Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine have discovered a protein that regulates brain development by blocking Notch proteins. The discovery, published in Developmental Cell, sheds light on developmental disorders and conditions involving new neuron generation.
Two Johns Hopkins psychiatrists argue that the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) needs radical change due to its current 'field guide' form, which provides checklists of symptoms but lacks underlying causes. The manual's limitations make it difficult for clinicians to direct treatment or investigate disorders.
A small phase I study suggests that deep brain stimulation, a therapy used for Parkinson's and depression, may increase neuronal activity in people with mild Alzheimer's disease. The treatment showed promising effects on brain function, including sustained increases in glucose metabolism.
The IOM report recommends the FDA implement a single, comprehensive Benefit and Risk Assessment and Management Plan (BRAMP) to track drugs' side effects. Postmarket studies will be conducted when necessary to inform regulatory decisions, with an emphasis on protecting research participants.
Researchers have discovered that NKCC1 protein facilitates the movement of glioblastoma cells, which are notoriously aggressive and deadly. The study also suggests that a cheap FDA-approved drug, bumetanide, could slow cell migration and contain tumor spread.
Researchers found relatively few genetic changes in induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells derived from human bone marrow cells using an improved method. The study suggests that iPS cells do not pose a heightened cancer risk, but sequencing more cell lines is needed for a better understanding of mutation rates.
Researchers found that teenagers with abnormally high uric acid levels were twice as likely to have high blood pressure. Elevated uric acid persisted even after adjusting for other factors, suggesting it may be an independent driver of high blood pressure.
A Johns Hopkins study reveals wide variation in blood transfusion use during surgery, with frequent unnecessary transfusions. Researchers suggest that patients only need a transfusion if their hemoglobin levels fall below seven or eight grams per deciliter.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins identified a gene, methionine sulfoxide reductase (MSRA), that modifies the risk of newborns with cystic fibrosis developing neonatal intestinal obstruction. This study may lead to a better understanding of how intestines work and pave the way for identifying genes involved in secondary complications.
Researchers developed nano-devices that successfully crossed the blood-brain barrier and delivered a drug to tame brain-damaging inflammation in rabbits with cerebral palsy. The treatment improved motor skills and reduced neuro-inflammation, holding promise for treating a range of neurologic disorders.
A study of preschoolers reveals parents of both healthy-weight and overweight children are aware of dietary risk factors but undervalue physical activity. The researchers emphasize the need for pediatricians to provide tailored guidance on how to apply this knowledge in daily practice.
A review of 29 clinical trials found that taking an average of 500 milligrams of vitamin C daily reduced blood pressure by 3.84 millimeters of mercury in the short term. However, more research is needed to understand its implications as a treatment for high blood pressure.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have developed a new medication, perampanel, that selectively targets proteins in the brain to control excitability and significantly reduce seizure frequency. The study, involving over 700 participants, found that roughly one-third of patients experienced a more than 50% reduction in seizures.
A team of Johns Hopkins bioethicists argues that federal restrictions on low-risk clinical comparative effectiveness research should be streamlined, despite the proposed changes only covering social and behavior research. The authors believe this type of research poses little risk to patients and needs more efficient oversight.
Research shows that helicopter transport of seriously injured trauma patients can be lifesaving, with a 16% higher survival rate compared to ground ambulance transport. However, the high cost of helicopter trips and potential crash risks must be carefully managed.
A Johns Hopkins-led study found that etanercept, a genetically engineered small-protein drug, does not provide better relief for sciatica back pain compared to steroid injections. In the study, patients who received epidural steroid injections reported more significant pain relief and improved overall symptoms after one month.
A new study from Johns Hopkins Children's Center found that children with cerebral palsy experienced the highest blood loss during corrective spine surgery, while those with idiopathic scoliosis had the least. The study analyzed 617 cases of children aged 10-18 and revealed a link between underlying conditions and blood loss.
Patients with pseudo-seizures, also known as psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES), often misdiagnosed due to stress-triggered symptoms. Research suggests that these patients lack effective coping mechanisms and are more distressed by stressful events than those with epilepsy or healthy individuals.
Researchers found that activating a cholesterol pathway may enhance chemotherapy's effectiveness against pancreatic cancer. The study used a cholesterol derivative to block the Hedgehog pathway, which is linked to both cancer and heart disease.
Researchers found that over 40% of high-risk individuals have detectable pancreatic lesions, which increase with age. Endoscopic ultrasound is more effective than MRI and CT scans in detecting these lesions. Early detection can help prevent the disease by removing precancerous lesions.
A Johns Hopkins study of thousands of identical twins found that whole genome sequencing is not informative for predicting most common diseases. While the test can alert individuals to an increased risk of certain diseases, it fails to forewarn them of others they may ultimately develop.
A study published in the British Medical Journal found that carefully adjusting mechanical ventilator settings can reduce mortality rates in patients with acute lung injury. The researchers evaluated 485 patients and found that lower breath sizes and reduced pressure can have a significant impact on survival.
Researchers identify precise genetic links between nature and nurture in schizophrenia risk. Defects in DISC1 protein and environmental stress after birth increase brain development abnormalities and schizophrenia likelihood by 1.4 times.
A Johns Hopkins bioethicist is part of a committee releasing an IOM report on translating 'omics' research into clinical tests. The report aims to improve the development, evaluation, and translation of omics-based tests.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center discovered that low doses of epigenetic-targeted drugs azacitidine and decitabine can re-activate genes that stop cancer growth. The study found antitumor responses in breast, lung, and colon cancers, with effects caused by alteration of the epigenetic environment of DNA.
Biobank researchers emphasize the need for defined systems to handle incidental findings and individual research results, aiming to ensure patient safety with genomic technologies
Primary care physicians with unconscious racial biases tend to dominate conversations with African-American patients, making them feel less involved in decision-making. The study found that these biases can lead to reduced trust, disrespectful treatment, and lower likelihood of recommending the doctor.
AIDS experts at Johns Hopkins have developed a vaccination strategy that boosts other immune system T cells and prepares them to attack HIV before reactivating it. The approach aims to eliminate latent HIV virus from infected T cells, which has proven difficult to eradicate.
A study published by Johns Hopkins scientists found no substantial evidence that brain cancer blood vessels are composed mainly of cancer cells. The research contradicts previous claims about the composition and potential impact on treatment strategies for these types of tumors.
The new guidelines, drawn from 325 studies with tens of thousands of people infected with HIV, aim to improve entry into treatment plans and adherence to lifelong drug therapy. Key strategies include systematic monitoring, patient navigators, and automated tracking systems to follow up with patients.
Researchers found that BDNF uses microRNA to target the production of specific proteins involved in learning and memory, and that increasing these microRNAs can halt protein production. The study sheds light on how memories are made and offers hope for treating mental disorders and neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers have identified five novel gene mutations associated with elevated blood platelet counts in African Americans, a group at higher risk of stroke and worse outcomes after a heart attack. The study's findings could lead to the development of new drugs to prevent coronary artery disease and clot formation.
A new study by Johns Hopkins researchers links hearing loss to a three-fold increased risk of falling among the elderly. The findings suggest that people with hearing loss may have reduced awareness of their environment and an increased cognitive load, making them more prone to falls.
New Johns Hopkins research shows that providing recovery housing coupled with day treatment significantly increases the chances of remaining drug-free six months later. Participants who received housing and day treatment had a nearly 10 times higher chance of staying abstinent than those released from detox with minimal assistance.
A study of Latina mothers found that their primary concern is a strong relationship with their pediatrician, rather than language ability. Mothers valued warm and caring providers who take the time to examine and care for their children.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered an energy sensor mechanism that helps regulate cell energy storage. The study found that a protein called AMPK, which acts like an energy thermostat, is affected by acetyl groups added to it.
A new study led by Johns Hopkins researchers estimates nearly 23 million Americans age 50 and older have untreated hearing loss. The finding highlights the need for increased awareness and access to hearing aids, as well as rehabilitative training to learn how to integrate devices into daily lives.
Researchers developed a minimally invasive treatment to dissolve brain blood clots, increasing patients' independence by 10-15% six months post-procedure. The technique reduces the need for craniotomy surgery and is as safe as supportive therapy.
Cell biologists have identified key steps in how small molecules alter a cell's skeletal shape and drive cell movement. By manipulating the cell membrane, researchers created ruffles that helped pull cells across surfaces, a process previously difficult to recreate.
Despite virtual imaging advancements, traditional autopsies are still essential for determining cause of death. Current imaging technologies often miss common diagnoses when compared to autopsy findings.
A new study by Johns Hopkins researchers reveals that thousands of senior citizens with kidney disease are good candidates for transplants, but are often overlooked. The study estimates that between 9,000 and 40,000 adults over 65 would have been eligible for a transplant, but none were given the chance.
Researchers have identified a rare, inherited mutation linked to a significantly higher risk of developing prostate cancer. The mutation was found in 10-20 times more men who inherited it compared to the general population. Further studies may lead to genetic testing for inherited prostate cancer.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine tracked Google Flu Trends data and found a strong correlation between rising search queries for flu information and an increase in patients visiting the hospital with flu-like symptoms. The study suggests that using this tool could provide early warning systems for frontline healthcare workers.
Allergy tests are not magic bullets for diagnosis, according to new guidelines from Johns Hopkins Medicine. Blood and skin tests should be used to confirm suspicion and monitor established allergies, but not as standalone diagnostic strategies. This approach aims to prevent misdiagnosis and unnecessary restrictions on patients.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins have found that PARP inhibitors can block the ability of pre-leukemic cells to repair broken DNA, leading to their self-destruction. The treatment has shown promise in clinical trials for patients with aggressive myeloproliferative disorders.
New Johns Hopkins research suggests that presumed consent legislation is unlikely to increase organ donation rates in the US. The study found that countries with presumptive consent laws do not have dramatically different organ donation processes than those without such laws.
A Johns Hopkins study found that mobile clinics and home visits had minimal effects on improving disease outcomes among low-income, inner-city children with asthma. The programs showed some improvement in symptom-free days, but these benefits were short-lived and not sustained over time.
A recent study has found that nearly a third of children with sickle cell disease have suffered silent strokes, highlighting the need to identify early signs of anemia and high blood pressure. Researchers believe anemia is the key factor contributing to these risk silent strokes.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have successfully manipulated yeast life span by removing and restoring a protein function related to aging. By restoring this function, the organism's life span is dramatically extended. The discovery reveals molecular components of an aging pathway that appears related to one regulating longevity in humans.
A new study by Johns Hopkins researchers found no correlation between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and increased mortality. NAFLD, prevalent among those with heart disease and obesity, does not appear to undermine health and longevity.