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October 15, 2026 October 15, 2026 | Published by the Students of Johns Hopkins since 1896

Science & Technology

The Brain Wave: Immune cells lower neuron growth in seizures

By DUY PHAN | April 2, 2015

Seizures are almost like firestorms in the brain, causing neurons to fire uncontrollably and resulting in aberrant motor behavior and the loss of consciousness. Despite their seriousness, we still have no good way to treat them. However, a recent study by Taito Matsuda and colleagues from Japan has uncovered a novel pathway between hippocampal neurogenesis and the immune system, potentially providing a new treatment avenue for epilepsy.

Stars make sounds too high for us to hear

By BARBARA HOLT | April 2, 2015

Just as the elusive dog whistle is beyond our mere human auditory capabilities, there is an entire reality out there full of waves beyond our visual spectrum, patterns beyond our recognition and dimensions beyond our reach.

After Ebola, Africa faces possible measles outbreak

By JESS CARNEY | April 2, 2015

It may seem as though danger from the Ebola epidemic is gone, but new research from the Bloomberg School of Public Health (JHSPH) suggests otherwise. The study, led by Justin Lessler and released in the March 13 issue of Science, found that disruptions to the West African health care, caused by the Ebola crisis, have led to a significant decrease in vaccinations and a consequent increase in susceptibility to a variety of other diseases.

Stricter gun control laws decrease violence

By JOAN YEA | April 2, 2015

In recent decades, studies have investigated the efficacy of certain gun policies in reducing violent crime and preventing high-risk individuals, such as those issued with domestic violence restraining orders or stricken with serious mental illnesses, from gaining access to firearms.

Americans no closer to getting generic insulin

By SUNNY CAI | April 2, 2015

There are 21 million people living with diabetes in the U.S., six million of whom take insulin. Although insulin has been used as the life-saving drug of choice to control diabetes for nearly 100 years, generic insulin has yet to be seen on the market.

Angelina Jolie undergoes surgery to avoid cancer

By SAMHITA ILANGO | March 26, 2015

The recent announcement of Angelina Jolie Pitt’s removal of her ovaries and fallopian tubes after showing early signs of ovarian cancer has women across the nation thinking about genetic testing for cancer. Some doctors describe ovarian cancer as one of the most deadly due to its late-stage discovery, which limits treatment options.

Peanut allergies have a genetic component

By SARAH SUKARDI | March 26, 2015

On every medical form, there is that one box to check off: “allergies.” It’s a question that most people are lucky enough to gloss over, but allergies are a very real problem in the United States and the world, especially among children. It is estimated that between two percent and 10 percent of children in the world are afflicted with food allergies.

A sense of purpose can help you live a longer life

By SUNNY CAI | March 26, 2015

The Japanese believe that everyone has a “reason for being,” or “ikigai.” In Japanese culture, searching for one’s ikigai is regarded as very important, as the discovery of one’s ikigai is believed to bring meaning, direction and satisfaction to life. In fact, National Geographic writer Dan Buettner theorizes that one of the main reasons Okinawans are among the longest-lived people on the planet is because they have a high sense of ikigai.

Europeans gather to watch a solar eclipse

By SARI AMIEL | March 26, 2015

On Friday, a solar eclipse darkened the skies of the North Atlantic for four hours, prompting dramatic photographs for some and disappointment for others in the many countries where cloudy skies unexpectedly blocked the view.

APL finds new way to detect radioactivity

By TONY WU | March 26, 2015

Radioactive decay happens naturally to all materials. However, some elements decay much faster than others, allowing scientists to detect and identify certain materials. The importance of radioactivity detection is not often understated. These detection methods have a variety of uses, including monitoring nuclear power plants and screening cargo for potential terrorist activities. Some methods use helium-3, a material that is traditionally hard to obtain, but a new idea from the Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) may have solved the problem of its rarity.

Flavored alcohol linked to overconsumption

By TONY WU | March 12, 2015

In the past few years, a flood of flavored alcohols has entered the market with the intention of drawing in more consumers. For some who don’t like the taste of beer or vodka, products like hard lemonade offer an appetizing alternative at parties or just relaxing at home.

Pediatric, adult melanoma are not so different

By JOAN YEA | March 12, 2015

Both children and adults can develop cancer, but are pediatric cancers different than adult ones? A new study has found that, at least for melanoma, the two are fairly alike. It appears as though skin cancer in kids and skin cancer in adults have many similarities, which could help in treating this deadly condition.

The Brain Wave: Gut microbes can influence neuron growth

By DUY PHAN | March 12, 2015

Our stomachs contain millions of beneficial microorganisms that help us with digestion. Their importance in our health and well-being is highlighted by reports that show the role an abnormal gut microbiome plays in the development of obesity. Other studies also suggest a close interaction between our immune system and the microorganisms. This interaction is large enough that it may even have an impact on certain types of cancer therapy. Indeed, research into the role that the gut microbiome plays on our physiology is becoming one of the most exciting scientific fields.

Study shows paternal genetics dominate

By LIZZY LIU | March 12, 2015

While people may claim that they take after their mothers in appearance, temperament or character, genetically speaking, they are more like their fathers. A recent study shows that even though mammals inherit an equal amount of genetic mutations from each parent, they tend to display more of the mutations they inherited from their dads.

Scientists find liquid water covered Mars

By SARAH SUKARDI | March 12, 2015

The surface of the planet Mars is currently a barren desert, bereft of most traces of liquid water and life. But recently, more intriguing news about the state of water on Mars has been discovered: Scientists have found evidence not just of the presence of abundant liquid water, but of entire oceans on the surface of the planet four billion years ago.

Eating more peanuts can improve heart health

By REGINA PALATINI | March 12, 2015

Contrary to popular belief, elephants do not eat peanuts. According to the Ringling Brothers, they are too small for their trunks to grasp. That’s unfortunate for them because recent studies suggest that eating this legume may lower the risk for cardiovascular disease and death.

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