The FDA has approved a novel combination therapy of relatlimab and nivolumab for patients with metastatic or inoperable melanoma. The treatment significantly delayed cancer progression time compared to nivolumab alone. LAG-3 blockade reinvigorated T cell anti-tumor activity, establishing the pathway as the third immune checkpoint target.
Researchers found that sulforaphane inhibits replication of SARS-CoV-2 and HCoV-OC43 coronaviruses in cells and mice, reducing viral burden by up to 50%. Sulforaphane also helps control immune response and protects against lung injury.
Researchers found that mosquitoes' odor sensors shut down when forced to produce odor-related proteins, ignoring common insect repellents. This 'expression' process allows mosquitoes to adapt to their surroundings and avoids human scents.
A Johns Hopkins study shows that a higher dose of the antibiotic rifampin may be more effective in treating TB meningitis, potentially leading to improved patient outcomes. The research suggests that high doses of rifampin can kill bacteria faster while minimizing brain inflammation.
Researchers identify two genes, GLI1 and Notch1, responsible for aggressive growth and spread of triple negative breast cancers in African American women. A combination approach using inhibitors and chemotherapy agents significantly inhibits tumor growth and metastasis.
Researchers have genetically engineered a rat model of Down syndrome to test new therapies and explore the condition's unique genetics. The rats exhibit cognitive impairments, anxiety, and hyperactivity similar to humans with Down syndrome, providing a valuable tool for medical research.
Research team finds mutations leading to omicron variant don't affect immune response in people with pre-existing immunity. This suggests individuals who were previously infected or vaccinated may still be protected against breakthrough infections, but humoral immunity may fail.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered a critical step in the molecular circuitry of immune cells that mobilizes the immune system to fight off foreign invaders. The findings, published in iScience, shed light on subtle genetic variations among human populations that may explain individual responses to infections.
A meta-analysis of 280,660 cases of colorectal cancer and 14,139 cases of adenoma found that taller individuals have a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer and precancerous colon polyps. The study suggests that adults over 4 inches (10 cm) above the average U.S. height may be at increased risk.
A Johns Hopkins Medicine study analyzed over 3,800 patients with prediabetes and found that only 13% received formal diagnosis, nutritionist referral, or metformin prescription. The researchers recommend improved screening and treatment options to prevent disease progression.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered 110 genes, circular RNAs, lipids and metabolites that differ between medulloblastoma patients' cerebrospinal fluid and healthy controls. These findings provide proof of principle for novel biomarkers to detect and track the disease.
Researchers developed a new imaging approach called VascuViz to visualize blood vessels at different spatial scales. The method enables detailed mathematical models and complementary images to clarify the role of blood flow in health and disease, advancing our understanding of tissues throughout the body.
A study published in JAMA Network Open shows that a comprehensive system to improve antibiotic stewardship in long-term care facilities significantly reduces the use of antibiotics, leading to better patient outcomes and reduced drug-resistant bacterial strains. The program empowered clinicians to make informed decisions about prescrib...
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered a peptide on the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein that triggers an immune response in humans and is also recognized by cells of the immune system, suggesting potential for protection against future zoonotic outbreaks. The study supports the development of multivalent vaccines against a broad spe...
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers found that psilocybin-assisted therapy can lead to significant and durable improvements in depression, with effects lasting at least a year for most patients. The treatment was shown to produce large decreases in depression severity and stable rates of response throughout the follow-up period.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that certain stem cells have built-in tracers made of sugars that can track their movement in living tissues. The discovery could streamline and advance restorative research for diseases of the brain.
A study of 14 high-risk children found that convalescent plasma provided expected antibody levels without safety concerns. The therapy's effectiveness declined over time, highlighting the need for early administration.
A genome study found significant variation in human ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes based on geographic ancestry, particularly in the 28S rRNA segment. This discovery suggests that these variants may be important for understanding cancer development and functionally assessing their impact on ribosome functions.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have successfully transplanted a kidney from a COVID-19 donor, demonstrating that healthy kidneys from such donors can be safely transplanted. The recipient has shown no signs or symptoms of the virus and has excellent kidney function since the transplant.
Researchers found minority groups were less likely to start newer diabetes medications, despite needing them most. The study used data from nearly 5,000 patients with type 2 diabetes and showed Black patients were 20% less likely and American Indian or Alaskan Native patients were 50% less likely to initiate treatment.
A recent survey by Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers found that about 22% of young sexual minority males and transgender females engage in transactional sex. The practice is associated with HIV exposure, substance use disorder, and unstable housing. Researchers plan to develop interventions to address economic and social vulnerabilities.
A new software uses pose estimation to track human motion with high accuracy, providing an objective assessment of motor function. The technology has the potential to revolutionize neurological care by enabling patients to record video that can be analyzed by their physicians remotely.
Researchers found that a third of patients with wet age-related macular degeneration can safely stop eye injection therapy without further vision loss. Patients who stopped treatment showed better visual acuity, gain of vision, and less fluid in their retina compared to those requiring continued injections.
A recent study found that the number of stage 3 AKI kidneys transplanted in the US has increased significantly over the last decade, yet 44% are still discarded. This highlights the need for further efforts to optimize the use of these organs and reduce waste.
Researchers developed a color-coded test that quickly signals whether medical nanoparticles deliver their cargo into target cells. The tool, tested in mouse cells and living mice, assesses nanoparticle formulations on their ability to escape cellular defenses and reach the cell's interior.
A study of over 6,000 women found that US-born Black women are at higher risk of preeclampsia, but this is not solely due to their racial background. Factors such as biology, social and cultural elements, and access to healthcare also play a role in this disparity.
Researchers develop system to image millions of brain cell connections in real-time, revealing key locations for learning and memory encoding. The new tool allows scientists to study synapse activity on a massive scale, with potential applications in understanding diseases such as Alzheimer's and autism.
Researchers used PET scans to quantify antibiotic levels in orthopaedic implants, discovering rifampin penetration is only about 14% as much as previously believed. A higher dose of rifampin achieved higher bacterial killing and fewer antibiotic-resistant strains, suggesting a shorter treatment regimen may be effective.
A large field hospital study shows that a rapid Covid-19 test is as accurate as PCR detection, with high sensitivity rates for both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. The rapid antigen test's ease of use, time savings, and cost effectiveness make it an ideal solution to reduce testing disparities in medically underserved communities.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have discovered that manipulating certain nerve cells may trigger the formation of new heart muscle cells, restoring heart function after heart attacks. The study found that removing specific genes associated with circadian rhythms increased neonatal heart size and cardiomyocyte numbers by up to 10%.
The study uses a new barcode system to track complex signaling activities in cancer cells and identify key protein interactions. The technique enables real-time analysis and synchronization of protein activity over time.
Researchers genetically mapped the cell types of the mouse iris, revealing four new cell types and mapping genetic changes that occur when the iris dilates. This research may help connect genetic similarities between mice and humans, offering clues for developing new diagnostic tests and treatments for eye diseases.
Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers have developed a 3D map of blood vessels and stem cells in a mouse skull, revealing previously unknown niches for stem cell residence. The map provides precise locations of blood vessels and stem cells, which could be used to repair wounds and generate new bone tissue.
A two-year follow-up of participants found that those who had both their mitral valve and tricuspid valve repaired at the same time experienced better outcomes, including less progression to moderate or severe leakage. This study provides high-level evidence for surgeons on how to perform tricuspid valve repair in these patients.
Researchers found that CD4+ T lymphocytes — immune system cells — produced by people who received COVID-19 vaccines persisted at high levels six months after vaccination, with a significant response against the delta variant. The study also showed that vaccine-elicited fighters recognize and help attack coronavirus delta variant.
Researchers found that people with ALS have higher levels of arachidonic acid, a lipid involved in inflammation, and that tampering with this pathway can reduce muscle-weakening symptoms. The study suggests that targeting the arachidonic acid pathway may offer potential new therapies for Lou Gehrig's disease.
A study with lab-grown mouse cells reveals that lamin C plays a key role in maintaining the structural network under the cell's nucleus, ensuring proper DNA organization. This finding has significant implications for diagnosing and treating genetic disorders linked to DNA disorganization, such as progeria and muscular dystrophy.
A Johns Hopkins-led study found that leptin cancels out the effects of Tamoxifen, making it ineffective for obese patients with breast cancer. Researchers suggest that interventions targeting leptin or Med1 may improve Tamoxifen's success in this group.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center found a new treatment option for inoperable pleural mesothelioma using immunotherapy agent durvalumab combined with platinum-based chemotherapy. Patients with epithelioid tumors experienced higher survival rates, including some who remained tumor-free after completing the trial.
Researchers identified two distinct clusters of patients with Prurigo nodularis: those with increased inflammation and those with a higher likelihood of spinal disease. This study suggests that personalized treatment approaches can be tailored to specific patient profiles.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that combining copper ions with a drug once used for treating alcoholism kills medulloblastoma cancer cells and prevents new ones from forming. The therapy also curtails the creation of cancer stem cells, which initiate tumor growth and recurrence.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that antibody levels against SARS-CoV-2 stay higher in people who were infected by the virus and then received protection from mRNA vaccine compared to those who only got vaccinated. A longer interval between virus exposure and first vaccine dose may enhance antibody response.
A new analysis finds that 67 million US adults identify as disabled, with significant disparities among different socioeconomic and demographic groups. The study highlights the need for accurate data on disability to inform effective policies and solutions.
A recent Johns Hopkins Medicine-led study suggests that statin use is not beneficial for reducing COVID-19 mortality or severity. Instead, patients taking statins had an increased risk of developing a more severe form of the disease. The researchers found no significant impact on mortality rates.
Research reviews show that back pain in space is often sciatica, a form of back pain radiating down the legs. Astronauts experience changes in spine curvature due to microgravity, leading to acute and chronic pain upon return to Earth.
Scientists have identified a previously unknown species of ground sloth, Parocnus dominicanus, from fossils found in the Dominican Republic. The species was smaller than its tree-dwelling cousins and had anatomical differences that may have allowed it to occupy lowland areas.
Researchers found a chemical inhibitor of PDE9 stimulates cells to burn more fat in mice, reducing obesity and fatty liver. The study's findings suggest the experimental drug may be effective in treating severe obesity and improving heart function.
Researchers identified a pattern that links the accumulation of amyloid beta (Aβ) proteins with a reduction of serotonin, which may help predict who will develop late-life depression. The study found that individuals expressing this pattern had more severe depressive symptoms.
Pediatric transplant recipients have a more robust immune response to COVID-19 vaccines, achieving higher antibody levels after two doses compared to adult counterparts. This study suggests that the standard two-dose regimen may be safe and effective in pediatric transplant recipients.
Researchers have identified a way to restore the effectiveness of drugs in clinical trials for treating AML by using human alpha(1)-acid glycoprotein (AGP) as a 'decoy' to bind and inhibit FLT3-mutated leukemia cells. The approach has potential for improving patient outcomes, particularly for patients with FLT3-mutated AML.