Researchers have developed a blood test that can detect ALS up to a decade before symptoms appear, offering new avenues for early diagnosis and potential treatment. The test has been shown to be highly accurate, detecting changes in blood proteins indicative of the disease.
Researchers developed a multi-analyte test that accurately identifies brain cancers using small samples of cerebrospinal fluid, offering a promising new tool for guiding clinical decision-making. The test combines multiple biological markers and demonstrates high sensitivity and specificity in detecting central nervous system cancers.
Researchers developed a new AI method, MIGHT, to improve the accuracy of medical diagnostics. It outperformed traditional methods in detecting cancer from blood samples and showed promise for other applications.
A study found amyloid beta protein particles build up in the bone marrow of aging mice, impairing bone-building cells and activating bone-resorbing cells. Removing senescent fat cells or blocking a protein called SAP/PTX2 may offer potential new targets for preventing or treating bone loss and Alzheimer’s disease.
Researchers found that a protein called intersectin separates message-bearing bubbles in brain cells at the synapse, enabling the brain to decide when to use them. This discovery advances our understanding of memory formation and learning, and may lead to new treatments for cognitive disorders like Down syndrome and Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers develop computer program that mimics human and animal cell behavior in various parts of the body. The new 'virtual cell lab' can simulate drug responses, gene environment interactions, and other dynamic cellular molecular processes, enabling scientists to test hypotheses before conducting costly live-cell experiments.
Researchers found that radiation plus immunotherapy induces a systemic anti-tumor immune response in non-small cell lung cancer, even in tumors that do not typically respond to immunotherapy. The combination therapy improved clinical response in patients whose tumors harbor features of immunotherapy resistance.
A Johns Hopkins Medicine team found the liver-damaging hepatitis C virus in the brain's choroid plexus, a structure targeted by viruses, in individuals with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The study suggests that HCV infections may be associated with disease cause rather than behaviors.
Cancer cells utilize more energy from a less efficient pathway, but researchers found that power-generating waves on the cell membrane could be used to stage cancers and target drugs. Measuring these waves may help stage cancers in a standardized way.
Researchers found increased activity in two brain areas when participants reported cognitive fatigue: the right insula and dorsal lateral prefrontal cortex. These areas work together to regulate mental effort, suggesting that external incentives can prompt increased cognitive effort.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have made a breakthrough in developing a gene therapy that can permanently put HIV into a dormant state. The therapy uses human immune system cells and amplifies a molecule within HIV that induces long-term dormancy.
Researchers discovered a new tumor-suppressive response targeting RNA Polymerase 1, inhibiting cancer cell growth and enhancing responsiveness to immunotherapies. The Pol 1 inhibitor BOB-42 reduced tumor growth by up to 77% in melanoma and colorectal cancers.
A new study finds that a lower-sodium DASH-style diet can produce clinically meaningful reductions in blood pressure for adults with type 2 diabetes. The study, which modified the original DASH diet for people with type 2 diabetes, achieved a 5-point reduction in systolic blood pressure, resulting in lower risks of stroke, cardiovascul...
Researchers detected genetic material from tumors in the bloodstream three years before cancer diagnosis. This early detection provides time for intervention and potentially more curable treatments.
A five-year analysis of the CheckMate-816 clinical trial shows that immunotherapy plus chemotherapy before lung cancer surgery significantly improves long-term survival. Patients who achieved complete remission had a 95% five-year survival rate.
A Johns Hopkins Medicine study finds that SARS-CoV-2 corrupts white blood cells, specifically neutrophils, to impair the production of immune cells critical for fighting COVID-19. This reprogramming may lead to severe COVID cases by weakening the immune response against the virus.
Researchers developed an artificial intelligence technique that detects DNA fragments in patient blood to monitor treatment response. The ARTEMIS-DELFI approach was found to be more effective and simpler than existing methods, allowing for quicker identification of patients who are not responding to therapy.
A study led by Johns Hopkins Medicine found a genetic mutation, F722fs, in the MMS22L gene that is associated with a higher risk of prostate cancer. The researchers identified this mutation in Ashkenazi Jewish men and found it was linked to increased sensitivity to a specific anticancer therapy.
A study led by Johns Hopkins Medicine scientists found that rearranged genes in a rare type of kidney cancer form liquid droplets that turn on cancer-promoting genes. By disrupting these droplets, researchers may develop new therapies for this currently untreatable cancer.
Using advanced laboratory techniques, doctors can gain a wealth of knowledge about glioblastoma tumors from small tissue samples. Researchers found that even small samples can yield additional insights into tumor biology, immune interactions, and molecular pathways.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers identifies anti-TFAM antibodies as a significant risk factor for thrombotic events in people with lupus. These antibodies attack an essential protein crucial for maintaining the health of mitochondria, leading to damage and increased risk of blood clots.
A study led by Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers found that low blood sugar contributes to eye damage and vision loss in diabetic retinopathy. The research suggests that an experimental drug called 32-134D may help treat the condition by inhibiting the HIF protein, which triggers a chain reaction leading to blood vessel leakage.
Adding an experimental cancer drug to standard TB treatment reduces lung damage and prevents post-TB lung disease in mice. Researchers found that the drug doubled pulmonary apoptosis and reduced lung scarring by 40% compared to standard treatments.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that older adults with cancer benefit equally from immunotherapy treatments as younger patients, with key differences in their immune responses and cells. Researchers hope to develop new therapies tailored to different age groups' needs and improve treatment success.
A recent study of 249,190 individuals found a significant link between exclusive e-cigarette use and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and hypertension in adults aged 30-70. In contrast, traditional combustible cigarette smoking was associated with increased risks for various cardiometabolic diseases.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers has identified a protein called QRICH1 as a potential target for fine-tuning treatments for cancer and autoimmune diseases. The protein regulates T-cell response, and drugs could be designed to control its activity.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have discovered how a group of proteins linked to Parkinson's and ALS act as 'guardians' of mitochondria, maintaining their normal size and function. The study found that when mitochondria become too large, they leak mitochondrial DNA into the cytosol, triggering an inflammatory response.
Researchers discovered that normal pancreatic cells can temporarily retain 'memory' of cancer-linked epigenetic marks, even in the absence of genetic mutations. This finding suggests a key role for epigenetic memory in cancer development and may explain increasing cancer rates in young people.
Researchers developed a novel blood test that accurately indicates spinal cord injury (SCI) severity and predicts potential recovery. The test identifies multiple biomarkers, including DNA and proteins, to rapidly diagnose SCI and project long-term neurological functional recovery.
Scientists have used a cryo-electron microscope to capture detailed images of glutamate molecules interacting with AMPA receptors, revealing the chemical flow that enables learning and thinking in brain cells. The findings could lead to the development of new drugs to treat conditions like epilepsy and intellectual disorders.
Researchers James Berger and Gregory Dale Kirk, from Johns Hopkins Medicine, have been elected 2024 AAAS Fellows. They are recognized for their distinguished efforts to advance science in biophysics and infectious diseases epidemiology.
Researchers have identified a potential new gene target, FLT1, that could be edited to treat sickle cell disease by increasing fetal hemoglobin levels. The study found 14 new genetic markers associated with fetal hemoglobin production, which could help preserve the type of hemoglobin present at birth.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered how bacteria protect themselves from certain phage invaders by seizing genetic material from weakened, dormant phages and forming a biological 'memory' that their offspring inherit. This process allows the bacteria to recognize and fight off similar viruses in the future.
Research reveals that dry air caused by climate change dehydrates airways, triggering inflammation and associated conditions like asthma and chronic cough. Higher temperatures and drier air may lead to widespread airway inflammation in the US by mid-century.
A global analysis of 375 published studies reveals that 40% of adults with chronic pain experience clinically significant depression and anxiety. The study emphasizes the need for routine screening, better access to specialty care, and innovative therapies to address this significant public health concern.
Researchers develop a potential new treatment for rare genetic diseases characterized by low levels of specific proteins. By adding an artificial poly(A) tail to mRNA, they boost protein production and aim to improve symptoms in people with protein-deficient disorders.
A new study of 2,900 patients with lupus pericarditis found that using corticosteroids increases the risk of recurring pericarditis. The study suggests minimizing corticosteroid use and exploring alternative treatments to reduce recurrence rates.
A novel bone marrow transplant process has been shown to be safe and curative for adults with sickle cell disease, offering a viable alternative to recent gene therapy products. The treatment, which uses a 'half-matched' donor, results in high cure rates and low side effects, making it a more accessible option for patients.
Researchers found that cytomegalovirus infection significantly worsens necrotizing enterocolitis in mouse models, triggering inflammation and disrupting energy production. The study provides insight into the underlying mechanisms of NEC and may lead to the development of new treatments for this devastating condition.
Researchers discover that the gene HMGA1 'opens' regions of the genome to activate stem cell genes, leading to tumor development and progression. High levels of HMGA1 also allow mutant tumor cells to escape detection by immune cells.
Researchers found that glioblastoma stem cells are co-localized with myeloid-derived suppressor cells, promoting tumor growth and aggressiveness. The study identified key molecules, such as IL-6 and IL-8, that attract and activate MDSCs, providing new potential therapeutic targets.
Researchers developed a computer model called MANAscore to identify tumor-fighting immune cells in lung cancer patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors. The three-gene model helped find differences associated with patient response to immunotherapy, including the presence of stem-like memory T cells.
A team of researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine has developed a biomarker algorithm that can detect Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal cancer using a noninvasive method. The algorithm uses methylation patterns in genes to identify biomarkers, achieving an AUC of nearly 0.97 in distinguishing healthy tissue from esophageal cancer.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine identified a new epigenetic approach to target colorectal cancer, using a mouse protein that disrupts cancer-causing chemical changes in genes. The study found that the protein, STELLA, can be used to develop a drug strategy to treat solid tumors.
Researchers found that older adults with weakened immunity developed fewer antibodies against RSV following vaccination compared to healthy individuals. The study suggests that adjuvant-enhanced vaccines could improve immune responses in immunocompromised people, warranting further investigation.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have discovered that excessive Gata4 protein accumulation in vascular smooth muscle cells contributes to aortic aneurysm vulnerability in Loeys-Dietz patients. The study's findings may help refine treatments for this genetic disorder, which affects connective tissue systems.
A new study reveals that the arm-like structures of mammalian brain cells, known as axons, are actually pear-shaped and not cylindrical tubes. The research team used high-pressure freezing electron microscopy to visualize the axons' structure, showing that they have a bubbly, pearl-like shape.
A team of researchers discovered a novel cause of cytokine storm in fatal COVID-19 cases, linking the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) to the hyperinflammatory response. This finding holds potential for identifying patients at risk and developing targeted interventions.
A new combination of immunotherapy and epigenetic drug may transform resistant pancreatic tumors into susceptible ones, according to a study by Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers. The treatment showed promise in a subset of patients, with tumor shrinkage and durable responses observed over several months.
Acute interstitial nephritis (AIN) is a common cause of acute kidney injury, often linked to medication use. Johns Hopkins researchers developed an electronic diagnostic model using machine learning to predict AIN in patients, showing improved accuracy in diagnosis and potential benefits for treatment decisions.