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.
A nationwide study found that platelet transfusions in rare blood cell disorders increase the risk of arterial clots and mortality. For thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) and heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), these transfusions are associated with a fivefold to sixfold increase in death odds.
A new study found that mutations in the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) gene increase the risk of emphysema in smokers. Female smokers with these mutations may be more susceptible to the disease. The researchers also discovered a link between telomere shortening and other health problems, such as osteoporosis and liver disease.
A Johns Hopkins study finds that protein BDNF maintains heart muscle vitality and may link depression to heart disease. The research suggests a possible biochemical explanation for the relationship between mental and physical well-being.
A recent mouse study from Johns Hopkins Medicine found that modifying fat cells' metabolism does not result in obesity. The research team discovered that even when fat cells cannot burn fat, mice do not become overweight.
Researchers found that better physical functioning is associated with remission of general anxiety and PTSD symptoms in critically ill patients. The study suggests that clinicians should check for a full range of mental and physical phenomena to care for critical illness survivors.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine have found that the flow of calcium ions into synapses activates CaMKII, which then unhooks SynGAP from scaffolding, spurring Ras signaling to begin. This discovery moves neuroscientists closer to understanding how learning and memory work and developing interventions for problems related to them.
A new study found that high-dose testosterone therapy can suppress advanced prostate cancers and reverse resistance to testosterone-blocking drugs. Seven of the 14 men showed a significant decrease in PSA levels, while four stayed on testosterone therapy for up to 24 months with continued low PSA levels.
Researchers discover that HIV's ability to mutate beyond recognition evades the immune system. A new study finds that training killer T cells to recognize unaltered viral protein segments can reawaken the natural killer instinct, killing 61% of HIV-infected cells.
Researchers have discovered new genetic and epigenetic factors that contribute to diabetes, suggesting a shared pathway between genes and environment. The study found similar epigenetic changes in fat cells of obese mice and humans, highlighting the consilience of genetics and environment.
A team of researchers from Johns Hopkins Medicine has discovered a specific sequence and protein tags that send DNA to the edge of the nucleus, where its genes get turned off. This process is crucial for controlling genes and determining cell fate, particularly during development.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have successfully used CRISPR to precisely and efficiently alter human stem cells, showcasing its potential for treatment and disease research. The findings suggest that CRISPR may be a useful tool for editing genes in human-induced pluripotent stem cells with minimal risk of off-target effects.
A recent study by Johns Hopkins Medicine reveals that random mutations during stem cell divisions significantly contribute to cancer risk, accounting for approximately two-thirds of the variation. This finding emphasizes the importance of primary prevention strategies, such as lifestyle changes and eliminating environmental factors.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have developed a new treatment strategy that allows lower doses of the toxic tuberculosis drug bedaquiline to retain potency while reducing side effects. This approach, which combines bedaquiline with verapamil, has shown promising results in mouse studies and is poised for clinical trials.
Researchers discover enzyme SPPL3 activates T cells without cutting proteins, providing new insight into immune system control. The findings could also shed more light on presenilin functions and related Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have discovered a safety lock mechanism in the enzyme RAG that prevents helter-skelter clipping of DNA. This discovery provides new insights into how the immune system regulates gene expression and could lead to better understanding of immunodeficiency and cancer.