Johns Hopkins Medicine

Center Director Roland Griffiths, left, and Associate Director Matthew Johnson.

Medical

America's first center for psychedelic research launched

In a first for the US, Johns Hopkins University is launching a research center dedicated to investigating psychedelic compounds.

Another large-scale study has found if you are otherwise healthy then vitamin supplements do not do much other than deliver expensive urine

Health & Wellbeing

Massive meta-study finds most vitamin supplements have no effect on lifespan or heart health

A massive umbrella study, encompassing 277 clinical trials, into the effects of nutritional supplements and dietary interventions has concluded almost all vitamin and mineral supplements play no role in protecting from cardiovascular disease, or extending one’s lifespan.

New research revealed how toxic proteins can travel up from the gut into the brain to causes damage similar to that seen in Parkinson's disease

Medical

Animal study presents best evidence to date that Parkinson’s begins in the gut

A rigorous animal study has demonstrated how the misfolded proteins thought to cause Parkinson’s disease may originate in the gut, and travel up to the brain via the vagus nerve. This research builds on evidence pointing to a gut-brain connection in the disease and hints at new treatment pathways.

A new study is a step towards identifying different subtypes of schizophrenia characterized by distinct pathological biomarkers

Medical

Brain study reveals type of schizophrenia similar to neurodegenerative disease

Research has revealed some cases of schizophrenia can be associated with abnormal protein buildup in the brain similar to that seen in neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's. It's hoped the discovery will lead to better diagnostic strategies identifying specific types of schizophrenia.

Colorized scanning electron micrographs of a B and T immune cells shown with a fluorescent microscopy image of the previously unseen new "hybrid" cell, thought to play a major role in the onset of type 1 diabetes

Biology

Newly discovered “rogue hybrid” immune cell the potential trigger for type 1 diabetes

A new study, led by researchers from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, has described the discovery of a new kind of immune cell that is hypothesized to play a fundamental role in the development of type 1 diabetes.

A new study has outlined nine different measures that can be used to identify Alzheimer's years before the onset of cognitive decline

Science

Biomarker study detects onset of Alzheimer’s up to 30 years before symptoms appear

New research from Johns Hopkins University has identified a variety of biomarkers that can be used to predict the onset of Alzheimer’s years before symptoms appear. The study presents nine measures that can signal the onset of the disease up to 30 years before cognitive decline becomes apparent.

Researchers have found that some essential oils, such as garlic, may have antibiotic properties

Medical

Do certain essential oils have antibiotic properties?

Essential oils are most commonly associated with aromatherapy and other alternative “medicines." Now a team at Johns Hopkins has found that some essential oils may have antibiotic properties, particularly against a persisting form of the bacteria that causes Lyme disease.

An experimental drug may lead to treatments that help reverse hair loss and improve wound healing

Medical

Experimental drug reverses fatty diet-induced hair loss and skin damage in mice

Using a new experimental drug, researchers at Johns Hopkins have successfully reversed baldness, hair whitening and skin inflammation caused by high-fat diets in mice. It's hoped the research could lead to treatments to reverse baldness and speed wound healing.

Surgeons at Johns Hopkins University who completed the world's first penis and scrotum transplant

Biology

Surgeons complete world's first penis and scrotum transplant

Surgeons at Johns Hopkins University have carried out the first ever complete transplant of a penis and scrotum. The procedure is being hailed as a success, with the recipient now on the mend and the team optimistic that he will regain close to regular function of his genitalia.

A new blood test detecting eight different types of cancer is proving promising in early clinical trials

Medical

Blood test for eight types of cancer offers promising early results

A new blood test designed to detect eight common types of cancer is showing excitingly positive results in early trials. Developed by a team led by researchers at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center, the test tracks two different types of biomarkers that can signal the presence of the disease.

The HQ-40 drone can take off and land vertically, but transitions to fixed-wing flight while cruising

Drones

Scientists set record – for flying blood in a drone

A team of scientists have set a rather unique record – they've used a fixed-wing drone to fly medical samples farther than any drone has ever done before. The aircraft transported human blood samples across 161 miles (259 km) of Arizona desert.

A low-res version of the 3D printed head on the left, and a more lifelike version on the right

Medical

3D-printed head enables better training for "Nintendo Neurosurgery"

Neurosurgeons at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine have tapped 3D printing technology and some Hollywood special effects experts to craft a lifelike head for better surgery simulation, complete with the texture of the skull and brain tissue.