Researchers from Johns Hopkins Medicine and Dana Farber Cancer Institute found that irisin reduces levels of a protein linked to Parkinson's disease and halts movement problems in mice. Irisin also speeds up the transport and degradation of alpha synuclein via fluid-filled sacs called lysosomes in brain cells.
Researchers found that RK-33 inhibits the ability of SARS-CoV-2 to replicate in host cells, making it a potential broad-spectrum antiviral agent. The study showed that RK-33's antiviral capability remains consistent across four SARS-CoV-2 variants.
A Johns Hopkins Medicine study found that patient education and nurse performance feedback can significantly reduce missed or refused doses of VTE-preventing drugs. The interventions resulted in a 36% drop in missed doses, with the patient education bundle showing a 44% reduction.
A survey study of over 3,000 adults found that psychedelic experiences share similarities with non-drug related near-death experiences in reducing fear of death. Participants reported lasting positive effects, including personal meaning and spiritual significance.
A recent study by Johns Hopkins Children's Center researchers found a significant rise in type 2 diabetes cases among children during the COVID-19 pandemic. The increase was largely attributed to reduced physical activity and weight gain due to lockdowns and virtual learning.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine discover that nasal cell receptors activate few G protein molecules to produce a signal, contradicting the mainstream idea of high amplification. The study found that the probability of an odorant receptor activating just one G protein is 1 in 10,000, supporting weak signaling.
A study of over 26,000 eye care professionals found that those receiving small financial incentives from pharmaceutical companies are up to twice as likely to prescribe brand-name eyedrops for glaucoma. The researchers suggest that frequent exposure to positive messaging about a drug may influence this tendency.
A small clinical trial found that OP-101 substantially reduced the risk of death and need for a ventilator in severely ill adults hospitalized with COVID-19. The treatment also showed significant benefits in decreasing biomarkers of inflammation and brain injury, suggesting potential for treating long COVID-related symptoms.
Researchers found a link between atrial cardiopathy and dementia in older adults, with those having the condition at a higher risk of developing dementia over time. The study suggests that subtle changes in the left atrium may be an independent risk factor for dementia, even after controlling for other vascular risk factors.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers reveals a promising genetic method for identifying hundreds of disease agents using next-generation sequencing. The Respiratory Pathogen Infectious Diseases/Antimicrobial Resistance Panel (RPIP) system shows near-comparability to traditional diagnostics in identifying pathogens.
Researchers have identified key molecular differences between cancer cells that cling to initial tumors and those that spread to distant sites. The study found unique properties in cells that gain migratory ability and survival advantages, leading to the development of new treatment targets.
Patients who received early physical therapy had significantly lower incidence of health care resource use, including ER visits, in the first month and year after symptom onset. They also spent less money on lower back pain-related services in the first 30 days after symptom onset.
Researchers have created a nanobody that can penetrate tough brain cell coatings and disrupt alpha-synuclein clumps, which contribute to neurodegenerative diseases. The nanobody, PFFNB2, shows promise in preventing disease progression in live mouse brains.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers found that more than 85% of tested CBD products contained inaccurate labeling, including misstated CBD amounts and presence of THC. The study also revealed that some products made unapproved therapeutic claims, highlighting the need for better regulatory oversight.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have probed the atomic structure of proteins, finding that wiggling and movement play a critical role in their ability to function. The study's findings may help scientists design new drugs that can modify or disrupt protein movements to alter their functions.
A study of 6,335 American adults with a history of cardiovascular disease found that risk factor profiles have not improved over the last two decades. Despite advancements in therapies and guideline recommendations, blood glucose, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, body mass index, smoking, physical activity, and diet all showed worse...
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) bacteria may cause colorectal cancer in younger adults. The bacterium causes serious diarrheal infections and is linked to approximately 500,000 infections annually in the US.
A new study found that most patients with pancreatic cancer diagnosed through regular screenings had early-stage disease, leading to long-term survival. The study suggests that surveillance programs can help detect precancerous conditions and cancers early, when they are most treatable.
A Johns Hopkins Medicine study found that preoperative opioid use and four or more years of preoperative pain increased the odds of chronic post-surgery opioid use in patients undergoing adult spinal deformity surgery. Alternative pain management methods and early referrals to specialists may help mitigate this risk.
A systematic review of US-based studies on Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT) reveals a lack of racial and ethnic data, potentially impacting treatment and diagnosis. The study highlights the need for inclusive research designs to address growing concerns about racial disparities in HHT care.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers found that adults with abnormal heart metabolism are up to three times more likely to experience life-threatening arrhythmias. The study used MRI techniques to detect abnormal ATP levels and predict future sudden cardiac death.
Researchers found a protein in eye fluid linked to disease progression in patients with wet age-related macular degeneration. Measuring its levels can accurately predict treatment needs, allowing for safe reduction or cessation of therapies.
A large study found that adult cancer survivors have a 42% greater risk of cardiovascular disease than those without cancer. The highest risks were seen in breast, lung, colorectal, and hematological/lymphatic cancers, while prostate cancer did not significantly increase the risk.
A novel liquid biopsy test can accurately detect cancer DNA in the blood of patients with metastatic breast cancer within five hours, potentially helping oncologists determine if treatments are working. The test's diagnostic accuracy is 85%, correctly detecting cancer 83% of the time and ruling out cancer 92% of the time.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center developed a targeted immunotoxin that delivers into breast ducts, eliminating visible and invisible precancerous lesions in laboratory studies. The treatment showed strong cancer-killing effects in all cell lines and was well-tolerated in mouse models.
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted access to addiction treatment for adolescents and young adults, particularly those with private health insurance. Prescription claims data shows a significant decline in buprenorphine prescriptions among this age group, especially among those with commercial insurance coverage.
A new study links polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) to an increased risk of adverse cardiovascular events and pregnancy outcomes during delivery, including preeclampsia and peripartum cardiomyopathy. Women with PCOS are at a higher risk for heart complications compared to those without the hormone disorder.
A new study found that women over 40, non-Hispanic Black women, and those with lower education levels are more likely to experience infertility. The US fertility rate has plateaued, but access to healthcare services is a significant factor in preventing infertility.
Researchers discovered that uncontrolled diabetes increases heart failure risk by 1.5 to 1.8 times in preclinical stages A and B. Early diabetes control can prevent progression to overt heart failure, suggesting a potential lifesaving strategy.
A new study found that circulating tumor DNA can identify stage II colon cancer patients who benefit from chemotherapy, sparing others the need for treatment. The study showed reduced use of chemotherapy without compromising survival rates.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered a molecular connector, BASP1, that helps cocaine latch on to brain cells, even at low doses. This finding may explain why women are more susceptible to cocaine addiction and could lead to new treatments.
A recent study published in Kidney International Reports reveals that consuming at least one cup of coffee per day may reduce the risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) by 15%. The largest reductions were observed in individuals who drank two to three cups of coffee daily, with a 22% lower risk.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine identified a chemical compound that stops the final events in the pathway linked to brain cell death in Parkinson’s disease. The compound, PAANIB-1, blocks the protein parthanatos without affecting its other critical activities, potentially halting neurodegenerative progression.
New research reveals that age-induced changes in lung fibroblasts reactivate dormant melanoma cells, promoting growth and metastasis. The study found that WNT5A signaling pathway regulates tumor cell dormancy and metastasis initiation, with increased sFRP1 secretion facilitating reactivation in the aged lung.
A retrospective analysis of 7,000 patients found pulse oximeter devices overestimated blood oxygen levels in non-White patients, delaying treatment eligibility recognition. The study suggests that biases in pulse oximeter accuracy disproportionately affect minority communities.
Researchers discovered a specific glycoprotein, RPTP zeta S3L, that connects to CD33 receptors in the brain, limiting its ability to clean up harmful proteins. This finding may lead to new drug targets and early diagnostics for Alzheimer's disease.
A Johns Hopkins Medicine study found that a protein called STING responds to clean-up signals in brain cells damaged by Parkinson’s disease by creating a cycle of inflammation that accelerates the disease’s progression. In mice with deactivated STING proteins, there was less microglial activity and brain cell death.
A minimally invasive device combined with molecular biomarkers has shown a 90% success rate in detecting esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, the predominant subtype of esophageal cancer. Early detection is crucial to improve survival rates, as symptoms often become apparent too late for effective treatment.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have designed nanobodies derived from llama antibodies to target specific sodium ion channels in human muscle cells. This breakthrough could lead to safer and more efficient treatments for pain during surgery and irregular heart rhythms, as well as seizure control.
Researchers developed a decision support program to reduce blood draws in pediatric intensive care units (PICU), leading to reduced antibiotic prescriptions without increasing sepsis risk. The program resulted in significant reductions in blood culture rates and unnecessary medication use.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine developed an AI training strategy to capture images of mouse brain cells in action, allowing scientists to understand how the brain functions and is affected by disease. The technology combines ultra-small microscopes with AI to enhance image resolution up to 52 frames per second.
Patients hospitalized with omicron required similar levels of respiratory support and intensive care as those with delta variants, according to a Johns Hopkins study. Omicron infections should not be underestimated due to comparable severe disease risks.
Johns Hopkins scientists discovered three brain areas – premotor, primary motor, and primary somatosensory – that work together to control sequential movements. These regions are involved in processing sensory cues and adapting to unexpected events, which could lead to new treatments for motor disorders.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine have successfully cultivated human muscle stem cells capable of renewing themselves and repairing muscle tissue damage in mice. The self-renewing stem cells were created by reprogramming laboratory-grown human skin cells, which then differentiated into specific cell types using a nutrient-rich broth.
A new study found that following a Mediterranean-style diet can lower the risk of preeclampsia by at least 20% in pregnant women. The research surveyed over 8,000 women and found that racial differences in rates of preeclampsia were more related to socioeconomic factors than genetic or biological ones.
Adding immunotherapy to chemotherapy before surgery reduced the risk of recurrence and death in lung cancer patients by 37%, according to a phase III trial. The treatment also led to a nearly twelvefold increase in pathological complete response, with 24% of patients achieving no active cancer remaining when the tumor was removed.
A Johns Hopkins Medicine-led study found that COVID-19-induced loss of smell is linked to inflammation-caused nerve damage, weakening odor signals to the brain. The researchers discovered more severe vascular injury and fewer axons in the olfactory bulb of patients with diminished or complete loss of smell.
A new Johns Hopkins study examines the link between psychedelics and consciousness, revealing a significant increase in attributing consciousness to various entities following a psychedelic experience. The study found that participants who reported belief-changing experiences showed substantial increases in attributing consciousness to...
A Johns Hopkins-led study published in New England Journal of Medicine found that convalescent plasma from recovered COVID-19 patients can effectively treat outpatients, with a 54% reduced need for hospitalization. The therapy's effectiveness increases with earlier administration within five days after diagnosis.
Researchers have found a possible target for ALS treatment in astrocyte abnormalities. Astrocytes, a subtype of cells in the central nervous system, are involved in motor neuron death, leading to muscle weakness and paralysis. The study offers hope for developing new drugs to block this process.