Researchers found that a hexanucleotide repeat expansion in the C9orf72 gene creates G-quadruplexes, hairpins, and bulges that disrupt RNA function, leading to toxic RNA buildup and protein misfolding.
Patients receiving nivolumab survived for an average of 16.8 months, with 62% alive one year after treatment initiation and 43% alive two years later. The drug also shrank tumors in 31% of patients, with some able to remain on the treatment for up to two years.
Johns Hopkins researchers have identified a set of genes that can be turned back on to evade immune detection in ovarian, breast, and colorectal cancer. Reversing these epigenetic changes with an FDA-approved drug allows cancer cells to become more vulnerable to immune therapy, potentially leading to more effective treatment.
Scientists have discovered a molecular 'switch' that regulates heart cell division and could potentially be used to regenerate damaged heart tissue. The discovery was made by studying infant siblings with a rare heart defect, who exhibited unusual heart cell proliferation.
Chronic insomnia is characterized by increased brain plasticity and activity in the motor cortex, which distinguishes poor sleepers from good ones. The study suggests that TMS may be used to diagnose and potentially treat insomnia through reducing excitability.
Researchers trained immune cells of mice to fight melanoma using nanoparticles and magnetic fields, with treated tumors stopping growth and six out of eight mice surviving for over four weeks. The study uses artificial antigen-presenting cells to activate naive T cells, revealing a key difference in cancer-fighting cells.
People with late-stage cancer at the back of the mouth or throat that recurs after chemotherapy and radiation treatment are twice as likely to be alive two years later if their cancer is caused by HPV. The longer survival pattern holds even if the cancer returns.
Researchers found that jazz musicians' brains use syntax to process music, similar to how spoken language is processed in the brain. This study sheds light on the complex relationship between music and language.
A clinical trial found that antidepressant citalopram significantly relieved agitation in patients with Alzheimer's disease, with 40% of patients experiencing considerable relief. However, the drug also had decreased cognitive function and longer QTc intervals, a measure of abnormal heart function.
A study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that primary care doctors' negative attitudes towards their obese patients can hinder weight loss success. Only 14% of those who felt judged and discussed weight loss with their doctor lost 10% or more of their body weight.
Cancer doctors can cut costs without risk to patients by improving end-of-life care, reducing unnecessary medical imaging, and negotiating lower prices for new cancer drugs. These changes can save billions of dollars in healthcare spending while maintaining quality of life.
New research suggests that sedating patients before a nerve block increases false-positive results, leading to unnecessary surgeries and increased costs. Sedation does not provide long-term pain control or patient satisfaction.
Hal Dietz, a Johns Hopkins pediatric cardiologist and geneticist, has been recognized for his groundbreaking work on Marfan syndrome. He identified the cause of the rare genetic disease and found that losartan can attenuate overgrowth of the aorta.
A Johns Hopkins study suggests that a simple measure of stroke severity can accurately indicate which patients need ICU monitoring and which can be managed outside of critical care. Most patients with mild strokes (NIH Stroke Scale score < 10) require no intensive care.
A new Johns Hopkins research reveals that kidney failure is much less prevalent in living kidney donors than in the general population. The study found a lifetime rate of kidney failure in donors to be 90 per 10,000, compared to 326 per 10,000 in non-donors.
Johns Hopkins researchers identified a protein called SCAP that regulates fatty liver disease and diabetes. They found that SCAP's 'chauffeur' role is crucial to the cycle of fat production, and disrupting this process may lead to new treatments.
A 18-month pilot program increased the time people with dementia lived successfully at home, with participants receiving in-home care coordination and education. The trial found significant improvements in quality of life, safety, and reduced need for nursing homes.
Fetal mice exposed to maternal immune system inflammation show signs of brain damage lasting into adulthood, raising questions about sex-based mechanisms. Researchers suggest that chronic inflammation may play a role in inhibiting proper brain development, potentially explaining why more males have diseases like autism and schizophrenia.
A study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that women with pregnancy complications were more likely to see a doctor post-delivery, but overall visit rates were low. Women with complicated pregnancies and depression or preeclampsia were also more likely to attend primary care visits.
A Johns Hopkins study reveals that people seriously injured by violence have a similar mortality rate to those injured in accidents, with no significant difference in death rates over seven to nine years. The study suggests that trauma care is effective in extending the lives of severely injured patients regardless of cause.
Gregg Semenza discovered the oxygen-sensing gene HIF-1alpha, a master regulator of cellular response to low oxygen levels. His work has led to translational studies enhancing oxygen and blood flow in conditions like cardiovascular disease and cancer.
A group of experts has proposed concrete steps to prevent and manage drug shortages, including sharing scarce drugs and giving equal priority to patients. The 'blueprint for action' aims to move away from reactive strategies and focus on prevention, ensuring life-saving medications are accessible to children with cancer and beyond.
Johns Hopkins surgeons have developed a new technique to replace bone removed from the skull after brain surgery, resulting in fewer complications than standard restoration. The approach causes less harm to the brain and reduces infection risk by providing access to blood supply from both top and bottom.
A Johns Hopkins study found nearly half of HIV-infected teenagers and young adults delay treatment until their disease is advanced, putting them at risk for serious infections and long-term complications. Males and members of minority groups are more likely to show up in clinic with advanced infections.
A Johns Hopkins study finds that newborn brain injury causes different responses in male and female brains, with females showing milder cell death and better response to certain therapies. Researchers highlight the need for gender-specific research to develop precisely targeted treatments.
Researchers discovered that valproic acid activates AMPK, which reduces fat accumulation in the liver and lowers blood sugar levels in obese mice. Treated mice showed decreased blood sugar levels and a stabilization of weight.
Researchers have developed a vaccine that triggers an immune cell response within the damaged tissue itself, potentially providing a more accurate way to evaluate its effectiveness. The vaccine has shown promise in treating cervical precancers, with some patients experiencing complete regression of lesions.
According to a new study, nearly half of children treated for anxiety achieve significant improvement and are disease-free after six years. However, the same number of children do not fare well and require ongoing mental health therapy. The research emphasizes the importance of vigilant follow-up and monitoring to mitigate anxiety's lo...
Rates of traumatic spinal cord injuries are rising fastest among those over 65, with falls being the leading cause. The average age of injured adults has increased from 41 to 51, and fatalities are more common in older individuals.
A study published in Nature Neuroscience reveals that non-CpG methylation occurs later and more dynamically in neurons than previously thought, acting as a system of gene regulation. This finding challenges the long-held idea that once genes are silenced by methylation, they remain so forever.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have developed human induced-pluripotent stem cells that can repair damaged retinal vascular tissue in mice without using viruses. These non-viral, human retinal iPSCs were grown using a safer method and showed comparable ability to human embryonic-derived iPSCs.
Scientists have discovered a crucial step in how the body regulates 'free' calcium ions, which play a vital role in maintaining cellular functions. This finding has significant implications for developing new treatments for various neurological disorders, including Parkinson's disease.
Chronic pain affects an estimated 20-25% of the population worldwide and is caused by various factors such as nerve injuries and osteoarthritis. Researchers found that serotonin release from the brain stem into the spinal cord activates TRPV1, making it hyperactive in injured V2 and uninjured V3 branches.
Scientists have found that people carrying mutations in BRCA2 and PALB2 may be more susceptible to DNA damage caused by acetaldehyde, a byproduct of alcohol metabolism. This could accelerate cancer growth and increase disease risk.
A study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that hearing loss accelerates brain tissue loss, particularly in regions processing sound and speech. This link highlights the importance of treating hearing loss early to reduce associated health risks.
Researchers found a strong correlation between fast eye movements and impulsivity in decision-making. The study suggests that people who make quick decisions may have a different way of evaluating time and reward in their brains.
Researchers have developed a safe and effective combination treatment for hepatitis C using oral antiviral drugs daclatasvir and sofosbuvir. The therapy was found to cure 98% of patients with genotype 1, and showed promise in treating genotypes 2 and 3, with minimal side effects.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified a small molecule compound called BMH-21 that targets and disrupts a key pathway in cancer cells, preventing their growth. By shutting down the RNA Polymerase pathway, BMH-21 prevents mutant cancer genes from communicating with cells and replicating.
Scientists have developed a new technique to visualize the silencing of one X chromosome in females, revealing wide-ranging variation in patterns across tissues and individuals. The study's findings offer insights into genetic diversity and disease causes, particularly for X-linked variations like hemophilia and color blindness.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have identified a pathogen sensor called IFI16 that plays a crucial role in recognizing viruses and bacteria. The study reveals that IFI16 uses the length of DNA as a molecular ruler to distinguish self from non-self, which could lead to new treatments for autoimmune disorders.
A daily meditation practice of 30 to 40 minutes can improve symptoms of anxiety and depression in patients with various medical conditions. The study found moderate evidence of improvement in symptoms after an eight-week training program in mindfulness meditation.
Researchers found auxiliary proteins play crucial role in sodium channels, affecting disease treatment and pain syndromes. The discovery could lead to more focused treatments for epilepsy, neurological diseases, and muscular disorders.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that patients overwhelmingly support stem cell research with induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), despite ethical concerns. Patients prioritize full disclosure of anticipated uses and informed consent to alleviate concerns about privacy and commercialization.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have discovered that low oxygen conditions inside tumors trigger the production of proteins RhoA and ROCK1, enabling breast cancer cells to become mobile and invasive. High levels of these proteins are associated with poorer patient outcomes and increased tumor spread.
A new study published in the European Heart Journal found that coronary artery calcium screening is an accurate and personalized assessment for individuals at high or low risk of a heart attack or death from coronary artery disease. The study used data from almost 7,000 adult participants and showed that 15% of those considered at very...
A Johns Hopkins systematic review of 66 research papers found most skin ulcer treatments are technically flawed, with weak evidence supporting some treatments over standard compression therapy. The review suggests a need for well-designed studies to compare current minimally invasive surgical interventions to gold standard care.
A small study found that both real and sham acupuncture eased hot flashes and side effects of anticancer drug treatment in postmenopausal breast cancer patients. Researchers noted improvements in depression, quality of life, and menopausal symptoms in both groups.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Medicine finds that most people with dementia living at home have multiple unmet health and welfare needs. Routine assessments and interventions in safety, medical care, and supportive services can help keep patients at home longer.
A new study reveals that nearly half of Americans with diabetes are unaware of the link between the disease and visual impairment, while only six in ten have had their eyes fully examined. The research highlights the need for improved patient education and access to eye care specialists to prevent vision loss.
A recent Johns Hopkins study found that robotic colon surgery has similar outcomes to traditional laparoscopic surgery but comes at a higher cost. The study analyzed data from over 244,000 surgeries and revealed that robotic surgery costs nearly $3,000 more than laparoscopy.