News Type: Research
Michael Beer improves methodology for predicting disease-enabling genetic mutations
Up to one-fifth of human DNA act as dimmer switches for nearby genes, but scientists have long been unable to identify precisely which mutations in these genetic control regions really matter in causing common diseases.
Aleksander Popel: halting cancer’s spread
When confronted with the bio mechanics of cancer’s ability to spread, the engineering prowess of Dr. Aleksander S. Popel kicks in. He is making inroads into novel drug-based approaches that halt angiogenesis and disrupt metastasis.
A two-step defibrillator lessens pain
By using a two-step electrical pulse, researchers Les Tung and Ron Berger found that the first “kinder, gentler” surge, preconditions the skeletal muscles for the second larger pulse.
Lifesaving technology: computational heart modeling
Using cardiac MRI scans, researchers create patient-specific computational heart models. Heart rhythm dysfunction is then simulated, allowing technicians to efficiently predict ideal lifesaving therapy.
Promising new imaging solution for traumatic brain injury and intracranial hemorrhage
Dr. Jeff Siewerdsen and other researchers have developed a correction method for cone-beam CT that yields improved image quality sufficient for reliable diagnosis of subtle intracranial hemorrhage.
Innovative nanoparticle gene therapy system eliminates cancerous brain cells
For the first time, Johns Hopkins researchers, including Dr. Jordan Green, used a compound-filled biodegradable nanoparticle gene therapy along with an intercranial delivery system to kill brain cancer cells in animals and lengthen their survival. This new strategy shows great promise in treating brain cancers, such as glioma.
Putting microscopes inside the body
With a single scanning optical fiber, biomedical engineering Professor Xingde Li and his team are creating label-free and processing-free microscopes that go where no others can.
Designing a complete yeast chromosome
Using custom software designed in the Department of Biomedical Engineering, a team of Johns Hopkins researchers has synthesized an entire yeast chromosome.
Using software to pinpoint seizure activity
Sridevi Sarma works with School of Medicine colleagues to refine software called EZTrack that analyzes the brain’s electrical impulses to help pinpoint the location of epileptic seizures.
Rapid progress in virtual heart modeling shows great promise for improved outcomes
Natalia A. Trayanova, Johns Hopkins Department of Biomedical Engineering Murray B. Sachs Professor and faculty in the Institute for Computational...
The Yin and Yang of calmodulin revealed by a biological signal generator
Researchers in the Calcium Signals Laboratory have discovered a mechanism that governs a cellular dialog between the two forms of calmodulin. This enables new strategies for treating diseases relating to maladaptive bioelectrical and Ca
Johns Hopkins researchers discover that an FDA-approved HIV drug may be useful in treating breast cancer metastasis
Use of drugs previously approved for other diseases, such as HIV and rheumatoid arthritis, opens attractive possibilities for treating cancer patients; as repurposed or repositioned drugs promises significant savings in development time and resources.
Error memories enable improved performance and faster learning
A study reveals that the brain controls how much it is willing to learn from the current error based on a previously unknown form of memory: a memory of errors.
Zooming in and out of the mouse brain
Researcher of the mouse auditory cortex could ultimately lead to better ways of treating people with hearing loss.
Database of Pediatric MR Images Aids Diagnosis, Treatment
By building a “cloud database” of MR images collected from children with normal and abnormal brains, researchers aim to give physicians access to a Google-like search system that will improve the way pediatric brain disorders are diagnosed and treated.
All in the family — sodium and calcium ion channels share common roots
Novel treatment strategies for arrhythmias, myotonias, and neurodegeneration provided by an ancient feedback module commonly shared between voltage-gated sodium and calcium channels.
Improving cardiac ablation treatment with virtual heart mapping
Dr. Trayanova and team are exploring whether the patient’s virtual heart could be used to noninvasively determine the optimal ablation targets with a lot more accurately.
I-STAR Lab refines ultra-low dose CT scans
Armed with pragmatism and advanced computer modeling techniques, BME researchers have made strides in improving CT image quality while reducing X-ray exposure and other negative consequences of the scanning technique.
Solving the paradox: How one bad apple spoils the pie of cardiac rhythms
BME and neuroscience researchers exploit live-cell biochemistry, electrophysiology, and mathematical simulations to solve how calmodulinopathies can lead to life-threatening cardiac arrhythmogenic events.
Engineering safer surgery: The LevelCheck algorithm translated to first clinical studies
Advanced 3D-2D image registration leverages high-speed computing to provide surgeons with an on-demand, labeled visual depiction of the spine and surgical target in the operating room.
Johns Hopkins researchers establish a digital search system for pediatric brain MRI data
A searchable digital brain image data library will provide doctors the ability to access thousands of pediatric scans. Finding similar scans to those of their own patient's will enhance diagnosis and treatment of their young patients with brain disorders.
Eye movements as a predictor of behavior
Dr. Reza Shadmehr and his team explore the relationship between eye movements and decision making.
Going native — biomedical engineers take biochemistry from the test tube into living cells
Advances made by Dr. Yue’s team reveal how calcium ion channels are properly controlled in the brain, and furnish a powerful new strategy for probing similarly large and complex molecules in the body.
Rene Vidal directs the Vision, Dynamics and Learning Lab to analyze and interpret vast amounts of data
René Vidal combines biomedical imaging, computer vision, and machine learning to develop systems that will analyze vast amounts of data and unlock previously hidden information.
BME researchers testing promising drug therapy delivery method for improved treatment of central vision loss
Time-release coating allows drug for macular degeneration to last longer, decreasing need of unpleasant treatment
BME researchers employ a biophysically-detailed heart model to test optogenentic approaches on cardiac behavior
Cardiac modeling is a key component to testing optogenetics technology, providing an accurate platform for assessing the feasibility of potential optical control strategies.
Yue Lab uncovers long-sought calcium channel interfaces targetable for therapy of cardiac and neurodegenerative diseases
JHU BME faculty member Dr. David T. Yue and members of the Calcium Signals Laboratory publish a study in Nature Communications that uncovers the molecular mechanism of Ca; regulation of Calcium channels.
TTEC clinical study proves successful in cartilage repair
A recent TTEC clinical study shows that patients who received a hydrogel scaffolding implant after the surgical repair of damaged cartilage experienced reduced pain and greater tissue growth.
Nanoscale scaffolds and stem cells show promise in cartilage repair
Jennifer Elisseeff, Professor of Ophthalmology and Biomedical Engineering and the director of the Translational Tissue Engineering Center, has been working...
Li Lab biophotonics imaging technology published in PNAS
BME Professor Xingde Li, his group members YY Zhang, K Murari, JF Xi, and other collaborators at University of Texas...