Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that teenagers with chronic diseases such as cystic fibrosis benefit from an online platform, Hopkins Teen Central. The site provides a virtual support group where teens can connect with each other and share their experiences, leading to increased perceptions of having friends with CF.
A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that early surgery can reduce death rates from aortic aneurysms by 90% compared to emergency repairs. The study involved 675 Marfan syndrome patients and showed that mortality rates were significantly lower when treatment was initiated earlier.
A study published in Nature Medicine found that silent HIV infections can persist for decades, making long-term medication necessary. Researchers discovered that patients taking strict anti-HIV regimens could keep the virus suppressed and experience no symptoms of AIDS, highlighting the importance of adherence to therapy.
A study by Johns Hopkins researcher Gregory Diette found that 56% of children with nighttime asthma attacks missed one or more days of school due to their condition. Parents also suffered, with 30% reporting missing work on days following their child's nighttime symptoms.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have found the source of migraine pain to be changes within the meninges, the protective tissue layers covering the brain. The study uses SPECT scans to link abnormalities in the meninges with the site of pain.
A new study at Johns Hopkins and the University of Maryland provides a tool for physicians to evaluate an epilepsy patient's risk of having an accident while driving. The study found that four illness-related characteristics can predict accidents, including the length of time between seizures.
Research suggests that physical stress and surgery can suppress natural killer cell activity, leading to increased tumor development. Protective measures, such as analgesia, may help prevent this suppression.
Researchers discovered that children of alcoholics have lower natural opioid activity in the brain, making them more susceptible to addiction. This difference may alter the brain's reward pathway and response to stress, increasing vulnerability to alcoholism.
Researchers found that high-dose methadone (80-100mg) resulted in a sharper reduction in illicit opioid use compared to moderate doses (40-50mg), with some patients requiring even higher doses for optimal benefit. The study, conducted at Johns Hopkins Medicine, underscores the need for more consistent treatment dosages nationwide.
A new test using vinegar and visual inspection detected over 75% of potential cancers among African study participants, identifying almost twice as many cases as Pap smears. The inexpensive and easy test could provide a reliable screening option for women in developing countries where cervical cancer is prevalent.
A Johns Hopkins-led study shows that many heart disease features are better explained by the body's responses to genetic damage rather than the damage itself. The research used a miniaturized catheter to compare healthy and diseased mouse hearts, revealing evolving adaptations that worsen symptoms over time.
Researchers discovered a genetic mutation responsible for a rare form of treatable dwarfism, affecting 105 family members in northeastern Brazil. The study suggests the mutation could be used as a prenatal screening test for the disorder.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine reveals that nearly 90% of prostate cancers are linked to a common genetic process called 'gene switching,' which can be reversed with drugs. This finding has the potential to correct one of the most common cancers in men without using typical gene therapy.
The US lacks preparedness for bioterrorism attacks, according to a recent report by Dr. D.A. Henderson. The country is particularly vulnerable to anthrax and smallpox, which are identified as top bioweapon threats. The report calls for improved training, diagnostic techniques, and vaccine development to address this growing concern.
A new form of herpesvirus has been identified as the cause of nearly a dozen young North American zoo elephant deaths. The virus, found to be latent in most African elephants, can spread to Asian species through transmission from infected African elephants in zoos. Early detection and treatment with antiviral drugs can save lives.
Researchers used 'silencing genes' cloned from electrically quiet human heart tissue to quiet firing nerve cells, demonstrating a potential gene therapy approach for conditions marked by excessive nerve excitability. The system was fine-tuned with an insect hormone-based control switch, allowing for temporary silencing of nerve cells.
A Johns Hopkins Medicine program offered HIV testing to emergency department patients, identifying nearly 6.4% of those tested as positive. The study found that voluntary screening improved early detection rates, particularly among high-risk groups such as males and blacks, who had higher rates of HIV positivity.
A low-protein diet can safely delay dialysis treatment for up to a year in patients with severe chronic renal failure. The diet, rich in fruits and vegetables, provides essential nutrients without side effects.
Neuroscientists at Johns Hopkins discover that nerve signals can originate from nerves not directly injured, leading to abnormal activity in nearby nerves. The study provides a basis for targeting the skin and suggests effective therapy options for neuropathic pain syndromes.
Researchers identified superior canal dehiscence syndrome (SCDS) as a rare disorder characterized by vertigo triggered by loud noises, caused by a hole in the skull's temporal bone. The disorder affects balance and can be treated with surgery or simple lifestyle adjustments.
Scientists have discovered that laboratory rats fed soy meal develop less pain after nerve injury than those on a soy-free diet. The research suggests that diet could be an important factor in the expression of nerve-injury pain in rats, and may offer possibilities for understanding individual differences in pain perception.
Researchers sequenced the complete genome of a form of HIV from India, finding significant variation in genes for proteins on the outer envelope of the virus. This suggests that currently favored approaches to vaccine development may not work, and that a new approach may be needed.
High-dose cyclophosphamide treatment achieved complete remissions in five patients with autoimmune disorders, while partial remissions were maintained in two. Patients experienced improved kidney function and reduced medication doses.
A new study at Johns Hopkins suggests a safe and effective way to detect left-over thyroid cells using PCR technology. The test relies on detecting genes for thyroglobulin in patients' blood, allowing them to stay on their thyroid hormone medication while reducing the risk of false results.
A new study reveals that more than half of children consume excessive amounts of fat, leading to increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The study found that most children exceeded the recommended levels of total fat intake and also had inadequate consumption of desirable monounsaturated fats.
A two-year study found that environmental stressors, such as unemployment and lack of health insurance, contribute to high blood pressure in young African-American males. An intervention team's efforts led to a 50% blood pressure control rate and a 75% decrease in emergency room visits.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that cases of life-threatening heart muscle inflammation are declining in the US, corresponding with a decline in enteroviral infections. Since 1991, myocarditis was present in less than 5% of patients biopsied each year, correlating with reduced enterovirus cases reported by the CDC.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine successfully isolated and cultured human embryonic stem cells, a long-sought achievement. The versatile cells have the potential to rapidly study human processes and develop new therapies for various diseases, including diabetes, Parkinson's disease, and muscular dystrophies.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered that bearing down hard during sex can cause transient global amnesia, a temporary inability to form new memories. The study found two cases of men experiencing confusion and amnesia after sex, linked to the Valsalva maneuver and sympathetic nervous system activation.
Hopkins researchers found a genetic change called loss of imprinting (LOI) in 44% of colon cancer patients and 13% of healthy individuals. LOI is linked to microsatellite instability, which can predict patient outcomes.
A new Johns Hopkins study shows that ecstasy users are at risk of developing brain injury due to the drug's impact on serotonin-releasing nerves. The research found significant losses in these nerve cells with greater use, suggesting potential long-term damage.
A Johns Hopkins study found that women who experience physical or verbal abuse are more likely to suffer from health problems, including physical symptoms such as diarrhea and abdominal pain. The study also found a higher incidence of vaginal discharge and substance abuse among abused women.
A study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that surgical experience is a crucial factor in achieving better clinical outcomes for patients undergoing thyroidectomy. The results showed that surgeons performing the most thyroid operations had lower complication rates, shorter hospital stays, and lower average hospital charges. This study...
A team of international researchers has pinpointed the site of the first gene for prostate cancer located on the human X chromosome. This discovery may account for almost 20 percent of disease in families with a strong history of the cancer.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine solved a major mystery surrounding energy production by determining the molecular structure of adenosine triphosphate synthase (ATP synthase). The discovery explains how cells produce ATP, the common currency of energy, and offers new insights into why people get less energetic with age.
A recent study screened over 13,000 female new recruits at the Army's induction center and found a high prevalence of chlamydia infections, particularly among young women.
A recent trial found that patients with HIV-related sensory neuropathy experienced significantly lessened pain intensity and improved sensation after receiving injections of lab-created nerve growth factor. The study also identified which nerves are involved in the injury, paving the way for future research on regrowing damaged nerves.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Oncology Center identify connection between APC and c-MYC genes, which conspire to initiate almost all colon cancers. The study suggests potential new drug strategies to prevent colon cancer by blocking the signal that activates c-MYC.
Researchers found that inexpensive signs can increase stair use by 4.8-7.2% among different age groups and racial demographics, with significant benefits for Caucasians but little impact on African Americans.
A 15-year study in over 100 families and 1,000 subjects provides the first reliable evidence of genetic susceptibility to schizophrenia. The study identified a stretch of DNA on chromosome 13 associated with schizophrenia susceptibility.
A Johns Hopkins study found that UV-B exposure from sunlight increases the risk of cortical cataracts in people of all ages and backgrounds. The researchers calculated a 10% increase in risk for every 0.01 'Maryland sun years' of exposure.
A Johns Hopkins study found that shame, denial, and fear of others' reactions prevent many abused women from sharing their experiences with doctors. Despite positive interactions with physicians, women often face barriers, including clinicians' discomfort or lack of understanding.
Chlamydia infection can occur without symptoms, highlighting the need for more frequent testing. The study found that over 50% of infected adolescent females tested positive within six months, emphasizing the importance of regular screenings.
A new Johns Hopkins study suggests better ways of taking LAAM, a drug similar to methadone, by increasing dosage frequency and reducing side effects. The study found significant reductions in heroin use among participants, with over 80% staying with the treatment, and increased patient adherence due to its longer-acting benefits.
A new study published in JAMA found that nearly 4 in 10 female emergency room patients have experienced physical or emotional abuse, with 14 percent reporting recent abuse. The study highlights the need for healthcare professionals to screen patients for domestic violence and provide necessary referrals.
A Johns Hopkins study has found that depression is an independent risk factor for coronary artery disease in men, with those experiencing clinical depression twice as likely to develop the condition. Symptoms of CAD appeared on average 15 years after the first episode of depression.
A study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that medical regionalization in Maryland decreased the death rates for patients undergoing a complex pancreaticoduodenectomy operation for pancreatic cancer. The study showed that regionalization resulted in a significant reduction in mortality rates, with an estimated 57 patient lives saved.
Anemia is a major cause of debilitating fatigue and early death in people with HIV. Research shows that treating anemia can reduce the risk of mortality, especially when related to antiretroviral therapy like AZT.
Squalamine, a novel liver steroid, has been shown to inhibit the growth of brain tumors called gliomas by disabling blood vessel formation. In laboratory tests, it proved as effective as carmustine in slowing tumor growth and constricting blood vessels, suggesting potential as a human therapy.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have discovered that brain antibodies may trigger Tourette's syndrome in part by attacking brain nerve cells after a bacterial infection. The study found higher levels of antibodies against proteins in the putamen area of the brain, suggesting a link between infections and Tourette's symptoms.