Researchers have discovered that over-activation of the c-Abl protein can shut down parkin's protective function, leading to a build-up of toxic proteins and neuron death. Inhibiting c-Abl with existing drugs like imatinib may provide a new treatment approach for Parkinson's disease.
Children with chronic lung disease of prematurity who attend daycare are nearly four times more likely to experience serious respiratory symptoms than those who do not. Daycare attendance is associated with increased emergency room visits, medication use, and breathing problems in these vulnerable children.
African-American victims of motorcycle crashes are 1.5 times more likely to die from their injuries than similarly injured whites, despite wearing helmets. Injury-prevention programs may not be sufficient to protect all riders equally.
Rapid response teams dispatched to patients' rooms may be a quick fix rather than addressing deeper issues, according to Johns Hopkins patient safety expert Peter Pronovost. Better management of patient flow and staff schedules can help improve care for sickest patients.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have identified 13 genes associated with human body mass index, shedding light on the complex relationship between epigenetics and obesity. The study, published in Science Translational Medicine, used genome-wide profiling to uncover epigenetic fingerprints that correlate with body weight.
A study published in Cell Stem Cell reveals that NURF, an enzyme that regulates DNA packaging, allows specific genes to be turned on and off in stem cells. This dynamic structure enables stem cells to maintain their potency and prevent differentiation into other cell types.
Researchers have identified two genes, ARID1A and PPP2R1A, whose mutations are linked to ovarian clear cell carcinoma, a highly aggressive form of ovarian cancer. The study found that ARID1A mutations were present in over half of the tumors studied, suggesting a significant role in this type of cancer.
The NCAA's new sickle cell screening program for college athletes aims to prevent rare complications, but experts warn of hasty implementation and unaddressed consequences. The program may identify 400-500 new cases annually, affecting nearly 170,000 athletes.
A new study reveals that chronically high insulin levels trigger hormonal changes in the pituitary gland, disrupting ovarian function and impairing fertility. Researchers suggest decreasing the pituitary's sensitivity to insulin as a potential target for treatment.
A new study from Johns Hopkins Medicine found that uninsured minority pedestrians are at a significantly higher risk of death in car accidents compared to their insured white counterparts. The research also revealed that minority pedestrians are more likely to be struck by cars and experience increased mortality rates even after adjust...
A recent study suggests that aggressively treating hypertension in African Americans with kidney disease can significantly decrease the number of patients who lose kidney function and require dialysis. The study found a 25% reduction in end-stage kidney disease among those with protein in their urine.
A genome-wide association study has revealed a strong link between a gene in the human leukocyte antigen region and Parkinson's disease, implicating the immune system. The study suggests that inflammation is involved in the origin of the disease, not just a symptom.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that mosquitoes and other insects use taste receptors to detect DEET and smell citronellal, leading to aversion responses. The study identified three essential taste receptors for DEET detection and two distinct types of cell surface channels required for avoiding citronellal vapor.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have identified two drugs that can protect nerve cells in mice from the lethal effects of Parkinson's disease by blocking the overactive LRRK2 protein. This finding suggests a promising target for developing treatments against Parkinson's disease.
Researchers mapped epigenetic changes during blood cell differentiation, revealing complex patterns and potential applications for stem cell therapies. The study's findings could guide understanding of diseases like leukemia and lymphoma, paving the way for new treatments.
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.