New drug could stop human hearing loss

According to the World Health Organization, over 446 million people suffer from hearing loss worldwide. Cisplatin is a widely used chemotherapeutic agent used to treat patients with cancer, but one of the major side effects is irreversible hearing loss in up to 70 percent of patients who take the drug. 

Arctic warming contributed to our colder winter

For the millions who live in the eastern half of the country, this winter has been especially extreme. While multiple blizzards over the past few months have led some to claim that these frequent storms provide counterevidence for global warming, ironically, new research has shown otherwise. A new study from Rutgers University has linked this extreme winter in the U.S. with warm conditions in the Arctic.

Brain DNA can be altered by childhood experiences

There is often the notion that DNA is a set of permanently stable biological sequences, but in reality, the genetic code is far more complex than most people think. DNA is under the constant influence of environmental factors and randomly arising mutations. Most recently, researchers at the Salk Institute discovered that DNA can also be directly modified by early life experiences.

Hopkins scientist observes exoplanet gas conditions

In spring 2019, the James Webb Space Telescope will be launched into space from French Guiana to seek other sources of life outside the solar system. A group of scientists lead by Sarah Hörst, assistant professor of Earth and Planetary Sciences at Hopkins, has recently published its results on haze formation in simulated environments.

Stool test used to detect colon cancer

Just last month, Hopkins doctors identified two specific digestive bacteria — Bacteroides fragilis and Escherichia coli (E. coli) — that colon cancers trace back to. Cynthia Sears, who led the study as an infectious-disease specialist, said that it was surprising to find two different bacteria between a healthy colon and a precancerous polyp. 

Researchers discover anti-aging compound

Evolutionarily death seems like a paradox. If we want the best chance to pass on our genes, why would we deteriorate and die? The current answer, coined “the evolutionary theories of aging,” offers an answer. As the years go by, our chances of passing on our genes decrease, and we become useless to evolution. 

Anti-cancer drug may be used to treat autism

Researchers at the University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, led by Zhen Yan, professor in the Department of Physiology and Biophysics, discovered a promising treatment method for the effects caused by autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Bones on Pacific island may belong to Earhart

A recent study done in collaboration with the International Group for Historic Aircraft Recovery and published in Forensic Anthropology stated that skeletal remains found on Nikumaroro Island in 1940 are likely to be the bones of Amelia Earhart. 

Hopkins invents a new drug to fight 15 cancers

According to the American Cancer Society, there is a predicted number of approximately 1.7 million new cancer cases and 600,000 cancer deaths in the United States for 2018. Year after year, researchers test out numerous strategies in the hopes of finding a cure for, and eventually conquering, many variations of cancer. 

Natural protections can prevent skin cancer

In recent times, it seems as if scientists are continually searching for treatments to cancer. Oftentimes, the ways to reduce risk or remedy the effects are primarily external, such as radiation to kill tumors. However, a new study might reveal an important internal player in the fight against skin cancer.

Macrophages may be used to ease tattoo removal

A recent study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine described how immune cells can be used to improve tattoo removal procedures. The study was done at the Immunology Center of Marseille-Luminy in France and led by researchers Sandrine Henri and Bernard Malissen.

Intense treatments may harm cardiac patients

A newly published study from Harvard Medical School revealed that survival rates for heart attacks can sometimes increase when cardiologists are away from their patients at academic conferences. 

Holding hands can ease pain by syncing brain waves

There is something about the physical touch of a loved one that is comforting during the worst of days and the hardest of times. When words can not ease the pain, a simple hold of the hand can. 

DNA analysis sheds light on origin of sickle cell anemia

A recent genome analysis of almost 3,000 individuals has provided more evidence that supports the theory that the mutation which causes sickle cell anemia may have originated from a single person, nearly seven millenia ago. 

Sleep expert discusses major sleeping disorders

In light of Sleep Awareness Week coming up this week, the Center for Health Education & Wellness (CHEW) and Nu Rho Psi co-hosted an event in Hodson 110 called “Sleep 101” on March 6.

The progressive evolution of human brain size

Researchers link heavy drinking to dementia

Ethanol in alcohol, as well as its metabolite acetaldehyde, can lead to direct and permanent structural and functional changes to the brain. Heavy drinking is commonly associated with unintentional accidents such as car crashes and falls. 

The sweet origins of modern cough drops

Along with tissues and flu medication, cough drops are just about everywhere during the winter months. They are a staple of cold and flu season and can be found in dozens of different flavors, sold by numerous different brands. 

Neanderthals may be smarter than once thought

From the construction of the ancient pyramids of Egypt to the Colossus of Rhodes to the terracotta army, archaeologists are constantly amazed by what humans thousands of years ago were capable of accomplishing in the absence of modern-day technology.