Researchers have discovered a near complete catalog of DNA segments that copy themselves, move around, and insert themselves in the human genome. These transposon insertion locations help determine physical traits and disease risks, and may lead to new disease gene discoveries.
Researchers developed lists of physical features to aid in early detection of Marfan and Loeys-Dietz syndromes, which can be life-threatening if left untreated. These lists are reliable without imaging tests and can help doctors spot the disorders during a physical exam.
Researchers have discovered that Michelangelo's depiction of God in the Sistine Chapel ceiling contains unusual features resembling a brainstem, with implications for our understanding of the artist's anatomy knowledge. The findings suggest another hidden anatomical detail in the painting, potentially related to the spinal cord.
A new study finds that patients with arthritic back pain can experience significant pain relief after radiofrequency denervation without diagnostic nerve blocks. The procedure is safer and more cost-effective, allowing patients to return to work sooner.
A new study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that insulin is required for normal bone development and may provide a link between bone health and metabolic diseases like diabetes. The study suggests that insulin action in bone provides a critical signal that links metabolism and metabolic disease with bone health.
Johns Hopkins researcher Peter Pronovost argues that arrogance, lack of transparency, and inadequate measures hinder progress in preventing patient harm. Central line-associated bloodstream infections can be largely prevented with accurate measurement and cultural changes.
A Johns Hopkins review of nearly 150 randomized controlled trials on children found that 40-60% of the studies failed to minimize risk for bias or properly describe those measures. The study urges pediatricians to critically read studies, asking how researchers reached conclusions and whether analysis was unbiased.
Scientists combined new and classic approaches to identify a single genetic mutation causing metachondromatosis, a disorder characterized by bony growths. The study demonstrates the power of whole-genome sequencing technology in efficiently identifying genes responsible for Mendelian diseases.
Researchers have found a potential link between autoimmune disease scleroderma and cancer in certain patients. The study suggests that patients with specific immune markers are more likely to develop both conditions simultaneously.
Researchers have discovered a dramatic increase in an enzyme called O-GlcNAcase in the red blood cells of people with diabetes and prediabetes. This enzyme may be used as a diagnostic tool to detect prediabetes at its earliest stages, allowing for potential early intervention.
A new allocation formula developed by Johns Hopkins researchers can predict which donor kidneys are most likely to be delayed or discarded. The formula could potentially speed up the organ allocation process for hard-to-place kidneys, improving transplant outcomes and saving lives.
Researchers found a single SNP, rs36498, associated with higher asthma susceptibility in two populations. The mutation may increase eosinophils, leading to asthma attacks. Further study is needed to understand the role of Siglec-8 gene mutations in asthma.
Researchers developed a new radiotracer, florbetapir F18, to distinguish between Alzheimer's disease patients and healthy volunteers on brain scans. The compound has a longer half-life than previous options, allowing for more widespread use and potential applications in diagnosing dementia and tracking disease progression.
Researchers found a group of seven genes that significantly impact platelet clumping, offering new targets for developing diagnostic tests and treatments for arterial disease. The study used data from two large studies to identify the genetic factors behind blood clotting, providing insights into promoting healing and stalling disease ...
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine used a laser beam to activate a protein that makes a cluster of fruit fly cells behave like a school of fish, following the lead of one stimulated with light. This study holds potential importance for understanding embryonic development and tumor metastasis.
A large study found 68 abnormal brain findings in 953 children, with only six requiring urgent follow-ups. These findings highlight the need for pediatricians to prepare for discussions about incidental discoveries, which can lead to unnecessary tests and fear.
Researchers found Botox significantly reduced short-term pain in TOS patients after a single low-dose injection. The treatment avoids surgery's drawbacks and offers a non-invasive alternative.
A team of researchers at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine has shown that treating injured rat spinal cords with the enzyme sialidase improves nerve regrowth, motor recovery, and nervous system function. The treatment also showed improvements in blood pressure control and increased number of sprouted nerve ends.
A Johns Hopkins-led committee, sponsored by the FDA, will examine drug safety studies' scientific and ethical issues. The committee aims to deliver a report on July 1 outlining key considerations for clinical trials evaluating post-market drug safety.
A recent study published in the Annals of Thoracic Surgery found that racial disparities in heart transplant survival rates are largely due to healthcare system flaws, insurance status, and biological factors. The study analyzed over 20,000 medical records and found that African Americans had a 46% higher chance of dying within 10 year...
Research suggests that exposure to herpes simplex virus 1 may contribute to cognitive and brain abnormalities in schizophrenia. Patients with antibodies for HSV-1 performed poorly on cognitive tests and had reduced brain volume in key regions, including the anterior cingulate and cerebellum.
A Johns Hopkins study found that nearly 40% of children with infantile spasms became seizure-free after being on the high-fat ketogenic diet for at least six months. The diet, which is rich in fat and low in carbohydrates, works by triggering biochemical changes that eliminate seizure-causing short circuits in the brain.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins found that a simple frailty test can accurately predict surgical outcomes in older patients. The test assesses physical reserve and ability to withstand stress, identifying those at risk for complications and prolonged hospital stays.
A 12-year study has found that spouses who care for partners with dementia are six times more likely to develop the condition themselves. The increased risk is comparable to a well-studied gene variant associated with Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have discovered that a compound in dark chocolate may protect the brain after a stroke by increasing cellular signals. The study found that mice who ingested epicatechin suffered significantly less brain damage than those who did not.
A study of 2,500 patient records found that medical staff fails to check a child's blood pressure nearly half the time and often misses elevated readings. The consequences are missed development of hypertension and its serious consequences.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found serum amyloid A as a key protein trigger for sarcoidosis, an inflammatory disease affecting hundreds of thousands of Americans. The discovery opens the path to developing drug treatments or vaccines to block inflammation.
A new study by Johns Hopkins researchers warns that pay-for-performance policies may create financial incentives for discriminating against obese patients. Obese patients are at significantly greater risk of complications and cost more to treat than non-obese patients after surgery.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Medicine reveals that black children with chronic kidney disease have more severe anemia than white children, even when treated equally. The research suggests that genetic variations may be at play and could require tailored treatment guidelines.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified a protein in sensory cells of fruit flies that allows them to detect and avoid noxious chemicals. The discovery opens up new possibilities for controlling insect pests and protecting crops.
A Johns Hopkins study suggests that a commonly used bypass surgery technique may impair the brain's ability to regulate blood flow, increasing the risk of stroke. Researchers found that seven patients experienced strokes after cooling and rewarming, highlighting the need for improved monitoring to prevent such incidents.
A study led by Johns Hopkins Children's Center found that children who lose a parent to suicide are three times more likely to commit suicide than those with living parents. The researchers also found that these children are nearly twice as likely to be hospitalized for depression and have an increased risk of committing violent crimes.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins found that resveratrol increases levels of an enzyme shielding nerve cells in the brain from damage, protecting against ischemic stroke. The study suggests that moderate wine consumption may have a lower incidence of cardiovascular disease.
A study led by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that early cochlear implantation dramatically improves deaf children's language development. Children who received implants before 18 months caught up with their normal-hearing counterparts over three years.
A recent study published in Johns Hopkins Medicine found that men who gained five or more pounds near the time of their prostate surgery are twice as likely to have a recurrence of their cancer compared with patients whose weight is stable. Physical activity was shown to reduce this risk.
A blood test and DNA analysis accurately predict which men with low-grade prostate cancers may need treatment, say Johns Hopkins scientists. The prostate health index and DNA content in biopsy tissue can detect the progression of small prostate cancers.
Cancer genetics expert Bert Vogelstein will review the landscape of cancer genome research and its applications. He predicts that early detection and prevention will be key to reducing cancer deaths in the future.
Researchers expanded a method to move proteins inside cells to specific organelles, enabling rapid manipulation of protein activities. By studying the signaling protein Ras, they gained insights into how proteins contribute to cellular responses and signal division and growth.
A new technique using tissue from below-the-waist 'love handles' improves cosmetic breast reconstruction in slim, athletic cancer patients. The method is less complicated than other options for surgeons and turns out to be effective in all 12 patients who underwent the procedure.
A recent study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that most sexually active male teens receive inadequate HIV and STI counseling during doctor visits, even among those with high-risk behaviors. The study highlights the need for better counseling to minimize risky behaviors.
Critically ill patients experience reduced muscle weakness, delirium and hallucinations when introduced to mild exercise programs, with recovery times speeding up by 2-3 days. Patients can exercise while attached to life support equipment, including mechanical ventilators.
A Johns Hopkins study found that more than half of donor kidneys infected with hepatitis C are discarded, despite the need among hepatitis C patients who may die waiting for an infection-free organ. The study suggests that using hepatitis C-positive kidneys could help those with hepatitis C and expand the organ supply.
Johns Hopkins researchers discovered that a tail module in a calcium channel protein controls its sensitivity to calcium, potentially leading to neurodegenerative diseases. This finding has implications for conditions like schizophrenia, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's.
A pilot study reveals that many children with cancer enrolled in clinical trials do not fully comprehend their treatment options or feel involved in decision-making. The study's findings underscore the importance of clearer communication between physicians and patients.
People with diabetes undergoing cancer surgery are at a higher risk of death in the month following their operations. The study, led by Johns Hopkins researchers, found that newly diagnosed cancer patients with Type 2 diabetes have a 50% greater risk of mortality after surgery, particularly for colorectal and esophageal tumors.
A study analyzing two popular medical dramas found that they often depict bioethical issues and actions that run afoul of professional codes of conduct. Informed consent was the most frequently observed issue, with exemplary discussions being more common than inadequate ones.
A protein called Kibra has been found to regulate organ size by controlling cell growth and death. This discovery may hold the key to understanding and treating cancer.
A Johns Hopkins study found that community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) colonization rates increased among pediatric ICU patients, with younger children and African-American children more affected. Universal screening upon hospital admission and weekly screenings can help curb the spread of MRSA.
A Johns Hopkins team identified a class of chemical compounds that selectively slow down a tuberculosis protein's activity and block TB growth. The MetAP inhibitors have the potential to enhance existing therapy by targeting an essential enzyme in the bacteria's survival.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine reveals that a rare inherited disorder called stiff skin syndrome shares genetic similarities with the debilitating condition scleroderma, affecting about one in 5,000 people. The findings suggest a potential treatment strategy involving the protein fibrillin-1 and its role in regulating TGFbeta activity.