A study led by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that at least one in 10 inner-city children has a food allergy, with peanuts being the most common allergen. The study also suggests that early-life exposure to certain microbes may play a protective role against food allergies.
Scientists discovered that people learn new motor tasks faster when they recall the errors made during the first attempt. The brain uses this information to fine-tune its performance and adapt to future similar tasks. This study sheds light on how our brains learn from mistakes.
A modified version of Clostridium novyi bacterium has been shown to produce a strong anti-tumor response in rats, dogs and now humans. The treatment involves direct injection of spores into tumors, targeting oxygen-starved cells while sparing healthy tissue.
A new triple therapy combining two immunotherapies and targeted radiation has prolonged the survival of mice with glioblastoma brain cancer by up to 67 days. The treatment induces an immune response against tumors, creating long-term immunity.
Physicians at Johns Hopkins have developed blood and saliva tests that accurately predict the recurrence of HPV-linked oral cancers. The tests screen for DNA fragments of the human papillomavirus shed from cancer cells, with accuracy rates of up to 70% in some patients.
Researchers have developed a novel imaging technique that allows for real-time visualization of brain sound processing in mice. This breakthrough enables the study of complex neural interactions and may lead to better treatments for hearing loss.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have discovered a genetic alteration linked to stress reactions that could lead to suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The study suggests that a blood test based on this finding may be able to identify individuals at increased risk of suicide attempts, allowing for early intervention and prevention.
Cancer cells can divide even without sufficient oxygen by manipulating the protein HIF-1alpha. Lysosomes play a crucial role in regulating this process by marking or degrading HIF-1alpha. The study suggests that inhibiting Cdk2 may be an effective treatment strategy for certain types of cancer.
A phase III clinical trial shows that a combination drug therapy cures chronic hepatitis C in the majority of patients co-infected with both HIV and hepatitis C. The new all-oral regimen sofosbuvir and ribavirin has cure rates of up to 92% for treatment-experienced patients, offering a transformative step in treating this population.
A new study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that healthy living kidney donors often face pointless insurance hurdles after donation. Despite being heavily screened before approval, these donors are frequently denied or charged higher premiums for life insurance, highlighting the need for better support systems.
Researchers found that blood clots are rare in children undergoing spine operations, and most patients can be safely monitored without anti-clotting medication. High-risk groups include children with congenital scoliosis or spinal curvatures part of a syndrome, as well as older children.
A team of researchers has created a way to induce normally mild-mannered cells to gobble up their undesirable neighbors by exploiting a molecular signal. This breakthrough could lead to therapies that enlist patients' own cells to better fend off infection and even cancer.
Researchers used game theory to study tumor cell cooperation and found that within certain ranges of mutation rates, critical transitions occur in energy metabolic strategies. This switch in tactics may make tumors vulnerable to disruption, potentially ideal for clinicians to test new therapies.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have discovered a biological tactic to protect crops from insect plagues using specific spider toxins. The study found that naturally occurring insect toxins can be lethal for one species and harmless for a closely related one, suggesting the development of more species-specific insecticides.
A new study finds that minimally invasive surgery is underutilized in many US hospitals, with significant variability in procedure types and complication rates. The study suggests that differences in physician training and hospital practices contribute to this disparity.
A Johns Hopkins study finds that a gene deletion linked to schizophrenia alters brain cell skeletons, disrupting layer formation. Researchers also identify a crucial protein involved in building cellular skeletons, which may contribute to the condition.
A study published by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that children undergoing simple emergency surgeries on weekends are more likely to suffer complications and die than those treated during the week. The researchers analyzed 22 years' worth of surgical records involving nearly 440,000 pediatric admissions nationwide.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center introduced guidelines and changes to the computerized provider order entry system to reduce redundant biomarker testing. This led to a 66% decrease in tests ordered and saved an estimated $1.25 million in laboratory charges.
Scientists found a shared mechanism regulating ion intake in sodium and calcium channels, enabling unified understanding of conditions affecting these channels. The discovery may lead to the development of next-generation pharmaceuticals targeting this common control element.
A Johns Hopkins-led research team found that motivational interviewing significantly reduced secondhand smoke exposure among children living in households with smokers. The study showed a 17% increase in prevalence of home smoking bans and a 13% decrease in smokers in the intervention group.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University deciphered the inner workings of YiiP, a protein that prevents zinc toxicity in bacteria. The study reveals how protons drive the transport of zinc ions across cell membranes, shedding light on potential targets for modulating ZnT proteins and treating type 2 diabetes.
Researchers discover that retinal ganglion cells pass on worn-out mitochondria to astrocytes for disposal at the optic nerve head. This process challenges the common understanding of cellular trash management and has implications for diseases like glaucoma, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's.
A new study reveals that astrocytes can monitor and respond to nearby neural activity, but only when primed by the fight-or-flight chemical norepinephrine. This ability suggests that astrocytes may help control the brain's ability to focus.
Researchers developed a vaccine that triggered the growth of immune cell nodules within pancreatic tumors, reprogramming these intractable cancers. The vaccine, GVAX, consists of irradiated tumor cells modified to recruit immune cells, and boosted activity of molecular mechanisms that inhibit cancer-fighting immune cells.
The AMEN protocol provides a script to help doctors and nurses talk to dying patients and families about their hopes for a miracle. This approach aims to respect patients' beliefs and values while maintaining trust and open communication, even when discussing futile treatments.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine have successfully created a three-dimensional complement of human retinal tissue in the laboratory, including functioning photoreceptor cells that can respond to light. The achievement offers new opportunities for vision-saving research and may ultimately lead to technologies that restore vision in ...
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have plotted the complex paths of cholinergic neurons, which degenerate first in people with Alzheimer's. The study reveals that these neurons face significant challenges due to their thin pipeline and numerous branch points.
A new study confirms that children who live in homes with high levels of roach and mouse allergens and pollutants have higher overall allergy and asthma rates. However, those who encounter such substances before their first birthdays seem to benefit rather than suffer from them.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that saliva enzymes, blood proteins, and muscle proteins can protect against DNA damage caused by pyrogallol-like polyphenols (PLPs) in teas, coffees, and liquid smoke flavorings. The presence of these defenses may explain why PLPs are not causing widespread illness despite their toxic effects.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that older black trauma patients are 20% less likely to die from their injuries compared to white patients. This counterintuitive finding suggests that factors such as better access to healthcare and lower rates of penetrating trauma may contribute to the difference in survival rates.
A commercial epigenetic diagnostic test has been found to be accurate enough to exclude the need for repeat prostate biopsies in many men. The test analyzes DNA hypermethylation levels in specific genes and shows an 88% likelihood of no cancer when all three biomarkers are absent.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have cataloged over 17,000 human proteins from 30 different tissues, identifying 193 novel proteins not previously known to exist. This comprehensive dataset provides a solid foundation for speeding up biological research and diagnostic development.
Critically ill patients receiving steroids in the ICU are significantly more likely to develop delirium, with up to 80% of ventilated patients at risk. Minimizing steroid use may reduce delirium and its long-term impact on functional recovery and cognitive function.
Researchers found a genetic variant in noncoding DNA that leads to protein overproduction in heart cells, increasing the risk of sudden cardiac death by 40%. The discovery could lead to new drug treatments and improve understanding of cardiac repolarization.
Researchers have found chemical signals that enable breast cancer metastasis by recruiting normal cells from the host animal, providing a promising new direction for cancer treatment. Blocking these signals in mice with breast tumors significantly reduced their ability to spread.
A new method developed by Johns Hopkins researchers uses MRI scans to measure damage to the blood-brain barrier, allowing for more precise administration of intravenous tPA. The technique shows promise in predicting which stroke patients will benefit from treatment and which may suffer bleeding complications.
Researchers found sildenafil's benefits for female mice modeling human heart failure varied with estrogen levels, but were generally ineffective. In contrast, male mice showed improved cardiac health due to sildenafil's effects on cGMP pathways independent of estrogen.
A new study examines how community values influence healthcare disaster planning, finding that citizens' life experiences shape their perspectives on resource allocation. The research uses deliberative democratic methods to gather diverse feedback from Maryland residents, with plans for a state-wide expansion.
A genome-wide association study has identified a genetic marker associated with OCD, which could lead to new drugs and treatments for the debilitating disorder. The findings suggest a link between OCD and learning and memory, as well as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Researchers found that TB lung infection triggers immune system signaling to the gut, decreasing bacterial diversity. This decrease was observed within six days after infection and was replicated using a different strain of the TB microbe.
A study found that C-section deliveries and early antibiotic treatment may alter a child's microbiota, increasing the risk of developing eosinophilic esophagitis. The condition is marked by irritation, inflammation, and constriction of the esophagus, and its symptoms mimic garden-variety gastritis.
Researchers found that a diet rich in resveratrol did not reduce mortality rates or cardiovascular disease, contradicting previous expectations. However, they suggest that other polyphenols in these foods may still provide health benefits.
A study at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that recycling a patient's lost blood during heart surgery results in healthier blood cells able to carry oxygen more effectively. Patients who received only their own recycled red blood cells had normal cell behavior, while those who received banked blood showed reduced flexibility and function.
Researchers used a standard test to measure everyday task performance in patients discharged from acute care hospitals, finding that low scores are associated with higher risk of readmission within 30 days. The Functional Independence Measure score is linked to physiologic reserve and resilience to disease.
Researchers have discovered how the HIV-fighting enzyme SAMHD1 works, allowing for potential new treatments to prevent HIV infection. By understanding its dual role in breaking down nucleotides and regulating its activity, scientists may be able to develop more effective prevention strategies.
Researchers found subclinical disease in half of the studied firefighters, but traditional methods were insufficient, requiring specialized imaging for detection. The study suggests a high risk of cardiovascular disease among firefighters, emphasizing the need for early intervention and prevention strategies.
Johns Hopkins researchers have successfully used stem cells derived from human body fat to deliver biological treatments directly to the brains of mice with glioblastoma, a deadly form of brain tumor. The treatment extended the mice's lives by an average of 24 days, offering new hope for treating aggressive brain cancer in humans.
Researchers have made a significant breakthrough in understanding how cardiac progenitor cells, responsible for building mouse hearts, can renew themselves. This discovery may pave the way for using these cells to repair damaged heart tissue and even grow new heart tissue for transplantation.
Researchers found that a new version of an old MS drug reduced patient relapses and lesion development by 36% compared to placebo. The updated formulation allowed for longer injection intervals, potentially increasing compliance and quality of life for MS patients.
Researchers have developed tiny, biodegradable nanoparticles that can carry DNA to brain cancer cells in mice, demonstrating potential for targeted treatment. The particles selectively induce death in cancer cells while leaving healthy cells intact, with the possibility of being given to patients during neurosurgery.