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.
A new Johns Hopkins Children's study suggests that timely and proper wound cleaning and draining may be more important than the choice of antibiotic in treating MRSA skin infections. The researchers found that 95% of children recovered completely within a week, regardless of which antibiotic they received.
A review of Harvey Cushing's notes from the early 20th century has uncovered copious documentation of his own surgical mishaps and suggestions for preventing them. This open acknowledgment of errors may have contributed to groundbreaking medical advancements during Cushing's era, with similar benefits possible today.
A simple checklist designed by Johns Hopkins researchers significantly reduces ventilator-associated pneumonia cases by over 70% in Michigan hospitals. The intervention, combined with education and a culture of patient safety, saves tens of thousands of lives and millions of dollars in healthcare costs.
A new study from Johns Hopkins Children's Center found that hip and thigh implants in children can lead to fractures of the same bones, even after the implant has been placed. The research, which analyzed over 7,500 pediatric bone implants, revealed a higher risk of fractures among patients with weakened or brittle bones.
Muscle cell fusion is a previously thought to be mutually consented event, but research reveals it's actually an invasive battle where one cell forces the other using finger-like projections.
Seniors with hearing loss are more likely to develop dementia over time than those with normal hearing. The study found a significant link between the two conditions, with the risk of developing dementia increasing by twofold, threefold, and fivefold for individuals with mild, moderate, and severe hearing loss.
A team of scholars calls for collective action to address the negative effects of patenting and privatizing stem cell lines, data, and technologies. The experts warn that the lack of transparency and ambiguity in ownership and control can hinder progress toward breakthroughs.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that civilians with noncombat injuries are more likely to be evacuated for treatment, but also more likely to return to work in war zones due to higher salaries. In contrast, soldiers are less motivated to return after such injuries, possibly due to the loss of hazardous duty pay.
New research from Johns Hopkins Medicine suggests that motorcycle helmets are associated with a lower risk of cervical spine injury. The study found that helmeted riders were 22% less likely to suffer spinal injuries compared to those without helmets.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins University have discovered a significant number of new insertions of retrotransposon insertion polymorphisms (RIPs) in the human genome, expanding our understanding of genetic diversity. The study highlights the importance of retrotransposons in shaping human traits and disease risks.
Academic Medical Centers must adjust to new healthcare reform laws and adopt accountable care models. They need integrated systems, financial risk assessment, robust health IT platforms, and a culture shift towards quality care contributions.
Doctors argue that current hospital quality-improvement programs have little evidence to show improved patient outcomes, despite high administrator buy-in. A formalized 'physician management infrastructure' is proposed to encourage doctors to take leadership roles in quality improvement.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have found a way to reprogram adult cells with the properties of embryonic stem cells using a small blood sample. The new method avoids creating DNA changes that could lead to tumor formation, resulting in safer and more reliable iPS cells for research and potential clinical applications.
Teenage girls and young women infected with HIV are more likely to get pregnant and experience pregnancy complications compared to their HIV-negative peers. The study found that behaviorally acquired HIV-infected teens were seven times more likely to have multiple pregnancies than those infected at birth.
Researchers found that a single DNA variation helps protect African-Americans from coronary artery disease, with those having the alternative genetic code having a fivefold reduction in artery narrowing or clogging. The protective effect is even more pronounced when individuals inherit two copies of the guanine gene variant.