A Johns Hopkins study found that CT angiography in low-risk patients without symptoms leads to more aggressive care, including more drugs and tests, but no difference in heart attack or cardiac death rates. The test's benefits are unclear, and guidelines suggest it should not be used for screening in low-risk patients.
A Johns Hopkins team has identified a newly discovered protein called Iduna that protects the brain against stroke and neurologic disorders. The protein works by interrupting a cascade of molecular events that result in cell death, and its presence increases three- to four-fold in preconditioned mouse brain tissue.
A Johns Hopkins study found that hospitals in the US publicize robotic surgery's clinical superiority despite a lack of scientific evidence, and overstate its benefits, ignoring risks. The study highlights the need for hospitals to ensure accurate information on their websites.
A study from Johns Hopkins researchers found a link between a gene variation and infertility in women, with the altered gene affecting cholesterol regulation and pregnancy hormone production. The discovery may lead to a treatment for this condition, as a cholesterol medication shown to work in mice could potentially restore fertility.
A new study from Johns Hopkins Medicine reveals that obese patients undergoing colon surgery are 60% more likely to develop costly surgical-site infections. These infections result in extended hospital stays, increased costs of $17,000 per patient, and a three-times greater risk of hospital readmission.
Researchers discovered losartan improves muscle regeneration and prevents wasting away from inactivity in geriatric mice. The study suggests losartan may have broader clinical applications in protecting against immobilization atrophy in older adults.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have successfully coaxed adult human cells into an embryonic state and used them to regenerate liver tissue in mice with chronic liver damage. The induced-pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) showed promise as a potential alternative to liver transplants for patients with serious liver diseases, offering...
A new Johns Hopkins study suggests that older, sicker heart-transplant recipients fare significantly better at high-volume centers than low-volume centers. The research found a 67% increased risk of death after one year for high-risk patients transplanted at low-volume centers.
Researchers discovered how semaphorin proteins guide nerve cell projections with precision, enabling intricate connections in the nervous system. This finding has implications for developing treatment strategies for repairing and regenerating damaged or diseased nerve cells.
A study of 150 children on temporary breathing devices found that shorter antibiotic courses were just as effective in treating respiratory infections without increasing the risk of drug-resistant infections. Careful evaluation of the need for antibiotics and shortest treatment duration are recommended to curb antibiotic resistance.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have successfully transformed 'bad' white fat into 'good' brown fat in rats, reducing their calorie intake and weight. This breakthrough finding could lead to new obesity treatments for humans by targeting the transformation of white fat into brown fat.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Medicine shows that simple exercise can improve lung function and overall fitness in children with cystic fibrosis. Patients who increased their exercise capacity by 10 or more walking intervals showed significant improvements in lung function scores.
Researchers found that blocking the action of a signaling protein in cardiac muscle cells halted serious ill effects of high blood pressure on the heart, including enlargement and scar tissue formation. Further tests revealed potential new treatments for heart failure by targeting specific proteins involved in disease progression.
Young black gay men are more likely to contract HIV due to their preference for masculine partners and misconceptions about HIV risk. Researchers found that these men perceive masculine men as lower risk, leading to increased unprotected sex with partners whose HIV status they often miscalculate.
Research found a significant link between low vitamin D levels and anemia in children, with black children at higher risk due to lower vitamin D levels. The study suggests that vitamin D deficiency may play a role in the development of anemia in this population.
Research by Johns Hopkins Medicine and others reveals human donor milk may be safer for extremely premature babies than standard formula, with fewer cases of NEC and reduced need for surgery.
Researchers discovered that wearing body armor fully protected mice brains from axonal nerve cell damage in critical parts of the brain. Body armor shielded mice from over 80% of axonal damage observed in the brain's visual pathways.
Experts warn that Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) could be designed to exclude minorities and widen health care disparities. Hospitals and practices may 'cherry-pick' wealthy institutions to form ACOs, leaving poor and minority-heavy patient populations behind.
Researchers discovered a protein in a single-celled fungus that helps it survive in low-oxygen settings, which may aid humans with compromised immune systems. The discovery identified key genes responsible for the protein's cutting mechanism, offering potential targets for new fungal infection treatments.
Johns Hopkins scientists have discovered a molecular wrecking ball called thorase that regulates the demolition phase of a cycle at synapses, critical for learning and memory. The enzyme's activity can be harnessed to create new treatments for autism, post-traumatic stress, and memory dysfunction.
A pilot program in Baltimore City identified frequent 911 callers and paired them with case workers, reducing calls by nearly half while improving access to care. The study found significant savings and benefits for participants, highlighting the potential for targeted interventions to improve EMS efficiency.
Researchers identified a step-by-step process involving TET1 and Apobec1 that converts methylated cytosine into hydroxymethylated cytosine, indicating a potential unified mechanism for DNA methylation status change. The discovery has implications for understanding diseases associated with epigenetic abnormality.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have made significant progress in understanding the mechanisms behind losartan's protective effects against life-threatening aortic aneurysms in patients with Marfan syndrome. By identifying key proteins involved in the disease process, the team has found new targets for potential treatments.
A large-scale study of 769 men with low-grade prostate cancer found that closely monitoring the disease without immediate treatment does not raise the risk of death. Men who undergo active surveillance are less likely to need subsequent surgery or radiation if their cancer progression is carefully monitored.
A new intensive diabetes education program has been shown to improve long-term blood sugar control in low-income, poorly educated diabetics. Participants who received the nine-session problem-solving course saw significant improvements in their hemoglobin A1C levels and reductions in high cholesterol and high blood pressure.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have created a simplified, cheaper method to generate functional heart cells from blood cells, reducing the risk of viral mutation and cancer. The process has shown high efficiency rates, with 94.5% beating heart cells formed in 11 different stem cell lines.
A Johns Hopkins patient safety expert argues that current 'metrics' in healthcare are unreliable and hinder quality improvement efforts. He calls for the creation of standardized outcome measures to improve patient outcomes and transparency in data collection.
Researchers discovered a molecular switch that regulates protein behavior, expanding biomarker possibilities for diagnosing and tracking mental illnesses. The study found a key modification of the Disrupted In Schizophrenia gene (DISC1) governs its functions in new neuron production and neural migration.
A UK policy aims to assess drug value using factors beyond clinical and cost effectiveness, including therapeutic innovation and societal benefits. The proposed 'value-based pricing' policy could change the way drugs are offered through Britain's National Health Service.
Johns Hopkins scientists have identified a gene, GRIP1, associated with autism that affects social interaction deficits. The study found that variants of the gene contribute to the severity of social behavior in individuals with autism.
Researchers found that men using digoxin had a 24% lower risk of prostate cancer. The study also identified other approved drugs with anti-prostate cancer properties, paving the way for further research and potential new treatments.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Children's Center found that removing children's catheters as soon as possible can reduce the risk of life-threatening bloodstream infections. The study analyzed 1,800 children treated over six years and found that length of use was a potent predictor of infection.
A recent study by Johns Hopkins Medicine reveals that hands-free electronic water faucets are more likely to be contaminated with Legionella bacteria compared to old-style fixtures. The study found that these new devices pose a problem in preventing Legionella infections in hospitals, despite reducing daily water consumption by over half.
Researchers estimate that lifting the ban on HIV-infected organ donation could provide transplants to 500 patients annually. The study suggests that this change would not only benefit HIV-positive patients but also reduce waiting times for non-HIV infected patients.
A new study found that most US states lack clear policies on storing and using newborn blood samples, often leaving parents in the dark. The researchers emphasize the need for transparent approaches to ensure parents are informed about how their babies' leftover blood might be used.
A study of nearly 2,700 adults with bipolar disorder found a genetic risk factor on chromosome 2 associated with increased attempts at self-harm. Genetic variants in the region were linked to a higher likelihood of attempting suicide, with those having two copies being almost three times as likely.
Researchers found that mice with short telomeres developed higher blood sugar levels and secreted less insulin, mimicking early stages of human diabetes. The study suggests that shorter telomeres may predispose people to age-related diabetes, paving the way for potential biomarkers.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that coupling electronic prescription drug ordering systems with computerized adverse event reporting dramatically reduced medication errors in a psychiatric unit from 27.89 to 3.43 per 1,000 patient days over four years. The system's integration of decision support and safety net tools furth...
Researchers create induced pluripotent stem cells from adult siblings with schizophrenia and DISC1 gene mutation, providing a potential tool for screening treatments and understanding the disease. The stem cells can be coaxed to become brain cells like neurons, offering new insights into the causes of major mental illnesses.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have developed a tool that uses light to move and interact with individual molecules in living cells. This allows for greater control over cellular processes, enabling scientists to study the role of specific proteins and their interactions in cell behavior.
Scientists have identified a protein called Snapin as the molecular switch that controls insulin secretion in pancreatic beta cells. This discovery provides an explanation for the failure of these cells in type 2 diabetes and may lead to new therapies.
A new Johns Hopkins study suggests that older, less expensive medications like metformin can be just as effective in controlling type 2 diabetes as newer, more expensive options. The research also found that metformin was associated with fewer side effects, including weight gain and cholesterol level increases.
A new Johns Hopkins study shows that each strain of the cat-borne parasite Toxoplasma gondii triggers a unique reaction in human nerve cells, varying the severity of infection. The research found alterations triggered by the most virulent strain to be linked to brain development and central nervous system function.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Children's Center researchers found that most children with severe cerebral palsy have asymmetric pelvic bones, which can affect surgical procedures. The study highlights the importance of considering pelvic asymmetry in surgeries to correct scoliosis and other spine-related issues.
Researchers found that a light-sensing receptor called rhodopsin plays a critical role in sensing temperature, particularly in the comfortable range. The discovery suggests that rhodopsin may have been used originally for temperature detection before its function as a light receptor.
Researchers found that PARIS protein accumulates in brain cells with mutated parkin gene, leading to decreased PGC-1alpha levels and neurodegeneration. This discovery offers promising new drug targets to slow or stop Parkinson's disease progression.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have discovered a natural product from traditional Chinese medicine that blocks gene control machinery in cells, suggesting potential as an anticancer drug. The compound, triptolide, has been shown to be effective against cancer and other conditions.
Researchers found that nerve cells' long journey to extremities leads to dysfunctional mitochondria, causing pain and tingling. This discovery may lead to new ways to treat neuropathy, often accompanying diseases like HIV/AIDS and diabetes.
A Johns Hopkins Medicine study found that human endogenous retrovirus K (HERV-K) may be responsible for some cases of ALS, a neurodegenerative disease. Researchers identified HERV-K mRNA transcripts in the brains of ALS patients and found that they were present in areas surrounding the motor cortex.
Researchers found lower potassium levels associated with higher diabetes risk in African-Americans, who are twice as likely to develop type 2 diabetes. Increasing potassium levels through diet or supplements could potentially prevent the most common form of diabetes.