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Johns Hopkins Medicine


Johns Hopkins researchers track down protein responsible for chronic rhinosinusitis with polyps

Johns Hopkins researchers found that a protein called vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is responsible for the cell overgrowth in chronic rhinosinusitis with polyps. This discovery gives scientists a new target for treating this form of the disease, which typically resists current treatments.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateNov 23, 2009

1930s drug slows tumor growth

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University discovered a 1930s gonorrhea medication, acriflavine, that can halt the growth of new blood vessels in cancer cells. By inhibiting HIF-1, a protein essential for tumor growth, acriflavine may one day be incorporated into chemotherapy cocktails to fight cancer.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 5, 2009

Teen girls diagnosed with STI more likely to seek treatment for partners after watching video

A study found that teen girls diagnosed with pelvic inflammatory disease who watched a short educational video were three times more likely to discuss their condition with partners and ensure partner treatment. Despite this, adherence to medication and follow-up remained poor, highlighting the need for in-depth counseling.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology·DateNov 4, 2009

Sight gone, but not necessarily lost?

Researchers at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine found that cells in the retina can remain alive for many months and recover some or all normal function even without a proper blood supply. The study suggests that restoring blood supply to deprived regions of the retina may restore visual function.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCell·DateOct 30, 2009

'Moonlighting' molecules discovered

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified over 300 proteins that control genes, a newly discovered function for previously known proteins. These 'moonlighting' molecules may play a key role in human complexity, with potential implications for understanding gene regulation and cellular behavior.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCell·DateOct 29, 2009

Lessons from flu seasons past

A comprehensive review of flu seasons past reveals that pregnant women are at significant risk for serious flu-related illnesses and complications, which far surpass the risks associated with injectable vaccines. The study confirms existing CDC recommendations for prioritizing pregnant women in flu vaccination.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateOct 29, 2009

Now hear this

Scientists have identified a new type of cell in the inner ear that carries sound signals to the brain, responding only to extremely loud sounds. The discovery sheds light on how the human ear processes sound and may have implications for understanding hearing loss.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature·DateOct 22, 2009

Healing badly damaged lungs: Distinct set of white blood cells found to set the pace of wound repair

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified a distinct set of white blood cells called regulatory T cells that play a crucial role in wound repair after serious lung injury. The study found that these cells can be sped up or slowed down, either aiding or hindering healing in severely damaged lung tissue.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 21, 2009

Antioxidant controls spinal cord development

Researchers at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine discovered that the antioxidant protein Prdx1 controls the activity of GDE2, a critical protein for spinal cord neuron development. The study found that Prdx1 breaks a chemical bond between amino acids in GDE2, activating it to promote motor neuron differentiation.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCell·DateSep 18, 2009

HIV subtype linked to increased likelihood for dementia

A new study by Johns Hopkins researchers reveals that HIV subtype D is associated with a significantly higher likelihood of developing dementia. The study found that nearly all (89%) patients infected with subtype D developed dementia, whereas only about 24% of those infected with subtype A showed signs of the condition.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateAug 28, 2009