Johns Hopkins researchers pinpointed a site in the right parietal lobe that plays a crucial role in recognizing which way is straight up and down. Disruptions to this process can cause spatial disorientation and dizziness, but the study suggests that trans-cranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) could be used to treat chronic dizziness.
A team of pediatric neurosurgeons and neuroradiologists at Johns Hopkins developed a way to minimize radiation exposure in children requiring repeat CT scans of the brain. They reduced exposure without compromising diagnostic accuracy or treatment decisions.
Researchers identified a chemical compound that reduces vasospasm and allows oxygen-filled blood to flow into the brain. The study found that the compound keeps glutamate 'in check,' preventing dangerous constriction of blood vessels.
A systematic review of statin medications found that long-term use can reduce the risk of dementia by 29%. Statins do not affect short-term memory or cognition, contradicting FDA warnings. The study's findings provide reassurance for patients and doctors prescribing statins.
A team of scientists has developed a process to connect an autism-linked gene to its function. They found that mutations in the NHE9 gene cause communication problems among brain cells, contributing to autism. The study used a step-wise strategy to screen variants and identified changes that affect endosomal pH, altering cell traffic.
Researchers found that men with variable telomere length in cancer cells and shorter telomeres in stromal cells were more likely to develop metastatic disease and die sooner from their prostate cancer. This combination could be a marker for prostate cancer prognosis.
Researchers found that targeting a specific fungal component could render Candida albicans harmless, providing a potential new approach for treating deadly infections. By inhibiting the acidification of the fungal vacuole, the fungus can no longer form deadly filaments, allowing it to coexist peacefully with humans.
Duojia Pan received the Paul Marks Prize for Cancer Research for his groundbreaking work on cell signaling pathways and organ growth. His research has led to a deeper understanding of the Hippo pathway, which regulates tissue growth in animals.
Johns Hopkins researchers have discovered a repurposed FDA-approved drug that can halt the growth of and eliminate brain tumor cells from adult human patients. The treatment targets a specific mutation in the IDH1 gene, which is found in 70-80% of lower-grade gliomas.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Children's Center found that blood transfusions were needed in less than 3% of pediatric non-cardiac surgeries. In many cases, unnecessary testing and supply waste occurred due to precautionary measures. The study suggests that surgeons should assess each patient's specific needs for blood screening instead...
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have discovered that a chemical commonly used as a dog food preservative, ethoxyquin, may prevent the painful nerve damage found in cancer patients taking chemotherapy drug Taxol. The study shows that adding ethoxyquin to mice prevented two-thirds of nerve degeneration caused by Taxol.
The Johns Hopkins Berman Institute of Bioethics has been selected to establish a Center of Excellence to study the ethical, legal, and social implications of genomic research in infectious disease. The center will explore public health genomics in two case studies: pandemic influenza and Hepatitis C.
A Johns Hopkins analysis found that epidural steroid injections are only twice as effective as injections of any fluid, including anesthetics and saline, for treating lower back pain. The study suggests that smaller doses of steroids may be just as beneficial, and larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.
A new framework provides guidance for clinicians to manage moral distress, which can interfere with patient care and clinician well-being. The framework aims to create a healthy work environment supporting clinicians to practice with integrity and reduce the toll on caregivers and patients.
A new Johns Hopkins research study reveals that nearly 80% of trauma centers treating predominantly minority patients have higher-than-expected death rates. Meanwhile, trauma patients of all races are 40% less likely to die if treated at hospitals with lower-than-expected mortality rates, which mostly serve white patients.
Researchers discovered that levels of certain fats in cerebral spinal fluid can predict cognitive decline in HIV patients. The findings suggest that these fat markers reflect changes in brain metabolism, disrupting the 'garbage disposals' and leading to cognitive declines.
New research shows hydroxyurea treatment can lower medical costs for children with sickle cell disease by preventing complications and reducing hospitalizations. The study found that children treated with hydroxyurea incurred $3,000 less in medical costs per year compared to those who received standard therapy plus placebo.
Johns Hopkins researchers reveal how Merlin, a protein involved in tumor suppression, acts as a 'matchmaker' to control tissue growth. By arranging interactions between proteins, Merlin helps prevent cancerous tumors from forming.
A large international study has found that the drug tiotropium can be delivered safely and effectively to people with COPD using either a mist or traditional dry powder inhaler. The study showed no significant difference in the incidence of major cardiovascular events or risk of death between the two groups.
Researchers identified a molecular marker called Mig 6 that predicts longer survival among patients treated with two popular cancer drugs. The study found higher levels of Mig 6 in tumors that responded poorly to the drugs, while low levels were associated with prolonged survival.
Researchers identified a compound that bolsters learning and memory in mice with a Down syndrome-like condition, enabling their cerebellum to grow normally. Further research is needed to understand the treatment's effects on learning and memory.
A Johns Hopkins study reveals that only 245 robotic surgery complications were reported to the FDA out of 1 million procedures since 2000. The researchers found that many incidents went unreported, and a standardized reporting system is needed to improve safety.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that a blood pressure medication speeds up TB treatment in mice, potentially making it easier for infected people to complete their therapy. The study suggests verapamil, commonly used to treat high blood pressure and headaches, could be an effective add-on therapy when combined with standard...
Researchers engineered 'helper cells' to provide growth factors to transplanted stem cells, increasing their endurance and survival rate. The study aims to overcome a major barrier to successful stem cell therapy.
Researchers found NY-ESO-1 protein in nearly all high-grade meningiomas, a potential new target for therapies. The protein is already being tested in a clinical trial at the National Cancer Institute.
Researchers have identified 105 additional genetic mutations that cause cystic fibrosis, accounting for 95% of variations found in patients with the disease. This new information will provide clear answers to tens of thousands of people being screened as potential carriers and those seeking a diagnosis.
Researchers have identified a new biological target for combating Parkinson's disease by discovering a compound that eases symptoms in mice. The study found that a protein called AIMP2 activates a self-destruct pathway, leading to cell death, but also triggered the activation of PARP1 and PAR, which can be targeted by existing compounds.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine developed a 3D computer model that analyzes a child's unique anatomy and pinpoints the best location for a defibrillator before implantation. The virtual heart model predicts optimal device placement in children with tiny or malformed hearts, reducing repeat procedures.
Johns Hopkins researchers found that severe swelling in the brain, continuous seizures, and low blood platelet counts are linked to death from encephalitis. Aggressive treatment of these conditions may improve survival rates for affected patients.
Researchers have created a new drug-delivery strategy using a biodegradable coating that prolongs the effectiveness of an eye medication for macular degeneration. This innovation could significantly reduce the frequency of injections needed, potentially changing the standard of care from monthly to once or twice a year.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine and Brazilian experts found that preventive antibiotic therapy for people with HIV lowers their chances of developing TB or dying. Isoniazid therapy reduced deaths and new cases of active TB disease by 31 percent among men and women already infected with HIV.
A study found that a fifth of US neurologists are unaware of serious drug safety risks associated with anti-epilepsy drugs, which can jeopardize patient health. The researchers suggest better communication from the FDA to specialists and more systematic methods for doctors to receive updated safety warnings.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have discovered a protein switch that can increase or decrease memory-building activity in brain cells. The protein, AGAP3, has dual roles: one side strengthens synapses in response to brain activity, while the other side brings synapse-building back down to normal levels.
A study found that black patients with high levels of racial consciousness have higher blood pressures than those without. The researchers suggest that this hyper-vigilance could at least partly explain the disproportionately high rate of hypertension in black Americans.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have discovered that neural stem cells can resist radiation and regenerate after damage, potentially restoring lost function in brain cancer patients and individuals with conditions like MS and PD. The findings may lead to new treatments for brain trauma and strokes.
Researchers found that full activation of a crucial brain-signaling molecule requires coordinated motion of its segments. The study may reveal additional drug-binding sites on the receptor, aiding the development of drugs for conditions like epilepsy and Parkinson's disease.
Aristolochic acid, a plant compound in herbal remedies, causes upper urinary tract cancers through a distinct DNA mutational signature. The Johns Hopkins and Stony Brook study used whole-exome sequencing to identify this signature, which was found in 19 Taiwanese cancer patients exposed to the toxin.
A small study found that patients who received minimally invasive stents had a 31% risk of needing another procedure within 24 months, compared to 54% for those who received bypass surgery. The researchers hope to confirm these findings with further study and develop guidelines for determining when a stent is likely to be best.
A new study published in The Annals of Thoracic Surgery found that oversized donor lungs are associated with a 30% increased chance of survival one year after the operation. The researchers analyzed data from over 4,500 double lung transplants and single lung transplants performed between 2005 and 2010.
A Johns Hopkins Medicine study sheds light on the mechanism of cocaine addiction, revealing how dopamine, mGluR5, and immediate early genes work together to induce addiction. The findings may lead to new treatments for this strong form of addiction.
Experts say India's new policy protecting research participants could have serious consequences for public health and the country's role in global clinical research. The policy's compensation provision for injury from failed investigations could discourage trial participation, leading to a shortage of registered drugs.
Experts warn that widespread use of Truvada for HIV prevention may lead to unintended consequences, including increased transmission of other STIs. Daily dosing, safer sex counseling, and regular testing are crucial for successful PrEP implementation.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Children's Center have identified a genetic pathway implicated in various allergic disorders, including asthma and eczema. A faulty protein called transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) disrupts immune cell function, leading to the development of allergies.
A new study found that pediatric cancer patients who have central lines at home develop nearly three times as many bloodstream infections as those treated in the hospital. The research highlights the need for better understanding and designing infection-prevention strategies for at-home central line care.
Dr. David Foster, an assistant professor of neuroscience at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, has been awarded the 2013 Freedman Prize Honorable Mention for his exceptional basic research on the neural basis of memory. His work combines advanced electrophysiological, computational, and behavioral approaches to investigate th...
A Johns Hopkins study found that healthy people carrying a genetic mutation for arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia/cardiomyopathy (ARVD/C) are at higher risk of developing symptoms if they participate in endurance sports and frequent exercise. Reducing exercise can lower this risk.
A new study finds that half a billion dollars could be saved annually by using bedside physical exams to identify patients who truly need imaging tests instead of routine head CT scans. Emergency room physicians can confidently diagnose benign inner-ear disorders, freeing up resources for those who need stroke diagnosis.
Researchers found that patients with pre-diabetes who lose 10% or more of their body weight have an 85% reduction in risk of developing diabetes within three years. Lifestyle changes can bring blood sugar levels back to normal, reducing the risk of progression to type 2 disease.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have successfully grown new blood vessels from pluripotent stem cells and transplanted them into mice, a crucial step towards developing personalized treatments. The new technique could enable genetically matched blood vessels that are less likely to be rejected by patients' immune systems.
A team of international researchers has identified a self-perpetuating signaling circuit in connective tissue cells that allows them to form a front and back and propel themselves in a particular direction. This propulsion is similar to the movement used by tumor cells to invade healthy tissue during cancer metastasis.