A study published in Nature Neuroscience reveals that oligodendrocytes play a significant role in the early stage of ALS, with changes occurring long before physical symptoms appear. Suppressing an ALS-causing gene in oligodendrocytes delays disease onset and prolongs survival.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine has identified DNA-damaging toxins in commonly consumed plant-based foods, including liquid smoke flavoring, black and green teas, and coffee. The toxins, pyrogallol and gallic acid, can activate the p53 gene, which is associated with cancer.
A new study found that the standard formula used to calculate LDL cholesterol levels often underestimates accuracy, especially in desirable ranges. Researchers suggest using non-HDL cholesterol as an alternative to assess risk and determine treatment.
New research from Johns Hopkins suggests that limiting medical interns' work hours to 16 hours per shift increased the number of potentially dangerous handoffs of patients. The study found no significant increase in sleep duration, despite reduced training time and perceived lower quality of care.
A new study found that individuals with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression can make substantial lifestyle changes to improve their health and lose weight. The program, which included simple nutrition messages and regular exercise classes, resulted in significant weight loss compared to a control group.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified a novel modification of the lamin A protein that disrupts normal patterns of fat distribution in familial partial lipodystrophy (FPLD). The discovery provides new insights into the mechanisms underlying FPLD, a rare disease characterized by abnormal fat accumulation in certain areas...
PhenoDB is a new online database that enables clinicians to document cases of unusual genetic diseases, which can then be analyzed by researchers. The database captures standardized information about a person's phenotype, including symptoms and family history, to help understand the genetic variations involved.
A new Johns Hopkins Children's Center study reveals that peripheral intravenous catheters are nearly four times more likely to cause complications compared to centrally placed PICC lines. Clinicians should carefully weigh the ease of placement against the higher complication risk for non-central vein placement.
Scientists discovered a correlation between adiponectin, a protein hormone from fat tissue, and migraine pain relief. The study found that increased levels of low molecular weight adiponectin were associated with reduced pain severity, while high molecular weight adiponectin was linked to increased pain.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have developed a minimally invasive procedure that uses a stent to alleviate symptoms of pseudotumor cerebri by expanding narrowed veins and relieving fluid pressure. The study shows promising results, with 10 out of 12 patients experiencing complete and lasting recovery.
A Johns Hopkins study suggests that paired kidney exchanges, also known as 'kidney chains,' could increase by an additional 1,099 transplants annually if more hospitals perform these transplants. The growth in the use of these exchanges stalled since 2010 due to financial barriers related to logistics and administrative costs.
Johns Hopkins researchers have discovered that mesenchymal stem cells derived from human adipose tissue can seek out and destroy glioblastoma cancer cells in the brain. This innovative approach may provide a new tool for accessing difficult-to-reach areas of the brain where cancer cells proliferate.
A small study of 20 people with Parkinson's disease found virtual house calls provide clinical benefits comparable to in-person physician office visits, saving patients and caregivers time and travel. The study also found no difference in quality-of-life changes between the two groups.
A new model of cell fusion was created by researchers at Johns Hopkins, revealing two critical components necessary for the process. The discovery may lead to improved treatments for muscular dystrophy, as cell fusion plays a crucial role in muscle regeneration.
A new study led by Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers has developed a simple bedside test that can determine whether severe dizziness is caused by a stroke or something benign. The portable device uses eye movement tests to diagnose strokes with 100% accuracy, promising to prevent misdiagnosis and save lives.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that weight loss benefits the heart health of young obese mice, reversing poor heart function and reducing fat deposits. However, this effect was lost in older mice with longer periods of obesity, highlighting the importance of early weight loss in preventing heart damage.
Researchers found that co-infection with HIV speeds up the progression of liver disease in individuals infected with hepatitis C, increasing the severity of scarring and cirrhosis by nearly a decade. The studies identified two genetic mutations that may help the immune system fight off the HCV virus more effectively.
Researchers found that red blood cells in blood stored longer than three weeks gradually lose their flexibility to deliver oxygen-rich cells. The study's findings suggest that the current practice of transfusing blood stored up to six weeks may need reconsideration.
New research reveals that antibiotic-resistant Staph bacteria exhibit a seasonal pattern, with community-associated strains more likely to infect children during the summer months. In contrast, healthcare-associated strains are more prevalent among seniors during the winter months.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified 25 human proteins that may be critical to HIV-1's ability to infect new cells. These proteins are found in viruses from two different types of infected cells, providing a potential target for diagnosis and treatment.
A specialized receptor in blood vessels senses molecules created by gut microbes, increasing blood pressure. The finding suggests a complex system involving gut bacteria and blood vessel regulation.
Researchers John Wong, Ronald Berger, and Hien Nguyen receive awards and funding to develop life-saving technologies. The Life Prizes aim to accelerate the translation of promising research into commercial applications, speeding up the delivery of innovative medical solutions.
A Johns Hopkins study of patients with acute lung injury found that one in three ventilated ICU patients developed PTSD symptoms lasting up to two years. The researchers suggest that preventing and treating PTSD in these patients is crucial, as it can impair quality of life and slow recovery.
A new class of diabetes drugs has been linked to a doubling of the risk of pancreatitis in people taking them. Researchers found that patients who took glucagon-like peptide-1-based therapies were twice as likely to be hospitalized with acute pancreatitis as those on other medications.
Researchers found a once-a-month injection of omalizumab highly effective in treating teens and adults with chronic idiopathic urticaria. The treatment reduced symptoms by 53% after three months, offering a fast and safe alternative to antihistamines.
A Johns Hopkins research team has identified a protein called HIF-1α that helps cells slow down their growth in response to low oxygen levels. This process can potentially be used to treat diseases such as cancer and other conditions where cell growth is uncontrolled.
A team of doctors and nurses at Johns Hopkins Hospital implemented interventions to improve patient sleep quality, reducing delirium by 54% in ICU patients. The study suggests that simple measures can have a significant impact on patient outcomes and recovery from intensive care.
Bioethicists argue that traditional informed consent models do not translate well to online health research, requiring a more collaborative approach to build trust with individuals whose information is collected. Transparent disclosure of research uses is also crucial.
Researchers identified a new molecular pathway involved in the growth of tiny air sacs called alveoli crucial for breathing. HGF treatment showed a 17% improvement in air sac size and lung structure, suggesting a potential approach to regrow destroyed air sacs in people with emphysema.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center create cell lines from patients' own tumors to predict chemotherapy sensitivity. The new method may replace current laboratory tests and improve drug selection accuracy.
A federally funded study found that nearly 90% of preschoolers with ADHD continue to struggle with symptoms six years after diagnosis, regardless of medication use. Children with co-occurring oppositional defiant disorder or conduct disorder were more likely to experience persistent symptoms.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have discovered a key protein that antidepressants and electroconvulsive therapy target to relieve depression by stimulating stem cells in the brain. This finding could lead to genetic tests to predict individual responses to therapy and develop new treatments.
Researchers found that minimally invasive delivery of tPA directly into brain clots improved functional recovery in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage, reducing hospital stays and costs. Patients who received the active tPA treatment recovered more quickly and independently after a year.
A genetic variant in the LPA gene has been identified as a major contributor to aortic valve calcification, increasing the risk by over 50%. Researchers found that people with this variant have higher levels of lipoprotein (a) cholesterol particles, which can lead to calcium deposits on the aortic valve.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine have created a way to monitor the survival of transplanted cells using nanoscale pH sensors and MRI machines. This innovation has the potential to revolutionize cell replacement therapies for conditions like liver failure and type 1 diabetes by providing reliable means of detecting dead cells.
Researchers found that mice can recover from debilitating strokes by quickly undergoing physical conditioning that rewire a different part of the brain to take over lost function. This study suggests physical and pharmacological solutions for human stroke victims and could lead to earlier and more aggressive rehab.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered four major adaptations in owl anatomy that enable them to rotate their heads almost fully without damaging delicate blood vessels. The team found contractile blood reservoirs and vascular network variations that allow owls to pool blood to meet energy needs during head rotation.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that hospitalists nationwide report daily patient loads frequently exceed safe levels, posing risks to patients' safety and quality of care. The study revealed that one in five physicians feels their workload puts patients at risk for serious complications.
Researchers found that daily antiseptic baths with diluted chlorhexidine gluconate significantly reduced the risk of bloodstream infections in critically ill children. The study involved over 4,000 children and showed a 36% lower risk of infections in those bathed with antiseptic solution.
A study found that revealing the costs of expensive medical tests like MRIs up front had no impact on the number of tests doctors ordered. Doctors have already decided they need to know the information, regardless of the cost.
Researchers discovered stable epigenetic marks across all metastatic tumors in each patient, defying the idea that these marks vary greatly within individuals. These consistent methylation changes appear to represent driver changes critical to cancer development and could be targets for treatment.
Researchers discovered that brain connections in the vision-processing center can be strengthened by acetylcholine, allowing animals to associate visual cues with rewards. The study found that nerve cells in the primary visual cortex develop molecular memories, enabling animals to predict rewarding outcomes.
A Johns Hopkins study identified a rare gene mutation in a single family with a high rate of schizophrenia, suggesting that abnormal genes play a role in the disease. The researchers found that the mutated gene led to abnormal activity and brain cell abnormalities.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that older adults with hearing loss declined in cognitive abilities 30-40% faster than those with normal hearing. The study, involving 1,984 participants, suggests that hearing loss may be linked to social isolation and brain energy diversion.
A team of researchers at Johns Hopkins has identified a system that makes certain immune cells impervious to HIV infection. The discovery suggests a new approach to eradicating the virus from the body by targeting non-dividing cells.
Researchers found a clear role for regulatory 'tags' in mediating genetic risk for rheumatoid arthritis, an immune disorder affecting 1.5 million American adults. The study identified 10 DNA sites tagged differently in RA patients and associated with disease risk.
Researchers found that isolating mice with a genetic predisposition to mental illness caused abnormal behaviors, including hyperactivity and depression-like symptoms. Administering a cortisol-blocking compound restored normal behavior, highlighting the role of stress hormones in the development of severe mental illness.
Patients who develop surgical-site infections are four times more likely to develop a deep-vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. Researchers recommend increased monitoring and screening for clot risk in infected patients.
A proof-of-concept clinical trial showed improved tissue growth after implanting a hydrogel scaffolding in 15 patients. New cartilage filled an average of 86% of the defect, and patients reported a greater decrease in knee pain.
A study at Johns Hopkins found that early rehabilitation programs in ICUs generate significant cost savings for hospitals. By reducing length of stay and improving patient strength, these programs can save hospitals up to $818,000 per year.