Researchers found that treatment with BH4 stabilizes the pumping function of failing hearts and dramatically shrinks muscle size in a short timeframe. The study's findings offer proof of principle that damage to the heart can be stopped and reversed, providing a potential therapy for high blood pressure.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have discovered a link between the BACE1 enzyme and schizophrenia-like behaviors in mice lacking this enzyme. The study found that these mice exhibited deficits in social recognition and other schizophrenia-like traits, which improved with treatment with antipsychotic drug clozapine.
In a developing nervous system, peripheral nerve cells compete for NGF availability, with stronger connections surviving while weaker ones die. Target tissues release NGF protein, which changes from a growth cue to a survival factor, ultimately determining cell fate.
Researchers found a strong link between severe overweight and prolonged inflammation of the heart tissue, leading to heart failure. Inflammation also plays a key role in metabolic syndrome, increasing the risk of heart disease and diabetes.
Researchers found that Paranthropus boisei's teeth showed little pitting indicative of eating hard foods, suggesting a more general diet than previously thought. This challenges the idea that their anatomy was specialized for a specific diet.
Researchers discovered that viral agents can kick-start the body's immune response in the moist nasal lining, leading to inflammation and symptoms like sneezing and congestion. This understanding may lead to new therapies to block the triggering reactions for sinusitis and asthma.
Research by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that African-American patients with chronic kidney disease continue to lose kidney function despite strict blood pressure control. The study suggests that treating CKD in this population may require a more comprehensive approach, considering other factors beyond just blood pressure.
The study found that endothelin, a protein regulating blood pressure, directs nerve cell growth along specific blood vessel branches. In mice, nerve cells grown near endothelin-soaked beads or in the absence of endothelin failed to grow towards those areas.
A new study found that potential research participants are mostly indifferent to financial disclosures from researchers, but trust decreases when the researcher owns company stock. The study suggests that clearer guidelines for disclosing acceptable financial interests are needed to inform potential study participants.
A large-scale study has found a specific gene variant that increases the risk of lung cancer. The researchers also discovered a connection between this gene and nicotine dependence, as well as smoking behavior.
A new study found that brief, high doses of folate in rats reduced muscle tissue damage and scarred areas after a heart attack. Researchers believe folate acts as an energy reserve for the heart, providing needed energy during a blocked artery.
A large multicenter study suggests new genetic markers for Crohn's disease, specifically affecting the Ashkenazi Jewish population. The study found evidence of genes causing familial Crohn's Disease on chromosomes 1 and 3, as well as a previously unidentified region on chromosome 13.
Researchers have discovered 53 million-year-old rabbit's foot bones that predates the oldest previously known rabbits by several million years. The fossils found in west-central India show advanced rabbit-like features and extend the record of rabbits on the Indian subcontinent by 35 million years.
Scientists have discovered specific methylation patterns in tumors and tissue that can predict which lung cancers are more likely to recur. These patterns could lead to reclassifying small lung cancers as advanced disease, allowing for more aggressive treatment options.
A study published in JAMA found that individuals who received monthly tips from trained counselors regained less weight than those using a custom-built weight-loss Web site or self-directed approach. The average weight regain was 9 pounds for the counseling group, compared to 12 pounds for both the web site and self-directed groups.
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.