Scientists have discovered a potential drug target for treating African sleeping sickness by identifying a unique metabolic pathway in the parasite. The discovery offers hope for developing effective treatments for the estimated 500,000 people affected by the disease.
Researchers have developed a method to modify an allergen, like ragweed, into a vaccine that induces protective molecules, type 1 helper T cells (Th1), inhibiting the allergic inflammatory reaction. The new vaccine, named AIC, was found to be 180 times less allergenic than a licensed product in human studies.
Researchers discovered that viral load is a critical predictor of HIV transmission between men and women, regardless of gender. Individuals with low levels of the virus in their blood did not transmit the virus to their partner.
A study led by Johns Hopkins found that patients with high blood pressure taking beta blockers were 28% more likely to develop diabetes than those not taking the medication. In contrast, thiazide diuretics were associated with a lower risk of diabetes.
A study published in Molecular Psychiatry reveals that individuals with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression have lower levels of a certain brain protein, leading to less 'plastic' brains. Researchers hope to improve current therapeutics by targeting the cascade of events responsible for phosphorylating this protein.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins have developed a novel approach for detecting cancer based on genetic mutations in mitochondrial DNA. The new test uses bodily fluids such as urine, saliva, and sputum to identify cancer-specific mutations.
A new study finds that critically injured patients who arrived at trauma centers via private transportation had similar mortality rates, hospital stays, and complications as those transported by emergency medical services (EMS). However, they tended to arrive at the center more quickly following injury, which was associated with better...
Researchers at Johns Hopkins describe fundamental shape of telomerase molecule in mammals and other vertebrates, identifying four common areas highly involved with the enzyme's working. This new information may prompt approaches to inhibit the enzyme, which is active in cancer cells and contributes to their continuous cell division.
Researchers found that using smaller mechanical breaths reduces deaths from acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome. The study showed a 22% decrease in mortality rates, giving acutely inflamed lungs a better chance of healing.
A study led by Johns Hopkins researchers found that patients with fulminant myocarditis can fully recover from the condition within two weeks without much damage to the heart or chance of relapse. Effective treatments include medications and mechanical pumps, which can increase blood flow and assist heart function.
A new review of data from a recent nationwide trial shows the free prostate specific antigen test (fPSA) is as accurate in detecting prostate cancer risk in African American men as it is in Caucasians. The study found that nearly 75% of unnecessary prostate biopsies can be spared for black men.
Researchers found that the inferior parietal lobule is smaller in people with schizophrenia and 'built backward' from normal patterns in men. This abnormality may account for symptoms of distorted reality in schizophrenic patients.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine verified Down syndrome in a genetically modified mouse model, finding identical skull and facial deformities as seen in humans. The study used sophisticated statistical techniques to match the mice' data with well-established characteristics of DS patients.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have developed a technology called Conversion that dramatically improves the accuracy of genetic tests for cancer risk. The technology separates alleles, allowing for individual analysis and detection of previously missed genetic alterations.
Researchers have developed a new way to monitor brain damage in stroke patients, which could increase the number of eligible patients for clot-breaking treatments. The test combines cognitive assessments with MRI scans to identify patients with salvageable brain tissue.
Scientists have discovered a protein that accumulates at the front end of a cell, enabling it to 'sense' its way to a target. This finding brings researchers closer to understanding chemotaxis, a process crucial for inflammation, disease fighting, and wound healing.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins and CIBA Vision Corp. have identified a natural chemical substance responsible for blinding blood vessel growth in patients with diabetic retinopathy. The study found that blocking this substance can completely stop abnormal vessel growth, offering new potential treatments for the condition.
Hopkins researchers identified a dysfunction in HD that affects brain movement correction, leading to jerky movements. The study suggests that subtle jerkiness may appear before clinical symptoms, potentially providing an early diagnostic tool.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins found that elderly people with divorced parents are less likely to receive care from their children and stepchildren. Biological children provide more financial and informal support than stepchildren, but even they often rely on other caregivers.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that immune system cells can attack normal cells carrying mimic molecules, leading to autoimmune diseases like arthritis. The study suggests subtle changes that could underlie many autoimmune diseases and offers a starting point for investigating environmental or genetic triggers.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine reported a groundbreaking case of tuberculosis transmission from a cadaver to an embalmer, revealing the first documented instance of such a transmission. The study emphasizes the need for updated guidelines and precautions to prevent similar incidents in funeral homes.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that routine preoperative tests do not improve outcomes or reduce complications from cataract surgery. The researchers analyzed data from over 19,000 patients and found no benefit to the testing, which adds an estimated $150 million to Medicare costs each year.
Researchers found that 10% of HIV-infected individuals experience severe liver toxicity while taking antiretroviral drugs, with ritonavir being the worst offender. Doctors should monitor liver enzyme levels to ensure safe treatment.
A study published in Urology found that men with prostate cancer are more likely to remain continent and potent after surgery performed by highly experienced surgeons. The study's potency and continency rates were the highest ever reported, with up to 93% of patients reporting continency and 65% reporting potency.
A study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that videotaping surgeries can improve outcomes in radical prostatectomy. The study, which involved 62 patients, showed that minor differences in surgical techniques can have a major impact on results. Surgeons who perform successful procedures should review the footage to identify key factors.
A recent study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that thinking of a favorite sexual fantasy can decrease pain perception. The study suggests that counterbalancing pain with a strong positive emotional response, such as those experienced during sexual fantasies, may be a simple and cost-free way to lessen pain in various situations.
A new study found that 16% of insured individuals who use inhaled beta-agonists for short-term asthma relief overuse their medication, while 63% who use inhaled corticosteroids for long-term relief underuse them. The study also revealed a gender bias, with women more likely to underuse and men more likely to overuse.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins have discovered striking differences in the inferior parietal lobule (IPL) between men and women, which may explain well-known trends such as more men exceling in math and physics. The study found that men have a larger IPL overall and on their left side, while women have a larger right IPL.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Medicine shows that minimally invasive surgery to remove parathyroid tumors is safe and effective, with a significantly shorter hospital stay and reduced hospital charges compared to traditional open surgery. The procedure also reduces the risk of complications, such as vocal nerve injury.
A study of over 6,000 patients found that one in every 100 people misdiagnosed due to a single pathologist's report. This can lead to incorrect treatment, surgery, or chemotherapy, causing psychological trauma and financial burden.
Researchers are testing a new treatment for intracerebral hemorrhage with intraventricular extension, a rare form of stroke that affects younger people and African-Americans. The study aims to reduce mortality rates by using small doses of tissue plasminogen activator (TPA), a clot-buster commonly used in heart attacks and many strokes.
A two-year study of 309 hypertensive urban African American men found that personalized care improved blood pressure control rates by an average of 39%. The team intervention showed a slightly higher improvement rate compared to the standard education and referral group.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified a new neurotransmitter, D-serine, which activates key nerve cells in the brain. This discovery could lead to the development of new stroke treatments by inhibiting NMDA receptor activity.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine successfully used gene therapy to activate the human immune system against metastatic prostate cancer. The study, published in Cancer Research, showed that patients' B-cells produced antibodies and T-cells directly attacked tumor cells after vaccination.
A Johns Hopkins-led study of over 600 patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) found that photodynamic therapy reduced vision loss risk by 67%, compared to 39% for those receiving a placebo. The treatment targets abnormal blood vessels and scar tissue, offering hope for slowing disease progression in selected patients.
Researchers found that atovaquone was 100% effective in keeping volunteers bitten by mosquitoes carrying Plasmodium falciparum from developing the disease. Pairing atovaquone with proguanil, an older malaria-fighting drug, provides protection while avoiding drug resistance.
Researchers found that methylation of estrogen receptor genes may be linked to atherosclerosis and increased risk of heart disease in women. The study suggests that a genetic shutdown may contribute to the perplexing results of hormone replacement therapy on heart disease.
The Johns Hopkins Center for Craniofacial Development and Disorders will investigate the genetic causes of oral clefting, craniosynostosis, and other craniofacial malformations. Researchers will also study the interactions between children with craniofacial disorders and those whose skulls developed normally.
The study found that African-American and white patients rated their same-race physician visits as more participatory, while patients of female physicians also reported higher levels of involvement. Better health outcomes can be achieved through increased minority physicians and cross-cultural communication training.
Scientists identify a key gene responsible for pain sensitivity, revealing potential for tailored pain medications and predicting addiction risk. The study's findings suggest that individual genetic variations in the mu opiate receptor gene can affect pain perception and response to morphine.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have discovered a natural compound called pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) that offers nearly complete protection against amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). PEDF is a potent neurotrophic factor that may significantly protect spinal motor nerves against injury.
A new study published in Archives of Internal Medicine suggests that lean cuts of red meat can be part of a heart-healthy diet. Researchers found that subjects who consumed 80% lean red meats had nearly identical changes in cholesterol levels compared to those who ate lean white meats.
Biochemists identify a genetic slip causing cystic fibrosis by degrading the CFTR protein's twisted structure. A new approach uses heavy water to fix the mutant protein, paving the way for lab testing of non-toxic drugs.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins and NIH describe a previously suspected molecular bridge between nerve cells and their surroundings, which breaks down causing nerves to deteriorate. The study adds new insight into nerve disease and focuses on stimulating nerve cell regrowth in the brain and spinal cord.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that combined hormone therapy of estrogen and androgen increased muscle mass and decreased fat in postmenopausal women. The therapy showed an average 2-4% reduction in body fat and a 4-6% increase in muscle mass.
Scientists have identified a drug that completely stops the growth of abnormal blood vessels on or beneath the retinas of laboratory mice, potentially preventing vision loss. The drug, PKC 412, has shown promising results in halting abnormal vessel growth by up to 100%, with no apparent adverse effects on normal blood vessels.
A new report by Johns Hopkins Medicine highlights the inadequate tuberculosis control programs in developing countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa where HIV infection rates are high. The report recommends improved screening, treatment, and integration of TB and HIV care to reduce transmission.
Patients with heart attacks who are taken directly to high-volume hospitals have a higher survival rate than those treated at smaller centers. Younger patients and those with cardiologists as attending physicians also benefit from increased survival rates.
Scientists found a biochemical link between IgE antibody levels and immune cell receptor count, stanching allergic symptoms. When the drug reduced IgE, new receptors sprouted on immune cells, confirming this link.
A new study developed a simple method to assess the risk of deadly metastatic cancer in men after prostate removal. The chart uses three common measures, including Gleason score and PSA doubling time, to pinpoint the risk for developing metastatic cancer.