Researchers used AI models to predict effective peptide sequences for safe drug delivery in eye cells, promising new treatments for glaucoma and macular degeneration. The model accurately predicted a peptide sequence that bound to melanin, releasing medications over several weeks.
SpaceMarkers, a new machine learning software, can identify molecular interactions among distinct cell types in and around tumors. By analyzing spatial transcriptomics data, it reveals genes overexpressed due to cell-to-cell interactions, providing new avenues for understanding cancer progression and treatment responses.
A new Johns Hopkins Medicine study found that patients with low pain self-efficacy are more likely to use daily prescribed opioids before surgery. Surgeons can use pain self-efficacy scores to identify high-risk patients and provide education and counseling to improve post-surgery outcomes.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found a link between chemical marks on fathers' sperm and autistic traits in their 3-year-old children. The study identified 94 regions of differential DNA methylation associated with high scores on a social responsiveness scale, indicating potential markers for autism risk.
Researchers found that spinal cord stimulation reduced pain response in rats with human lung cancer tissue without compromising paclitaxel effectiveness. The study also showed SCS improved antitumor efficacy of paclitaxel, providing evidence for its potential as a companion treatment.
A novel cell signaling pathway has been identified that could be targeted to treat aggressive pancreatic cancers. The High Mobility Group A1 (HMGA1) protein functions as a 'molecular switch' that activates genes required for tumor growth and invasion. Silencing HMGA1 or disrupting FGF19 signals in mouse models resulted in decreased tum...
A recent study published in JAMA Oncology reveals that disparities in cancer care are linked to differences between clinicians' and patients' identities. Younger, lower-income minorities were disproportionately affected by delayed care due to these identity differences.
Researchers found that dopamine availability in the brain affects people's self-assessment of physical effort and willingness to undertake future exertions. The study, which involved Parkinson's disease patients, suggests that dopamine level is a critical factor in helping people accurately assess how much effort a physical task requires.
Enoblituzumab, a monoclonal antibody, is safe in men with aggressive prostate cancer and may induce clinical activity against cancer throughout the body. The drug targets B7-H3 protein overexpressed on prostate cancer cells, blocking immune system inhibition and triggering tumor cell destruction by activating immune cells.
Researchers have identified a biomarker signature that can predict which patients with kidney cancer will respond well to immunotherapy. The signature is based on the number of immune cells in and around tumors, the amount of dead cancer tissue, and mutations to a tumor suppressor gene called PBRM1.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers found that certain biomarkers in urine and blood can predict the risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD) in patients with acute kidney injury (AKI). Higher levels of KIM-1, MCP-1, and TNFRI were associated with a increased risk of CKD progression.
A new study of over 200 people with premature aging syndromes caused by abnormally short telomeres suggests that chromosomal instability may not be the reason for increased cancer risk. Instead, immune system cells that age and die prematurely may play a role in cancer predisposition.
The funding will support preclinical research using genetically modified pigs, aiming to improve compatibility and reduce immune rejection in xenotransplantation. The goal is to enable human clinical trials and address the organ shortage crisis.
Breast tumor microbes vary significantly among women of different ethnicities, with potential implications for personalized care and disease progression. Researchers identified distinct microbial biomarkers associated with genes involved in tumor aggressiveness and immune response.
Scientists have identified monocytes, a type of white blood cell, as a potential target for eliminating HIV infections. A new study found that monocytes can harbor stable HIV genomes, which may provide a new direction for efforts to improve therapies and eventually cure the disease.
Scientists have identified a new molecule that could help distinguish and treat patients with a specific subgroup of medulloblastoma, the most common malignant brain tumor in children. The discovery points to potential targeted therapies using a drug or drugs to block the molecule's activity.
The Johns Hopkins ARISE program, developed in 2020, may increase the chances of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 getting discharged to their home rather than to a rehabilitation facility. The program's care model promotes early and individualized intensive rehabilitation to help patients regain functionality.
A new study found that bupropion, an antidepressant medication, can help people stop using cocaine while receiving methadone for opioid use disorder. Participants who received monetary incentives to quit cocaine saw a higher success rate when taking bupropion compared to those with placebo.
Researchers from Johns Hopkins Medicine are collaborating with NASA to send human heart tissue into space to monitor its changes in low-gravity conditions. The mission will test the impact of long-duration spaceflights on heart muscle cells, potentially informing age-related cardiac problems treatments.
Researchers created a statistical model to predict who is resistant to COVID-19, using health characteristics from electronic records. The model identified patterns in patients with similar features, suggesting that genetic and environmental differences influence their defense against the virus.
Researchers found that dose escalation to 600mg of ME improved disease control in five patients, while stable disease was observed in another five patients with an average duration of 15 weeks. Additionally, patients reported overall improved quality of life via a questionnaire.
Researchers have mapped mosquito cells that can fine-tune their ability to detect attractive human odors. The discovery may lead to the development of more effective repellents to combat mosquito-borne diseases.
Researchers developed a quick clinical test predicting which people with neck pain benefit from epidural steroid injections, a common but costly and risky treatment option. The new variation on physical exam identified patients with nonorganic signs who are more likely to respond to the injections, guiding best use of treatment.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that high doses of CBD may increase the adverse effects of THC in edible cannabis products. The study showed that CBD inhibits the metabolism of THC, resulting in stronger and longer drug effects.
Researchers have found a significantly higher maternal mortality rate among pregnant people with sickle cell disease compared to the general population. The study's findings emphasize the need for increased disease-specific interventions and health disparities reduction measures.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers found that young adults with depression are more likely to develop cardiovascular disease and have poor heart health. The study analyzed data from over half a million people between the ages of 18 and 49 and found that those who self-reported feeling depressed or having poor mental heal...
Research suggests that a new combination of drugs is needed to find an effective treatment for TB meningitis due to multidrug-resistant strains. The FDA-approved BPaL regimen is not effective in treating TB meningitis because bedaquiline and linezolid cannot penetrate the blood-brain barrier.
Researchers developed AI algorithms to predict ICU delirium risk, showing promise in identifying patients at high risk. The models can detect early warning signs and provide continuously updated risk predictions, enabling clinicians to devote more resources to interventions.
Low blood sugar levels trigger an increase in retinal cell proteins, leading to overgrowth of abnormal blood vessels and worsening diabetic eye disease. The study suggests that keeping glucose levels stable is crucial for preventing vision loss in people with diabetes.
Researchers identified a subset of mutations within tumor mutation burden that remain persistent and visible to the immune system, increasing likelihood of response to immunotherapy. This finding enables clinicians to more accurately select patients for clinical trials or predict clinical outcomes with immune checkpoint blockade.
Researchers analyzed tumor microenvironment of pancreatic cancer, revealing two major defects that inhibit immune response. The study suggests a new approach using anti-CD137 agonist antibody treatment in combination with anti-PD-1 immunotherapy to activate T cells.
Researchers developed an injectable biomimetic hydrogel composite loaded with stem cells that promotes regenerative healing in animal models of Crohn's perianal fistulas. The treatment reduced fistula size by six-fold compared to surgery, offering a potential new paradigm for treating this condition.
Researchers found a genetic alteration in the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein that redirects the virus into a storage compartment within cells, reducing its surface exposure. This change may affect the immune system's ability to identify and kill infected cells.
Researchers found that socially isolated older adults are at higher risk of developing dementia, with technology use shown to lower this risk. The studies suggest that relatively simple efforts to increase social support, such as texting and email use, may reduce the risk of dementia in older adults.
Researchers found that impaired olfactory identification and sensitivity functions are associated with frailty, suggesting a potential biomarker for predicting frailty and unhealthy aging. The study's findings suggest screening older adults' ability to smell various scents could be as important as testing hearing and vision.
Researchers from Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified a novel mechanism of tumor formation in kidney cancers, highlighting the role of overactive mTORC1 signaling pathway and loss of the TSC tumor suppressor gene. Activation of microphthalmia transcription factors (MITF) family by unopposed mTOR signaling may lead to abnormal cell gr...
Researchers found a new role for enzymes regulating genome function, which is linked to diseases such as brain tumors, blood cancers, and Kleefstra syndrome. The discovery could help understand these diseases and develop new treatments.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers suggests that the brain's ability to focus on individual sounds amidst ambient noise declines with age, leading to a 'fuzzy' sound stage. The team trained old mice to filter out background sound, showing promise for treating age-related hearing loss.
Researchers developed a new computer model, quantitative fate mapping, to trace the origin of cells in fully grown organisms. The model helps spot which cells acquire alterations during development that change an organism's fate from healthy to disease states.
Researchers found that a single psychedelic experience increased nonphysicalist beliefs and beliefs about consciousness, meaning and purpose. The magnitude of belief changes was associated with qualitative features of the experience. A significant increase in 'believers' was also observed after the experience.
Researchers found that HOXA5 binds to IκB-α, boosting its cancer-suppressing properties and inhibiting NF-kappa B's transcription of cancer-causing genes. This helps prevent breast cancer formation by 'putting brakes' on an inflammatory pathway.
A new study reveals that HOXA5 binds to protein IκB-α, boosting its cancer-suppressing properties and reducing the development of breast cancers. The presence of HOXA5 suppresses malignancy in breast epithelial cells by blunting NF-κB action.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered that regulating the electrical charge on the inner side of the cell membrane can activate pathways responsible for cell movement. This finding has potential implications for understanding cancer cell migration and immune cell function.
Researchers found that using portable home air purifiers improved markers of cardiovascular health in people with COPD. The study tracked participants' lung and heart health over six months, revealing a 25% increase in heart rate variability among those using active HEPA and carbon filters.
Johns Hopkins researchers have developed a three-dimensional organoid model derived from human tissue to study gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) cancer. The dual knockout of genes in the model has identified key biological targets for treating GEJ cancers with existing drugs.
A pilot study found that nearly half of patients treated with aflibercept could safely stop eye injections without vision loss, while only 17% of those on bevacizumab were able to do so. The findings suggest that matching patients with the right therapy may reduce the need for lifelong treatment.
A Johns Hopkins Medicine study found that pregnant women taking Paxlovid had a reduced risk of severe COVID-19. The research, published in JAMA Network Open, included 47 participants who received Paxlovid therapy and monitored for outcomes and complications.
A new AI-powered blood test, DELFI, has been developed to detect liver cancer with high accuracy. The test detected over 80% of liver cancers in a study of 724 individuals, with an overall sensitivity of 88% and specificity of 98%.
Researchers used wearable activity trackers to derive health metrics, including heart rate distribution and walking frequency, that correlated with clinically measured parameters. These findings suggest that activity-tracker data can identify surrogate markers of disease severity, enabling remote monitoring and potential personalized t...
A new prodrug called DRP-104 targets cancer cells' high demand for glutamine, eliminating them while sparing healthy tissues. The drug is in early-stage clinical trials for advanced solid tumors and shows promise as a safer alternative to existing treatments.