. He argues that epigenetics can provide valuable insights into gene expression and its relationship with disease.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified 164 long-lasting brain proteins in mice that outlast neighboring proteins by weeks and months. These stable proteins may play a crucial role in governing long-term memory and learning, as well as loss of memory, in all mammals, including humans.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine have made significant breakthroughs in understanding the underlying biology behind pulmonary hypertension. By studying endothelial cells, they discovered that KLF15 protects these cells from damage caused by low oxygen levels, which can lead to blood vessel damage and progression of the disease.
Johns Hopkins surgeons develop a modified muscle transplant operation that restores wide and even smiles to selected patients with one-sided facial muscle paralysis. The procedure, published in JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery, shows improvements in smile function, gum exposure, and eye wrinkles.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have developed a non-invasive test called UroSEEK, which uses urine samples to detect DNA mutations associated with bladder cancer. The test significantly enhances early detection for patients at risk and surveillance of those who have already been treated. When combined with cytology, the sensitiv...
Researchers developed a new screening test for endometrial and ovarian cancers using cervical fluid samples from routine Pap tests. The test, called PapSEEK, detected cancer cells in 81% of endometrial and 33% of ovarian cancers, with improved sensitivity when using different sampling methods.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins found that 22% of patients tested positive for HIV, including 6% newly diagnosed, in a South African emergency department. The study suggests that emergency departments can play a key role in identifying undiagnosed HIV cases.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that limiting first-year medical residents to 16-hour work shifts improves their satisfaction with training and work-life balance. However, this approach has no impact on interns' activity, test scores, or educational outcomes.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Medicine reveals a significant racial and ethnic disparity in Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) infection rates in the US population. TV infection disproportionately affects black individuals, with higher prevalence rates among black males and females, particularly those living below poverty level.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have uncovered a link between a genetic mutation in the GBA1 gene and the formation of fatty plaques in the brain that contribute to Parkinson's disease. The study found that changes in the mixture of fatty molecules cause protein pieces to stick together, forming 'dead zones' in the brain.
Researchers found that mobile phone reminders linked with incentives boosted immunization rates from 33% to 50% in a rural Indian village. The study used special software and GPS technology to track caregiver and child information, and delivered automated reminders to participants' mobile phones with incentives of free talk time minutes.
A recent study by Johns Hopkins researchers found previously known skin itch receptors in the airways of mice, which appear to contribute to bronchoconstriction and airway hypersensitivity. The discovery may be a promising new target for developing drug therapies for asthma and other respiratory disorders.
A biochemical pathway in the Golgi apparatus helps cells counter oxidative stress, and researchers found it can be activated by a drug called monensin, which may protect cells against Huntington's disease.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Medicine provides a long-awaited baseline measure of the rate of progression of pelvic organ prolapse. The research found that pelvic organ prolapse progresses slowly, with women who gave birth vaginally being about five years ahead in progression compared to those who delivered by Caesarean section.
In a groundbreaking study, doctors at Johns Hopkins successfully transplanted hepatitis C-infected kidneys into patients without the virus. The recipients remained hepatitis C-free, and their kidneys functioned well, paving the way for more organs to be used in transplants.
A new approach filters genes for study, reducing false leads and accelerating research on diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. The strategy focuses on active genes, group interactions, mutation vulnerability and past studies to narrow down gene candidates, saving researchers time and money.
A new study reveals that elderly Medicare patients underwent fewer minimally invasive surgeries compared to the general population, missing out on potential benefits of lower complication rates and readmissions. The study highlights the underuse of minimally invasive surgery in eligible candidates as an example of low-value care.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have invented a new class of immunotherapy drugs called Y-traps, which target and disable key immune suppressors in tumors. The treatment has been shown to significantly decrease tumor growth and even work against cancers that do not respond to existing immunotherapy.
A new study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that a common knee operation in elderly patients provides little benefit and may be considered low-value care. The procedure, called arthroscopic partial meniscectomy (APM), accounted for an estimated two-thirds of all orthopaedic knee arthroscopy procedures in older patients.
A national medical records analysis suggests an increase in gender affirming surgeries performed for transgender individuals, with improved access to Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance coverage. The study found no observed mortality associated with gender affirming surgery throughout the entire study period.
A new telomere length test has been shown to alter treatment decisions for patients with certain types of bone marrow failure. The test can help identify people at increased risk for developing diseases associated with short telomeres, such as lung scarring and other cancers.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center found that tumor-associated epigenetic states evolve erratically during early stages of tumor development. This may help refine biomarkers for cancer risk stratification by screening specific genes in individuals of every age group.
Researchers discovered five new regions in the human genome associated with increased pancreatic cancer risk, including variants in genes that regulate cell growth and tumor suppression. The findings may lead to more targeted treatments and early detection screening for pancreatic cancer.
A recent analysis of Medicare billing records reveals that hospital charges for outpatient oncology services can exceed Medicare payouts by twofold to sixfold. The study, published in the American Journal of Managed Care, emphasizes the need for fair and transparent pricing to protect vulnerable patients from financial burdens.
Researchers found that a longer history of being overweight or obese increases the likelihood of silent heart damage, even when accounting for other health factors. Maintaining a healthy weight across the lifespan may help minimize heart disease risk.
A Johns Hopkins study of mice with metabolic syndrome found that the intestinal microbiome plays a substantial role in the development of obesity and insulin resistance. The research suggests that manipulating gut bacteria may prevent obesity and diabetes.
Researchers found that outcomes for alternatives to whole liver transplantation, such as splitting a liver or using a part from a living donor, have improved for pediatric patients. These findings suggest opportunities for an increased organ supply and better use of those organs, potentially saving more lives.
Researchers found that patients with recurrent atrial fibrillation had more preoperative dys-synchrony in the left atrium, indicating a higher risk of failed ablation procedures. A new biomarker based on cardiac imaging analysis could help personalize patient selection and reduce failure rates.
Researchers discovered a protective mechanism in the immune system that shields against recurrent bacterial skin infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus. Gamma delta T cells, which account for less than 1% of lymph node cells before infection, multiply and provide protection against subsequent infections.