Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have developed a 3D genomic profiling technique to identify small precancerous lesions in the pancreas, which can lead to aggressive pancreatic cancers. The study provides the most detailed 3D map of precancerous lesions in the human pancreas to date.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine identified a potentially new biological target involving Aplp1, which drives the spread of Parkinson's disease-causing alpha-synuclein. The findings suggest targeting this interaction with drugs could slow Parkinson's disease progression and other neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine build a minimal synthetic cell that responds to external chemical cues, demonstrating symmetry breaking - a vital biological principle. The findings have potential applications in targeted drug delivery and environmental sensing.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine have discovered the mechanism of action of the widely-used epilepsy drug perampanel, which targets the AMPA receptor to dampen brain cell excitability. The study provides new insights into the potential applications of perampanel in treating other neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease,...
Researchers discovered that biochemical bonds between fats and proteins in the mitochondrion play a crucial role in cellular energy production. Introducing mutations into a specific protein-lipid interaction weakened its structure and lowered its function.
Researchers created an artificial lymph node using hyaluronic acid, which connects with T-cells via a cell surface receptor. The noden acted as a learning hub, stimulating T-cells to recognize and kill cancer cells in mice with melanoma and colon cancers.
Researchers developed an AI-driven liquid biopsy to identify lung cancer through DNA fragment patterns in the blood, demonstrating a high negative predictive value of 99.8%. The test could quadruple lung cancer detection rates and prevent thousands of deaths if implemented nationwide.
A Johns Hopkins Children's Center study found that social media use is associated with depression in young adults, but may not be the sole cause. Participants who were more depressed also tended to spend more time on social media, while excessive screen time was linked to lower green space exposure and cannabis use.
A new study published in JAMA suggests that kidneys from deceased donors on dialysis can be safely transplanted into recipients, reducing the pool of available donors. The study found no significant difference in transplant failure or death rates between recipients of kidneys from donors with and without dialysis.
Patients living far from comprehensive cancer centers (CCC) have higher odds of receiving late-stage cancer diagnoses. Non-Hispanic Black patients and those with no insurance also experience disparities in cancer staging. CCCs can improve outcomes by adopting standardized catchment area assessments and sharing patient care information.
A novel therapy has been developed to reprogram macrophage immune cells, shifting their balance toward antitumor activity. The treatment, JHU083, blocks the use of glutamine in tumors, reducing growth and triggering cell death. It also boosts immune-activating macrophages, recruiting tumor-killing T-cells and natural killer cells.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine used genetically engineered mice to study the mechanism of congenital stationary night blindness. The findings demonstrate that a mutation in the rhodopsin gene produces unusual background electrical activity, desensitizing rods and causing poor vision in low-light settings.
Researchers found that specific combinations of interferon proteins, including I, II, and III, are associated with various lupus symptoms like skin rashes, kidney inflammation, and joint pain. Elevated levels of these interferons can lead to severe disease presentations.
Researchers found a correlation between genetic variations in three telomere-related genes and an increased risk of developing papillary thyroid cancer. The study suggests that individuals with these variants may benefit from closer monitoring for secondary cancers, and highlights the role of long telomeres in cancer development.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have charted a molecular pathway that can lure cells down a hazardous path of duplicating their genome too many times, a hallmark of cancer cells. The findings reveal what goes wrong when a group of molecules and enzymes trigger the cell cycle, leading to cancer development.
An experimental monoclonal antibody drug called mAb43 appears to prevent and reverse the onset of clinical type 1 diabetes in mice, lengthening their lifespan. The drug targets insulin-making beta cells directly and shields them from immune system attacks, raising the possibility of a new treatment for the autoimmune condition.
A study by Johns Hopkins Children's Center found that the COVID-19 pandemic caused modest delays in developmental milestones for infants and young children. The researchers analyzed data from over 50,000 children aged 0-5 years and found small decreases in communication, problem-solving, and personal-social skills.
A study found that social stress during adolescence in female mice leads to prolonged cortisol elevation after giving birth, similar to women exposed to adverse early life experiences. The researchers suggest alternative treatments may be more effective for postpartum depression.
Researchers found proteasomes in neurons near the skin that convey sensory signals from the central nervous system. The protein grinds down proteins and helps differentiate between pain and itch sensation.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center have developed a novel antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) therapy that effectively kills T-cell cancers in mice with human T-cell tumors. The treatment targets TRBC1 protein expressed on the surface of cancer cells while preserving normal T cells.
A recent Johns Hopkins Children's Center study reveals a significant negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on youth minority mental health. The research found increased rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts among adolescents in racial and ethnic minorities, with Black females showing a 90.2% increase in suicidal thoughts.
Researchers found that individuals with a single mutated copy of the MUTYH gene have a modest increase in susceptibility to a subset of solid tumors, including adrenal gland cancers and pancreatic islet cell tumors. This suggests that MUTYH variants may be involved in a broader range of cancers than previously known.
A Johns Hopkins Medicine research team found a cell surface protein that senses odors and chemicals may be responsible for the long-known difference in blood pressure between females and males. The study, published in Science Advances, used data from mice and humans to investigate the link between an odor sensor and blood pressure.
A new study from Johns Hopkins Medicine found that circulating tumor DNA levels can accurately assess how gastroesophageal cancers respond to treatment and predict future prognosis. The study tracked minimal residual disease by analyzing ctDNA, showing a correlation between ctDNA clearance and cancer-free survival.
A Johns Hopkins Medicine-led team has developed a fluid biomarker that can detect the early stages of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). The biomarker, HDGFL2, is associated with TDP-43 function loss and can be detected in blood or cerebrospinal fluid samples.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins have developed a novel approach to identify cancer-causing repeats in DNA sequences, enabling non-invasive detection and monitoring of cancers. The ARTEMIS method uses machine learning to analyze cell-free DNA and distinguish between tumor and normal tissues with high accuracy.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have developed a novel approach to target group 3 medulloblastoma tumors in mice, reducing tumor growth by 40-50% and extending survival by up to 84 days. The therapy uses antisense oligonucleotides to block lnc-HLX-2-7 from binding to the HLX promoter region.
Research by Johns Hopkins Medicine suggests that increased stiffness in aging skin contributes to higher rates of melanoma metastasis by stimulating blood vessel growth and making them leaky. Treating older mice with drugs blocking ICAM1 prevented these changes, shrinking tumors and reducing metastasis.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center and University School of Medicine developed an algorithm, REAL-FAST, to identify high-risk precancerous lesions on the fallopian tubes. The test accurately detected cancer 95.8% of the time and correctly ruled out cancer 97.1% of the time.
A new machine learning approach using Alu elements in blood plasma has improved the detection of cancer early by reaching 98.9% specificity. The test can catch 41% more cancer cases than existing biomarkers and is expected to complement other cancer tests.
Researchers found that the SYNGAP1 gene has a dual function in regulating synapses and synaptic plasticity, which may lead to new treatments for children with SYNGAP1 mutations. The study suggests that targeting just one aspect of SynGAP's function is not enough to have a significant impact.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have reported promising results from a clinical trial testing a novel immunotherapy combination to target advanced, potentially lethal skin cancers in kidney transplant patients. Two out of six patients experienced complete tumor regression after adding a second checkpoint inhibitor to the regimen.
A new study reveals distinct transcriptional programs and molecular features in right-sided colon stem cells, which may help explain the differences in colon cancer development. The research also highlights the importance of CDX2 in regulating stem cell differentiation and tumor initiation.
A new strategy used by cancer cells to protect themselves from immune system attack has been identified, and a potential target for immunotherapy has been found. Blocking activin receptor 1C on CD4+ T cells may help prevent the accumulation of immune-suppressing Tregs in tumors and slow tumor growth.
New research led by Johns Hopkins Medicine reveals that age-related changes in fibroblast cells enable pancreatic cancer tumor growth. The study found that older patients have poorer prognoses due to altered proteins released by fibroblasts, which promote cancer cell growth and spread.
A novel three-drug combination of an HDAC inhibitor with two types of immunotherapy achieved a 25% overall response rate and 50% progression-free survival in women with advanced HER2-negative breast cancer. Patients with triple-negative breast cancer had a higher response rate, highlighting the need for further clinical evaluation.
A Johns Hopkins Medicine-led study found rapid antigen tests for detecting SARS-CoV-2 can be used at home with accuracy comparable to clinician-administered tests. The study involved nearly 1,000 patients and showed that self-administered rapid tests rivaled clinician-administered tests in both sensitivity and specificity.
Johns Hopkins researchers have made progress toward developing a blood test to identify disease-associated changes in the brain linked to postpartum depression and other psychiatric disorders. They identified 26 placental mRNAs present in maternal blood only during pregnancy, which reflected changes occurring inside the tissues.
A Johns Hopkins Children's Center study found that cost-driven housing moves, such as evictions and foreclosures, disrupt access to WIC, SNAP, and Medicaid for 21% of children. The study highlights the importance of maintaining safety net benefits for families during times of financial strain.
A combination of two cancer drugs has shown promise in treating malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs), a type of cancer that is notoriously hard to treat. The study found that the combination therapy of SHP2 inhibitors and CDK4/6 inhibitors suppressed tumor growth and triggered cell death in mouse models.
Researchers found an adaptive increase in cerebellum size in fossil vertebrates, enabling powered flight. The study combined PET scans with fossil data, revealing increased brain activity in the cerebellum and optic flow pathways during flight.
Researchers found that intrinsically-photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) use both microvillous and ciliary signaling mechanisms simultaneously. This discovery reveals a new pathway for transmitting light signals to the brain, which may have ancient origins on the evolutionary scale.
A international academic consortium has identified 13 biomarkers that significantly improve the ability to accurately predict cardiovascular disease risk in people with type 2 diabetes. The standout biomarker was N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), which is currently used to monitor heart failure status in patients.
A new study published in Nature Communications found that AI-driven eye exams can close care gaps among racial and ethnic minority youth with diabetes, populations with historically higher rates of diabetic retinopathy. The technology uses cameras to take pictures of the back of the eye without dilation and provides immediate results.
A meta-analysis of 22 studies found that soy isoflavones reduced breast cancer recurrence by 26% and improved survival rates in post-menopausal women. Enterolactone, a compound metabolized from lignans, was also associated with a 28% reduction in breast cancer-specific mortality.
A new study found that patients treated at community cancer centers have poorer survival rates compared to those at academic medical centers. The study analyzed data from over 20,000 patients with HPV-related oropharyngeal squamous cell cancers.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine argue that post-Gender Affirming Surgery (GAS) regret is rarer than believed, citing limited evidence-based studies. They advocate for using scientific data to define and address post-surgical regret in diverse populations.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine has identified teneurin-3 as a key protein for stabilizing the body's circadian rhythms. The protein helps wire the brain during neural development to allow for stable responses to light changes, reducing the impact of disruptions on sleep and other cycles.
Researchers identified key proteins involved in the process, including mTOR and TSC2, which can be targeted to slow or halt disease progression. The study's findings suggest new therapeutic strategies to save dopaminergic neurons and alleviate motor and cognitive symptoms.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified six protein markers that can predict and manage acute kidney injury (AKI), a condition marked by serious inflammation. The study's findings offer hope for non-invasive assessments of AKI, potentially reducing the need for invasive kidney biopsies.