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.
Researchers mapped the human genome for breast and colon cancers, finding that most cancer-causing gene mutations are diverse and vary from person to person. The study suggests that personalized medicine may focus on complex pathways linking less-commonly mutated genes.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine have developed a novel way to fight colorectal cancer using tiny molecules to deliver potent radiation inside cancer cells. The new system proved able to specifically target colon cancer cells, reducing unwanted side effects.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that a hormone released during emotional arousal 'primes' nerve cells to remember events by increasing their chemical sensitivity. This process, known as the 'priming effect,' enhances the sculpting of memories into long-term storage.
Researchers have discovered that cilia, tiny organelles on cell surfaces, transmit instructions that shape body tissues. Defective ciliary function disrupts the balance of Wnt signaling, leading to developmental errors and childhood diseases.
A study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that standard androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer may increase the production of nestin, a protein that promotes cell migration and metastasis. The therapy is effective in slowing tumor growth but may inadvertently encourage cancer cells to spread throughout the body.
Researchers found a link between high-normal uric acid levels and mini strokes, which may contribute to mental decline in aging adults. High-UA levels were associated with increased volumes of white matter hyperintensities in the brain.
A recent study published in Cell describes a chemical chain reaction, known as the Hippo pathway, that controls organ growth and may contribute to cancer. The researchers found that this pathway is altered in 20-30% of human cancer cells, suggesting a potential new target for cancer therapy.
A new antibiotic combination could dramatically shorten TB treatment time from six months to four months, with a cure rate increasing by 17 percent after two months of therapy. Researchers say the shorter treatment period may also reduce transmission and improve drug compliance.
The Johns Hopkins Institute for Clinical and Translational Research (ICTR) aims to speed up the translation of promising research from labs to clinics and eventually to communities. The ICTR will support over 100 faculty members across various schools, enabling them to form relationships with outside organizations and partner with heal...
A Johns Hopkins study found that vitamin C and other antioxidants can inhibit the growth of some tumors in mice, but not by preventing DNA damage. Instead, they may stabilize a tumor's ability to grow under oxygen-starved conditions by disrupting a protein called HIF-1.
A mouse model for schizophrenia has been developed, allowing researchers to turn the mutated DISC-1 gene on or off at will. The study showed significant behavioral changes in male mice, including increased activity and aggression, as well as memory difficulties in females.
A new study by Hopkins researchers reveals that the DISC1 protein plays a critical role in guiding newly made nerve cells into the brain's neural network, allowing them to integrate seamlessly. Abnormalities in this process may contribute to psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia.
A review of quality improvement curricula suggests that QI projects may not necessarily improve patient outcomes. However, programs that provide ongoing access to performance data, teach small steps of trial and error, and offer active guidance from QI experts can lead to more positive patient outcomes.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have developed a new method to eliminate viruses from blood using low-power lasers. The technique selectively targets and destroys viruses while preserving normal human cells.
Researchers developed a blood-flow detector software to track changes in brain blood flow in real-time, showing promise in preventing brain damage and death. The system is designed for children with head injuries, offering potential lifesaving benefits.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center have identified a genetic signature associated with aggressive melanomas. The study found that certain genes are linked to an aggressive profile, which could be used to predict patient outcomes and develop tailored therapies.
A Johns Hopkins study shows an experimental compound called cyclopamine successfully kills cancer stem cells that fuel tumor growth and help cancers evade drug and radiation therapy. The study provides evidence for a potential new therapy for glioblastoma, a deadly brain cancer.
A 2004 outbreak of Norwalk virus at The Johns Hopkins Hospital resulted in estimated $650,000 in total hospital costs. Strict precautions taken to control the outbreak included isolating infected units, implementing strict hand hygiene and thorough cleaning protocols.
A recent study discovered that mice lacking the protein myostatin and overproducing follistatin have four times more muscle mass than normal mice. This finding offers new avenues for enhancing muscle growth in patients with muscular dystrophy and other wasting diseases.
Researchers identified a protein signal that prevents neural stem cells from becoming neurons, shedding light on the maturation process of stem cells. The discovery could simplify stem cell isolation and potentially have implications for treating nervous system damage.
Johns Hopkins researchers have solved the long-standing puzzle of how bacteria produce the B vitamin folate, uncovering an unknown enzyme that plays a crucial role in the process. The discovery sheds light on potential antibacterial drug targets and could lead to new therapeutic options.
Researchers have discovered that sulforaphane can prevent severe blistering and skin breakage associated with the rare genetic disease EBS. The study, funded by various organizations, found marked improvement in treated mice, suggesting a potential therapeutic for this condition.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have found that the UDG enzyme searches for genetic damage by trying on DNA building blocks like a puzzle, holding onto mistakes and leaving correct ones in line. The discovery may help address how diseases like cancer arise in the genome.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine developed an electrical device that partly restores damaged sense of balance in animals. The multichannel vestibular prosthesis mimics inner ear function and can measure head rotation in all directions, partially regaining vision-stabilizing reflexes in tested chinchillas.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified key signs of appendicitis in children, including rebound tenderness, abdominal pain around the belly button, and elevated white blood cell count. These signs can help doctors narrow down the diagnosis and decide whether to schedule an emergency surgery or wait for further evaluation.
A survey of 131 medical residents found that they scored poorly in diagnosing and managing tuberculosis, with a median score of just 55 percent. Despite this, most residents understood the main facts about how the disease is transmitted, highlighting the need for improved training in outpatient settings.
The Bipolar Disorder Phenome Database offers a comprehensive resource for researchers to identify genes linked to bipolar disorder, utilizing over 5,000 patients' clinical data and DNA samples. This database complements existing genetic data and enables researchers to correlate specific symptoms with genetic material.
Researchers created a genetically engineered mouse that models both anatomical and behavioral defects of schizophrenia, a complex brain disorder. The new mouse is based on a genetic change in the DISC1 gene, which affects nerve cell function, and shows characteristic defects in brain structure and behavior.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have developed a new technique to track and protect transplanted insulin-producing cells in a diabetic animal model. The method uses magnetic capsules to encapsulate the cells, avoiding immune rejection and allowing for successful long-term function.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that metformin, a widely used diabetes medication, offers distinct advantages over nine other medications in controlling blood sugar levels, weight gain, and bad cholesterol levels. The medication was also found to be less expensive than newer options, with annual treatment costs averaging $100.
A Johns Hopkins study found that many Baltimore inner-city homes lack essential safety devices, putting infants and toddlers at risk of fires, falls, and poisoning. The study highlights the need for improved home safety measures, including stair-blocking gates, fire detectors, and medication storage, to protect young children.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have discovered a new biochemical mechanism for memory storage, involving persistent changes in slow nerve currents. The discovery may also link memory and addiction, with potential implications for treating conditions such as epilepsy and diseases of memory.
Scientists have identified a specific pathway, reactive-oxygen species (ROS), that allows cancer cells to evade the immune system. By targeting this pathway, researchers hope to develop new therapies that can break through the 'escape hatch' and accelerate or slow down T-cell activity.
A study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that neutral genetic drift contributed significantly to the human genome, with mitochondrial DNA elements accumulating and spreading across populations. The study suggests these neutral elements had little impact on human health and fitness.
A survey of 700 surgical residents found that over half failed to report needle-stick injuries involving patients with bloodborne pathogens. Residents claim they are too busy or fear disrupting their work, but early reporting can prevent infection in up to 90% cases.