A study suggests that sequencing tumor genomes without comparing them to a patient's noncancerous tissue can lead to inaccurate treatment decisions and side effects. The researchers analyzed over 800 cancer patients' data, finding that nearly half of the identified genetic changes were not related to the cancer.
A small study found distinct patterns of regulatory tags in DNA from fathers' sperm linked to children's early signs of autism. The presence or absence of these tags was statistically related to Autism Observation Scale for Infants scores, suggesting a potential contribution to the condition.
Johns Hopkins researchers have developed a new tool for understanding ALS by transforming skin cells into brain cells affected by the disease. The resulting cell library, now publicly available, will enable scientists to study the disease in greater detail and potentially discover new treatments.
Researchers developed LevelCheck software to assist surgeons in identifying the correct vertebra during spine surgery. The software achieves 100% accuracy in just 26 seconds, helping prevent wrong-level surgeries and improving patient safety.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that touch-sensing neurons integrate position and touch information as soon as it reaches the brain, challenging long-held views on how this is done. This integration enables complex sensory processing and informs efforts to improve prosthetic limbs.
A review of thousands of studies found that only a few dozen programs meet the scientific gold standard for reliability. Jenny Craig and Weight Watchers showed promise with participants losing more weight than non-participants in trials lasting 12 months or longer.
Researchers have identified a new pathway guiding the development of the enteric nervous system, which is separate from the central nervous system. This pathway interacts with specific genes and proteins to cause Hirschsprung's disease, a rare condition that can be fatal if left untreated.
A new study found that cells within metastases from prostate tumors can migrate to other body parts and form new sites of spread on their own. This challenges the long-held belief that cells with metastatic potential originate solely from the original tumor site.
A Johns Hopkins Medicine study found that phone counseling can significantly boost recovery and reduce pain in patients after spinal surgery. The intervention involved short series of phone conversations with trained counselors, leading to higher physical therapy attendance rates and improved functional outcomes.
Researchers from Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered that premature aging of stem cell telomeres drives emphysema, not inflammation. This finding redirects research efforts to fix the underlying problem rather than treating symptoms.
A Johns Hopkins report provides clinicians with concrete tips to help patients decide whether to take statins, balancing benefits and risks. The report emphasizes the importance of individualized advice, clear explanation of benefits and risks, and shared decision-making.
A new MRI technique can detect cancerous cells by identifying telltale sugar molecules shed by the outer membranes of cancerous cells. This method could potentially replace or enhance current imaging tests like mammograms and CT scans, allowing for earlier diagnosis and more effective treatment.
The study found that increased use of minimally invasive surgery for common procedures can reduce post-operative complications and save $280-$340 million a year in healthcare costs. By adopting more minimally invasive procedures, hospitals can prevent thousands of complications and reduce hospital stays.
A Johns Hopkins-led team of researchers has identified a rare genetic cause of autism, which may also be linked to other complex genetic conditions. The study used a novel approach that focused on families severely affected by autism to pinpoint the CTNND2 gene as a potential culprit.
A study found that UK patients with cystic fibrosis who received transplants had better survival rates than publicly insured Americans. The research suggests that a single-payer national health care system can provide complex, coordinated and expansive care with long-term outcomes similar to those achieved by private insurance.
Scientists have identified PDE-9 as the long-sought culprit in heart failure by analyzing lab animals and human heart cells. The enzyme interferes with the body's natural 'braking' system, leading to progressive weakening and stiffening of the heart muscle.
A Johns Hopkins study reveals that drug companies have extended patents on insulin for over 90 years, preventing generic versions from entering the market. This has led to costly treatment options, with prices ranging from $120 to $400 per month, and hospitalizations due to uncontrolled diabetes.
Anesthetics bind to and interfere with certain proteins in excitatory neurons, which are necessary for signal transmission involved in anesthesia and pain perception. This discovery may lead to more targeted and safer concentration levels of anesthetics.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have created a 3D model of the ORC protein machine, which helps prepare DNA for duplication. The model reveals that ORC is not always 'on' as previously thought, and no one knows how it turns on and off.
Researchers have identified tiny differences in the outer shell proteins of different hepatitis C viruses that make them resistant to antibodies. The study found that these protein variations are not located where antibodies attach, requiring multiple antibodies to be stimulated for an effective vaccine. Future research will focus on i...
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have developed a conceptual model defining three sources of patient dignity: shared humanity, personal narrative, and autonomy. The study identifies four consensus areas relevant to treatment with respect and dignity in the ICU, including treating patients as human beings, unique individuals, and entitled t...
Scientists develop mathematical model to measure and map electrical flow between heart cells, pinpointing clusters of cells at epicenter of complex rhythms. This approach could enable precision-targeted, minimally invasive treatments for life-threatening arrhythmias.
Scientists have made a breakthrough in treating patients with sickle cell disease by engineering custom blood cells that can evade the immune system. Lab-grown stem cells were reprogrammed and edited using CRISPR to replace the defective gene, resulting in healthy red blood cells that function just as well as those from unaffected donors.
A nationwide survey of over 190,000 US adults found that lifetime use of nonaddictive psychedelic drugs was associated with a reduced likelihood of psychological distress and suicidal thoughts. The study suggests that these substances may hold promise for treating depression, warranting reconsideration of their restricted legal status.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered a way to prevent rejection in corneal transplants using biodegradable nanoparticles that release medication into the eye after surgery. The treatment showed 100% efficacy in animal studies, offering hope for improving medicine compliance and patient outcomes.
A new formula, the FIT Treadmill Score, estimates one's 10-year risk of dying by analyzing treadmill exercise performance. Fitness level, peak heart rate, and metabolic equivalents are key indicators of death risk.
Johns Hopkins researchers have identified a crucial molecular mechanism underlying the immune response to tuberculosis. By adjusting the levels of a specific molecule called c-di-AMP, they may be able to develop more effective human therapies for TB treatment.
A study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that competition among healthcare providers, including physicians and retail clinics, leads to higher antibiotic prescribing rates in affluent areas. The analysis revealed a strong correlation between the number of clinics and increased antibiotic prescriptions in wealthy regions.
A study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that hospital design has a modest impact on patient satisfaction scores. Despite improved aesthetics, patients' overall satisfaction and care experience remained largely unchanged.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have discovered a genetic pathway that regulates thousands of genes and may fuel cancer cell growth. Blocking this pathway with the experimental drug selumetinib led to reduced tumor growth and increased cell death, offering new hope for aggressive pediatric brain cancer treatment.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine reveals high levels of false caregiver smoking reports or second-hand exposure in multi-unit housing among premature children with lung disease. The researchers used hair samples to measure nicotine levels and found significant exposure among children whose caregivers claim not to smoke at home.
Cell division relies on a collective process rather than a single molecular architect. The cleavage furrow's formation is driven by chemical signaling and mechanical processes, not just one key protein.
Researchers led by Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered that three drugs, Eylea, Avastin, and Lucentis, are effective in treating diabetic macular edema. Eylea performed better than the other two drugs when vision loss was moderate to severe.
Researchers found that Broca's area is active early in forming sentences and ends its work before a word is spoken, suggesting it plays a key role in organizing the string of sounds that express ideas. The study could benefit the treatment of language impairments due to stroke, epilepsy, and brain injuries.
The Johns Hopkins Medicine has developed four web-based training modules on Ebola preparedness for emergency department personnel. These modules provide tools and resources to identify, triage, and manage patients at risk of Ebola, as well as planning processes and communication techniques.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Medicine reveals that four out of five widely used clinical calculators significantly overestimate the likelihood of a heart attack. The researchers found that these algorithms calculate heart attack probability using factors such as gender, age, smoking history, and cholesterol levels, but may not accurate...
Researchers found that receiving cells respond to pressure on their membranes by stiffening their skeletons to prevent movement away from the attacking cell. This process allows for close proximity of cell membranes, enabling fusion to occur.
Elevated NHE9 protein levels in brain cancer cells lead to slower cargo transport, allowing cancer-promoting signals to persist. This discovery suggests targeting NHE9 and EGFR proteins could help treat glioblastoma.
Researchers discovered that coral snake venom's toxins permanently activate crucial nerve cell proteins, preventing reset and causing deadly seizures. The toxins target GABA(A) receptors, making them 100 times tighter than known compounds, leading to permanent opening of the receptor's pore.
A new study by Johns Hopkins researchers links the Notch cell signaling pathway to pilocytic astrocytoma, a common and slow-growing brain tumor in children. The study found that Notch was abnormally active in nearly all samples of PA brain tissue, suggesting it may be a therapeutic target for treatment.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have developed a new nanoparticle-based gene therapy that effectively kills brain cancer cells in rats and lengthens their survival. The treatment uses biodegradable nanoparticles filled with genes for an enzyme that turns a compound into a potent killer of cancer cells.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University developed a technique to visualize AMPA receptors in live mice, revealing that tickling increases receptor levels and strengthens synapses. This discovery has broad applications for studying learning and neurological disorders like autism, Alzheimer's disease, and schizophrenia.
Hay fever sufferers can benefit from state-of-the-science treatments like sublingual immunotherapy. The American Academy of Otolaryngology recommends this treatment for patients with specific allergies who don't respond to other treatments, with a completion period of up to five years. Other key recommendations include diagnosing and t...
A study found that Medicaid copayments for nonurgent emergency room visits had little impact on usage rates, with no significant difference in states with and without copayments. The researchers suggest that lack of access to primary care physicians may be a reason why patients continue to seek ER care.
Research finds accumulated brain damage linked to memory deficits and mood regulation in former NFL players, supporting calls for improved athlete protection from concussion. PET scans show concentrated zones of high translocator protein levels, indicating brain injury and potential long-term neurological risk.
A new study from Johns Hopkins Medicine reveals that urban living is not a significant risk factor for asthma, instead highlighting the importance of poverty, African-American race, and Puerto Rican ethnicity as potent predictors. The research found no differences in asthma rates between children living in urban areas and their suburba...
Researchers propose a novel approach to cancer therapy by subtly hardening cancer cells to prevent metastasis. They've identified a compound, 4-HAP, that shows promise in fighting pancreatic cancer.
Researchers have uncovered a critical role of the mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) in regulating heart rate frequency. Blocking MCU function in mouse hearts reduced heart rate increases in response to stimuli, suggesting its importance in physiological heart rate regulation.
New evidence from Johns Hopkins researchers reveals that RNA granules have a dynamic envelope that stabilizes them, separating them from the surrounding watery space. This discovery provides insight into how cells organize their contents and activities.
A study by Johns Hopkins pathologists identified a unique pattern of injuries in the brains of combat veterans who survived IED blasts and later died. The honeycomb pattern of damaged nerve fibers is distinct from other types of brain injury, suggesting a possible signature of 'shell shock' or blast neurotrauma.