Researchers found that mice with half the normal amount of telomerase can't maintain their stem cells' chromosome ends, leading to early demise. The study suggests that inherited disease may be caused by inherited telomere length, not the status of the telomerase gene.
Researchers discovered a connection between iNOS and COX-2 pathways, enabling the development of new anti-inflammatory agents. Drugs that block these bindings may reduce side effects of COX-2 inhibitors, offering a safer form of therapy.
Researchers propose a three-step process for cancer development, where epigenetic changes occur first, followed by genetic mutations. This new understanding may lead to earlier detection and treatment of cancer, similar to cholesterol-lowering drugs preventing heart disease.
Researchers found that blocking the nerve receptor EP1 significantly reduced brain damage in mice following stroke. The study suggests an alternative to COX inhibitors, which have lethal side effects.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) increase nerve impulse-carrying axon density in the frontal and parietal lobes, controlling emotions and motivation. This growth may explain why antidepressants take time to work, with effects seen within hours but clinically meaningful results taking weeks.
A recent study found that traditional risk-factor scoring misses one-third of women vulnerable to coronary heart disease, highlighting the need for additional screening methods. Cardiac CT scans are recommended for certain groups of women based on their Framingham Risk Estimate and calcium scores.
Researchers have discovered a gene mutation in Bardet-Biedl syndrome that significantly increases disease severity. The finding mirrors the expected genetic complexity of common diseases like diabetes and cancer. By studying this mutation, scientists hope to uncover subtle genetic variants contributing to complex diseases.
Researchers have discovered a new muscle-building agent that increases muscle size by 60% in mice after just two weekly injections. The agent targets the myostatin protein and has shown promising results in mice with muscular dystrophy, suggesting potential for treating muscle-wasting diseases.
A study of 20 children with epilepsy found that 13 had a greater than 50 percent improvement and four were seizure-free after six months on the modified Atkins diet. The diet, which mimics ketosis, was better tolerated by children and easier to follow than the ketogenic diet.
A Johns Hopkins study suggests a genetic link between caffeine dependence and family history of alcoholism. The research found that women with both risk factors were unable to stop consuming caffeine despite physician recommendations, highlighting the need for targeted intervention.
A recent study published in Ophthalmology found that the risk of vision loss due to corneal infections among users of 30-day soft contact lenses is extremely low. The study, which involved 6,245 patients, reported an overall annual rate of evident corneal infection of 18 per 10,000.
A Hopkins study found that cochlear implants can prevent and even reverse damage to the brain's auditory nerve system in cats. The research supports earlier implantation of devices in young children born deaf, as it minimizes complications and maximizes hearing restoration success.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified a new therapeutic target for drugs to treat multiple sclerosis (MS) and other autoimmune diseases. By targeting dendritic cells, the researchers hope to stop faulty immune responses at an upstream level.
A recent study published in European Journal of Neuroscience reveals that prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) can provide protection against brain cell death by stimulating receptors EP2 and EP4. This stimulation results in increased cyclic-AMP (cAMP) levels, which reduces the toxic effects of amyloid-beta 1-42, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease.
A new technique successfully tracks the location of injected cells in cancer patients using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and iron oxide particles. The study showed that injection accuracy is critical, but not perfect, and that MRI provides an accurate way to track cells' final resting place.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have discovered a protein called LRRK2 that could be the best new target in the fight against Parkinson's disease. The study found that LRRK2 is involved in controlling other proteins' activities and may play a role in the death of brain cells that produce dopamine.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have successfully created a biological pacemaker using connective tissue cells from lungs and heart muscle cells, paving the way for an alternative to implanted electronic pacemakers. The biopacemaker uses tiny electroactive 'pacing cells' that can fire on their own and regulate the heart's rhythmi...
A new study from Johns Hopkins Medicine finds that alagebrium reduces stiffening in arteries by 37% and improves endothelial function by 102%. The drug works by breaking down advanced glycation endproducts, which contribute to arterial aging. The results suggest a potential new therapy for reducing cardiovascular disease in the elderly.
A new study from Johns Hopkins Medicine found that replacing carbohydrates with protein-rich foods or monounsaturated fats reduces the risk of heart disease. The study, which lasted three years, involved 164 healthy adults who followed one of three diets: high in carbohydrate, high in protein, or high in monounsaturated fat.
Researchers found that people with nonsystolic heart failure can refill their hearts properly, but struggle with pumping blood during exercise. This challenges conventional wisdom and suggests alternative therapies, such as pacemakers or drugs that enhance blood vessel dilation, may be beneficial for these patients.
Researchers have developed an immune-boosting vaccine that combines with surgery and chemotherapy to treat pancreatic cancer. Early results show improved survival rates, surpassing previous studies, and the team hopes to refine the vaccine's targets through further analysis.
Researchers have discovered that stem cells derived from human heart tissue can develop into cardiospheres that express normal properties of primitive heart tissue. These cardiospheres were then grown in the laboratory and injected into mice with lab-induced heart attacks, where they migrated to damaged tissue and regenerated, improvin...
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine successfully used a 3D map of the heart to perform cardiac ablation, eliminating the need for radiation exposure and improving patient safety. The technique used sensor-guided catheter and electro-anatomic mapping to precisely target diseased heart tissue.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine reveals that mental illnesses like depression and anxiety cause workers to work fewer hours, take more disability time, and be less productive. Employers can combat these costs by providing quality psychiatric evaluations and treatment plans.
A Johns Hopkins expert recommends making flu vaccination mandatory for healthcare workers to prevent outbreaks. Despite high vaccination rates, nearly 40,000 Americans die from influenza each year, and voluntary programs have shown limited success.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine conducted a non-randomized study to assess the impact of CABG surgery on higher-level mental functions. The results showed that on-pump CABG patients had no significant differences in their cognitive abilities compared to other groups.
Children with tree nut allergies can safely eat some nuts as they grow older, according to a new study. Researchers found that 9% of children passed an oral food challenge test, and those with low levels of tree nut antibodies were more likely to succeed.
Research suggests that consuming broccoli sprouts daily can improve chronic bacterial gastritis and potentially prevent stomach cancer. The compound sulforaphane in broccoli sprouts also has been shown to have anti-cancer effects, including preventing skin cancers caused by sun damage.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center have found hormone therapy will not diminish the value of radiation for prostate cancer. Additionally, a leukemia drug shows modest benefits in suppressing PSA levels for some men with localized prostate cancer.
Researchers have discovered functional ion channels in human stem cells that regulate cell differentiation and proliferation. By targeting specific potassium channels, scientists may be able to control cell growth and prevent tumor formation, potentially leading to new treatments for various diseases.
Displaced people face increased risk of infectious diseases due to poor sanitation and limited access to medical services. Improving public health systems through mass vaccinations is key to preventing disease outbreaks.
A study found that second-generation antipsychotics increase the risk of death in elderly Alzheimer's patients. Alternative treatments, such as behavioral interventions and antidepressants, have proven effective in some cases.
Moxifloxacin could be the first new treatment for TB in over 40 years, shortening treatment period by nearly two months. Researchers aim to assess ability of antibiotic to cure disease more effectively and with better patient tolerance.
A Hopkins study successfully performed 21 out of 22 KPD transplants, showing the technique can offer transplants to many more patients who cannot receive a kidney from a loved one. The results could pave the way for a national matching registry and help hundreds of patients find compatible matches.
Researchers have found a surge in Rsf-1 gene copies in 13.2% of high-grade ovarian cancers, but not in low-grade or benign tumors. The amplification is associated with poorer survival rates, and the Hopkins scientists are working to develop targeted therapies.
A study found that physicians' ability to diagnose and treat bioterrorism-related diseases improved significantly after completing an online course. The online training showed a marked increase in correct diagnosis rates, with smallpox diagnosed correctly by 79% of doctors after the course.
Researchers identified two novel mutations in FGFR1 and PDGFRA, implicated in various cancers, suggesting potential for targeted therapies. The study aims to develop small molecules and antibodies to regulate mutated genes, offering new treatments for glioblastoma and other cancers.
Researchers found that farnesyl transferase inhibitors can normalize abnormal nuclei in progeria cells. The treatment targets a genetic mutation causing lamin A protein production issues.
Johns Hopkins researchers identify elevated levels of IL-6 in spinal fluid of patients with transverse myelitis, a condition that can lead to permanent paralysis. The study also found correlations between IL-6 levels and disease severity, shedding light on the mechanisms behind demyelinating disorders.
Researchers uncover 65 protein tags that can be used to force proteins to the cell surface, potentially revolutionizing drug and vaccine development. The discovery may help overcome obstacles in studying important proteins, such as those detecting odors or faulty in cystic fibrosis.
Researchers highlight the importance of raising HDL cholesterol levels, citing a link between higher levels and lower risk of fatal heart attacks. They recommend lifestyle modifications such as regular exercise, weight control, and dietary changes to boost HDL levels, and discuss the benefits and potential risks of drug therapy.
New study reveals that O-GlcNAc modification of proteins regulates cell division and controls the steps and timing of cell division, contributing to cancer and other diseases. Researchers found that increasing or decreasing O-GlcNAc levels disrupts cell cycle, leading to cells with more than one nucleus, a common trait in cancer cells.
Researchers found that a tumor suppressor gene Nkx3.1 plays a crucial role in protecting cells from oxygen damage, which can lead to prostate cancer. Antioxidants may be useful for prostate cancer prevention by regulating oxidative stress pathways.
Cardiac stress testing reveals a significant association between exercise capacity and heart rate recovery with CHD mortality rates. The study found that asymptomatic individuals with below-average test scores were two to four times more likely to die from CHD within 10-20 years.
A study found that HIV-infected patients with mild memory loss who used the Disease Management Assistance System (DMAS) Jerry took their medication 80% of the time, compared to 65% without it. This improvement was seen in both normal and memory-impaired patients.
Men with high PSA levels prior to prostate removal surgery were significantly more likely to have advanced clinical stages of cancer and higher grade cancers in surgically removed tissue. Increasing PSA levels after surgery were also associated with increased risk of cancer recurrence.
The blood test aims to identify individuals with improper control of the growth-promoting gene insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF-2), which is associated with a higher risk of colon cancer. If successful, the test could help monitor those who need invasive colonoscopy or suggest dietary changes to reduce their risk.
Scientists identified single neurons in the brain's pitch center that recognize a middle-C as a middle-C even when played by two different instruments. This discovery solves an age-old mystery of auditory research and highlights the importance of pitch perception to humans, facilitating melodic patterns and emotional content of speech.
Researchers found that most human embryonic stem cell lines exhibit gross genetic changes after a year to three years of growth in the lab. These changes can affect chromosome numbers, gene expression, and mitochondrial DNA sequences. The study highlights the need for close monitoring and further investigation into the effects of these...
Researchers found that 97% of patients achieved control over ocular inflammation after one month of treatment with the new drug. Additionally, 82% were able to taper their dose of steroid prednisone without experiencing increased side effects.