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October 19, 2026 October 19, 2026 | Published by the Students of Johns Hopkins since 1896

Science & Technology

Scientists develop vein transplant procedure

By MARU GARZA | November 6, 2014

More than 25 million people in Western societies are currently affected by vascular diseases, diseases that affect the body’s blood vessel network, but current treatment options are limited and often include lifelong supervision and immunosuppression. A team of scientists and doctors at the University of Gothenburg has discovered a possible solution: a transplantable vascular graft created from the patient’s own blood to assure that their body accepts the graft.

Bangladesh has high rates of birth complications

By SUNNY CAI | November 6, 2014

In developed nations home births, or “natural births,” are a growing trend among middle-class moms-to-be who choose not to give birth in a hospital. However, in many areas of developing nations, poor rural women have no choice but to give birth at home, often with adverse medical consequences. Researchers at the Bloomberg School of Public Health (JHSPH) found that more than one quarter of all women in rural Bangladesh experienced complications during pregnancy and/or childbirth.

Targeted cancer therapy utilizes molecular tagging

By ELLI TIAN | November 6, 2014

One of the greatest challenges in treating cancer is figuring out how to eradicate tumor cells without harming healthy ones. This is particularly true for cancers that affect major organs such as the lungs, the liver or the brain. A study conducted by a team of neuroscientists at Harvard University and led by Khalid Shah, a professor at Harvard Medical School, poses a potential solution to the problem of distinguishing between cancer cells and normal, healthy ones.

Researchers find a new way to fight superbugs

By TONY WU | November 6, 2014

Bacterial infections are one of the major causes of death worldwide. Even in hospitals, patients often contract infections from the bacteria-filled surroundings. Recently, researchers at the Hopkins School of Medicine have developed a diagnostic system that has the potential of pinpointing superbug infection sites within patients, helping doctors combat their spread.

Video modules train on Ebola protection

By ALIZAY JALISI | November 6, 2014

After the fourth Ebola patient was diagnosed in the U.S., fears of sending American citizens to high-risk countries have escalated. Many healthcare institutions have recently developed standardized procedures for handling contagious bodily fluids of Ebola patients. On Oct. 24, the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) announced the pending release of an Ebola training module for nurses and doctors.

Government to reassess funding for viral research

By TONY WU | October 30, 2014

While dangerous, the study of infectious viruses and bacteria captivates scientists.The interaction between viruses and the human body are critical to the understanding of the spread of diseases. Furthermore, by studying the mechanisms through which virus interacts with the body, researchers are better armed to develop treatments. However, the White House is temporarily halting such studies, worried that labs aren’t taking enough precautions to prevent disease outbreaks.

The Brain Wave: Research shows insight into learning and memory

By DUY PHAN | October 30, 2014

Learning and memory comprise a fundamental part of our lives, allowing us to keep up with changes in the environment and acquire new information about the world. It is well established that a brain region known as the hippocampus is important for such abilities. However, the mechanism governing hippocampal-dependent cognitive function remains elusive. Recently published in Neuron, a study has shown that the hippocampus retrieves memory by activating networks in the cerebral cortex, providing an insight into the biological basis of learning and memory.

Fourth Ebola Patient Admitted to New York Hospital

By ALIZAY JALISI | October 30, 2014

A fourth case of Ebola has emerged in the U.S. Dr. Craig Spencer, a physician working for Doctors Without Borders, returned to New York from Guinea on October 17th, but did not exhibit symptoms until Thursday (note: the virus has an incubation period of three weeks). Spencer is being treated at New York City’s Bellevue Hospital Center, one of the eight statewide hospitals designated by New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo to be fully equipped with an Ebola preparedness plan. As part of his treatment, Spencer has received a blood transfusion from nurse Nancy Writebol, a survivor of Ebola who shares his blood type.

New study looks into correcting sleep cycles

By ELIZABETH LIU | October 30, 2014

At Hopkins, seeing students studying into the early hours of the morning isn’t uncommon, but it’s probably unhealthy. All organisms, from bacteria to humans, have internal clocks to help them synchronize their behaviors to the time of day. A study just recently published in Cell suggests that the biological clocks in gut microbes living in mice and humans are controlled by their host’s circadian rhythms, and when hosts disrupt their circadian rhythms it can lead to health problems like obesity.

Sulforaphane from broccoli helps autism

By REGINA PALATINI | October 30, 2014

Health-food expert or not, you are probably aware that eating broccoli is pretty good for you.  A recent study has found yet another reason to like broccoli: a chemical in it may have a beneficial effect on autism. This chemical could become a part of treating autism in the future.

Brain patterns found in vegetative patients

By ELSHEBA ABRAHAM | October 30, 2014

How conscious are people in a vegetative state? Although the answer may seem obvious, in actuality it isn’t. A recent study found that some patients who appear unconscious still have hidden brain network patterns that support a level of cognition. This indicates that even though the patients seem outwardly unresponsive, they may be aware of their surroundings and be capable of thought processing.

Disorders derive from common molecular causes

By ELLI TIAN | October 23, 2014

There are a wide variety of diseases that impair the growth of the brain and nervous system, ranging from autism spectrum disorders to schizophrenia. With this large number of disorders comes an even larger number of treatments, from medications to therapies to surgeries. However, many of these seemingly different neurodevelopmental disorders may share a common cause. One treatment could be developed that would be effective for many different disorders.

Gasoline droplets have environmental impact

By TIFFANY LE | October 23, 2014

Teachers tell students that math will be useful later in life, but did they know it would be useful at the gas station? A group of Hopkins scientists have developed a mathematical model to estimate how much of a gasoline droplet will infiltrate concrete or evaporate into the air. The model shows that small droplets, which occur frequently during refueling, could damage our environment and our community.

New prosthetics give sensation to arms

By TONY WU | October 23, 2014

Between wars, accidents, birth defects and diseases like diabetes, there are more than 1.6 million people in the U.S. who suffer from some kind of limb loss. Advances in technology have allowed doctors to fit prosthetics that are comfortable and function well, but there are no artificial limbs that allow patients to regain sensation.

Study finds genes affect coffee consumption

By REGINA PALATINI | October 23, 2014

Coffee, that magical elixir some of us swear by during midterms and finals, has been found to genetically affect our bodies. Scientists at the Harvard School of Public Health and Brigham and Women’s Hospital recently released the results of a study that suggests that people naturally adjust their coffee intake to experience the optimal effects produced by caffeine.

Restaurants lower the calorie count in menus

By ELSHEBA ABRAHAM | October 23, 2014

America is the birthplace of a multitude of fast food chains like McDonald’s, Burger King, Wendy’s and many more. Perhaps not coincidentally, the U.S. is also facing an obesity epidemic: In 2012, more than one-third of adults were obese. However, a new study has found that restaurants have started voluntarily lowering the calorie count of their menus.

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