Researchers found that expressing mutant DISC1 during prenatal periods, postnatal periods, or both led to distinct brain alterations and behaviors resembling schizophrenia or mood disorders. The study suggests that manipulating DISC1 expression timing may help develop new therapies for psychiatric disorders.
Researchers found that people who quit smoking have a 70% increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the first six years without cigarettes compared to non-smokers. Weight gain after quitting is suspected to be the cause of this increased risk, which returns to normal after 10 years.
A new ALS drug, talampanel, has shown some ability to slow the loss of major daily life activities such as speaking, walking and dressing. The study found that talampanel slowed progression of ALS by 30 percent, according to the ALS Functional Rating Scale.
Researchers used a classic staining method to observe how semaphorin regulates the creation of synapses and their distribution in the brain involved in conscious thought. The discovery could have an impact on understanding early origins of neurological disorders like autism, schizophrenia, and epilepsy.
Researchers found that injecting triamcinolone into the eye may slow proliferative diabetic retinopathy progression, but not macular edema. Steroid treatments reduced the risk of retinopathy progression without significantly improving vision outcomes.
Researchers identified a link between Sec24b and Vangl2 genes in mouse spinal cord development, which may lead to new research on all spinal defects. The discovery opens doors for investigating the root of spinal cord defects in humans.
Researchers identified a family of proteins called Mrgprs that functions as itch receptors in a rare subset of nerve cells. The study found that MrgprA3 is the primary itch receptor for chloroquine, leading to potential new treatments for nonallergic itch.
A Johns Hopkins-led study finds that while the US has more accessible high-priced cancer drugs, many patients in both countries face financial obstacles due to high out-of-pocket costs. The UK system is considered fairer, but both nations struggle with rationing and end-of-life care decisions.
Researchers propose that gene variants contribute to heterogeneity in populations, giving generations more opportunity to survive in a fluctuating environment. This idea may help explain the presence of common diseases and how organisms adapt quickly enough to environmental change.
A phase I/II study at Johns Hopkins Medicine has shown that mini stem cell transplantation can safely reverse severe sickle cell disease in nine out of ten patients. The procedure, which uses intravenous transplants of blood-forming stem cells from healthy donors, promotes the coexistence of host and donor cells.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have developed therapies using gene therapy and stem cells to increase blood flow, improve movement, and decrease tissue death. The findings hold promise for developing clinical therapies to save limbs from amputation.
Research from Johns Hopkins Children's Center found that children with sickle cell disease who contract H1N1 virus are three times more likely to develop acute chest syndrome and five times more likely to need ICU care. The study highlights the need for these children to be included in flu vaccination lists.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have discovered a protein called Twist that accurately distinguishes stem cells driving aggressive breast cancer from other cancer cells. The protein's presence alone can flag a tumor cell as a breast cancer stem cell, suggesting new potential for early detection and treatment strategies.
Researchers found that stem cells from flies lacking SOCS protein had more integrin, allowing them to stick to the niche better than neighboring germline stem cells. This model can be applied to other stem cell niches such as cancer, where cancer stem cells become a danger when they become sticky.
A recent study by Johns Hopkins scientists suggests that repeated ecstasy use significantly raises the risk of developing sleep apnea in otherwise healthy young adults. The researchers found that the more participants had used MDMA in the past, the more severe their apnea was likely to be.
A study published in Pediatrics found that educational home visits can significantly improve asthma control in children, leading to fewer hospitalizations and reduced symptoms. The research suggests that providing regular asthma education and support can go a long way in managing the condition.
A recent study published in Academic Medicine found that medical students are commonly stuck by needles and often fail to report the injuries. The survey also showed that many medical students were reluctant to report their own safety concerns due to fears about clinical evaluations or time involved in making a report.
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.
A recent study by Johns Hopkins Medicine suggests that burned-out and depressed surgeons are more likely to report major medical errors. The research found a significant association between burnout, depression, and self-reported medical errors, highlighting the need for better support for surgeons struggling with mental health.
A study found that nearly 40% of children with chronic kidney disease have masked hypertension, which increases the risk of heart problems. Children with masked hypertension are four times more likely to develop left ventricular hypertrophy, a common consequence of untreated hypertension.
Researchers developed sugar-coated polymer strands that selectively kill off cells involved in triggering aggressive allergy and asthma attacks. The treatment targets specific immune cells, showing promise as a new weapon against life-endangering conditions.
Researchers found that children whose mothers had more depressive symptoms experienced more frequent asthma symptoms, while those with fewer depressive symptoms had less frequent symptoms. The study suggests maternal depression is an independent risk factor for childhood asthma symptoms.
A new study from Johns Hopkins Medicine found that extended-release niacin, a B vitamin, offers no extra benefits when combined with traditional cholesterol-lowering therapy in seniors already diagnosed with coronary artery disease. Blood cholesterol levels improved, but arteries did not show significant changes.
A comprehensive program at Johns Hopkins has reduced the need for emergency airway surgery by 67% by providing a standardized cart with essential supplies and training staff on its use. The program's success story highlights the importance of organization and teamwork in improving patient outcomes.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that migraine headaches are associated with more than two-fold higher chances of ischemic stroke. Women with migraines have a particularly high risk, with a 2.9 times higher risk compared to men.
Researchers halted a key study on the benefits of combining extended-release niacin with statin medications to prevent blood vessel narrowing. The study showed that prescribed niacin worked better in combination with a statin than another double-cholesterol-lowering drug combo, reducing carotid arterial wall thickness.
A study of 2,234 initially healthy men and women found no adverse effects from brief episodes of exercise-induced ventricular tachycardia. Regular exercise is still recommended for overall heart health without restrictions.
Researchers have identified desmin protein changes in heart muscle cells that strengthen the link between Alzheimer's disease and chronic heart failure. The study found that misshaped desmin proteins and amyloid-like debris are present in both heart tissue and brain tissue of Alzheimer's patients, suggesting a common underlying cause.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins found that vitamin D deficiency amplifies the negative effects of low estrogen levels on heart health and bones. Men with low vitamin D and estrogen levels were more likely to develop osteopenia and cardiovascular diseases.
A new study from Johns Hopkins Medicine suggests that young athletes should undergo both EKG and echocardiogram screenings to detect early signs of life-threatening heart defects. Abnormal findings were discovered in 36 athletes, highlighting the importance of comprehensive screening programs.
A study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that only 13% of service members with back pain returned to duty, despite treatment. The low success rate is attributed to psychosocial factors and the limited availability of pain management options in war zones.
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.
Researchers have detected distinct molecular disparities between induced pluripotent stem cells and their parental cells, including differences in epigenetic signatures. These findings provide new insights into the fundamental nature of stem cells and may inform therapeutic applications.
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.
Researchers found that men with lower cholesterol levels had a 59% lower risk of developing high-grade prostate cancers, which tend to grow and spread rapidly. The study suggests that targeting cholesterol metabolism may be one route to treating and preventing the disease.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that palmitate marks NMDA receptors for activation, strengthening long-term memory circuits. This reversible process offers possibilities for manipulating memory, potentially enhancing or erasing it.
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.
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.
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.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that uninsured children were 60% more likely to die in the hospital than those with insurance. Researchers estimate that thousands of children may have been saved if they had health coverage, highlighting the need for healthcare reform.
Bioethicists at Johns Hopkins University pose questions about the moral status of embryos created from induced pluripotent stem cells. The researchers advocate for clear ethical oversight to address concerns about the scientific achievement.
Muscle weakness is a common side effect of long stays in intensive care units, increasing mortality rates and prolonging hospital stays. New classification scheme proposed by researchers helps identify treatable complications acquired in ICUs.
Scientists found a newly discovered gene, KIAA1212, linking to schizophrenia and autism susceptibility genes. They successfully 'rescued' damaged brain cells using rapamycin, a drug acting on mTOR protein.
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.
A new study by Johns Hopkins researchers suggests that physicians have less respect for obese patients, with higher BMI associated with lower levels of respect. The findings raise questions about whether physician attitudes towards obesity impact patient care and health outcomes.
A Johns Hopkins study found that Hispanic children diagnosed with brain tumors receive specialized care at one-third the rate of other children, despite efforts to equalize access. The research highlights persistent gaps in care among certain patients and raises concerns about the future impact on this growing demographic.
The Johns Hopkins Center for the Epigenetics of Common Human Disease has been awarded a $16.8 million NIH grant to advance genomics research. The team will focus on studying epigenetics' role in diseases such as bipolar disorder, aging, and autism.
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.
Critically ill patients in ICUs can benefit from mild physical therapy exercises to reduce muscle wasting and promote recovery. The new approach involves introducing muscle-strengthening exercises early into treatment plans, with patients exercising while on ventilators and other life-support equipment.
A small study of 101 patients found that a one-minute eye movement exam performed at the bedside worked better than an MRI to distinguish new strokes from other less serious disorders. The quick and low-cost test caught more strokes than the current gold standard, suggesting a way to improve care and avoid high costs.