Scientists have successfully created tiny protein-based gelatin-like clumps called hydrogels inside living cells using a novel technique. This breakthrough advances research into the suspected contributions of hydrogels to human diseases, such as neurodegenerative disorders.
A study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that specific brain network connections can predict long-term recovery trajectories in patients with severe brain injury after a cardiac arrest. Functional MRI data analysis identified clusters of brain regions that correlate strongly with functional outcomes.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have developed a topical gel made from common blood pressure pills that block inflammation pathways, speeding up the healing of chronic skin wounds. The gel was shown to be effective in accelerating wound healing in mice and pigs, with one concentration showing significant benefits.
A study of nine women suggests that ovarian tumors may originate in the fallopian tubes, providing insights into cancer origin and potential prevention strategies. The researchers found identical genetic errors in chromosome 17 and BRCA genes in all patients, supporting the fallopian tube theory.
A new study on mice sheds light on the role of protein modification in heart failure, suggesting new strategies for personalizing treatment by examining phosphorylation. Researchers found that abnormal addition of phosphate to a specific heart muscle protein may damage the heart's pumping ability.
Researchers successfully deliver platinum-based chemotherapy drugs via nanoparticles to treat nonmuscle-invasive bladder cancer, reducing systemic absorption and toxicity. The study offers a potential less toxic clinical alternative to standard chemotherapy.
A study of 12,612 Hispanic children found that those in immigrant families reported fewer adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) than those in U.S.-native families. Children in immigrant families were more likely to have no ACE exposure, with a prevalence of 53%, compared to 44% for U.S.-native families.
Researchers found that mitochondrial DNA copy number is a novel biomarker predicting cardiovascular disease risk, especially for sudden cardiac death. This could help physicians accurately predict life-threatening events and inform treatment decisions with statins.
A study using fruit flies has identified a mechanism behind a human heart condition that causes the heart to enlarge and fail. The mutation interferes with heart muscle relaxation, preventing it from fully filling with blood and pumping it out.
A Johns Hopkins study of firearm-related injuries found decreasing incidence in some age groups, increasing trends in others, and higher costs for gunshot wounds. Firearm injuries are also linked to mental health disorders, with attempted suicides having the highest incidence among Medicare enrollees.
Researchers developed an electronic triage tool to improve patient care in emergency departments, identifying critically ill patients and assigning priority treatment levels. The tool showed equal or improved identification of patient outcomes compared to the existing emergency severity index (ESI) based on a multi-site retrospective s...
A new analysis finds that victims of gunshots and stabbings are less likely to die if transported to a trauma center by private vehicle rather than ground emergency medical services. Penetrating injuries such as knife and gun wounds showed a significant reduction in mortality rates when transported privately.
Researchers found that drinking alcohol induces changes to a cholesterol-regulating gene, PCSK9, leading to differences in how cholesterol is processed. Higher methylation and gene expression of PCSK9 were associated with chronic heavy alcohol use, which can lead to lower PCSK9 protein levels due to liver damage.
Researchers created mice lacking ankyrin-G protein, displaying hyperactivity and reduced anxiety. Lithium treatment reversed these behaviors, mirroring human bipolar disorder symptoms.
A study of over 600 colorectal surgeries found racial and socioeconomic disparities in pain management, with white patients more likely to receive optimal care. The findings highlight the importance of process measures in preventing these disparities, particularly for historically disadvantaged populations.
Researchers developed a novel antibody detection technology that increases the sensitivity of Type 1 Diabetes tests, enabling screening for more autoimmune antibodies implicated in the disease. The technology holds promise for making populationwide screening practical and catching the disease earlier.
Researchers from Johns Hopkins Medicine successfully transported medical samples 160+ miles using a drone, setting a new delivery distance record. The flight maintained temperature control, ensuring the samples were viable for laboratory analysis after landing.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center found that cigarette smoke triggers epigenetic changes in human airway cells, sensitizing them to genetic mutations. These changes precede and silence key tumor suppressor genes, leading to increased KRAS signaling and cancer development.
A new blood management program at Johns Hopkins Health System has reduced unnecessary blood transfusions and saved the system over $2 million annually. The program, launched in 2012, included education and feedback to promote best practices and guideline compliance, resulting in significant cost savings.
A national survey of over 2,000 physicians finds that overtreatment is a leading driver of healthcare costs and wasteful spending. Physicians believe that at least 15-30% of medical care is unnecessary, with fear of malpractice being the primary cause.
Researchers developed a combined 'liquid biopsy' that detected markers from both DNA and protein products of DNA, showing twice the accuracy of detection as DNA alone. The test identified early-stage pancreatic cancer in 64% of patients, improving on the 30% detection rate achieved with DNA testing alone.
A new study shows that untreated sleep apnea increases blood sugar, fat levels, stress hormones, and blood pressure while participants slept. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is recommended to prevent these consequences.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered that inflammation is required for olfactory tissue regeneration in a mouse study. Suppressing inflammation with steroids slowed stem cell proliferation, highlighting the complex relationship between inflammation and healing.
A team of researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine has identified a type of neuron in the brains of mice that promotes sleep by turning off wake-promoting neurons. Lhx6-expressing cells play a central role in regulating both rapid eye movement and nonrapid eye movement sleep, with potential applications for treating various sleep disorders.
A Johns Hopkins paleontologist and her team report that human arrival and activity led to the extinction of native mammal species in the Caribbean. The study found that 60% of endemic mammals went extinct after humans arrived, with current conservation efforts focusing on protecting bats and insectivores.
A study using fMRI scans found that reduced neural activity in teens at high risk of adult obesity may be an early predictor. The researchers discovered that lean adolescents with a family history of overweight parents showed less self-regulation activity than their peers.
A yearlong study found that well-designed online education can decrease nonadministration rates of prescribed blood thinners to prevent venous thromboembolism. Nurses who completed an interactive education module showed a greater reduction in non-administration rates compared to those who received traditional voice-over instruction.
A new blood test developed by Johns Hopkins Medicine accurately identifies more than half of people with early-stage colorectal, breast, lung, and ovarian cancers. The test distinguishes between cancer-specific DNA and altered DNA that can be mistaken for biomarkers.
A Johns Hopkins study found that individuals with mild cognitive decline have lower levels of serotonin transporters, suggesting a possible driver of the disease. The research suggests increasing serotonin function may prevent memory loss and slow disease progression.
A new study suggests that human settlement of Jamaica may have led to the extinction of the Xenothrix mcgregori monkey species. The research uses radiocarbon dating to estimate that the monkey died between 505 and 573 A.D., overlapping with non-European human arrival on the island.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered a biochemical process that gives prostate cancer cells the ability to change shape and invade other tissues. The study found that a gene called AIM1 is deleted in approximately 20-30% of prostate cancers confined to the gland and 40% of metastatic prostate cancers.
A study found that between 42-71% of prescribed opioids went unused among patients, highlighting the need for personalized pain management. Patients often store prescription opioids improperly and fail to dispose of unused pills safely.
A new study suggests that assessing orthostatic hypotension, a form of low blood pressure, within one minute of standing is more predictive of future falls and adverse outcomes. The study found that this measurement time was associated with the highest rates of fractures, fainting, and death.
Researchers found that Medicaid expansion under the ACA reduced total emergency department visits in Maryland by nearly 36,000, with a 6% increase in Medicaid-covered visits and a 6% decrease in uninsured patient visits. The study suggests that while the ACA did not immediately reduce emergency department utilization, it provides incre...
A recent survey of primary care physicians found that nearly two-thirds could not correctly identify all risk factors for prediabetes. The study highlights the need for increased provider knowledge and availability of resources to help patients reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins developed a mathematical method to predict the effectiveness of catheter ablation for treating Afib. The study found that improving electrical communication in the heart immediately after the procedure can predict longer-term success rates.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered that controlling the immune system's cell reactivity to injury can accelerate eye tissue regeneration in zebrafish. This finding may lead to new strategies for combating degenerative eye diseases in humans.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have developed a modified skin biopsy technique to hasten the diagnosis of transthyretin amyloidosis, a rare and lethal nerve disease. The test, which detects protein clumps in skin samples, shows promise for more rapid clinical trials and improved treatment options.
TAK228 enhances radiation and chemotherapy for diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) and atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors (AT/RT), two childhood brain cancers with poor prognosis. The drug reduces tumor cell proliferation and increases cancer cell death, particularly when combined with treatment.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine suggests that on-site pill-testing services can reduce the risks associated with recreational drug use. The researchers found that people are more likely to reject taking a pill if it contains harmful additives or is adulterated.
Scientists have developed a powerful new technique called LASSO cloning that can clone thousands of long DNA sequences at once, speeding up the creation of proteins and discovery of new medicines. This innovation enables researchers to analyze what genes' proteins do, leading to potential breakthroughs in scores of diseases.
A minimally invasive approach to treating chronic pancreas disease resulted in fewer complications, shorter hospital stays, and less need for opioids. The procedure also showed promising results in reducing pain scores and opioid therapy needs.
Researchers found that distinct variations in protein expression levels, rather than genetic alterations, are linked to response or resistance to immunotherapy drugs. The study identified specific genes and proteins associated with tumor growth and immune evasion, paving the way for new therapeutic targets.
A molecular diagnostic test has received FDA approval for accurately distinguishing among the three most common causes of vaginitis. The test is more sensitive, faster, and objective than traditional methods, providing detailed diagnoses that can help determine the best course of treatment.
Neuroscientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine report that mouse eyes can constrict in response to light without involving the brain. Melanopsin, a light-sensitive pigment, is found in the iris sphincter muscle and causes it to contract.
A study of 1488 adult patients found that 20% experienced adverse reactions to antibiotics, with gastrointestinal and kidney issues being the most common. Nearly a fifth of these adverse effects were unnecessary and occurred in patients who didn't need antibiotics.
Researchers found that current assessments are not keeping up with clinical trial advances, highlighting the need for improved treatment outcome measurement tools. Most outcome measures in FXS clinical trials received only a moderate rating due to limited information on reliability and validity.
In a clinical trial of 86 patients with colorectal and other cancers, scientists found that half respond to pembrolizumab due to mutations in their tumors. This could lead to a new standard-of-care including mismatch repair deficiency testing to identify patients who may benefit from immunotherapy.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins created a nanoparticle that carries two different antibodies to simultaneously switch off cancer cells' defensive properties while switching on a robust anticancer immune response in mice. The 'immunoswitch' particles dramatically slowed the growth of mouse melanoma and colon cancer, even eradicating tumors.
A study of emergency medicine doctors found that adult patients are charged 340% more than Medicare pays for services. The largest hospital markups disproportionately affect minorities and uninsured patients, highlighting a need for fairer and more transparent healthcare pricing.