Researchers transplanted adult olfactory bulb stem cells into genetically engineered mice with ALS, showing a significant delay in disease symptoms and improved functional outcomes. The study suggests these stem cells may hold potential for treating ALS, but further laboratory work is needed.
Researchers have used human spinal cord cells to delay ALS symptoms in rats by 11 days. The study's findings suggest that neuronal stem cells may hold promise for treating conditions caused by separation within the nervous system.
A mouse study challenges the idea that a specific gene region is responsible for Down syndrome's characteristic facial features and traits. Researchers found that mice with only two copies of this region still exhibited shorter bones, contradicting previous assumptions.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that new-generation antipsychotics olanzpine, quetiapine, and risperidone can induce insulin resistance in children, even at moderate doses, leading to increased risk of Type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
A recent study found that demethylation agents not only restart cancer-suppressing genes but also knock methyl groups off other genes, turning hundreds more off. The research raises concerns about the impact of these agents on gene expression and their potential to exacerbate cancer development.
Scientists have discovered a compound that blocks both ways cancer cells make energy, leading to the complete halt of tumor growth. The chemical, 3-bromopyruvate, targets cancer cells' high appetite for sugar and appears to have little effect on normal tissues.
A team of Hopkins researchers is using new genome searching technologies to identify genetic factors contributing to autism. They will analyze data from 465 families and 979 individuals with autism, focusing on rare genetic mutations and extra or missing gene copies.
A three-year analysis of over 10,500 genes reveals a host of interesting leads on which genes may play a role in controlling sinusitis and nasal polyps. The study found that 192 genes were up-regulated and 156 were down-regulated in diseased tissue samples.
Researchers found low-dose radiation killed up to twice as many cells as high-dose, suppressing ATM protein's repair mechanism. The study suggests using viruses to deliver ATM-blocking drugs to cancer cells, which shows promise in killing more cancer cells than traditional radiation.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that episiotomies do not reduce the likelihood of shoulder injuries to infants stuck in the birth canal. Instead, rotating the infant may realign its shoulders to fit within the mother's pelvis.
Researchers validated five clusters of common withdrawal symptoms: headache, fatigue, dysphoric mood, difficulty concentrating, and flu-like symptoms. A stepwise approach can eliminate severe withdrawal symptoms by gradually reducing caffeine consumption.
The study suggests that monitoring glycated hemoglobin levels can help identify individuals at increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Researchers found a significant association between elevated glycated hemoglobin levels and increased risk of large-vessel cardiovascular disease among people with type II diabetes.
Researchers found that combining histone deacetylase inhibitors with anti-angiogenesis drugs reduced tumor growth in mice by up to 85% and controlled new blood vessel formation by 60%. This combination therapy may provide a greater impact on cancer development than using the drugs alone.
Researchers found that Hedgehog activity in localized prostate tumors is significantly lower than in metastatic cancers. Blocking the Hedgehog signal with cyclopamine slowed tumor growth and even reversed aggressive cancer progression in mice experiments.
Researchers have found that people with the rare genetic disorder BBS syndrome are unable to detect odors due to faulty cilia in their olfactory system. The study, led by Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers, used mice models to prove that ciliary problems caused by BBS-causing genes lead to impaired sense of smell.
The TADS clinical trial found combined antidepressant and talk therapy treatment yielded the best results, followed by antidepressants alone. Talk therapy on its own was no more effective than placebo.
Researchers identify three biomarkers from serum proteomic analysis that correctly identified 74% of early-stage ovarian cancers, improving detection capabilities. The test combines these markers with CA125 for enhanced accuracy.
The identification of the BBS3 gene marks a significant breakthrough in understanding the complex obesity syndrome. By studying the function of the newly discovered protein, researchers hope to unravel the details of other BBS proteins and their potential connections to obesity, learning difficulties, and other related problems.
A study found that children who received venom immunotherapy for moderate to severe allergic reactions had a lower risk of future reactions, including those with no prior treatment. The therapy was shown to last for up to three and a half years, making it an effective long-term solution for managing bee sting allergies.
A study found that genetic characteristics in patients who self-recovered from hepatitis C infection involve genes that suppress the action of killer immune cells. Researchers hope to develop a vaccine and improve therapies based on these findings.
Researchers have identified nearly 100 genes linked to cancer, shedding light on the processes driving disease progression. The study highlights the potential of targeted therapies and early detection methods to manage cancer.
Researchers propose a new approach to understanding epigenetics in common diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. The framework aims to analyze epigenetic marks across the entire genome, revealing their role in disease variability and progression.
In a breakthrough study, Johns Hopkins scientists identified that nerve cells use target-derived cues and proteins like NGF to guide them to their final targets. The research sheds new light on the complex process of nerve growth and cell targeting during development.
A new method, QM-MSP, detects cancer by analyzing methylation levels in genes associated with breast cancer. The test was found to accurately identify cancerous samples in 84% of cases and detect no cancer in 89% of normal tissues.
Researchers successfully coaxed human embryonic stem cells into antigen presenting cells that educate the immune system. These cells can control T cell responses, potentially reducing rejection rates for transplanted tissues.
A team of researchers from Johns Hopkins Medicine found that a key protein called arrestin is transported by a tiny molecular motor, myosin, in response to bright light. This swift relocation helps prevent temporary blindness caused by sudden increases in light intensity.
Researchers discovered that a cell death protein, IAP, plays a surprising role in restoring cellular movement in fruit fly ovaries. By studying engineered flies with dysfunctional Rac protein, they found that IAP can compensate for the lack of functional Rac, allowing cells to migrate properly and restore fertility.
Mitochondrial damage is a key factor in Lou Gehrig's disease, causing cells to die. The study reveals that mutant SOD1 protein clogs the transport system of mitochondria in muscle-controlling nerve cells.
A six-month study found that providing primary care to nearly 2,000 HIV-infected patients costs an average of $30 USD per visit. The breakdown includes staff salaries, laboratory tests, and medications.
A three-year clinical trial comparing tenofovir DF and stavudine found both treatments to be equally effective in treating HIV, but tenofovir DF had fewer toxic outcomes related to cholesterol levels, lipodystrophy, and peripheral neuropathy. The study involved over 600 patients across the US, South America, and Europe.
Using guinea pigs, researchers increased production of G-protein Gem, which decreased calcium current densities by 30-90% and helped steady irregular heartbeats. Gene therapy shows promise as an alternative to calcium channel blockers with fewer side effects.
Researchers recommend performing oral food challenges on children with at least a 50-50 chance of passing, based on IgE antibody levels less than 2.0 kilounits per liter of blood. This guideline aims to reduce unnecessary avoidance of common allergenic foods and improve the accuracy of food allergy diagnosis.
The flexible transgastric peritoneoscopy procedure uses a mini-telescope and specialized tools to repair abdominal organs without cutting through the skin or muscle. This new technique may revolutionize surgery by reducing recovery time and scarring.
A recent study of 677 families found that children's exposure to violent TV content is more common than previously thought, particularly among younger children and mothers. Parents' monitoring practices decreased with increasing child age, highlighting the need for continued education on media management and violence prevention.
The new Center for the Epigenetics of Common Human Disease at Johns Hopkins will develop tools to create comprehensive information about epigenetics and apply it to studying autism and bipolar disorder. Researchers will also examine entire epigenomes of specific groups to hunt for clues to human disease.
Researchers found a naturally occurring mutation in a child's myostatin gene, resulting in twice the normal muscle mass. The discovery provides hope for agents blocking myostatin activity to increase muscle mass in humans.
Researchers found a common genetic signature consisting of 67 genes that are abnormally expressed in all cancers. These genes are involved in cell cycle and proliferation, making the discovery logical despite its difficulty.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered that adding a single protein, BMP4, induced mouse stem cells to become fat cells. The study suggests that a similar signal is likely involved in humans, too, paving the way for new treatments for obesity and related diseases.
A new treatment using genetically engineered thyrotropin alfa eliminates the need to withhold thyroid hormone medication after thyroidectomy, reducing symptoms of hypothyroidism. The study shows that patients can be treated effectively without experiencing unpleasant side effects.
A study published in Child Abuse & Neglect found that home visiting programs failed to identify risk factors and connect families with necessary resources, despite showing some positive outcomes. The researchers recommend better training for home visitors and improved coordination with community organizations.
A global study led by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that docetaxel therapy significantly improves survival time for hormone-resistant prostate cancer patients. Patients treated with tri-weekly docetaxel survived 2.4 months longer than those receiving the standard chemotherapy drug, mitoxantrone.
A new medication called atrasentan has shown promise in slowing the progression of prostate cancer to the bone, reducing pain and maintaining quality of life. The drug's effect on stabilizing disease progression was observed across phase II and III clinical trials.
Researchers found that women with a specific gene mutation in the CYP2D6 gene had lower levels of endoxifen, a byproduct of tamoxifen metabolism. This suggests that the gene mutation may affect the potency of tamoxifen when combined with certain antidepressants like paroxetine and sertraline.
A study found that doctors' initial diagnoses of uterine cancer were incorrect in over 25% of cases, with a significant number being misclassified as benign. The findings highlight the need for improved classification guidelines to prevent unnecessary surgeries and ensure accurate diagnosis.
Researchers found that bone marrow stem cells can differentiate into liver cells within days, restoring liver function in injured mice. The study suggests a new approach to treating chronic diseases like diabetes and cirrhosis of the liver.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that nearly half of ovarian cancer surgeries in Maryland were performed by low-volume surgeons, those with four or fewer cases per year. High-volume surgeons, who perform more than 10 cases per year, are more likely to accurately assess disease stage and increase survival rates.
Scientists have discovered that ribosomes' universally conserved nucleotides are not crucial for building proteins but instead aid in their release. The findings challenge long-held ideas about protein synthesis, suggesting a new model for the ribosome's function.
A Johns Hopkins-led study found that most physicians reported positive attitudes towards caring for patients with chronic conditions, but felt they had received less training than needed. Chronic problems like diabetes and heart disease account for over 75% of healthcare spending in the US.
Research suggests that telomere dysfunction may be a key component in the development of many epithelial cancers. Telomere length abnormalities were observed in 97% of precancerous lesions, with abnormally short telomeres found in 88%.
Researchers identified six genes with mutations that affect cancer development in colon cancers, providing potential new targets for therapy. The study also found significant mutations in tyrosine kinase and phosphatase families across various types of cancer.