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.
A national survey of over 5,500 Americans found that patients treated with respect and dignity were more likely to adhere to treatment plans, particularly for racial and ethnic minorities. The study also showed that being involved in decision-making was associated with higher adherence rates for whites.
Researchers have discovered a genetic finding that may hold the key to unlocking treatments for farsightedness and nearsightedness. The MFRP protein, found in a rare eye disorder called nanophthalmos, regulates eye growth and refraction, making it a promising target for correcting severe refractive errors.
A recent MRI study has mapped 'silent' heart changes that remodel the heart, linking specific regional changes to early signs of trouble in the left ventricle. The study found that pumping function deteriorates as hearts increasingly change shape or remodel.
Researchers found that combining interferon with irinotecan boosts IRF5 protein levels in colon cancer cells, leading to increased cell death. The combination therapy may limit side effects and make it harder for cancer cells to build resistance.
A protein called Yorkie controls organ size in fruit flies and, when overabundant, causes increased cell growth and cancer. In humans, a defect in the gene that makes YAP may contribute to cancer.
Rocky Mountain spotted fever, a bacterial disease caused by Rickettsia rickettsii, can be effectively treated with specific antibiotics if caught early. Symptoms include body-wide aches, headache, sudden high fever, sore throat, and nausea, often accompanied by a telltale spotty rash.
Standard clinical practice guidelines often focus on one disease and exclude coexisting conditions, leaving clinicians without guidance for caring for older patients with multiple chronic diseases. This can lead to polypharmacy, medication errors, and an unsustainable treatment burden.
Researchers found that increased levels of O-GlcNAc, a simple sugar present in high blood sugar circumstances, interfere with the chain of events needed to achieve and maintain erection. This can lead to permanent penile impairment over time.
Researchers used diffusion MRI to measure water movement in treated fibroids, showing significant signal intensity and ADC values. This non-invasive technique may improve monitoring of ultrasound treatment success and be useful for other focused ultrasound treatments.
Researchers used new software to analyze fossilized tooth surfaces, revealing that early humans like Australopithecus africanus ate tougher leaves and Paranthropus robustus ate harder foods. The study also showed unexpected variability in the samples, suggesting both species relied on less preferred foods during periods of scarcity.
The study found that hemodialysis was more beneficial for patients with cardiovascular disease, while peritoneal dialysis was better suited for healthier patients. The findings suggest that choosing the right dialysis treatment can impact mortality rates.
Researchers discovered that the protein CrebA single-handedly controls the entire set of events leading to secretion in the fruit fly's salivary gland, improving understanding of how cells become specialized for secretion. This finding could potentially help fix problems with pancreatic cells in juvenile (type I) diabetes.
Researchers identified three key risk factors for lethal prostate cancer recurrence after surgery: PSA doubling time, time from surgery to recurrence, and Gleason score. These risk factors allow doctors to distinguish between patients who need further treatment and those who can be closely monitored.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have successfully treated heart attacks in animals using adult mesenchymal stem cells. The goal is to develop a widely applicable treatment to repair and reverse heart muscle damage caused by infarction.
A panel of experts published recommendations to minimize the risk of altering non-human primates' cognitive capacity, focusing on grafting human stem cells into their brains. The panel concluded that healthy adult members of species distantly related to humans are least likely to experience morally significant changes.