A recent study published in Johns Hopkins Medicine found that women with overactive or underactive thyroid have an increased risk of birth defects in their babies, including cardiac problems and cleft lip or palate. The research suggests routine testing for thyroid disease prior to pregnancy may be warranted.
A recent study found that having two copies of a less-common version of the klotho gene is linked to a shorter lifespan in infants, while one copy may be associated with a longer life in older adults. The researchers also discovered that the variant is relatively common across different ethnic populations.
Researchers used genetic tricks with fruit flies to identify the key signal allowing stationary cells in the ovary to travel. They found a protein called Unpaired that activates these cells, which may help clarify how human cancer cells invade distant tissues.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins have identified GNAS1 as the gene responsible for progressive osseus heteroplasia (POH), a disease causing rice-size bone fragments to form under the skin and inside organs. The discovery may lead to new treatments blocking problem-causing bone fragments and potentially treating other bone problems like oste...
Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that panic disorder and manic depressive (bipolar) illness are likely related genetically and share a common cause. The study analyzed 203 families with bipolar disorder and identified symptoms of major mood disorders in relatives, showing a strong genetic link between the conditions.
Researchers have discovered that the compound C75 profoundly suppresses appetite by altering brain messengers in mice. This effect could lead to new ways to intervene in obesity-related diseases.
Scientists have successfully genetically altered human blood stem cells to selectively activate genes in developing immune cells, providing a potential breakthrough for gene therapy. The research uses a lentivirus to transfer a fluorescent protein gene into stem cells, which then express the gene only in specific immune cells called an...
Researchers use microarray technology to identify genes involved in DNA repair and other cellular processes in yeast. The method allows for rapid identification of gene functions, accelerating efforts to understand the role of genes in various biological processes.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that bladder exstrophy causes more extensive pelvic girdle bone defects than previously known. The study reveals an outward flare of the hip bone and rotation of the entire pelvic girdle, impacting surgeons' understanding of these defects.
A study published in Archives of Ophthalmology found that glaucoma affects approximately 0.5% of people aged 41-49 and up to 12% of those aged 80+, with women being disproportionately affected. The high prevalence among Mexican-Americans may be attributed to barriers such as cost of care and distrust of majority culture.
Researchers successfully tracked stem cells implanted into a living rat using a magnetic resonance imaging technique, marking an important breakthrough. The iron-laden cells create a magnetic black hole easily spotted by MRI, allowing scientists to monitor the cells' behavior and movement without tissue removal.
Scientists discovered a bacteria, Clostridium novyi, that thrives in oxygen-poor environments and destroys tumor cells. In mouse models, the bacteria was combined with chemotherapy to achieve dramatic results, completely destroying over half of the treated tumors within 24 hours.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have developed a potential new screening test for prostate cancer by measuring the level of GSTP1 methylation in tissue samples. High levels of methylation were detected in 91.3% of early-stage cancers and 53.6% of precancerous lesions, suggesting its potential as an early diagnostic marker.
The Johns Hopkins emergency department has implemented an acute care unit to reduce overcrowding, resulting in a 40% decrease in ambulance diversion hours. The unit has also seen a significant drop in patient walkouts during the midnight shift, from 20.6% to 8.9%.
Arsenic inhibits transcription of the hTERT gene, which in turn inhibits telomerase, causing genetic instability that may lead to cancer in healthy cells. The study's findings also have implications for developing more effective chemotherapy treatments for leukemia.
Scientists from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and Pharmacia have found that mice engineered to produce human COX-2 protein develop age-related memory loss, mirroring problems seen in Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests targeting the protein could prevent neurological diseases.
A new analysis method developed by Johns Hopkins Medicine allows for faster and more accurate determination of the human genome sequence. The technique identifies highly reliable data points within microarray sequences, enabling researchers to examine genetic variations linked to diseases such as high blood pressure and schizophrenia.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Medicine suggests that nitroglycerin relief does not accurately predict coronary artery disease, challenging the long-held assumption. The study found that only 28% of patients with heart disease experienced chest pain relief from nitroglycerin.
Researchers found depressed heart attack survivors are less likely to adopt healthier behaviors, with those perceiving poor physical health showing the most resistance. This study emphasizes the importance of addressing post-heart attack depression and exploring biological markers associated with it.
Researchers discovered that individuals with positive attitudes were significantly less likely to develop heart disease, even after adjusting for traditional risk factors. The study followed 586 adults for an average of seven-and-a-half years and found that those in good spirits had lower levels of stress hormones.
A new study has identified the key step in simple motor learning, which involves the reduced response to glutamate in Purkinje cells. By examining this process, researchers hope to create a mouse that can't reduce the number of glutamate receptors on its Purkinje cells and test if it affects learning.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that allopurinol, a medication commonly used to treat gout, can improve heart muscle efficiency and reduce energy consumption in patients with congestive heart failure. The study showed a 20% reduction in energy consumption without affecting contraction strength.
Researchers found that PP-188 reduced crisis time by nine hours and crisis duration by 16 hours in patients taking hydroxyurea. In children under 15, the reduction was even more significant at 21 hours.
Researchers found that CD4 cells help mediate damage during ischemia, and two specific molecules, CD28 and IFN-gamma, were identified as participating in the injury process. This challenges current ideas of T cell function and may lead to new treatments for conditions like strokes and heart attacks.
Researchers successfully imaged single molecules of cAMP binding to receptors on the surface of living amoebae, providing new insights into chemotaxis and cell movement. The study's real-time video reveals how receptors behave when detecting cAMP gradients, allowing cells to respond faster to changes in their environment.
Johns Hopkins faculty members Kay Redfield Jamison and Geraldine Seydoux have been awarded the MacArthur Foundation's 'genius' award for their innovative research in psychology and biology. Their work has significantly advanced understanding of mental health treatment, psychiatric disorders, and biological development.
Researchers found that destroying two controller proteins restricts DNA replication to a single copy, maintaining genome integrity. Cells with mutant proteins produce excessive DNA, reflecting the importance of these proteins in controlling genome duplication.
Researchers found that morphine significantly relieved both types of pain, while lidocaine only relieved stump pain. The study suggests different therapeutic sensitivities and mechanisms for stump and phantom pain. Morphine's action on both peripheral and central nervous systems may provide new treatment options.
Researchers found that signals from fat cells can directly influence neurons outside of the brain, affecting the storage and burning of fat. The study suggests that nerve cells outside of the brain secrete a messenger called neuropeptide Y to prevent fat deposits from being burned for energy.
Hopkins researchers found that parkin, aS and synphilin interact, with mutations disturbing this interaction leading to Lewy body formation and nerve cell death. Understanding these interactions may help identify targets for new treatments.
The study found that critically short telomeres signal cells to arrest or die, rather than average length. Turning on telomerase can restore function without significantly increasing overall telomere length, offering new insights into cancer treatment options.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins report sustained, treatment-free remissions in aplastic anemia patients treated with high-dose cyclophosphamide. After two years or more, 14 of 19 patients remained disease-free, while nearly 65% were in complete remission four years post-treatment.
A study published in Pediatrics found that over half of children who followed a ketogenic diet experienced at least a 50% reduction in seizures for three to six years after stopping the diet. Many children were also free from anticonvulsant medication and seizures entirely.
Researchers found protein Nrd1 helps RNA polymerase II recognize 'stop sign' for certain genes. This mechanism may help understand HIV's hijacking process and fundamental mechanisms of regulating gene expression in yeast.
A new report on primitive whales found in Pakistan provides well-preserved ankle bones, allowing scientists to change their conclusions on closest relatives. The findings unify the scientific perspective on whale evolution, supporting a closer relationship between cetaceans and artiodactyls.
Researchers found that a high pulse pressure during exercise was associated with endothelial cell dysfunction and blood-vessel stiffening, which may be an early sign of heart disease. This finding suggests that measuring blood pressure during exercise could be a more sensitive marker for detecting cardiovascular risk.
A new study reveals that many Parkinson's patients are using alternative therapies, despite a lack of physician knowledge on the topic. The research found no correlation between disease severity and use of alternative therapies, suggesting that patients are seeking these treatments for other reasons.
Researchers have successfully used gene therapy to reduce new blood vessel growth by up to 90% in mice with conditions similar to macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. Two genes, endostatin and pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF), were injected into the animals' eyes or tails to demonstrate the potential of gene therapy a...
Researchers have developed a new experimental drug that significantly reduces arterial pulse pressure, improving the blood vessels' ability to stretch by about 14%. The study suggests that this medication may represent a novel therapeutic approach for patients with age-related vascular stiffening and systolic hypertension.
A study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that church-based nutrition and exercise programs significantly reduced heart disease risk factors in African-American women. The program, which included on-site exercise and dietary activities, showed a 10% reduction in 11 of 13 risk factors for heart disease after one year.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that 18% of schoolchildren experience food-allergy attacks, with milk and peanut being the most common culprits. Parents and schools must work together to provide emergency plans and medication to prevent reactions.
A genetic mutation known as Id1 may help detect melanoma early, when it's still curable. High levels of Id1 are found only in the first stages of melanoma, making it a potential diagnostic marker.
John D. Gearhart praises the policy as a good starting point for expanding stem cell research, despite limitations in funding and oversight. He emphasizes the potential of federal funding to accelerate progress and improve human health through advances in understanding and treating various diseases.
A Johns Hopkins study finds that removing cholesterol from a cell's membrane can completely block HIV transmission. Researchers used microbicides containing a starchy substance that drains cholesterol, allowing for reduced or stopped HIV transmission.
Researchers have identified a rare human disorder linked to aquaporin-1 protein deficiency, which affects the ability to concentrate urine and maintain healthy water levels. The finding may help doctors develop new treatments for diseases like diabetes insipidus, which causes frequent urination and emaciation.
Scientists have identified several proteins that can block myostatin activity, leading to increased muscle growth in mice. The study suggests that these proteins may be effective muscle-enhancing agents for both human and agricultural applications.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that HAART suppresses viral replication and mutation, delaying the onset of AIDS. The study used genetic signatures to track HIV-1 activity in 20 participants on HAART for at least 25 months.
A study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that asthmatic African Americans receive less high-quality asthma care compared to whites, with disparities in medication use and specialist referrals. The study highlights the need for further investigation into barriers affecting asthma care for minority populations.
A new test combining a vinegar solution with an HPV test accurately detects precancerous lesions and reduces false positives among African women, potentially saving thousands of lives. The test could be easily administered at home or in clinics, making it a game-changer for cervical cancer screening in developing countries.
Scientists have developed a novel approach to inhibit protein kinase enzymes, which play a crucial role in triggering cancers, hardening of the arteries, and autoimmune diseases. The researchers' bisubstrate analogs effectively prevent these enzymes from working, offering a promising therapeutic strategy for various diseases.