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.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that demethylation, the removal of chemical bonds from cancer-promoting genes, can trigger more than half of all cancers. Demethylating drugs used to treat some cancers may actually cause new cancers as a side effect, warns Dr. Joseph Califano.
Researchers have identified 10 common variants of genes that modify the timing of heart contraction, known as the QT interval. These genetic variations are associated with an increased risk of sudden cardiac death, which claims over a quarter million Americans annually.
Researchers estimate that around 6.5 million older adults with low cholesterol and high C-reactive protein levels might benefit from statin therapy to prevent cardiovascular events. Expanding prescribing criteria to include CRP levels could potentially prevent thousands of heart attacks, strokes, and deaths each year.
A new study using a seaweed-based capsule and firefly-inspired bioluminescent agents successfully delivered therapeutic stem cells to treat peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in rabbits. The breakthrough could pave the way for targeted stem cell treatments for patients with PAD, which affects millions of Americans.
Scientists have discovered a key to eye development - a protein called Pias3 that promotes rod cell formation and suppresses cone cell development. This breakthrough could lead to new treatment options for blinding conditions such as macular degeneration.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine used genome scanning to locate a mutation in the PALB2 gene, responsible for initiating hereditary pancreatic cancer. The discovery highlights the value of personalized genome sequencing in identifying disease-causing mutations.
A Johns Hopkins study found that older men with PSA levels less than 3 nanograms per milliliter are unlikely to die of or experience aggressive prostate cancer. This suggests that routine PSA testing may be unnecessary for some older men, potentially reducing costs and morbidity.
A multicenter study led by Johns Hopkins shows that an experimental clot-busting treatment can increase survival rates and improve function in patients with intracranial hemorrhage, a lethal form of stroke. After six months, about 10% had no lingering disability and 40% were independently caring for themselves.
Scientists have identified two gene mutations, IDH1 and IDH2, linked to nearly three-quarters of gliomas, a type of brain cancer. These mutations are associated with longer survival rates in patients with certain types of gliomas. Further research may lead to more precise diagnoses and treatments.
A new review by Johns Hopkins scientists highlights the importance of platelets in organ transplant rejection, revealing their role in driving inflammatory responses. This research could lead to the development of new strategies using drugs or other means to keep platelets quiet and non-inflammatory.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins University have discovered how the Myc cancer-promoting gene uses microRNAs to control glutamine, a major energy source for cancer cells. This finding may lead to identifying new pathways to target for designing drugs with fewer side effects.
A Johns Hopkins study reveals that volunteering in grade schools increases physical activity in older black women, which remains high for at least three years. The study suggests that volunteer programs can be a win-win for both the elderly and the community, promoting intergenerational social connections.
Researchers identified three genetic variants associated with delusions in people with schizophrenia, located within the neuregulin 3 gene on chromosome 10. The study suggests that this gene may contribute to the development of delusions and other symptoms of the condition.
A survey of tenure-track physicians at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine found that awareness and sensitivity to racial and ethnic diversity are poor among faculty, particularly those from underrepresented minorities. The study suggests that enhancing diversity remains a challenge for medical schools.
Researchers discovered clofazimine's potential to treat autoimmune diseases by inhibiting the Kv1.3 potassium channel. The findings suggest a new approach to treating conditions like multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, and type 1 diabetes.