Researchers identified distinct behavioral risk factors for head and neck cancers caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) versus those not caused by HPV. HPV-positive cancers were linked to sexual behaviors and marijuana use, while HPV-negative cancers were associated with tobacco smoking, alcohol use, and poor oral hygiene.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have discovered that Bardet-Biedl syndrome and Meckel-Gruber syndrome share the same molecular underpinnings, suggesting a continuum of one disease. This finding could lead to more accurate diagnoses and improved patient management.
Researchers found that pacemakers not only mechanically correct irregular heartbeats but also produce chemical changes that benefit the heart muscle. Studies in dogs with congestive heart failure showed significant improvements in protein levels and activity, reducing cell death and fibrosis.
Jazz musicians' brains shut off areas linked to self-censoring, turning on those that let self-expression flow. The brain regions responsible for self-expression and novel ideas are activated during improvisation.
A recent study published in the Journal of Neuroimmunology found that mothers of autistic children may produce antibodies against their fetuses' brain tissue, which can cause changes leading to autism. The study suggests an association between maternal antibody production and developmental regression in children with autism.
Research by Johns Hopkins Medicine links Spanish-language TV ads to high rates of Latino children's obesity. Pediatricians advise restricting TV viewing to two hours a day and promoting healthy diets.
Scientists develop micro-scale tool to study how nerve cells in the brain work together, providing insights into growth and signaling molecules. The 'lab on a chip' system helps researchers understand complex interactions between neurons and their environment.
A study from Johns Hopkins Children's Center reveals alarming delays and lapses in emergency care among first-responders during child cardiac arrests, highlighting the importance of rapid response and basic life-saving techniques.
A researcher at Johns Hopkins has led an international effort to compile a massive online encyclopedia of human proteins, dubbed Human Proteinpedia. The platform allows researchers worldwide to contribute and share experimental data, speeding up their work.
A study found that a low-dose regimen of nevirapine significantly reduced the risk of HIV transmission to breast-feeding infants, with a 40% decrease at 6 weeks and 33% decrease at 6 months. The extended-nevirapine regimen is considered safe and shows promise for preventing sexual transmission of HIV.
A recent Johns Hopkins Medicine study suggests that the current standard for heart transplant hospitals may be too lenient. The researchers recommend increasing the benchmark from 10 to 14 heart transplants per year, as high-volume centers consistently show better survival rates and fewer complications.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered that secondhand smoke exposure can weaken lung function in patients with cystic fibrosis. The study found that even a small genetic change can double the negative effects of secondhand smoke on lung function, accelerating reduced lung function and lifespan.
A new study found that combining coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with surgical ventricular restoration (SVR) reduces the likelihood of subsequent heart problems by 24%, compared to 55% for CABG alone. SVR improves heart function, enabling patients to stay active and participate in daily activities without exhaustion.
A modified version of the Atkins diet has been shown to significantly reduce epileptic seizures in adults with epilepsy. The high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet can lead to the production of ketones, which may help control seizures. While side effects were mild, compliance was a challenge for some patients.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine finds that marijuana withdrawal is similar to tobacco withdrawal, with common symptoms like irritability and trouble sleeping. The research suggests that clinicians treating marijuana addiction should consider these effects in their practice.
A panel of genetic markers, derived from a study of Swedish men, has been identified as common causes of hereditary prostate cancer. These markers, combined with family history, increase the risk of the disease by nearly nine times, accounting for nearly half of all cases in this population.
A large comparison of blood samples found Toxoplasma gondii parasite infection may increase schizophrenia risk in people diagnosed with the disorder. People exposed to toxoplasma had a 24% higher risk of developing schizophrenia.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that lingering doubts and fears among African Americans are major obstacles to their participation in medical research. Blacks were only 60% as likely as whites to participate in a mock study, highlighting the need for improved communication and mutual respect between patients and physicians.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center found that cancer stem cells in multiple myeloma share properties with normal stem cells and exhibit resistance to chemotherapy. These cells contain high levels of enzymes that neutralize toxins, making them harder to treat.
A new questionnaire tool was developed to assess the informed consent process in clinical trials. The tool aimed to educate potential participants on the risks and benefits of taking part in research. However, the results showed that the tool did not improve informed consent in this experiment. Despite this, the study's findings provid...
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have created a three-dimensional picture of the PIK3CA enzyme, often mutated in various cancers. The study reveals how mutations affect the enzyme's activity and interactions with other proteins.
Researchers found that extra copies of a particular gene can repress tumor growth, while missing a copy enhances tumor growth. Mice with three copies of the gene had fewer tumors than those with two copies, while mice with one copy developed more tumors.
A Johns Hopkins study finds activating a specific protein on immune cells can reduce allergic reactions and asthma attacks. By targeting this protein, researchers hope to develop new treatments for allergies.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center have developed a new saliva test that accurately detects head and neck cancer in 42.9% of patients, ruling out the disease in 81.9% of healthy individuals. The test uses genetic signatures common to the disease and holds promise for screening high-risk populations.
A Johns Hopkins study found that morbidly obese patients wait a median of five years on the transplant waiting list, while normal-weight patients wait two years less. The researchers argue that being overweight should not be a disqualifying factor for transplantation and call for guidelines to treat equally.
Researchers have found that rifapentine, an older antibiotic, is a potent treatment for tuberculosis when used at high doses. Clinical trials are underway to test its effectiveness in reducing treatment time from six months to three months or less.
A new study from Johns Hopkins Medicine finds that rapid diagnosis and treatment of pain syndromes leads to better outcomes for soldiers. The study shows that establishing pain treatment centers in combat areas can dramatically increase troop levels and military success.
A team of researchers has found that current computer programs can miss up to 60% of regulatory DNA regions, which contribute to inherited diseases like Parkinson's and mental disorders. The study used a novel approach to identify functional DNA sequences in zebrafish embryos, uncovering 17 discrete DNA segments with regulatory potential.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered that epigenetic changes in gene activation can lead to cancer development, and found a way to block the 'addiction' to growth factors, preventing cancer growth. The study shows that blocking this response can greatly reduce precancerous lesions in animals.
A research team has discovered that the Myc protein can suppress the production of at least 13 microRNAs in cancer cells. Reintroducing these repressed miRNAs into Myc-containing cancer cells suppressed tumor growth in mice, suggesting a potential gene therapy approach for certain cancers.
Researchers found that brief mock trauma drills and refreshers significantly improved ER staff's performance on crucial tasks for child resuscitation. Improvements were seen in weight estimation, head examinations, IV placement, antiseizure medication ordering, and preparation for transport.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine reveals a subset of adult brain cells that can exhibit dynamic behavior, including elongation and morphing, unlike traditional adult axons. This discovery opens up new avenues for understanding neural recovery following stroke or other brain trauma.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that heart transplant recipients who receive commonly used blood-vessel-opening drugs can achieve similar survival rates as those without high pressure. The study of 10,331 patients showed a reduced survival rate for those who did not respond to therapy. These findings bring new hope to hundr...
A definitive study reveals that placing automated external defibrillators in public spaces can save up to 522 lives annually in the US and Canada. The widespread deployment of battery-powered devices has been shown to more than double survival rates among victims of sudden cardiac death.
A study suggests that urban children with asthma, even mild cases, require more frequent check-ups than current guidelines recommend. This is due to unpredictable symptoms that can worsen over time, especially in inner-city kids.
Researchers found that people with high blood pressure or atrial fibrillation progress more rapidly with Alzheimer's disease. Treating these conditions may also slow memory loss in AD patients.
New research from Johns Hopkins Medicine reveals that advanced CT scans can accurately detect blockages in heart arteries, with a reliability rate of 90% matching those of invasive catheterization. The technology has the potential to improve early detection and treatment of coronary artery disease, saving lives and preventing heart att...
Researchers found that each year as people age, the time it takes for their heart muscles to squeeze and relax grows longer. The actual amount of blood pumped out by the heart fell by 8 milliliters per year. This decline occurred despite an increase in another standard measure of heart function.
Researchers found that support cells in developing ears show robust electrical activity similar to nerve cells, which helps explain how the auditory system generates brain activity without sound. This discovery may also contribute to tinnitus and sounds perceived from nowhere.
A study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that only 40% of heart attack patients received recommended aspirin therapy, and 69% of pneumonia patients got recommended antibiotics, highlighting racial, geographic, and financial disparities in access to care.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that brothers are at a higher risk of developing heart disease than sisters, with a 20% increased risk within 10 years if any sibling has a heart attack. The younger the age of the sibling who develops heart disease, the greater the risk for other family members.
A study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that doctors' opinions on critical lab values vary greatly depending on their experience. More experienced doctors tend to ignore certain abnormal results, while less experienced doctors prefer to err on the side of caution.
Men with bladder exstrophy report more robust sexual lives than women, with two-thirds of women experiencing moderate to severe dissatisfaction. Researchers aim to tweak surgical techniques to prevent sexual dysfunction in women.
A study by Johns Hopkins surgeons found that newborns with uncomplicated gastroschisis have varying survival rates depending on the hospital, with some having death rates three to five times higher than the national average. The researchers compared mortality rates among 1,775 infants born with the condition in 40 US hospitals.
Researchers found that most young women with complete androgen insensitivity syndrome choose not to have vaginal surgery, which is often believed to be necessary for sexual activity. In fact, 80% of those who did not undergo surgery were still sexually active, similar to those who had the procedure.
Researchers found no real difference in quality-of-life reports between children with bladder abnormalities and healthy children, suggesting a need for fine-tuning existing quality-of-life screens. Children with chronic urological conditions scored higher than healthy children in certain areas, indicating potential adaptability.
Scientists have discovered that tiny hair-like cell structures known as cilia are essential for our sense of touch. The study found that mice lacking functional cilia responded more slowly to physical sensations, and patients with inherited conditions affecting cilia also had different sensation thresholds.
A team of Johns Hopkins scientists found that topical application of broccoli sprout-derived extract can protect human skin against UV radiation-induced damage. The extract works by boosting protective enzymes in cells, providing long-lasting protection even after the extract is removed from the skin.
A study in India suggests that simply informing the poor about government-provided health, educational, and social services they are entitled to can lead to increased access. The research team found a 30% increase in prenatal exams, vaccinations, and village council meetings among villages with informational town meetings.
Researchers used optical coherence tomography (OCT) to scan retinal nerve fibers, finding correlations with brain MRI scans and suggesting an inexpensive alternative for tracking MS. OCT scans can detect early optic nerve damage, potentially identifying MS before brain damage occurs.