Researchers have compiled genetic information on over 1,000 patients and controls in the largest-scale search for genes underlying sporadic ALS. The study aims to clarify the role of genes or lack thereof in the disease, with potential implications for therapies and a cure.
A team of researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine has discovered a natural toxin, PAR-polymer, responsible for most tissue and organ damage after a period of blood oxygen loss followed by restored blood flow. The toxin triggers cell death through a process called parthanatos, which can be prevented with potential new treatments.
Genetically-modified bacteria Clostridium novyi-NT have shown promise in treating cancer by selectively killing tumor cells while sparing normal cells. The combination of bacterial therapy and chemotherapy has demonstrated significant tumor-killing effects, with over two-thirds of mice cured permanently.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have invented two new gene 'chip' technologies to identify disease-causing mutations in the human genome. The TIP-chip can locate transposable elements that disrupt normal gene function, while a second chip contains twice as much genetic information, enabling faster and cheaper experiments.
A study found that eating small amounts of dark chocolate daily can decrease the tendency of platelets to clot in narrow blood vessels, reducing heart attack risk. Researchers analyzed blood samples from 139 'chocolate offenders' who were excluded from a larger aspirin study and found them to be less reactive than those who abstained.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have successfully grown and implanted adult pig stem cells to repair damaged heart tissue after a lab-induced heart attack. The study demonstrates proof of principle for using cardiac stem cell therapy to regenerate infarcted heart muscle and restore heart cell function.
Researchers have developed a fast and accurate test to track slowed blood flow in dogs, detecting early signs of blocked arteries. The 64-slice CT scanner can replace traditional tests like exercise stress testing and echocardiograms, providing a safe and non-invasive method to diagnose coronary disease.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have discovered that a brain protein called Arc controls how brain cells learn and associate behaviors, leading to improved long-term memory. The study also sheds light on the mechanisms behind certain addictive behaviors, such as drug addiction.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center found overproduction of myosin VI in prostate tumor cells and precancerous lesions. Silencing myosin VI in lab studies reduced cell invasion, suggesting its critical role in starting and maintaining malignant properties of most human prostate cancers.
Researchers found that a man's PSA velocity, or rate of increase in PSA levels, can accurately predict tumor aggression and danger. Men with lower PSA velocity have a 92% chance of not dying from prostate cancer within 25 years.
An international team of researchers has identified a novel gene mutation linked to Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, which may offer a new pathway for tracking the disease process and potential drug treatments.
A new study finds methylphenidate, a widely prescribed ADHD drug, to be safe and effective in preschoolers when used at low doses. However, younger children may experience slower growth rates and side effects such as irritability and weight loss.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have shown that transplanting human stem cells into spinal cords of rats bred to duplicate Lou Gehrig's disease delays the start of nerve cell damage typical of the disease and slightly prolongs life. The transplanted stem cells develop into nerve cells that make substantial connections with existing nerves.
Scientists have begun a clinical safety trial in Africa to test the first vaccine to prevent HIV transmission from mothers to children through breastfeeding. The ALVAC-HIV vaccine, which has shown promise in monkeys and adult studies, aims to develop immunity in infants, preventing up to 8,000 infections per year in Uganda's children.
Scientists have mapped a common form of Fuchs corneal dystrophy to chromosome 18, shedding light on its genetic origins. The discovery has implications for developing gene therapies to treat the condition.
A new approach uses mouse tests to predict which chemotherapy drugs work best for each patient, offering a promising way to individualize therapy earlier in treatment. The method involves implanting tiny bits of patient tumor into mice, allowing researchers to test multiple drugs simultaneously.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have found that lung cancer cells exploit the NRF2 gene to detoxify chemicals, including chemotherapy agents, rendering them ineffective. This discovery may lead to new treatment strategies by blocking NRF2 activity, potentially improving standard chemotherapy drug efficacy.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified a critical protein player in cell communication, which controls calcium flow into cells. This finding sheds new light on the rare cognitive disorder Williams-Beuren syndrome, associated with overly social behavior and spatial learning defects.
Researchers developed a DNA-based vaccine to protect against ragweed allergies, showing a 60% reduction in symptoms. The vaccine works by suppressing acute reactions and helping the body regulate chronic inflammation.
A Hopkins study reveals that T lymphocytes, part of the immune system, play a dual role in organ damage after transplantation. While they produce toxic chemicals that contribute to IRI, they also appear to protect transplanted kidneys from damage. The findings could lead to new strategies for preventing or rapidly treating IRI.
Researchers discovered that fruit flies missing the Gr66a protein consume caffeine as if it were not bitter due to their inability to detect its taste. This finding sheds light on how animals perceive bitterness and has implications for understanding caffeine-induced behavior in other organisms, including humans.
In a study led by Johns Hopkins Medicine, researchers discovered that patients with chronic sinusitis who failed to respond to treatment had severely decreased immune function and lower production of key proteins. The findings suggest new treatment targets for this condition affecting an estimated 32 million Americans.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found a link between mild anemia and impaired thinking in elderly women. Those with anemia were four to five times more likely to perform poorly on executive function tests, compared to those with normal blood hemoglobin.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center have identified close to 200 mutated genes linked to breast and colon cancer. The genetic code reveals distinct pathways for the development of each cancer type, with some genes crucial for tumor formation. The findings provide a foundation for future comprehensive genetic studies.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified four mutations in the Desmoglein-2 gene as a significant contributor to arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia (ARVD), a condition that causes sudden cardiac death in young athletes. The findings should increase the accuracy of tests to identify those at risk for ARVD.
Researchers found that a gene for an anti-insect enzyme is up to 250 times more active in people with severe sinus inflammation. The enzyme's presence was linked to chronic sinusitis, which affects an estimated 32 million Americans.
A Hopkins-led study of over 600 people and their families found that siblings, parents, or children of those diagnosed with chronic severe unipolar depression before age 31 have a 2.52-to-1 chance of also having the disorder. This suggests the value of searching for contributory genes.
Johns Hopkins researchers have created an online tool to help advance the search for causes and treatment of rare illnesses, known as 'orphan diseases'. The new database consolidates knowledge on genes contributing to cilia operations in the body, shedding light on their role in various common disorders.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins have identified a previously unknown way the trypanosome parasite that causes African sleeping sickness makes fatty acids. The discovery of this unique biochemical pathway could lead to the development of new drugs to treat the illness.
A large follow-up study of over 50 families has identified more genetic perturbations in Loeys-Dietz Syndrome, providing clearer picture for diagnosis. The study emphasizes the importance of comprehensive clinical evaluations when diagnosing the disease.
Researchers found neural changes in children with untreated sleep apnea, damaging critical brain structures tied to learning ability. Children with severe obstructive sleep apnea showed deficits in neuropsychological performance, including lower IQ test scores.
A Hopkins study shows that combining curcumin and quercetin greatly reduces the size and number of colorectal polyps in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis. The average number of polyps dropped 60.4 percent, and the average size dropped by 50.9 percent.
A national study of 304 physicians reveals primary care doctors often fail to diagnose and refer patients with chronic kidney disease, a condition affecting an estimated 10 million Americans. The study suggests that early detection and referral can slow the progression of kidney disease in high-risk patients.
A Johns Hopkins study shows that moderate exercise has no negative impact on the heart's ability to pump blood or increase in size. Exercise improves heart function and reduces abdominal fat, benefiting those who make gains in physical fitness.
A 'domino' transplant program can effectively double the benefit of altruistically donated kidneys by serving multiple recipients, according to researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine. The domino-donation model has been shown to increase the likelihood of good outcomes for patients and prioritize those in greatest need.
Researchers will follow over 540 children with mild to moderate kidney disease for four years, collecting blood, urine, and genetic samples. The study seeks to refine an existing method to measure glomerular filtration rate (GFR), a precise indicator of kidney function.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins believe that heat therapy can selectively target and kill cancer cells by disrupting their nuclear protein scaffolding. Preliminary research suggests that this approach could be effective in treating solid tumors, with the goal of improving cure rates.
Hopkins researchers have created a biosensor that allows them to see multiple, real-time chemical reactions in living cells. The sensor can locate where an enzyme is being turned on or off within the cell, providing valuable insights into how chemicals interact with enzymes.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found a surprising connection between the energy usage of yeast cells and their genetic material. Removing an enzyme involved in energy production led to the shutdown of 70% of genes and cell death. This study could lead to new strategies for slowing aging and treating cancer.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins have successfully blocked the advance of retinal degeneration in mice with antioxidants, including vitamin E and alpha-lipoic acid. The study found that high oxygen levels in the retina kill cone photoreceptors, which are critical to central vision.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that seniors who give up driving are less likely to enter nursing homes or assisted living centers than those who have never driven. The study included extensive interviews with 1,593 seniors between 65 and 84 years old.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins and the University of Michigan have developed a treatment that helps spinal cord nerves regrow after injury. Using an enzyme called sialidase, they increased the number of new nerve fibers in injured rats by more than twice, compared to untreated controls.
Researchers developed a gene screening method that can detect breast cancer with high accuracy, spotting 15 out of 21 samples positive for cancer. The test uses methylation-specific PCR to identify abnormal levels of chemical tags in DNA, which can be missed by pathologists' naked eye.
Johns Hopkins researchers show that psilocybin can induce mystical/spiritual experiences descriptively identical to those reported for centuries. Subjects who underwent the experience reported positive changes in behavior and attitude, lasting several months. The study's results have significant implications for our understanding of hu...
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have discovered protein machinery essential for maintaining chromosome integrity in cells. Removing sirtuin proteins causes yeast cells to become hypersensitive to chemical agents and spontaneously break chromosomes.
Researchers identified VCP/pr 97 as the protein responsible for destroying defective CFTR in cells, and used RNA interference to block its production. This approach restored chloride transport function and reduced inflammation, offering new hope for cystic fibrosis treatments.
A new guideline called SCRATCH helps pediatricians recognize the source of a rash by considering symmetry, clusters, age, target/time, confused, and household factors. The tool aims to prevent misdiagnoses and costly tests by providing a simple and memorable acronym.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that tracking computer-based error reports can improve patient safety. The researchers analyzed 1,010 medication errors and found that nearly one-third of all errors occurred with anti-infective medications.
Researchers created a 'cookbook recipe' to restore lost nerve function using mouse embryonic stem cells, growth factors, and specific agents. The approach showed promising results in recovering paralysis in treated rats, with some regaining muscle strength and mobility.
A whole-genome scan for OCD has identified six potentially significant regions in the genome linked to the condition. These regions are found on five different chromosomes and may hold the key to understanding the genetic basis of OCD.