Researchers develop a potential new treatment for rare genetic diseases characterized by low levels of specific proteins. By adding an artificial poly(A) tail to mRNA, they boost protein production and aim to improve symptoms in people with protein-deficient disorders.
A new study of 2,900 patients with lupus pericarditis found that using corticosteroids increases the risk of recurring pericarditis. The study suggests minimizing corticosteroid use and exploring alternative treatments to reduce recurrence rates.
A novel bone marrow transplant process has been shown to be safe and curative for adults with sickle cell disease, offering a viable alternative to recent gene therapy products. The treatment, which uses a 'half-matched' donor, results in high cure rates and low side effects, making it a more accessible option for patients.
Researchers found that cytomegalovirus infection significantly worsens necrotizing enterocolitis in mouse models, triggering inflammation and disrupting energy production. The study provides insight into the underlying mechanisms of NEC and may lead to the development of new treatments for this devastating condition.
Researchers discover that the gene HMGA1 'opens' regions of the genome to activate stem cell genes, leading to tumor development and progression. High levels of HMGA1 also allow mutant tumor cells to escape detection by immune cells.
Researchers found that glioblastoma stem cells are co-localized with myeloid-derived suppressor cells, promoting tumor growth and aggressiveness. The study identified key molecules, such as IL-6 and IL-8, that attract and activate MDSCs, providing new potential therapeutic targets.
Researchers developed a computer model called MANAscore to identify tumor-fighting immune cells in lung cancer patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors. The three-gene model helped find differences associated with patient response to immunotherapy, including the presence of stem-like memory T cells.
A team of researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine has developed a biomarker algorithm that can detect Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal cancer using a noninvasive method. The algorithm uses methylation patterns in genes to identify biomarkers, achieving an AUC of nearly 0.97 in distinguishing healthy tissue from esophageal cancer.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine identified a new epigenetic approach to target colorectal cancer, using a mouse protein that disrupts cancer-causing chemical changes in genes. The study found that the protein, STELLA, can be used to develop a drug strategy to treat solid tumors.
Researchers found that older adults with weakened immunity developed fewer antibodies against RSV following vaccination compared to healthy individuals. The study suggests that adjuvant-enhanced vaccines could improve immune responses in immunocompromised people, warranting further investigation.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have discovered that excessive Gata4 protein accumulation in vascular smooth muscle cells contributes to aortic aneurysm vulnerability in Loeys-Dietz patients. The study's findings may help refine treatments for this genetic disorder, which affects connective tissue systems.
A new study reveals that the arm-like structures of mammalian brain cells, known as axons, are actually pear-shaped and not cylindrical tubes. The research team used high-pressure freezing electron microscopy to visualize the axons' structure, showing that they have a bubbly, pearl-like shape.
A team of researchers discovered a novel cause of cytokine storm in fatal COVID-19 cases, linking the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) to the hyperinflammatory response. This finding holds potential for identifying patients at risk and developing targeted interventions.
A new combination of immunotherapy and epigenetic drug may transform resistant pancreatic tumors into susceptible ones, according to a study by Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers. The treatment showed promise in a subset of patients, with tumor shrinkage and durable responses observed over several months.
Acute interstitial nephritis (AIN) is a common cause of acute kidney injury, often linked to medication use. Johns Hopkins researchers developed an electronic diagnostic model using machine learning to predict AIN in patients, showing improved accuracy in diagnosis and potential benefits for treatment decisions.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified a potential link between donor intestinal epithelial cells and improved outcomes for patients undergoing fecal microbiota transplants. The study found that these cells, which line the intestinal tract, may be responsible for restoring gut health in some patients.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine identified 16 genes that breast cancer cells use to survive in the bloodstream, including MUC1, which is already in clinical trials. The research showed that hypoxic cells are able to migrate to higher oxygen levels and form metastasis in the body, leading to a worse prognosis.
A fossilized leg bone of a massive terror bird, found in Colombia, provides new information about the region's wildlife during the Miocene epoch. The discovery suggests that this bird species was relatively uncommon among other animals in the area.
Researchers have identified a new experimental drug that can bridge the gap between patients with wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and existing treatments. The drug, 32-134D, decreases levels of a key protein involved in AMD, leading to improved vision outcomes.
A Johns Hopkins study found that adding digital feedback to traditional health counseling for parents improves healthy growth in young children. The study, which used text messages and a web-based dashboard, reduced obesity rates in the first two years of life.
Researchers developed a method to assess which patients with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer can benefit from immunotherapy. The tool uses predictive biomarkers and machine learning-based approaches to identify patients who are likely to respond to treatment.
Researchers identified a previously unknown form of lymph node-like structures in liver tumors that are associated with greater treatment response and lower recurrence rates. The structures, found in patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors, contain infection-fighting immune B cells and tumor-killing immune T cells.
Researchers identified a key gene pathway involving zinc that improves survival and weight gain in mouse models with short bowel syndrome. Zinc-based supplements were shown to improve intestinal function, absorb nutrients, and fluids, leading to better recovery rates.
A new study suggests that a healthy diet may help keep low-grade prostate cancer from progressing to more aggressive states in men undergoing active surveillance. The research team led by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that a reduced risk of prostate cancer progression is associated with a healthy diet.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine developed a potential novel treatment for breast cancer bone metastasis using RK-33, which targets and inhibits the protein DDX3. The drug successfully eliminated breast cancer bone metastases in lab models by controlling cancer cell growth and proliferation.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found distinct immune 'signatures' in patients who developed adverse events while taking immunotherapy. These signatures, including increases in white blood cells known as Th2 and Th17, predict the development of immune-related adverse events and may be targeted for treatment.
Researchers found that lap support overestimated systolic pressure by nearly 4 mmHg and an unsupported arm hanging at the side overestimated systolic pressure by nearly 7 mmHg. The study emphasizes the importance of adhering to clinical guidelines for accurate blood pressure measurement.
A new clinical trial reveals that synthetic cannabis, specifically dronabinol, can effectively reduce agitation in patients with Alzheimer's disease by an average of 30%. The treatment showed similar calming effects to current medications without adverse results such as delirium or seizures.
Researchers from Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered how a brain cell surface molecule shapes neuron behavior, finding that it suppresses selectivity in neurons. The study's findings may help scientists better understand causes of autism, schizophrenia, and epilepsy.
Researchers discovered a cache of rare monkey fossils in the Dominican Republic, providing new insights into the anatomy and ecology of the extinct Antillothrix bernensis. The study suggests that male and female monkeys were monomorphic and weighed up to five pounds, with a diet mainly consisting of fruit.
Researchers successfully activated a specific memory circuit in mice using brain-imaging technology. The study found that stimulating neurons in two areas of the mouse brains reactivated spatial memory and caused the mice to seek shelter.
A blood test combining AI, cell-free DNA, and protein biomarkers shows high accuracy in detecting ovarian cancer. The test distinguishes between benign growths and cancerous tumors, offering a potential affordable screening method for widespread use.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University mapped variation in human stem cells, revealing unique developmental patterns and gene expression traits that modify conserved steps. The findings may aid personalized regenerative therapies and advance understanding of cellular variation in humans.
Video games created as mental health interventions can be modest tools in improving the mental well-being of children and teens with anxiety, depression, and ADHD. These digital mental health interventions showed a reduction in symptoms related to ADHD and depression, but not for anxiety.
Researchers found that low gravity conditions in space weaken and disrupt the normal rhythmic beats of human bioengineered heart tissue samples. The tissues on the International Space Station beat about half as strong as those on Earth, and developed irregular beating patterns that can cause a human heart to fail.
A study published in Nature Communications found that the MYC gene is a common culprit driving prostate cancer progression. The research reveals how MYC activation attracts immune cells to the tumor but later helps hide it from immune detection, making it undetectable.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that age-related changes in male fibroblasts contribute to more aggressive and treatment-resistant melanomas. The study discovered that male fibroblasts accumulate reactive oxygen species and produce higher levels of BMP2, leading to increased DNA damage and resistance to targeted therapies.
Researchers found a subset of macrophage cells close to breast cancer cells, which may provide a new biological target for immunotherapies. This discovery could lead to the development of biologic therapies to change the organization of neighborhoods around cancer cells.
The study used spatial transcriptomics and machine learning to analyze gene expression and cell distribution in PanINs, identifying key features of pancreatic cancer progression. Key findings include increased cell proliferation and decreased inflammatory signaling in high-grade PanIN lesions.
A phase II clinical trial found that olaparib, a precision oncology drug, can induce durable complete remissions in recurrent prostate cancer patients with BRCA2 mutations. The study showed that 13 participants, including all 11 with BRCA2 mutations, had a decrease in PSA of at least 50% after treatment.
Scientists studying environmental bacteria have determined a protein's essential role in maintaining the germ's shape. Loss of the protein OpgH disrupts the bubble-like cell envelope, resulting in the cell's death. This finding could lead to new drug targets and advance the search for better antibiotics.
Researchers found COVID-19-related diarrhea mechanisms using human stem cells and enteroids, a single layer of cells in a petri dish. The study suggests testing inhibitors of inflammation may help treat COVID-19 diarrhea, linking it to long COVID symptoms.
A new study reveals that Meteorin-like protein saps energy from T cells, severely limiting their ability to fight cancer. By understanding this signaling pathway, researchers may be able to develop targeted treatments to restore metabolic health and enhance the immune system's power against tumors.
Researchers discovered ultrastructural abnormalities in obese patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), which may be related to the impact of obesity on muscle structure. The study suggests that reducing obesity and using certain medications could help improve HFpEF outcomes.
Researchers found a 37% reduction in mortality and a 24% reduction in medical complications among study participants who received iron infusions. The findings suggest that preoperative iron infusions may be a more effective strategy for reducing morbidity and mortality in surgical patients.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have developed a novel, non-invasive approach to measure intracranial pressure (ICP) in patients with traumatic brain injuries. The AI-powered method uses extracranial physiological waveforms to estimate ICP severity with high accuracy.
Researchers have designed a novel Co-STAR receptor that combines genetic components of four types of immune cells to recognize and fight cancer cells. In laboratory studies, the Co-STAR receptor induced a sustained anti-tumor response against human cancer cells, leading to long-lasting remissions in mouse models.
A study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases found that regular booster doses of bivalent vaccines can maintain a person's ability to neutralize multiple SARS-CoV-2 strains, including XBB.1.5. This is especially important for immunocompromised groups, such as solid organ transplant recipients.
A recent study by Johns Hopkins Medicine reveals that the ZAK protein is a critical player in the cell's response to UV radiation damage, determining whether cells live or die. The research, published in Cell, suggests that companies developing drugs targeting ribosomes may find ZAK to be a driver of cell death across cancer types.
A new pilot study provides clues about the potential benefits of both intermittent fasting and standard healthy diets on brain health. Both diets showed benefits in decreasing insulin resistance, improving cognition, and reducing glucose concentration in the brain.