A new study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that older men have more extensive prostate disease even if their PSA levels are the same as younger men. The study suggests that age should be an additional guide in deciding whether to do further testing for non-palpable prostate cancer.
Researchers from Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered that it took a volunteer patient about 250-300 milliseconds to begin understanding a pictured object, and another 250-450 milliseconds to fully comprehend its meaning. The study suggests that information accumulates gradually in the brain, rather than in a strictly all-or-none fashion.
A new test measuring free PSA can accurately identify men at risk of prostate cancer, allowing for targeted biopsies and reducing unnecessary procedures. The test aims to cut the cost of prostate screening dramatically while sparing men from potential complications like infection and bleeding.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine developed a 'risk index' using patient survey data to predict undesirable outcomes in asthma patients. The study found that factors such as recent oral steroid use, high beta agonist puffs per day, and non-white race can indicate future attacks.
Researchers found that contrast echocardiography can detect blockage of small vessels leading to reduced tissue blood flow after a heart attack. The study validated the effectiveness of CE in measuring post-heart attack small vessel obstruction and compared it favorably to MRI.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified a unique molecular defect responsible for polycythemia vera, a blood disorder that can be difficult to diagnose. The finding may lead to the development of a definitive test for the condition, which could potentially increase patient lifespan.
American children who watch four or more hours of television daily are more likely to be overweight and fatter than those watching fewer hours. Sedentary TV viewing is associated with high-calorie snack foods, fast food commercials, and reduced physical activity.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins found that deep breaths can relax lung muscles and reduce wheezing in non-asthmatics by up to 80%. However, asthmatic patients showed minimal improvement from taking deep breaths before exposure to a contracting drug. This new finding could lead to the development of new asthma treatments.
A new study from Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions found that 2.5% of healthcare workers already experience allergic reactions to rubber gloves, while 10% are sensitized but asymptomatic. The study aims to identify and prevent these potentially life-threatening allergies.
A Johns Hopkins study found carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is safe for people in their 80s and 90s, with lower mortality rates than previously thought. The procedure's safety and efficacy were confirmed by analyzing data from over 9,900 procedures performed at 48 hospitals between 1990 and 1995.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins have developed a new noninvasive test that measures creatine levels in the heart, which can indicate muscle damage from a heart attack. The test uses MRI and MRS to pinpoint depleted concentrations of creatine in injured heart tissue.
A five-year educational campaign in Thailand has dramatically cut HIV infections and sexually transmitted diseases among young army draftees. The program, which promoted condom use, reduced the HIV rate by a factor of five and STDs by a factor of ten among those studied.
Scientists have mapped a defective gene responsible for hereditary amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) to chromosome 9, bringing closer the isolation of the gene and potential treatment options. The gene is suspected to be linked to similar neurodegenerative disorders, with symptoms appearing in childhood but never being fatal.
Researchers from Johns Hopkins and Finland have developed a new mathematical formula that can accurately measure changes in brain activity due to oxygen levels. This breakthrough could lead to major advances in fMRI technology, enabling doctors to diagnose diseases by comparing levels of substances in the blood.
Researchers found cancer cells self-destruct when glucose is cut off, suggesting a potent new way to fight cancer with few side effects. The discovery was made using a compound that disrupts glycolysis, the process that produces energy from sugar, and could be used in combination with existing treatments.
A new study found that screening all young women under 30 for Chlamydia trachomatis infection is the most efficient way to identify infected women, reducing infertility and costly medical complications. The test is cost-effective due to its high sensitivity, identifying more infections.
A Johns Hopkins physician cured a 74-year-old woman's long-standing malaria case using a novel test developed by his collaborators. The patient had symptoms for up to 70 years, including severe headaches and cyclical fevers.
Researchers found that an immunosuppressive drug commonly used to prevent kidney transplant rejection also improved patients with severe symptoms of kidney disease. The treatment reduced protein leaks and alleviated fluid retention, correcting high cholesterol levels without the negative side effects of steroids.
A Johns Hopkins Bayview researcher's double-blind study found that potato chips made with olestra don't cause more digestive problems than regular-fat chips. The study of over 1,100 participants suggests that digestive symptoms are common in the general population and that fat substitutes may be a valuable tool for weight management.
A recent study found that risk factors for HIV infection among married women in India include having a sex partner with a sexually transmitted disease. The researchers discovered a significant correlation between HIV transmission and the cultural norm of not discussing sexual behavior, emphasizing the need for accessible STD prevention...
A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that certain symptoms like fever, joint pain, and night sweats can identify people with recent HIV infection before a positive blood test. The researchers screened over 3,800 patients and found that those with these symptoms were more likely to have the virus.
A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that diabetic men are at a 13 times higher risk for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) compared to non-diabetic men. Diabetic men were also four times more likely to develop ESRD attributed to non-diabetic disorders such as high blood pressure or kidney infection.
Scientists have confirmed a genetic connection to bipolar disorder by locating a gene on the long arm of human chromosome 18. This finding strengthens earlier research and could lead to better treatments and tests for the condition.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that intravenous doses of cocaine increase dopamine availability in the human brain, boosting activity two to three times over baseline levels. The discovery may advance efforts to understand and treat addiction by blocking euphoric effects of drugs.
A study found that HIV remains in a dormant state within CD4+ lymphocytes even after treatment with triple-drug cocktail therapy. This persistence suggests individuals must continue multiple-drug therapy to prevent reactivation of the infection.
A study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that nearly one in four heart attack patients suffer from depression, which makes them less likely to modify their diets and exercise more often. The study also showed that depressed patients had greater difficulty following recommended lifestyle and behavior change recommendations.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found adenovirus in 71.4% of autopsied hearts from patients with viral myocarditis, a condition previously attributed to Coxsackie B enterovirus. The study suggests adenovirus and enteroviruses may work together to cause this condition.
Researchers have identified a mutation in the myostatin gene in beefy bovines, which is also found in
A six-month aerobic exercise program improved the functional capacity, strength, and independence of heart failure patients aged 61-91. The study showed a 22% increase in physical fitness, with 43% of patients completing the trial and experiencing significant improvements.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine reveals that heart surgery patients who experience a stroke have significantly higher mortality rates and longer hospital stays compared to those without a stroke. The average hospital bill for these patients is $45,052, highlighting the need for improved stroke prevention and management.
Researchers have discovered a promising approach to protecting the brain from damage during heart bypass surgery, using chemicals that inhibit nitric oxide production and reduce glutamate accumulation. Patient trials are expected to start in early 1998.
Hopkins neurologist Jeffrey Rothstein's team finds 65% of ALS patients have mutations in EAAT2 protein, which could lead to early diagnosis and treatment. The new test aims to detect these mutations in cerebrospinal fluid to enable doctors to check for ALS at first sign of symptoms.
A study using brain scans found that structures on the right side of the brain are involved in anxious thoughts and processing new inputs. The right frontal lobe, basal ganglia, cerebellum, and pontine nuclei were identified as key areas.
Researchers found that a gene linked to family-inherited Alzheimer's accelerates amyloid peptide production and plaque formation. The study suggests that early changes can be targeted with drugs to slow or prevent the disease.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Medicine suggests that prolonged hypothermic circulatory arrest (HCA) can cause an overproduction of glutamate, leading to increased risk of brain damage. The study found significant increases in glutamate levels during the cooling process, recovery period, and up to eight hours post-recovery.
Researchers discovered identical DNA fingerprints in bacterial cultures from two TB patients who were bronchoscoped at the same hospital. The study emphasizes the importance of maintaining TB DNA fingerprint registries to identify unsuspected transmission modes.
A new study suggests that inhibiting poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) enzyme may protect nerve cells from energy loss and prevent irreversible damage after a stroke. The research, published in Nature Medicine, found that genetically modified mice without the PARP gene experienced reduced brain damage compared to unaltered mice.
The study aims to measure how effectively combination drug therapy works during the early stages of HIV infection, with a focus on reducing damage caused by the virus. Researchers hope to determine the optimal duration of treatment for maximum benefit and assess the impact of early treatment on immune system chemicals.
A new test developed by Johns Hopkins researchers uses white blood cells to predict which medications are most effective for each patient with kidney disease. The study found a wide range of responses among patients, suggesting that such tests might assist physicians in developing personalized treatment strategies.
Researchers have identified a new source of sulforaphane, a compound that helps mobilize the body's natural cancer-fighting resources and reduces cancer risk. Studies show that consuming broccoli sprouts daily may provide similar chemoprotection as eating large amounts of mature broccoli weekly.
Researchers discovered an electrical abnormality in heart failure patients that prevents their hearts from recovering normally after each beat. This erratic and unstable ability to recover affects millions of Americans with heart disease, leading to potentially life-threatening rhythm disturbances.
Hopkins-HHMI researchers discover a novel genetic mutation in the APC gene that causes familial colorectal cancer (FCC) through DNA instability. A simple blood test can detect this mutation, providing valuable insights into the disease and potential early detection.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that the TSG101 gene, previously identified as a tumor suppressor, was consistently normal and undamaged in human breast cancer cells. The cells exhibited abnormal RNA splicing, which may be a result of cancer cells trying to activate normal cell behaviors in an abnormal way.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine have found a natural antimicrobial compound called hTAP that appears to be disabled in CF patients, increasing their vulnerability to lung infections. The researchers believe mass-producing similar compounds could help fight lung infections in both CF patients and the general population.
A study of 472 women found a significant link between estrogen use and reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease. The research suggests that estrogen may stimulate nerve cell growth, inhibit apolipoprotein E levels, and increase neurotransmitters like acetylcholine, potentially reducing the risk of AD.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Children's Center have found that certain metabolites of an antipsychotic drug inhibit HIV replication in human cell cultures, but at high concentrations. The findings suggest possible anti-viral activity against other viruses.
A new laser technique called photodynamic therapy appears to prevent further vision loss in people with the wet form of age-related macular degeneration. The treatment uses a red laser light to activate a toxic form of oxygen that stops abnormal blood vessel growth, potentially confining scar tissue and preventing vision loss.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have successfully delivered genes to nearly 100% of muscle cells in a rabbit heart using a disabled adenovirus as a carrier. This breakthrough could pave the way for gene therapy to treat various heart diseases, including congestive heart failure and familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
A recent study found that potassium supplements decreased blood pressure by significant amounts, particularly in those with hypertension or high salt intake. The researchers combined data from over 30 studies and enrolled more than 2500 persons, concluding that potassium can reduce blood pressure.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Medicine recommends reducing the annual frequency of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing for men between 50 and 70 years old, as most don't need frequent tests to detect curable cancers. The guidelines suggest PSA testing every two years is sufficient to identify most men with curable prostate cancer.