Published by the Students of Johns Hopkins since 1896
April 19, 2024

Science & Technology

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.

Malone Hall dedication gathers Hopkins notables

By JOHN HUGHES | October 23, 2014

On Thursday Oct. 16, a dedication ceremony for Malone Hall was held in an outdoor pavilion on Decker Quad. Dr. John C. Malone, who contributed $30 million to fund the construction of the building, was honored at the dedication.

Study finds awareness after death in patients

By SUNNY CAI | October 23, 2014

“What happens to us after we die?” This question has bewildered mankind since the dawn of human civilization. In attempting to find an answer, mythological traditions and major religions have arisen.

Scientists discover Kabuki syndrome treatment

By TONY WU | October 16, 2014

Kabuki syndrome, a newly-discovered genetic disease, has been the subject of several studies aimed at determining its causes and finding potential medications for treating the disease. Recently, a team at the School of Medicine has discovered a potential route for developing drugs that can treat the disease.

The Brain Wave: Scientists study the brain’s regenerative program

By DUY PHAN | October 16, 2014

For a long time it was widely believed that the adult mammalian brain was incapable of generating new neurons. During early development, a significant amount of neurogenesis (production of new neurons) occurs in order to form the nervous system. This neurogenic program was thought to shut down during adulthood, rendering the brain lacking in neurogenic capabilities.

JHSPH studies stigma of addiction, mental illness

By ALIZAY JALISI | October 16, 2014

The stereotypical portrayals of people suffering from addiction and mental illness have become prevalent in the brains of many Americans due to messages conveyed by TV shows, addiction or depression recovery projects and brochures advertising antidepressants. These stereotypes are the root of a study conducted by Colleen Barry, associate professor and associate chair for research and practice in the Department of Health and Policy at the Bloomberg School of Public Health (JHSPH) titled “Discrimination, Treatment Effectiveness and Policy: Public Views About Drug Addiction and Mental Illness.”

Bloomberg School hosts Ebola symposium

By Catie Paul | October 16, 2014

Hopkins is no stranger to battling epidemics. From the influenza epidemic of 1918 and 1919 to the AIDS crisis, Hopkins researchers have worked on accurately diagnosing patients, developing treatments and identifying at-risk populations. This is why, to Hopkins President Ronald J. Daniels, it made sense that Hopkins would host a symposium on the current Ebola epidemic. The symposium was held Tuesday, Oct. 14 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Bloomberg School of Public Health (JHSPH). It was also available to the public on a livestream.

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