- Researchers have made progress in developing a blood test to identify disease-associated changes in the brain specifically linked to postpartum depression and other psychiatric and neurological disorders https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/newsroom/news-releases/2024/02/johns-hopkins-researchers-make-progress-toward-developing-blood-tests-for-psychiatric-and-neurological-disorders 2 comments science
- Scientists have identified a protein (Teneurin-3) in the visual system of mice that appears to be key for stabilizing the body’s circadian rhythms by buffering the brain’s response to light https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/newsroom/news-releases/2023/12/study-identifies-visual-system-protein-for-circadian-rhythm-stability 12 comments science
- Scientists have identified a receptor capable of binding cocaine at very low doses: the BASP1 connector molecule. That may also underlie gender differences in cocaine’s effects https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/newsroom/news-releases/molecular-connector-helps-cocaine-latch-on-to-brain-cells-even-when-drug-is-in-low-doses 6 comments science
- X-Ray Vision - John Hopkins https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/articles/x-ray-vision 4 comments science
- Stop Wasting Money on Vitamins - John Hopkins https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/is-there-really-any-benefit-to-multivitamins 93 comments science
- Study Adds to Evidence That Odor-Sensing Cells in the Nose Are the Key Entry Point for SARS CoV-2. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/newsroom/news-releases/study-adds-to-evidence-that-odor-sensing-cells-in-the-nose-are-the-key-entry-point-for-sars-cov-2 21 comments science
- In a search for clues to what may delay or prevent Alzheimer’s disease, scientists report that smarter, more educated people aren’t protected from the disease, but do get a cognitive “head start” that may keep their minds functioning better temporarily. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/newsroom/news-releases/education-intelligence-may-protect-cognition-but-dont-prevent-alzheimers-disease 9 comments science
- COVID-19 Test That Relies on Viral Genetic Material Gives False Negative Results if Used Too Early in Those Infected https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/newsroom/news-releases/covid-19-test-that-relies-on-viral-genetic-material-gives-false-negative-results-if-used-too-early-in-those-infected 45 comments science
- Research shows the heart is more sensitive to elevations of blood pressure than previously thought. Doctors suggest those with elevated blood pressure (or high normal), even in youth, need to seek treatment as soon as possible to prevent damage. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/media/releases/high_normal_blood_pressure_in_young_adults_spells_risk_of_heart_failure_in_later_life 14 comments science
- People with schizophrenia can have higher levels of antibodies against Epstein-Barr virus, a herpes virus that causes infectious mononucleosis. It is not yet known if schizophrenia alters immune systems to make patients more susceptible to EBV, or if EBV infection increases the risk of schizophrenia https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/newsroom/news-releases/schizophrenia-linked-with-abnormal-immune-response-to-epstein-barr-virus 4 comments science
- Wearable activity trackers are a more reliable measure of physical activity and better than patient surveys and other methods physicians use to assess five-year risk of death in older adults, researchers report. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/newsroom/news-releases/wearable-activity-trackers-a-reliable-tool-for-predicting-death-risk-in-older-adults 6 comments science
- Johns Hopkins Launches Center For Psychedelic Research https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/newsroom/news-releases/johns-hopkins-launches-center-for-psychedelic-research 8 comments science
- Meta-analysis of 30 papers published on levels of immune and inflammatory molecules in geriatric caregivers fails to find a clear link, suggesting that the idea that providing care for the elderly is personally health damaging is largely exaggerated. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/publications/hopkins_medicine_magazine/medical_rounds/spring-summer-2019/caregiver-stress-is-exaggerated 4 comments science
- Study Shows Experimental Drug Can Encourage Bone Growth in Children with Dwarfism https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/newsroom/news-releases/study-shows-experimental-drug-can-encourage-bone-growth-in-children-with-dwarfism 4 comments science
- Experiences of ‘Ultimate Reality’ or ‘God’ Confer Lasting Benefits to Mental Health. The encounter experiences, whether spontaneous or originated by a psychedelic, resulted in similar positive impact. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/newsroom/news-releases/experiences-of-ultimate-reality-or-god-confer-lasting-benefits-to-mental-health 9 comments science
- Johns Hopkins researchers have discovered that use of a synthetic psychedelic appears to be associated with unintended improvements in self-reported depression and anxiety (n=362). 5-MeO-DMT is a psychedelic found in the venom of toads, a variety of plant species, and can be produced synthetically. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/newsroom/news-releases/fast-acting-psychedelic-associated-with-improvements-in-depressionanxiety 92 comments science
- People with schizophrenia can have higher levels of antibodies against Epstein-Barr virus, a herpes virus that causes infectious mononucleosis. It is not yet known if schizophrenia alters immune systems to make patients more susceptible to EBV, or if EBV infection increases the risk of schizophrenia https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/newsroom/news-releases/schizophrenia-linked-with-abnormal-immune-response-to-epstein-barr-virus 7 comments science
- In a study of infrequent cannabis users, Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers have shown that, compared with smoking cannabis, vaping it increased the rate of short-term anxiety, paranoia, memory loss and distraction when doses were the same. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/newsroom/news-releases/vaping-cannabis-produces-stronger-effects-than-smoking-cannabis-for-infrequent-users 21 comments science
- A new study finds that only a minority of parents choose not to immunize their children against the sexually transmitted human papillomavirus (HPV) due to concerns that vaccination would encourage or support youth sexual activity, a reason frequently cited as a barrier to advocating for this vaccine https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/newsroom/news-releases/the-hpv-vaccine-why-parents-really-choose-to-refuse 14 comments science
- Study concludes that most Americans go to sleep later on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights. Delayed bedtimes are especially pronounced for teens and young adults. Findings add evidence to support recent pushes for later school start times, say researchers. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/media/releases/americans_bedtime_habits_affirmed_in_new_study 101 comments science
- Exposure to coarse particulate matter (PM 2.5-10) linked to increased risk of asthma in children https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/media/releases/exposure_to_larger_air_particles_linked_to_increased_risk_of_asthma_in_children 3 comments science
- Alcohol Use Affects Levels of Cholesterol Regulator through Epigenetics http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/media/releases/alcohol_use_affects_levels_of_cholesterol_regulator_through_epigenetics 3 comments science
- A minimally invasive laparoscopic form of the surgery used to treat severe pancreatitis results in shorter hospital stays, less need for opioid painkillers, and fewer complications. http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/media/releases/johns_hopkins_surgeons_report_success_with_first_20_patients_undergoing_minimally_invasive_pancreatic_transplant_surgery 11 comments science
- In an expanded, 3-year clinical trial of 86 patients with colorectal and 11 other cancers with so-called ‘mismatch repair’ genetic defects, scientists have found that half of the patients respond to an immunotherapy drug called pembrolizumab (Keytruda), as reported in Science. http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/media/releases/study_adds_evidence_that_flaws_in_a_tumors_genetic_mending_kit_drive_treatment_response_to_immunotherapy_drugs 3 comments science
- A hand-held EEG device can quickly and with 97% accuracy rule out whether a person with a head injury likely has brain bleeding and needs further evaluation and treatment, without needing a CT scan, in a clinical trial conducted among adults in 11 hospitals. http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/media/releases/quickly_assessing_brain_bleeding_in_head_injuries_using_new_device 681 comments science
- Bacterium known to cause chronic inflammatory gum infections also triggers the inflammatory “autoimmune” response characteristic of chronic, joint-destroying rheumatoid arthritis, finds Johns Hopkins researchers. http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/media/releases/researchers_add_to_evidence_that_common_bacterial_cause_of_gum_disease_may_drive_rheumatoid_arthritis 15 comments science
- Researchers have discovered a cellular "off" switch for the inflammatory immune response that causes asthma attacks. http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/media/releases/turning_off_asthma_attacks 3 comments science
- Results of a head-to-head comparison study show that noninvasive CT scans of the heart’s vessels are far better at spotting clogged arteries that can trigger a heart attack than the commonly prescribed exercise stress that most patients with chest pain undergo. http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/media/releases/heart_ct_scans_outperform_stress_tests_in_spotting_clogged_arteries 15 comments science
- Engineers and physicians have developed a hand-held, battery-powered device that quickly picks up vital signs from a patient’s lips and fingertip. Updated versions of the prototype could replace the bulky, restrictive monitors now used. http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/media/releases/mouthlab_patients_vital_signs_are_just_a_breath_away 172 comments science
- Multiple allergic reactions traced to single protein http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/media/releases/multiple_allergic_reactions_traced_to_single_protein 3 comments science
- Newborns exposed to dirt, dander, germs may have lower allergy, asthma risk: Infants exposed to rodent and pet dander, roach allergens and a wide variety of household bacteria in the first year of life appear less likely to suffer from allergies, wheezing and asthma, according to a new study http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/media/releases/newborns_exposed_to_dirt_dander_and_germs_may_have_lower_allergy_and_asthma_risk 3 comments science
- The Musical Brain: Novel Study of Jazz Players Shows Common Brain Circuitry Processes Both Music and Language http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/media/releases/the_musical_brain_novel_study_of_jazz_players_shows_common_brain_circuitry_processes_both_music_and_language 10 comments science
- Obesity-induced fatty liver disease reversed in mice using epilepsy medicine: Researchers discovered that valproic acid, a widely used drug for treating epilepsy, can reduce fat accumulation in the liver and lower blood sugar levels in the blood of obese mice http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/media/releases/obesity_induced_fatty_liver_disease_reversed_in_mice 10 comments science
- Psychedelic research Volunteers needed http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/psychiatry/research/bpru/research_volunteers.html#attention 3 comments science
- Finding Alzheimer's disease before symptoms start: researchers say that by measuring levels of certain proteins in cerebrospinal fluid, they can predict when people will develop the cognitive impairment associated with Alzheimer’s disease years before the first symptoms of memory loss appear http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/media/releases/finding_alzheimers_disease_before_symptoms_start 18 comments science
- Low levels of the “sunshine” vitamin D appear to increase a child’s risk of anemia, according to new research at the Johns Hopkins Children’s Center http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/media/releases/low_vitamin_d_levels_raise_anemia_risk_in_children_hopkins_led_study_shows 3 comments science
- Johns Hopkins researchers report that hospitals may be reaping enormous income for patients whose hospital stays are complicated by preventable bloodstream infections contracted in their intensive care units http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/media/releases/hospitals_profit_when_patients_develop_bloodstream_infections 269 comments science
- Johns Hopkins researchers have solved a key part of a muscle regeneration mystery plaguing scientists for years, adding strong support to the theory that muscle mass can be built without a complete, fully functional supply of muscle stem cells. http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/media/releases/hopkins_researchers_solve_key_part_of_old_mystery_in_generating_muscle_mass 2 comments science
- ACNE DRUG PREVENTS HIV BREAKOUT - Scientists have found that a safe and inexpensive antibiotic in use since the 1970s for treating acne effectively targets infected immune cells in which HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, lies dormant and prevents them from reactivating and replicating http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/press_releases/2010/03_18a_10.html 263 comments science
- Not all evolutionary changes stem from mutations that confer advantages (natural selection). There is a growing mound of evidence that indicate significant "neutral" genetic drift http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/press_releases/2007/07_17_07.html 2 comments science