A large study found that individuals with difficulty recognizing and expressing emotions experience greater disruption to daily life from pain over time due to increased psychological distress. The study also suggests that addressing emotional processing difficulties may be key to improving long-term outcomes for people with chronic pain.
Researchers found that people with severe obesity and heart failure have weakened heart muscles, which can be reversed through weight loss. The study identified a chemical change in a protein called troponin I as the underlying cause of this condition.
Researchers from Johns Hopkins Medicine have developed mini brain-like structures grown in the lab that could be used to evaluate how patients with Alzheimer's disease respond to certain drugs. The study found that tiny particles secreted by these brain tissues may contain cellular information that could help scientists find new biomar...
A new study using a national database of e-scooter injuries found that children accounted for over 45% of e-scooter related injuries. Racial and ethnic disparities were also noted, with Black and Hispanic children seeing the highest rates of injury, at 16% and 15.7%, respectively.
A new NIH-funded study predicts that HIV infections could increase by an average of 10% in 18 US states if CDC funding for HIV testing ends. The simulation model examined HIV infections across different populations and found that the number of infections varies widely across states.
The Johns Hopkins team developed a therapeutic intranasal DNA vaccine against tuberculosis that accelerated disease clearance, improved treatment outcomes, and stimulated immune responses. The vaccine combines two genes to direct the immune system to fight drug-tolerant bacterial persisters, showing promise for treating TB.
A Johns Hopkins study reveals that cysteine metabolism shapes CD8+ T-cell function, with implications for boosting cancer-killing immune responses. Limiting cysteine in laboratory models enhanced anti-tumor immunity but impaired T-cell expansion and weakened anti-tumor activity.
Researchers found a 38% higher risk of diabetes in adults with HIV who switched from protease inhibitors to integrase inhibitors. The study suggests that medication changes may have adverse metabolic impacts, warranting close monitoring, regardless of weight gain.
The new guideline focuses on lowering elevated LDL cholesterol levels and emphasizes the importance of earlier screenings, especially for those with a family history of heart disease. It also encourages more personalized risk estimations to support shared decision-making between clinicians and patients.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have created a detailed cellular roadmap of human brain development, utilizing data from nearly 200 studies and 30 million cells. The atlas provides insight into genetic links and pathways involved in conditions like autism spectrum disorder and Alzheimer's disease.
A recent study shows that a comprehensive TB screening and treatment program reduced TB incidence by 83% and prevalence of latent TB infection by 32% among Tibetan children in northern India. The program's success highlights the importance of community-led surveillance and treatment implementation to control TB transmission.
Scientists discovered that howler monkeys began eating leaves 13 million years ago, causing them to evolve larger body sizes and occupy a unique ecological niche. The analysis of two jaw fossils provides key information about the diet, body size, and biodiversity of these ancient monkeys.
Researchers engineered nanoparticles that can educate the immune system to find and destroy disease-causing cells throughout the body. The nanoparticles were successful in depleting and destroying diseased immune cells in mice, with 95% of target B cells depleted in circulating blood within 24 hours.
A recent study found that adults with total or near-total vision loss who also experience hearing loss report lower confidence in their sound localization abilities, despite receiving specialized training. The researchers suggest that clinicians should account for hearing status during vision rehabilitation training to address individu...
A new study finds that adults with prediabetes and hypertension who have subclinical heart injury or stress are at increased risk of heart failure. The study highlights an at-risk population that can be identified using common cardiac biomarkers and emphasizes the importance of preventive care.
A study analyzing health survey data from over 560,000 US college students found that depression symptoms have steadily increased, especially among women, minorities, and students experiencing financial stress. Suicidal ideation also rose across all demographic groups, with the highest increase seen in this symptom.
Researchers developed an AI-based liquid biopsy test that detects early liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, and reveals signals of broader chronic disease burden. The test uses genome-wide cell-free DNA fragmentation patterns and repeat landscapes to identify disease-specific signatures.
Researchers from Johns Hopkins Medicine have created the open-source AstroID database to organize and analyze clinical and genetic data from cancer patients. The database allows for the study of multiple tumor types and longitudinal patient experiences, streamlining data collection and analysis.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified how smoking damages the eye and contributes to age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Cigarette smoke exposure causes epigenetic changes in retinal pigmented epithelial cells, leading to dysfunctional clusters and decreased gene expression.
Researchers found that male patients with early Lyme disease present with different signs of the disease, including symptoms, physical exams, and laboratory test results. These findings suggest that sex and menopause status are important to consider in understanding early Lyme disease.
Researchers created detailed maps of oligodendrocytes in mouse brains, showing their precise location over time and revealing insights into how these cells impact human diseases. The study provides a whole-brain picture of myelin content and offers potential clues to preserving myelin in diseases like multiple sclerosis.
Pathogenic bacteria in gut and breast tissue can promote breast cancer development by increasing SMOX activity, leading to DNA damage and tumor growth. Targeting SMOX with inhibitors could be a viable strategy to counteract the cancer-promoting effects of microbial dysbiosis.
A study published in Molecular Cancer found that the KLF5 gene plays a crucial role in fueling the growth of spreading pancreatic cancer by altering epigenetic changes. The researchers used CRISPR technology to silence genes and identified KLF5 as the most impactful gene associated with cell growth.
A 20-year follow-up study found that adults who completed cognitive speed training were less likely to be diagnosed with dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. The study, which included 2,802 participants, showed a 25% reduced incidence of dementia in the speed-training group compared to the control arm.
The updated guidelines provide a unified framework for evaluating residual viable tumor, necrosis, and regression after presurgical treatment. The new criteria demonstrate high reproducibility across different tumor types and pathologists, providing a foundation for standardized data collection and improved patient care.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center have developed a novel liquid biopsy approach to identify early-stage cancers by measuring DNA methylation patterns. The Epigenetic Instability Index (EII) successfully distinguished patients with early-stage lung and breast cancers from healthy individuals, showing promise in detecting...
Researchers found that higher testosterone levels reduced risk, while increased estradiol levels increased cardiovascular risk in male participants. In contrast, women with diabetes showed no significant link between hormone levels and cardiovascular outcomes.
New study finds that progenitor cells in the brain continuously produce new myelin-producing oligodendrocytes, despite being inefficient. This process suggests that treatments harnessing their developmental aspects may increase rapid myelin repair for demyelinating diseases like multiple sclerosis.
Researchers developed a SMaRT Score to predict shunt failures and need for revisions in children with hydrocephalus, based on analysis of medical records from 1,167 neurosurgical consultations. The score assigns points to various symptoms, with higher scores indicating a higher likelihood of shunt failure.
A new study identified deoxyhypusine synthase as a critical regulator of macrophage maturation and long-term survival. Without this enzyme, monocytes fail to differentiate into functional tissue-resident macrophages, leading to impaired tissue maintenance and inflammation.
Researchers found that Fusobacterium nucleatum accelerates tumor growth and increases cancer cell spread in animal models of human breast cancer, particularly in cells with BRCA1 gene mutations. The study reveals a connection between oral microbes and breast cancer risk and progression.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Children's Center researchers found that as teens transition to young adults, they often skip yearly wellness visits with pediatricians or primary care providers. The study suggests that parents, pediatricians, and other primary care providers should encourage annual wellness visits to advance efforts in pr...
A Johns Hopkins-led team has created the first map of nerve circuitry in bone, revealing how sensory neurons communicate with bone-building cells to promote healing. The study identifies key protein signals necessary for bone formation and repair.
Researchers have identified a key protein that produces hydrogen sulfide gas as a therapeutic target for Alzheimer's disease. Experiments in genetically engineered mice show that this protein, Cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE), plays a critical role in cognitive function and memory formation.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center developed a new treatment that selectively targets TRBC2-positive T-cell cancers, preserving approximately 40%–60% of normal T cells. The therapy, an antibody-drug conjugate, provides a long-sought therapeutic option for half of T-cell lymphomas and leukemias.
A Johns Hopkins Medicine/CDC study found no difference in linkage-to-care rates for HIV patients if next-day testing is done to quantify viral load. Despite this, participants living with HIV had higher linkage-to-care rates when receiving viral load results sooner than a day after testing.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine report a significant reduction in HIV-infected CD4+ T immune cells after chemotherapy treatment. This finding may be an early step toward a more practical HIV cure, as the virus relies on frequent proliferation to persist in the body.
Researchers developed a non-invasive blood test to detect genetic material shed by tumors, which can identify adverse events related to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. The test found evidence of multi-organ injury in patients with immune-related adverse events, suggesting that the clinical syndromes may represent only a small frac...
A new, slow-growing tumor has been identified with a distinctive bone-covered shell, previously misdiagnosed as cancerous. Researchers describe the ossifying spindled and epithelioid tumor (OSET) for the first time, highlighting its unique characteristics and potential consequences of incorrect diagnosis.
New study finds that even low levels of smoking carry substantial cardiovascular risks, while quitting completely provides the greatest health benefit. The research highlights the complex relationship between smoking history and time since quitting in relation to heart disease and death risk.
A Johns Hopkins Medicine study found hormone-disrupting chemicals shed by plastics are present in the skin of people with hidradenitis suppurativa, potentially worsening symptoms. The researchers believe reducing exposure could ease HS symptom severity and provide a new avenue of relief.
Researchers found that pterosaurs developed flight with a smaller brain similar to non-flying dinosaurs. Advanced imaging tools were used to study the brain cavities of pterosaur fossils, revealing a larger optic lobe that may have aided in their ability to fly.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have published the first 3D details of the ZAK protein's structure, revealing its mechanism of activation and potential therapeutic applications. The study provides insights into how ZAK proteins interact with ribosomes to sense cellular stress and activate downstream signaling pathways.
Researchers successfully used the 'zap-and-freeze' technology to observe hard-to-see brain cell communications in living brain tissue from mice and humans. The findings could help scientists understand the root causes of nonheritable forms of Parkinson's disease, a neurodegenerative disorder.
A novel liver cancer vaccine has achieved responses in a rare disease affecting children and young adults, with 75% of patients experiencing disease control. Three patients are now believed to be cancer-free after receiving the therapy, including a 13-year-old patient who achieved a nearly complete response.
A new study found that patients with advanced basal cell carcinoma may benefit from receiving immunotherapy earlier, with a significant increase in objective response rate. Researchers explored adding relatlimab to nivolumab and saw promising results in overcoming resistance to single-agent anti-PD-1.
A new electronic medical records-based tool predicts which patients are most at risk of losing a transplanted kidney graft, allowing for timely interventions. The study achieved high predictive accuracy and can be implemented to streamline care of recipients.
Researchers identified mild dilatation of the pancreatic duct as an early sign of pancreatic cancer in high-risk individuals, even without visible mass. This finding may lead to better survival rates if cancers are detected early through more frequent imaging.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers found that preterm infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) are at a higher risk of developing persistent hypertension as they grow. The study suggests that NICU admission itself may contribute to the increased risk, and highlights the need for early hypertension screenin...
A new study from Johns Hopkins Medicine reveals that biliverdin reductase A plays a direct protective role against oxidative stress in neurons, independent of its role producing bilirubin. The enzyme modulates another key protein, NRF2, which regulates the levels of protective proteins and antioxidants in cells.