Researchers at Johns Hopkins Children's Center found a faulty releasing hormone receptor gene in three families with isolated growth hormone deficiency type 1-B, the most common type of growth hormone-deficient dwarfism. The study suggests that this condition is not caused by a defect in human growth hormone production.
A study published in Journal of the American Medical Association found that fludrocortisone had little effect on symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome. The researchers tested isolating fludrocortisone as a treatment and found no significant improvement compared to a placebo.
A Johns Hopkins Children's Center study failed to link autistic children's sensory fixation to brain damage, contradicting long-held theories. The study found that the cerebellum's balance regulation function operates normally in high-functioning autistic children.
A new pancreatic cancer vaccine has been found to be safe and successful in reaching immune system cells, with several patients remaining disease-free over 30 months after diagnosis. The vaccine uses lab-grown pancreatic cancer cells genetically-modified with the immune-boosting gene GM-CSF.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins have engineered a new type of cell that can develop into various tissues, overcoming drawbacks that limited hPSCs for disease therapy. The embryoid body derived cells (EBDs) reproduce readily and are easily maintained, eliminating the need for fetal tissues.
Researchers found that mouse allergen is a significant contributor to childhood asthma in urban areas, with 18% of children allergic to mice experiencing more severe asthma. Doctors recommend testing for mouse allergy and recommending aggressive extermination of mice.
A new operation developed at Johns Hopkins improves vision for nearly half of the first 100 patients treated with early-stage macular degeneration. Six months after surgery, 48% of patients could read an additional two lines on a standard eye chart or had vision of 20/100 or better, enough to legally drive in Maryland.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine have developed a gene therapy that effectively treats abnormal rhythms in pig hearts, using genes delivered by routine catheter methods. The treatment showed a 20% decrease in heart rate compared to control animals, and has the potential to be transferred to human heart disease.
A nationwide study found that etanercept significantly slows or stops rheumatoid arthritis progression in nearly three-quarters of patients, with fewer side effects than methotrexate. The new use of etanercept as an early treatment offers a promising alternative for patients with advanced RA.
A survey of 915 physicians found that over a third (34%) had no regular source of care, with pediatricians and psychiatrists more likely to have a provider. Those without a regular doctor were less likely to receive flu shots or cancer screenings.
Researchers have identified a link between obesity, digestive system malfunctions, and excessive alcohol production in the liver. Feeding obese mice antibiotics significantly reduced alcohol production, suggesting a potential treatment strategy using oral antibiotics or yogurt to constrain intestinal bacterial overgrowth.
A Johns Hopkins study found that one-third of Korean Americans have high blood pressure, with almost 75% not controlling it. The prevalence is 32%, much higher than the American rate of 24% and Korean rate of 22%. English-speaking ability directly impacts hypertension control among Korean Americans.
Two girls with rare bone disorders Albright's hereditary osteodystrophy and progressive osseous heteroplasia showed severely depressed levels of Gs-alpha protein, suggesting a collective culprit behind the conditions. The study provides new insights into the developmental pathways controlling normal bone development.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Oncology Center discovered a genetic alteration in tumor samples that predicts patient response to chemotherapy. The methyl-guanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) gene was found to be altered in 19 patients, resulting in better responses to chemotherapy and increased long-term survival.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins have identified a specific enzyme, beta-secretase, as crucial for forming the hallmark amyloid plaques of Alzheimer's disease. The study, which used mice models, suggests that targeting this enzyme could offer new therapeutic options for treating the condition.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine used stem cells to treat paralysis in rodents infected with an animal virus that damages motor neurons. Fifty percent of treated rodents regained hind leg function, suggesting potential for improved treatments for ALS and spinal motor atrophy.
A study has shown that two new medications, LAAM and buprenorphine, are effective in treating heroin addiction, with all three medications dramatically reducing heroin use. The research found that patients on these medications had a 90% drop in heroin use and were more likely to stay in treatment.
A new study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that African Americans who undergo carotid endarterectomy (CEA) have worse outcomes than whites due to the operation being performed in less experienced hands. The study suggests that socioeconomic factors are influential in determining surgical outcome, rather than genetic differences.
Researchers developed a new technique that can target aerosol particles to smaller, harder-to-reach airways in the lungs of people with cystic fibrosis. The method uses fine particles and varying inhalation rates to direct the spray to different areas of the lungs.
The Johns Hopkins Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine is working on identifying genes involved in 10 heart and lung diseases. The researchers will use DNA microarray technology to examine tissue samples from 10 patient populations.
A study by the Childhood Asthma Management Program Research Group found that inhaled steroids are a safe and effective treatment option for mild asthma, reducing hospitalizations and urgent care visits. The medication also showed no significant long-term adverse effects on growth or development.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions have identified key shapes and sizes used by the brain to build internal models of reality, enabling humans to learn and control movements. The study reveals fundamental limitations to what is learnable by the human brain, shedding light on how our brains 'think'.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins find that people with repeated sinus infections may carry a mutated CFTR gene, which could increase their risk of chronic sinusitis. The study suggests that patients carrying this mutation may benefit from targeted treatments for sinus infections.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have identified a previously unknown system that helps control the protein product made by the cystic fibrosis gene, called CFTR. The discovery could lead to improved drug testing and screening for cystic fibrosis therapies.
A new endoscopic technique developed by Johns Hopkins surgeon William Dooley improves breast cancer detection and reduces the need for mastectomies. The procedure uses a novel endoscope to visualize breast tissue up to 60 times normal size, allowing for earlier detection of small lesions.
A recent survey found significant disparities in ADHD medication treatment among Maryland public school students, with minority children receiving lower rates of medication. Special education students are almost six times more likely to receive medication for ADHD than their regular education counterparts.
A study published in Nature Medicine found that metformin may help treat fatty liver disease in patients with obesity-related insulin resistance. The drug completely cured fatty liver in mice and showed promise in reducing liver inflammation and improving insulin sensitivity.
A well-balanced diet, such as the DASH diet, significantly lowers blood levels of homocysteine, a by-product of protein metabolism. This reduction is predicted to lower the risk of heart disease by 7 to 9 percent. Additionally, reductions in blood pressure and cholesterol from the DASH diet should further reduce heart disease risk.
The study identified 46 genes overexpressed in tumor endothelium, up to ten fold, and 33 genes expressed at significantly lower levels, revealing a different environment for tumor growth. The researchers believe endothelial cells are promising therapeutic targets to halt cancer cell growth.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that cochlear implants improve quality of life and save $50,000+ over a child's lifetime. The study provides evidence that pediatric cochlear implantation is highly cost-effective from a societal perspective.
A new Johns Hopkins study found that only 8% of adult cola drinkers could detect caffeine in cola at a concentration of 0.1 milligram per milliliter. The majority of group couldn't taste the difference until caffeine levels were raised to much higher levels.
Researchers from Johns Hopkins Children's Center study 14 women with Complete Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (CAIS), finding they can experience good libido and normal sexual activity without sensitivity to androgens. The study challenges current ideas about hormone-to-behavior interactions in humans.
Deep breathing reduces adverse effects of methacholine on healthy lung function by 85%, potentially providing therapeutic options for asthmatics. The study suggests that deep breaths stretch lung tissue, releasing a protective chemical to keep airways open.
A new minimally invasive procedure called endoscopic pancreatic sphincterotomy (EPS) has shown promise in providing long-term pain relief for patients with chronic pancreatitis. According to a recent study by Johns Hopkins physicians, 62% of patients reported significant improvement in their pain levels after undergoing the procedure.
Researchers found that women carry lower levels of HIV in their blood than men, especially during early phases of infection, but have the same risk as men of developing AIDS. Current guidelines may lead to more men being eligible for treatment due to lower viral load thresholds.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have discovered a compound called C75 that rapidly turns off appetite in mice, causing significant weight loss. The substance works by blocking the production of neuropeptide Y, a key hormone involved in appetite regulation.
Researchers identified a working 'inhibitory synapse' between brain neurons and hair cells in the cochlea, suggesting a feedback mechanism that wires ears and brain for hearing. This discovery moves researchers closer to understanding human and mammalian hearing development.
A study by researchers at Johns Hopkins and two other academic medical centers found that large fluctuations in eye pressure during the day or over consecutive days are associated with greater risk of vision loss. Glaucoma patients who experienced low fluctuations in pressure had a lower risk of further vision loss compared to those wi...
Researchers at Johns Hopkins found that using both cocaine and alcohol increases the risk of brain damage. The study showed that cocaine use can lower the amount of alcohol needed to impair cognitive abilities, while heavy drinking impairs executive functions.
Dialysis patients who took amino acid supplements experienced a significant increase in albumin levels, with an average rise of 0.22 g/dL for hemodialysis patients and 0.01 g/dL for peritoneal dialysis patients. This study suggests that simple nutritional interventions can have a positive impact on the health of dialysis patients.
Researchers developed a computer-controlled flow delivery device that monitors tracheal pressure and varies the flow of air to prevent apnea. The new technology may lead to alternative treatments for severely affected patients, potentially reducing the need for tracheotomies.
A Johns Hopkins study shows that a program combining observations by janitors and housing staff with psychiatric nurse skills can significantly increase seniors' mental health and stability. Residents in the test sites scored 17% higher in general mental health tests than those without the program.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that 31% of recent popular press articles on epilepsy contained gross mistakes, including inaccurate science and exaggerated treatment claims. The print media often reflect and shape views about epilepsy, but also perpetuate misconceptions that can shame patients.
A four-month study of over 200 ambulance arrivals found potential for injury to children and other occupants in urban medical centers. Researchers identified opportunities for prevention, including securing EMS equipment and ensuring proper restraint.
Two Hopkins studies confirm prenatal exposure to normal male hormones dictates male gender identity in genetically male children born with cloacal exstrophy. Most reassigned as females later reassign themselves back to males, exhibiting strong male behaviors and attitudes.
A new study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that older adults with asthma are hospitalized at higher rates due to more severe symptoms and co-morbid illnesses. Earlier diagnosis and better medical care can help lower these hospital admission rates.
A nine-year study found that African-American women are 2.4 times more likely to develop diabetes due to lifestyle factors such as poor diet and lack of exercise. The study suggests that adopting a healthier lifestyle can help reduce the risk of developing diabetes in this population.
Researchers found that human papillomavirus (HPV) is associated with a subset of head and neck cancers, particularly those of the oropharynx, which are more likely to be caused by HPV. The study also showed improved survival rates among patients with HPV-positive tumors compared to those with HPV-negative tumors.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that zafirlukast effectively reduces lung and nasal allergic symptoms in cat allergy sufferers. The study tested 18 individuals with cat allergies, showing significant relief from wheezing and shortness of breath.
Researchers found a five-fold increased risk of OCD in first-degree relatives of patients, supporting the hereditary nature of the condition. The study used diverse patient populations and blinded diagnosing researchers to minimize bias.