Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have discovered a protein called GCN5 that plays a crucial role in controlling blood sugar levels. By altering the activity of another protein, PGC-1alpha, GCN5 can turn off pathways leading to glucose release from liver cells.
The study suggests that motor learning involves different time scales and implies that slow learning is key to maintaining motor skills in stroke patients. The research team hopes to tailor therapy strategies to target slow-learning systems, improving recovery of muscle control after brain injuries.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have developed a surgery to plug the superior canal in the inner ear, stopping severe symptoms of superior canal dehiscence. The procedure has been successful in treating patients with severe dizziness, loss of balance, and hearing loss.
A study published in Nature sheds light on how the body repairs wounds, revealing that a 'scaffolding' protein plays a crucial role in signaling proteins that lead to new protein manufacture and cell growth. Additionally, research in Genes and Development reveals a novel role for this protein in promoting hair follicle growth.
Researchers will test 400,000 SNPs in 552 patients to clarify the role of genes in sporadic ALS. The study's results could strongly shape the search for a cure if it finds gene associations or suggests an environmental cause.
A new study suggests that an individual's unique genetic makeup can affect their risk of developing severe anemia from malaria. Researchers have identified specific genes and DNA sequences that control the production of MIF, a protein linked to malarial anemia.
A Hopkins study found that pediatricians rarely screen patients for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), with 62% citing a lack of knowledge about screening tools. Screening for ASD is crucial to prevent poorer outcomes in children with developmental disorders, but current national efforts may not be effective.
Developed by Johns Hopkins Medicine, online calculators and computerized drug ordering systems significantly reduce medication errors in children. Studies show that these systems can prevent up to 17-18 errors per 100 chemotherapy orders, particularly in pediatric oncology centers.
A newly discovered enzyme in the brain, CPT1c, plays a crucial role in managing hunger and satiety. Mice lacking this gene eat less but gain more weight on high-fat diets due to their brain's inability to regulate energy balance.
A survey of operating room personnel found that general surgical nurses and certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) consistently rated high for teamwork, while surgeons received the lowest scores. The study used the Safety Attitudes Questionnaire to assess safety attitudes in the OR.
A three-year study of pediatric residents found that working 80 hours per week led to less fatigue and better patient care. Reduced work hours had the most pronounced effect on first-year residents, who reported fewer issues with patient care, communication, and procedures.
A whole-genome study at Johns Hopkins reveals a new gene, NOS1AP, associated with abnormal heart rhythm and increased risk of sudden cardiac death. Approximately 60% of European descent individuals carry a variant of this gene linked to QT interval length.
A new gene, Lazaro, has been discovered to reduce retinal degeneration in fruit flies by enhancing the production of diacylglycerol, a key player in controlling TRP channels. This discovery may have implications for understanding sensory signaling in mammals.
The lizard's parietal eye photoreceptors contain two pigments, allowing it to respond to blue and green light in the same cell. This unique mechanism may have been an economical way to detect changes in sunlight during dawn and dusk. The study proposes a 'missing link' between the light-sensing apparatus of lower animals and humans.
Researchers found that both self-monitoring of blood glucose and precise physician testing of hemoglobin A1c can help diabetics manage their disease. Consistent communication between patients and healthcare professionals is also crucial.
A Hopkins-led clinical study found that men's brains show a significantly higher dopamine release in response to amphetamines compared to women. This discovery may lead to more effective treatments for amphetamine abuse and brain diseases.
A study published in Science has found that losartan can prevent the development of aortic aneurysms and potentially reverse damage in mice with Marfan syndrome. This breakthrough discovery increases the likelihood of losartan serving as an effective treatment for humans, offering new hope for those affected by the genetic condition.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers suggests that a commercially available antibiotic, ceftriaxone, may be effective in fighting dementia in HIV patients. The study found that ceftriaxone protected human neuronal cells from the effects of HIV proteins Tat and gp120.
A meta-analysis of 18 studies found a small association between soy food intake and reduced breast cancer risk, particularly in premenopausal women. However, the data were inconsistent enough that no clear recommendation could be made for using soy supplements to prevent breast cancer.
A study published in Developmental Cell identified several hundred genes involved in cell migration and material transport, shedding light on the mechanisms of human cancer spread. The research found that these genes share similarities with those found in human metastatic breast cancer cells.
Researchers identified two critical molecular events: PICK1's role in removing AMPA receptors and phosphorylation's effect on the receptor. These findings provide new understanding of long-term depression and its connection to motor learning, such as the vestibulo-ocular reflex.
Scientists have identified human enhancers able to control expression consistent with the zebrafish ret gene, shedding light on Hirschsprung disease and multiple endocrine neoplasia. The new system uses zebrafish to test mammalian DNA and is a significant advance over current methods.
Researchers found that low-dose aspirin prevents platelet clumping in both sexes, with women's platelets reacting more strongly to aspirin before treatment. The study suggests that further research is needed to determine who benefits from aspirin and under what circumstances it works.
Researchers found that hospitalized patients with schizophrenia are more likely to experience serious infections, respiratory failure, and sepsis compared to those without the condition. The study suggests that improved quality of care could help mitigate this increased risk.
Researchers identified a genetic network in yeast that guards against lethal DNA damage, which could lead to new therapies for human diseases such as cancer and aging. The study used a technology called dSLAM to map the interactions between genes involved in DNA repair, replication, and cell cycle progression.
Researchers found a significant improvement in children's breathing and oxygen levels when wearing PAP therapy masks. However, adherence to treatment remains a challenge, with parents often overestimating usage and many children not using the device consistently.
A recent Johns Hopkins Medicine study found that a single dose of azithromycin significantly reduces the risk of trichiasis recurring for up to one year after lid surgery. The researchers compared azithromycin to six weeks of topical tetracycline treatment and found that azithromycin resulted in one-third fewer recurrences.
A genetic switch discovered by Hopkins researchers deliberately shuts off a cell's mitochondrial combustion engine under low oxygen conditions. This switch limits the production of toxic oxygen molecules and prevents cellular damage.
Researchers developed a new way to study proteins in live cells, identifying interactions between Src and CrkL, and direct evidence of its role in MAP kinase pathways. This approach may lead to the development of new cancer treatments, such as targeting tyrosine kinases like Gleevec.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered that injecting ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) into obese mice with leptin deficiency or resistance reduced their heart muscle walls by up to a third and the size of the left ventricle by 41%. This breakthrough suggests a novel brain-signaling pathway for obesity-related heart failure.
A Johns Hopkins study found that emergency departments across the US struggle to stabilize children in critical conditions, with many failing to administer life-saving treatments. The researchers suggest that hospitals conduct regular drills to identify areas for improvement and enhance their pediatric care.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified a new potential biomarker for multiple sclerosis, a protein fragment called 12.5 kDa cystatin found in cerebrospinal fluid, which may help diagnose the disease and monitor treatment efficacy.
A newly identified cell, dubbed IKDC, has been found to fight cancer by combining the abilities of natural killer (NK) and dendritic cells. This hybrid cell speeds up immune reactions and makes the system more efficient.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that men with low-grade prostate cancer who receive active surveillance may not be at increased risk of noncurable prostate cancer. The study compared outcomes in men who delayed surgery for two years to those who underwent immediate treatment, finding no significant difference in risk.
Researchers analyzed over 25,000 protein-protein interactions to dispel old notions of what's important about them. The study identified 36 previously unknown interactions and showed that proteins encoded by genes mutated in inherited disorders interact with known disorder-causing proteins.
A new study suggests that lower doses of the clot-busting drug tPA can effectively treat intracerebral hemorrhage without increasing bleeding risks, with mortality rates dropping to 13 percent in some cases. The findings are promising for patients who suffer from this type of stroke, which affects over 100,000 Americans annually.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine have created a detailed map of the lateral wall of the subventricle zone, suggesting the potential existence of human brain stem cells. The discovery also reveals displaced ependymal cells that may be related to cancer or neurodegenerative diseases.
The GeneDesign program guides the design of DNA segments with exacting specifications required for studying gene function and genetically engineering cells. It automatically diagnoses design flaws in the sequence of bases making up the gene, simplifying the creation of artificial genes.
A review of 12,000 Ugandan women found that male circumcision significantly reduced the likelihood of HIV infection among female partners. The study also found a reduction in other STDs, such as human papillomavirus and syphilis, but not gonorrhea or Chlamydia.
A study found that HIV subtype D is associated with a higher risk of early death from AIDS compared to subtype A. The researchers analyzed data from over 300 newly infected individuals in Uganda and found that those infected with subtype D had a significantly shorter average survival time.
Researchers found SCA5 mutations in 90% of Lincoln's descendants, suggesting the past president may have had a neurological disorder. The discovery provides insight into molecular mechanisms common to SCA5 and other neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers are investigating delivering chemotherapy drugs directly to breast ducts to treat early breast cancer. Studies in rats and mice show promising results, with tumors shrinking or disappearing after treatment. The procedure aims to minimize disfigurement and spare normal tissues.
Researchers have successfully treated Down syndrome in mice by restoring nerve growth in the cerebellum, a key brain region affected by the condition. The treatment, which stimulates the Hedgehog pathway, restored normal cell division rates and numbers in granule cell precursors.
Researchers found that using a low-level heat wrap therapy (CLHT) for three consecutive days significantly reduced pain intensity and improved pain relief, with benefits maintained in the follow-up period. The study showed CLHT to be a safe and effective alternative for treating acute low back pain.
Researchers found that a once-daily antiretroviral combination of tenofovir DF, emtricitabine, and efavirenz leads to higher viral suppression rates and fewer side effects compared to traditional regimens. The study, involving 517 patients, demonstrates the superiority of this regimen over zidovudine-lamivudine therapy.
A Hopkins investigation found that a newly introduced catheter valve was linked to a spike in bloodstream infections in the pediatric intensive care unit. The team identified mechanical issues with the device as the likely source of infection, highlighting the need for closer monitoring of technology's safety.
Researchers have discovered a new treatment option for thyroid cancer that allows patients to continue their thyroid hormone replacement therapy while undergoing radioiodine treatment, reducing unpleasant side effects. This breakthrough could improve the overall quality of life for thyroid cancer patients during treatment.
A new study has linked a specific gene mutation to poorer outcomes and increased recurrence of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). The discovery provides a molecular marker to assess risk for patients with PTC, which is the most common type of thyroid cancer.
A seven-year study of over 400 patients found that delivering chemotherapy directly into the abdomen via a catheter increases survival and relapse-free survival rates compared to intravenous chemotherapy alone. However, side effects are significantly worse for the abdominal group.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered that new neurons in the adult brain are excited by GABA, a chemical previously thought to inhibit signals. The findings may help increase neuron regeneration and improve connections between transplanted stem cells.