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.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified unique characteristics of lung cancer in never-smokers, including exposure to second-hand smoke and radon gas. The guide recommends specific treatments, such as EGFR inhibitors, for patients with genetic mutations.
Johns Hopkins researchers identified a strong genetic alteration associated with the ability to clear hepatitis C without treatment. The study found that people carrying a specific variation of the IL28B gene were more likely to successfully eliminate the virus from their bodies.
Johns Hopkins researchers find two force-sensitive proteins, myosin II and cortexillin I, cooperate to sense cell shape disturbances and resculpt cells for smooth division. This discovery could lead to new targets for diagnosing and treating diseases like cancer.
A study found that daily chlorhexidine bathing can dramatically reduce the risk of deadly bloodstream infections in ICU patients. Chlorhexidine glutonate is a cheap and effective antibacterial agent available for just $6 per bottle or $0.33 per packet.
A Phase I clinical study found that GDC-0449 inhibited the Hedgehog signaling pathway in patients with advanced basal cell skin cancers, with half showing tumor regression. Another patient with medulloblastoma showed significant tumor shrinkage and improvement in symptoms.
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.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Medicine, Duke and Wake Forest suggests that disclosing financial conflicts of interest to research participants may not be sufficient. The study recommends establishing sound policy and practices for disclosure and management of financial interests.
Healthcare patient safety interventions face complexity due to diverse populations and technologies. Guidelines from Johns Hopkins experts suggest prioritizing rare but devastating errors over more frequent systemic problems.
Researchers found that strains of Bacteroides fragilis dupe immune cells into allowing runaway colon tissue inflammation, a precursor to malignant growth. High levels of pStat3 and Th17 activity in infected mice were linked to chronic inflammation and tumor development.
A small study found that 18 children with severe milk allergies could safely consume milk and dairy products, with reactions decreasing over time. Regular exposure to milk was needed to maintain tolerance.
Scientists identify key molecular players responsible for reversion of adult cells into a primordial, stem cell state. By reducing activity of Jak and STAT proteins, researchers found fewer cells to revert back to stem cells, with only 60% regaining their stem cell population.
Scientists discovered that two cancer-promoting genes enable tumor cells to grow and survive under conditions where normal cells die. The KRAS and BRAF mutations allow cancer cells to thrive in environments with limited glucose, which may be used to develop new treatments.
Researchers found stem-like cancer cells that share characteristics with healthy stem cells, including unlimited lifespan and migration properties. These cells were localized in the same tissue location as bladder stem cells and showed increased activity in genes related to cell proliferation and metastasis.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that long-term memory losses and cognitive problems after bypass surgery are caused by coronary artery disease, not the heart-lung machine. Researchers discovered significant cognitive decline in patients with no use of heart-lung devices.
A 7-foot-tall SUDS machine sanitizes hard-to-clean hospital equipment in 30 minutes, removing bacteria and superbugs. The device is effective in reducing infections and saving healthcare dollars by reusing equipment.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified a new type of light-sensitive cell in the retina of fish, which challenges current knowledge about retinal function and image vision. This discovery reveals that horizontal cells, previously thought to be only responsive to neighboring nerve cells, can also sense light.
A new monitoring system developed by Johns Hopkins researchers allows for the non-invasive pinpointing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in mouse lungs, speeding up preclinical testing of TB drugs and vaccines. This innovation enables fewer animals to be used, reducing the need for lengthy and complicated regimens.
A study found that a close caregiver relationship can slow Alzheimer's disease progression by retaining more cognitive function and functional abilities over time. Patients with close caregivers scored better on cognitive tests and retained more of their brain function compared to those without close relationships.
A landmark study finds that treatment with either of two standard antiviral drug therapies is safe and offers the best way for people infected with hepatitis C to prevent liver scarring, organ failure and death. The study showed that treating patients in early or less advanced stages of the disease leads to higher success rates.
A daily supplement of potassium citrate has been found to prevent kidney stones in children on the high-fat ketogenic diet, a common treatment for epilepsy. The study, published in Pediatrics, showed that those who received potassium citrate twice daily were seven times less likely to develop kidney stones.
A study published in Pediatrics found that cardiac medication errors occur more frequently in infants under the age of 1, with 96% of errors being benign. The researchers highlight the need for computerized drug orders with built-in double- and triple-checking mechanisms to reduce dosing errors.
A team of bioethicists is urging the public to engage in open discussions about the research and reproductive use of stem cell-derived gametes. The authors recommend guidelines for the development of these cells, including specific consent requirements and oversight rules.
A new three-way measurement method has been developed to predict disease metastasis in prostate cancer, combining PSA doubling time, Gleason score, and interval between surgery and detectable PSA levels. This improved prediction method may help determine which patients benefit from additional therapy after surgery.
Researchers found the malfunctioning ABCG2 gene can lead to high urate levels, causing inflammation and pain. The gene is responsible for transporting urate out of the kidney and into urine, and its mutation may be linked to 10% of gout cases in Caucasians.
Johns Hopkins researchers have made a breakthrough in editing human stem cells, enabling the development of patient-specific therapies for rare blood diseases like paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH). The team successfully targeted and edited a gene responsible for causing PNH, improving on standard gene targeting technology.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Medicine finds that Roux-en-Y weight loss surgery nearly doubles the risk of developing kidney stones, with an overall risk of around 8 percent. The researchers suggest that doctors can help prevent kidney stones through calcium supplements and other interventions.
Scientists have found that replacing microRNAs in liver cancer cells can be lethal, while leaving healthy cells unaffected. The study used a special delivery virus to introduce the microRNA into mice with liver cancer, resulting in rapid death of tumor cells.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine have discovered that the AMPA receptor protein moves to its destination with the help of the 4.1N protein, forming long-term memories. The study found that 4.1N is required to maintain strong connections between neurons, making memories stick.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have discovered a tiny protein called Rhes responsible for brain cell damage in Huntington's disease. The findings explain the unique pattern of brain damage and offer a strategy for new therapy.
Researchers found that a family-based program reduced symptoms and risk of developing an anxiety disorder among children of anxious parents. Eight weekly sessions of cognitive behavioral therapy significantly minimized psychological damage in these children.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that vestibular dysfunction increases the risk of falls among middle-aged and older Americans. The survey revealed that people with diabetes are more likely to suffer from balance problems, and that balance testing needs to be part of basic primary care.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine have discovered a natural compound that can stop malaria parasite growth, interacting with the parasite's MetAP2 protein. The compound, fumarranol, was found to be less toxic than existing medications and showed promise in treating malaria in mice.
A Hopkins study found critical mistakes in life-saving maneuvers like chest compressions and defibrillations in children undergoing arrests. Hands-on training with simulated arrests improved fledging doctors' performance, while experience was key to success.
Research reveals metformin, a commonly used diabetes drug, works on a basic level to treat type 2 diabetes by regulating glucose production in the liver. The study found that metformin bypasses the communication block between liver and pancreas, mimicking the action of CBP protein.
A team of scientists discovered a genetic modifier, A229T, that increases the risk of retinal degeneration and blindness in patients with ciliary diseases. The study found that this change affects protein interactions critical for retinal function, leading to progressive vision loss.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine identified common genetic changes associated with blood pressure and hypertension, including ATP2B1 and SH2B3. The study may lead to advances in hypertension therapy and the formation of early detection systems.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University found a link between genetic variations in the neuroglobin gene and an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease. The study, published in Neurobiology of Aging, suggests that lower levels of neuroglobin may contribute to the development of Alzheimer's.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins discovered that cell-to-cell contact revs up microRNA production, a key regulator of gene expression. The study found that physical contact is the critical factor influencing microRNA abundance, with increasing cell density leading to increased microRNA production in all tested cell lines.
A study of over 8,000 people found that higher blood levels of folic acid were associated with fewer reported allergies, less wheezing, and a lower likelihood of asthma. The researchers recommend further studies to confirm their results and establish safe doses.
Researchers have identified two potential new targets in the fight against prostate cancer: 'cold shock' proteins that can be turned down through genetic techniques to weaken cancer cells, and higher bone density in men which may increase their risk of developing prostate cancer. Additionally, children with kidney stones are more likel...
A new study reveals that double-lung transplants significantly improve long-term survival rates compared to single lung transplants. The research found that immune system matching and college education also play crucial roles in extending life after lung transplant surgery.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine tracked how prostate cancer began in 33 men, finding a set of genetic defects in a single cell that differ for each person's cancer. The study suggests that common genetic patterns across metastatic sites indicate a single cell source.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Children's Center found that prenatal exposure to maternal antibodies can trigger neurobehavioral changes similar to autism in mouse pups, including increased anxiety and hyperactivity. The study suggests that the immune system may play a key role in some cases of autism.
Researchers studied ICU patients with acute lung injury (ALI) and found that those with greater organ failure and higher benzodiazepine doses were more likely to experience depression after discharge. The study suggests that certain aspects of critical illness and ICU care may contribute to depression.
Proton-pump inhibitor drugs do not stop recurrent attacks in people with the lung disease. Researchers found no benefit from using these medications solely to temper asthma symptoms, even among those with silent acid reflux. The study suggests that these expensive treatments may be unnecessarily prescribed.
A team of researchers has established a compendium of 2,516 potential biomarkers for pancreatic cancer, with over 200 genes shortlisted for further study. The findings provide a strategic approach to early detection and could lead to the development of more accurate diagnostic tests.
Eating two and a half ounces of baby broccoli sprouts daily for two months reduced HpSA levels by over 40% in infected individuals, suggesting potential protection against gastritis, ulcers, and stomach cancer. However, the study did not cure infection or eradicate H. pylori colonization.
A study published in Ophthalmology found that while vision problems are rare among urban preschoolers, nearly 5% require treatment, yet only 1% receive it. Untreated refractive errors can lead to amblyopia and strabismus if left unchecked.
Researchers found that acetylation affects yeast lifespan through the NuA4 enzyme complex, which also controls sugar production in cells. This discovery may have implications for understanding aging and human diseases, as the mechanisms identified are conserved across species.