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.
Researchers developed an algorithm using amino acid sequences of proteins called T cell receptors to predict patient response to treatment, providing insights into the biology behind an effective response. The algorithm, DeepTCR, identified patterns that are predictive of patient response as accurately as known biomarkers.
Researchers found that cancer cells can migrate faster in higher viscosity environments due to the formation of denser actin networks and cooperative signaling pathways. This discovery provides a new framework for understanding metastasis and may lead to the identification of potential targets to combat cancer spread.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified TRPM7, a cation channel in carotid bodies and bloodstream, as a promising therapeutic target for sleep apnea. Blocking or eliminating this channel may offer a new treatment option for obesity-related breathing disorders.
Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers have developed a novel genetic engineering approach to deliver gene therapy by utilizing a cell's natural process to
Researchers found white matter differences in post-treatment Lyme patients using advanced imaging scans, correlating with cognitive difficulties and immune response. Axonal leakage in white matter was associated with better outcomes but also indicative of changed physiology.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Medicine reveals that stress influences appetite in both obese and lean adults, with differences in brain responses to food. The research found that obese individuals show increased activation of the orbitofrontal cortex after stress, while lean adults exhibit lower activation of cognitive control regions.
Researchers found that higher levels of cell-free DNA in the blood are associated with increased cognitive decline and worsening frailty over an eight-year period. The study suggests that a simple blood test could detect risk of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of cognitive decline, potentially leading to early interventions.
A new study found that the organization of different types of immune cells within pancreatic tumors is associated with patient outcomes. Immune cells called IL-10+ myelomonocytes tend to be located close to specific T cell types, which may affect cancer treatment responses.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers found that changes in extracellular RNA communication are associated with postpartum depression, potentially leading to the development of a blood test for risk prediction. The analysis also suggests that autophagy malfunction may contribute to PPD.
A Johns Hopkins Medicine study found that COVID-19 booster shots are essential for maintaining long-term immunity against infection, particularly among older adults. The results support the CDC vaccination guidelines recommending COVID-19 boosters and highlight the importance of continued research on factors affecting immunity.
A new study led by Erika Pearce at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that the shape and function of mitochondria in Th17 cells play a crucial role in controlling their autoimmune activity. The researchers identified several molecules, including LKB1, that can influence this process, paving the way for potential therapeutic modifications.
A new biomarker called SPRIGHTLY could distinguish between two aggressive types of brain tumors in children: Group 3 and Group 4 medulloblastomas. The biomarker is highly expressed in Group 4 medulloblastomas, which have a poorer prognosis.
Scientists have successfully delivered a common blood pressure medication directly to the inner membrane of mitochondria, targeting energy-producing parts of cells. The new method uses the body's natural transport system to deliver drugs more precisely, potentially improving therapy efficacy and reducing negative side effects.
Researchers developed assistive devices to streamline ear reconstruction surgery, minimizing tissue waste and operating time. The tools use 3D manufacturing to precision-cut rib cartilage, enabling a faster, more accurate process with better outcomes.
Researchers discovered that blocking the ion channel TRPC6 prolongs survival and improves muscle function in mice with severe Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The study also reduced bone deformities associated with weak muscles.