A multicenter study confirms lithium's efficacy and safety for children with bipolar disorder in the short term. The study showed significant improvement in symptoms compared to placebo, without significant weight gain or serious side effects.
Researchers from Johns Hopkins Medicine have successfully grown a healthy intestine in a lab using stem cells and a 3-D scaffold. The lab-grown intestine regenerated gut tissue in dogs with missing gut lining, offering hope for the development of an implantable replacement intestine.
A Johns Hopkins surgeon calls on hospitals to end preventable bouts of food and sleep deprivation in emergency rooms and surgical units. The expert argues that acute malnutrition and sleep deprivation have increased with busier hospitals and an aging population, leading to delayed healing and readmissions.
Researchers have identified new mutations in six genes that may explain why some patients respond to a class of anti-cancer drugs known as EGFR inhibitors. These discoveries were made using human tumors grafted into mice, called tumorgraft avatars, which provide a unique environment for studying individual tumor responses to therapy.
Researchers discovered that the retina employs a separate light-sensitive pigment called neuropsin to regulate its internal rhythms. Neuropsin is distinct from melanopsin, which controls the body's circadian rhythms and synchronizes with the suprachiasmatic nuclei.
Researchers have developed a sticky gel that helps stem cells adhere to and restore their metabolism in rat hearts, improving cardiac function after simulated heart attacks. The gel, which combines serum and hyaluronic acid, has been shown to retain up to 73% of transplanted cells in the heart.
Researchers have identified a molecular pathway that explains how tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer cells develop. The 'feedback loop' involves the HOXB7 protein, which helps activate genes that promote cancer growth. Targeting MYC protein, which is involved in this pathway, may lead to new treatments for tamoxifen-resistant cancers.
Researchers discovered genetic changes in premalignant lung lesions that occurred before cancerous growth, detectable in blood samples. The findings suggest that circulating DNA can be used to identify patients at risk of developing lung cancer, enabling early intervention and potentially improving treatment outcomes.
In a clinical trial, a genetically engineered vaccine successfully eradicated high-grade precancerous cervical lesions in 48.2% of women who received the vaccine, compared to 30% of those who received saline injections. The vaccine also cleared the virus from the cervixes of 56 women, reducing the risk of cancer recurrence.
A randomized trial found that yoga improved physical health, pain, energy, mood, and daily activities in people with arthritis. The study also showed long-term improvements in physical function and walking speed.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine reveals that many obese people are malnourished before weight loss surgery. The research highlights the importance of addressing nutritional deficiencies to reduce surgical complications and improve overall health after the procedure.
Scientists identified 'nicotine choosers' and 'avoiders' in a study of 18 healthy adults who had never smoked. The researchers found that some individuals prefer the effects of nicotine, while others avoid it due to genetic or metabolic vulnerabilities.
Researchers found that external brain stimulation, specifically transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), can compensate for the loss of dopamine in people with Parkinson's disease by decreasing the effort the brain has to put into getting its motor neurons to fire. This correction improves some patients' motor symptoms.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine analyzed survival statistics of 1,298 men with low-risk prostate tumors and found that only two died of prostate cancer after 15 years, while three developed metastatic disease. This suggests that carefully selected patients in active surveillance programs are unlikely to be harmed by their disease.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins found that fluoxetine prolongs physical therapy's effectiveness for stroke victims, especially those too ill to start intensive rehabilitation. Early intervention with fluoxetine improves motor function recovery in mice, suggesting potential benefits for human stroke patients.
Researchers found a core group of genes related to both viral defense and susceptibility to demethylating drug 5-azacytidine. The study suggests that triggering this pathway may improve the effectiveness of immunotherapy drugs in patients with certain types of cancer.
A study of over 5,000 people found that subtle elevations in cardiac troponin T levels can predict future hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy. The test may help identify those at risk for hypertension and allow for earlier intervention with lifestyle changes or medication.
Researchers have discovered how a common gene mutation causes long strands of RNA to block pathways that move proteins into a cell's nucleus, leading to molecular traffic jams. Molecular therapy has been shown to reopen blocked pathways in human and fly cells, providing hope for treatments for ALS and dementia.
The study identified gene variants within three highly associated regions for Crohn's disease, including NOD2 and interleukin 23 receptor. Additionally, the researchers found novel regions of chromosomes 2 and 3 to be causative for IBD in African-Americans.
A handheld device called MouthLab tracks vital signs such as blood pressure, breathing rate, and heart rate by analyzing data from a mouthpiece and thumb pad sensor. The device has shown promising results in studies, with its measurements matching those taken with standard hospital monitors.
A review of survey data from over 300 obese participants found those who rated their primary care doctor's support as helpful lost an average of 11 pounds, compared to just 5 pounds for those with low-rated support. High-quality patient-doctor relationships are linked to better adherence and weight loss outcomes.
A study of 20 young women found five major unexpected sexual events linked to alcohol use, including sex with new partners and unprotected sex. The findings suggest a disconnect between what women expect when drinking and what actually happens, emphasizing the need for better interventions to promote safer behaviors.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine deciphered the structure and unusual shape of bacterial protein IstB, which prepares segments of DNA for jumping genes. The clamshell shape bends DNA into a 180-degree U-turn, priming it for transposon insertion.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have developed a high-throughput screening technique using zebrafish embryos to identify 24 potential new diabetes drugs. The novel method may also be applied to other diseases, including heart disease and neurodegenerative conditions.
Johns Hopkins researchers warn that hospital monopolies can drive up medical expenses, reduce patient choice, and threaten quality of care. The authors call for greater vigilance from the Federal Trade Commission to prevent the rise of 'too big to fail' hospital systems.
Researchers have discovered that a type of jumping gene called LINE-1 is actively inserted into the human genome in various gastrointestinal cancers. The findings suggest that these insertions may occur early in cancer development and could potentially serve as a marker for early cancer diagnosis.
Researchers found that ribosomes can translate the 'untranslated region' of mRNA, producing small proteins whose functions are unknown. This discovery opens up new questions about cancer cell growth and how cells respond to stress.
A new study documents a substantial increase in US children's pulmonary hypertension hospitalizations over 15 years, resulting in significant cost increases. The study also found that hospitalizations are now more common among children without congenital heart disease.
A new Johns Hopkins study finds that people infected with hepatitis C virus are at increased risk of cardiovascular damage, independent of HIV. Chronic infection leads to abnormal fat-and-calcium plaques in arteries, a common precursor to heart attacks and strokes.
Johns Hopkins and Mayo experts suggest upgrades to current heart disease prevention guideline, focusing on improved risk prediction and personalized treatment. The new guidelines aim to clarify key points of confusion related to risk prediction and treatment of heart attacks and strokes, promoting more precise and tailored care.
New studies at Johns Hopkins Medicine have made significant progress in developing a universally accurate diagnostic test for human herpes simplex viruses (HSV). Researchers also hope to create a vaccine that protects against the virus. The breakthrough is expected to improve screening tools, particularly in Africa where rates of HIV a...
A new survey by Johns Hopkins reveals that hospitals can improve patient satisfaction with simple, low-tech practices. The study found that hospitals with a commitment to consistency, personal interactions, and cultural involvement among caregivers tend to have high patient ratings.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine identified a molecular partnership between annexin A2 and Sema3D that helps explain how pancreatic cancer spreads. Annexin A2, already linked to poor survival rates, guides the release of Sema3D, which fuels the cancer's spread by tracking nerve cells.
A team of Johns Hopkins researchers has discovered a novel cell signaling pathway that enables mammals to regenerate hair follicles and skin after wounds. The protein TLR3 plays a crucial role in this process, and medications targeting this protein may help promote healing and reduce scarring.
Researchers discovered TDP-43 normally prevents unwanted RNA stretches from being used by nerve cells. When TDP-43 accumulates, it malfunctions, leading to a cascade of events that kills brain or spinal cord cells.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have developed a DNA-loaded nanoparticle that can penetrate the human airway mucus barrier in lungs, offering a potential breakthrough for treating cystic fibrosis and other lung diseases. The biodegradable nanoparticles successfully delivered therapeutic genes to the lungs of animals, producing hi...
A new blood test can predict the severity of traumatic brain injuries and identify patients who may benefit from extra therapy. The test measures brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in the blood, which can help doctors advise patients on treatment and monitor their recovery.
A new computer-based system provides rapid, real-time feedback during facial transplant surgery, potentially improving face-jaw-teeth alignment and reducing residual deformities. The CAPE platform uses CT scans to match donor anatomy with recipient anatomy, providing unprecedented visual data for surgeons.
A proof-of-concept study at Johns Hopkins Medicine shows that drone transport of blood samples has no effect on common lab tests. The successful transportation of sensitive biological samples via hobby-sized drones holds promise for improving healthcare access in remote areas.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that nearly half of hospital-acquired blood clots were not preventable despite proper use of preventive therapies. The study suggests that measuring prevention efforts, rather than just numbers of clots, is essential to accurately penalize hospitals.
Researchers verified the accuracy of PoopMD, a free smartphone app that reads stool color to detect biliary atresia, a rare pediatric liver disease. The app correctly identified 27 normal stools and all acholic stool samples, providing reassurance for parents.
A Johns Hopkins-led study of 1,200 people with implanted defibrillators shows that within a few years, one-quarter experienced substantial improvements in heart function, reducing the risk of arrhythmia and device shocks. Improved heart function was primarily attributed to concurrent use of heart failure medications and pacemakers.
A study published in the Journal of Internet Medicine Research found that over 90% of low-income inner-city pregnant and postpartum women use smartphones to give and get information. The researchers suggest using cellphone interventions to improve health outcomes among this population.
A study by Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center researchers found that breast cancer survivors, particularly those with a family history of the disease, gained significantly more weight over four years compared to cancer-free women. The study also revealed that chemotherapy may be a contributing factor to weight gain among survivors.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have developed a method using magnetic nanoparticles to train and rapidly multiply immune system white blood cells. The technique, which separates naive T cells from other cells in the blood, has shown promise in expanding these cells' numbers by an estimated 5,000 to 10,000 times.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered that the mammalian brain likely reconstructs memories in a way more like jumping across stepping stones than walking across a bridge. The study used electrode implants to track nerve cells firing in rats' brains as they planned their next move, revealing gaps between discrete memories.
Research suggests that increased connections between sensory cells and nerve cells in the inner ear of aging mice may be contributing to age-related hearing loss. This finding could lead to new ideas for treating or preventing this condition in humans.
A recent study found that while advance care planning has increased among cancer patients, it hasn't led to a decrease in aggressive medical care received in the last weeks of life. In fact, nearly 40% of respondents reported that their loved ones didn't discuss end-of-life care preferences with them.
Research reveals genetic differences in processing tenofovir among individuals, which could affect its effectiveness when used as a topical gel. Genetic variants identified in a study may lead to reduced activation of the drug, highlighting the need for personalized treatment approaches.
A recent genome-sequencing study discovered at least one-third of patients' tumors have genetic mutations that can guide precision therapy. Blood tests detecting DNA shed from tumors predicted cancer recurrence more than half a year earlier than standard imaging methods.