A recent study published in Science found that sleep deprivation impairs the brain's ability to consolidate new memories in mice. The researchers discovered that homeostatic scaling down, a process that weakens synapses, occurs during sleep and is essential for learning and memory formation.
Researchers found that cocaine users are more likely to engage in risky sex when under the influence, citing 'sexual impatience' as a key factor. The study suggests providing condoms to drug users is crucial in preventing the spread of STIs.
A blood test detecting hypermethylation in tumor DNA predicts shorter survival for women with high levels of cancer-linked DNA, indicating worsening disease. The test, cMethDNA, may help identify breast cancers at higher risk for recurrence and track treatment success.
A study found that two problem proteins known to cause Parkinson's disease are chemically linked, suggesting a common target for a single drug. Reducing one protein leads to an increase in the other, which can be mitigated by a treatment targeting the link.
The updated guidelines provide better direction for clinicians to make accurate diagnoses and recommend personalized treatment. The new criteria lower the threshold for possible cystic fibrosis, reconsidering patients with chloride levels between 30-40 millimoles per liter.
Researchers develop a new peptide that suppresses abnormal blood vessel growth and leakage in the eye, causing regression of established vessels. The peptide lasts longer than current treatments, potentially requiring only annual injections instead of monthly ones.
Biologists at Johns Hopkins have found that extra centrosomes in mice can lead to tumor formation due to improper chromosome separation. This discovery provides a new model for cancer research that more closely mimics human tumors, with half of the mice developing cancer within 9-18 months.
Johns Hopkins researchers successfully created mature heart muscle cells from human or animal stem cells by implanting them into newborn rat hearts. The host animal's biological signals and chemistry enabled the immature cells to mature, overcoming a developmental blockade.
A new survey found that 59% of Baltimore's youth-serving organizations do not offer HIV testing, highlighting the need for better integration of community-based services and clinical care. Organizations with HIV testing were more likely to provide general health services and referral services for sexually transmitted infections screening.
A recent survey of primary care physicians found that 15% support the complete repeal of Obamacare, lower than the general public's percentage. The majority, 74%, favor changes to the law, such as creating a public option or increasing health savings accounts.
Biomedical engineers at Johns Hopkins create a method to deliver and release concentrated amounts of drugs to the brain using ultrasound pulses. The technique has the potential to advance many therapies and research studies, minimizing side effects and potentially bringing new treatments to humans within a year or two.
Researchers found that coronary artery calcium scores can help personalize treatment for patients with mild to moderate high blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart disease. The study suggests using these scores to determine the most appropriate blood pressure treatment strategy for each patient.
A study found that epigenetic changes, not DNA mutations, drive metastasis in pancreatic cancer cells. Researchers also identified a potential therapeutic target to block tumor formation in lab-grown cancer cells.
Researchers find that decapitation of primary cilia, a process linked to cellular duplication, is triggered by the presence of Inpp5e protein, which helps stabilize cilia. The study also reveals that wire-like structures formed in cilia contribute to decapitation, and that this process is essential for full cilia disassembly.
Experts develop five-stage system to classify heart disease risk, including earlier stages for previously underrecognized populations. The new system puts focus on those who pass stress tests or have less obvious danger signs.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins found that alcohol strengthens emotional memories associated with fearful experiences and prevents mice from pushing aside their fears. The study identified the molecular mechanism responsible for alcohol-related fear relapses and used a drug to reverse its effects.
Researchers identified a new biological target for treating spinal muscular atrophy by boosting an experimental medicine with Nusinersen. In mouse studies, the combination therapy improved survival time, body weight, and motor movements, suggesting potential benefits for people with the disease.
A Johns Hopkins Medicine study found that social ecology influences on personal experiences and interactions with family, peers, and healthcare providers hinder young men's use of sexual and reproductive health care. Long wait times, costs, and concerns about privacy also deter seeking care.
Researchers found that tumors shed between seven and 18 mutations in neoantigen-coding genes after developing resistance to immunotherapy drugs. This phenomenon could lead to new ways to improve current cancer immunotherapies.
A recent survey of 1,993 people who experienced negative reactions to psilocybin found that 10.7% reported putting themselves or others at risk for physical harm. Despite this, most respondents described their experience as 'meaningful' and ranked it among the top five most significant experiences in their lives.
Researchers found that localized chemotherapy delivered directly to the brain improved survival rates in mice with glioblastoma when combined with immunotherapy. The study suggests that systemic chemotherapy weakens the immune system and may hinder its ability to fight tumors.
Researchers found that a small group of brain cells controls sleep and regulates core body temperature, which explains why people don't feel jet-lagged when they have a fever. The discovery sheds light on the mechanisms behind circadian rhythms and their role in regulating bodily processes.
Researchers found that a genetic mutation in protein NOD1 increases susceptibility to human cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. Studies with human cells and mice showed decreased CMV replication when NOD1 was activated, suggesting a key role in controlling the virus.
Researchers developed a dual strategy combining biomimetic beads and anti-PD1 therapy to boost killer T cell immunity against skin cancer. The combination technique increased T cell activation by 35% compared to artificial beads alone and 72% compared to anti-PD1 alone.
A low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet has been shown to alleviate symptoms of a rare inherited intellectual disability in mice genetically engineered with a Kabuki syndrome-like condition. The study suggests that correcting an imbalance in chromatin's open and closed states may improve mental function, offering new hope for treatment.
A new biochemical study from Johns Hopkins researchers found that a common genetic variant associated with type 2 diabetes risk makes a protein that is more efficient than its less risky counterpart. The 'hyperactive' zinc transporter protein may be slowed down to lower diabetes risk, according to the findings.
A computer simulation developed by Johns Hopkins researchers helps predict the potential impact of a new short-course treatment regimen for drug-resistant tuberculosis. The model suggests that this regimen could lower MDR-TB incidence in Southeast Asia by 23% over eight years, potentially averting over 100,000 cases annually.
Johns Hopkins scientists successfully created more-flexible human embryonic stem cells by dosing conventional ESCs with a cocktail of three chemical inhibitors. The new cells exhibit features similar to those of classic mouse ESCs, enabling their potential use in therapies and genetic disease modeling.
Researchers found a common bacterial cause of gum disease may trigger rheumatoid arthritis by inducing hypercitrullination, leading to inflammation and tissue damage. A study published in Science Translational Medicine identified Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans as the primary pathogen responsible for this process.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine introduce a checklist-style protocol to minimize unnecessary blood culture draws in hospitalized children with fevers. The guideline resulted in an almost 50% decrease in unnecessary blood draws without compromising sepsis diagnosis.
A new study identifies four culturally sensitive mental health screening tools that can be used by pediatricians to screen Latino children. The tools assess emotional and behavioral problems and are available in Spanish, with one including pictorial cues. The researchers hope that these tools will increase primary care pediatricians' c...
Researchers from Johns Hopkins Medicine have found that drone transportation of large bags of blood products can maintain their temperature and cellular integrity. The study suggests drones are an effective way to transport blood products to remote areas or time-sensitive destinations.
A new study by Johns Hopkins researchers reveals a strong link between angiotensin receptor autoantibodies and increased risk of frailty in older adults. The study suggests that common blood pressure drugs targeting the autoantibodies, called ARBs, may help protect against functional decline in some people.
A new study on simian immunodeficiency virus in macaques suggests that a proposed curative strategy could cause harmful brain inflammation if the virus is present in the brain. The 'shock and kill' treatment approach, which aims to wipe out infected cells, may have unintended consequences.
Johns Hopkins researchers have identified a critical cellular switch that turns on the inflammatory immune response contributing to asthma attacks. By inhibiting this pathway, they may be able to prevent continued inflammation and long-term structural changes in the lungs.
Researchers identified altered genes and noncoding genetic material that could serve as predictive treatment biomarkers or targets for therapy. The study found that ATRX mutations were associated with aggressive NF1-related brain cancers, while a microRNA called miR-487b was underexpressed in tumor tissue.
A new study analyzing over 3 million emergency department visits shows that attempted suicide rates and risk groups remain largely unchanged between 2006 and 2013. The majority of those who attempted suicide had a concurrent mental disorder, with males more likely to use violent methods.
A study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that psilocybin significantly reduced depression and anxiety symptoms in patients with life-threatening cancer. The treatment showed enduring effects for up to six months, offering a potential new model for treating psychiatric conditions.
Researchers develop a novel method to track an antibody targeting the hormone receptor pathway involved in prostate cancer. The technique uses PET scans to detect and monitor disease progression in real-time, enabling personalized treatment guidance.
A new study using CT scans of Lucy's bones reveals that she had heavily built upper limbs similar to chimpanzees, supporting the idea that she spent time climbing trees. The research suggests that Lucy may have nested in trees at night to avoid predators and spent one-third of her time above ground.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found evidence of brain injury and repair in young NFL players compared to a control group. PET imaging revealed higher levels of a biomarker associated with brain injury in eight of the 12 brain regions studied, suggesting a link between concussions and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
Hair loss and breakage caused by acquired trichorrhexis nodosa (TN) can be reduced with proper cleansing and styling. Researchers recommend choosing the right shampoo based on hair type and minimizing frequent washing for those with tightly curled or dry hair. Conditioners, especially protein-containing ones, are also crucial for healt...
Researchers discovered that enzyme KDM4B selectively binds to specific epigenetic marks on histone proteins, enabling its
Researchers developed a novel urine test to predict high-risk cervical cancer with 90.9% accuracy using genetic markers from HPV and human cells. The test shows promise as a cost-effective alternative to existing methods, which may be unnecessary in up to 50% of cases.
Research reveals that cells use a shared molecular network to respond to both chemical and mechanical cues, allowing them to combine conflicting signals into a unified path. This finding takes scientists closer to understanding biological processes like embryonic development, tumor metastasis, and wound healing.
Researchers have developed new compounds that target the LD-transpeptidase enzyme, which builds bacterial cell walls. In live bacterial cultures and mouse models, these carbapenems were shown to be effective against antibiotic-resistant tuberculosis-causing bacteria.
RK-33 reduces prostate cancer cell proliferation and increases sensitivity to radiation, offering a promising combination treatment for prostate cancer. The experimental drug has been shown to be effective in both laboratory cultures and animal models.
Researchers have created computer models of blood flow through the heart's upper left chamber that may help predict stroke risk. The study found that a corkscrewlike motion helps move blood efficiently through the atrium, whereas an enlarged and diseased heart fails to form this motion, increasing the risk of developing a blood clot.
A Johns Hopkins study reveals that former trainees from sub-Saharan Africa are leaving a positive mark on the African bioethics landscape, with many becoming instructors, serving on IRBs, or publishing bioethics-related research. The training programs have built sustainable capacity in Africa and fostered lasting networks of profession...
A new study from Johns Hopkins Medicine found that while training doesn't change neurological repair in chronic stroke patients, it can help them learn new motor skills and achieve more independence. The researchers used a video game-like test to assess the patients' ability to perform tasks.