Johns Hopkins University

This study tested a new computer program called C-Raven that uses a virtual counselor to help people quit smoking. The program was tested with 18 adults in two clinics at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Researchers wanted to see if people would use the program and if it helped them stop …

This study looked at whether a heart-healthy DASH diet, modified for people with type 2 diabetes, along with less salt, can lower blood pressure. 105 adults with diabetes and high blood pressure were given different diets for five weeks each. The goal was to see if the DASH diet …

This study tested whether adding a personalized computer-model-guided ablation (OPTIMA) to the standard pulmonary vein isolation procedure improves outcomes for people with persistent atrial fibrillation. 67 adults undergoing catheter ablation were randomly assigned to receive ei…

This study tested a drug called evolocumab in 60 people who had a recent heart attack (a type called NSTEMI). The goal was to see if the drug could lower cholesterol and reduce inflammation in the heart and blood vessels. Participants received either evolocumab or a placebo, and …

This study tested whether giving children with pulmonary hypertension two oral medications (sildenafil and bosentan) right from the start works better than giving just one (sildenafil alone). The goal was to see if the two-drug approach improved their physical activity level and …

This study tested whether vericiguat, a drug that helps blood vessels relax, could improve heart artery function in 45 adults with metabolic syndrome (a cluster of conditions like high blood pressure, large waist, and abnormal cholesterol). Participants took either vericiguat or …

This study tested two ways to give hepatitis C treatment to people who use drugs and are in an opioid treatment program. One group got fast treatment and support from a peer who had been cured of hepatitis C. The other group got the usual referral to a separate clinic. The goal w…

This study tested a new material called Acellular Adipose Tissue (AAT) to repair small to medium-sized soft tissue defects on the trunk (like scars or dents from injury). Fifteen adults received injections of AAT, and researchers checked how well the material stayed in place and …

This study tested whether treating donated blood with a special technology (Mirasol) can prevent infections like malaria, HIV, and hepatitis from being passed to patients during a transfusion. About 2000 people who needed a blood transfusion took part. The goal was to see if the …

This study tested a 12-month healthy weight program for 112 youth aged 8-18 with serious emotional disturbance who were overweight or obese. The program included a health coach who worked with both the child and parents to improve diet and physical activity. The goal was to reduc…

This study tested whether giving Black adults with high blood pressure free produce, personalized dietitian coaching, and resource referrals could help them eat a heart-healthy DASH diet. 80 participants were split into two groups to see if the program was practical and improved …

This study tested whether telehealth medication management helps teens and young adults (ages 12–35) with uncontrolled asthma stick to their daily inhaler routine. Over 300 participants used sensor-tracked inhalers and received coaching via phone or video. The goal was to see if …

This pilot study tested a computer program featuring an avatar that delivers smoking cessation guidance, combined with support from a community health worker who also helps arrange lung cancer screening. Ten adults aged 50 or older who smoke and live in low-income housing in Balt…

This study tested a computer simulation called a "virtual heart" to help doctors find the best spots to burn (ablate) heart tissue causing dangerous fast heartbeats (ventricular tachycardia) in 10 people with heart damage from a past heart attack. The goal was to see if this appr…

This study tested a virtual health program for African immigrants aged 25-75 who have at least two conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or obesity. Sixty participants from two churches used Bluetooth scales and blood pressure monitors to track their health over six mont…

This study looked at whether people with HIV can safely donate a kidney to another person with HIV. Three HIV-positive donors were followed to track any health problems after donation. The goal was to see if this type of donation is safe and could help more people get transplants…

This study tested a mobile app-based cardiac rehab program for people who recently had a heart attack, stent, or heart surgery. 259 participants were randomly assigned to either the app program or traditional center-based rehab. The goal was to see if the app could improve walkin…

This study tested whether adding patient incentives to integrated care centers helps more people with HIV achieve viral suppression. Over 2,300 people who inject drugs or are men who have sex with men in India took part. The goal was to find cost-effective ways to improve HIV tre…

This study looked at two ways to give free produce to adults with overweight or obesity who struggle to afford healthy food. One group got vouchers to buy produce at a local market, while the other had boxes of fresh fruits and vegetables delivered to their home. Researchers want…

This early-phase study tested the drug everolimus in 8 adults with idiopathic subglottic stenosis, a rare condition where scarring narrows the airway and often requires repeated surgeries. The goal was to see if the drug could improve breathing and lengthen the time between surge…

This study looked at new rapid HIV tests that give results during a single clinic visit, instead of making patients wait days. Researchers tested these point-of-care tests on 224 adults at high risk for HIV in Baltimore. The goal was to see if faster results help more people star…

This study tested whether a special video eye-tracking device (VOG) can help emergency room doctors more accurately diagnose the cause of vertigo or dizziness. About 130 adults with dizziness were randomly assigned to get either VOG-guided care or standard care. The goal was to s…

This study looked at 477 adults with pancreatic cysts to find better ways to tell which cysts are harmless and which might become cancer. Researchers combined medical images, patient history, and fluid from the cysts to create a prediction model. The goal is to help doctors make …

This study tested a radioactive tracer called 11C-PABA to see if it can help doctors find infections deep inside the body using PET scans. 13 healthy people and patients with infections, inflammation, or cancer took part. The goal was to see if this imaging method can tell infect…

This study tested a program called Wakȟáŋyeža (Little Holy One) with 124 Native American caregivers and their 2-to-5-year-old children on a Northern Plains reservation. The program aimed to reduce trauma and stress in parents, improve parenting skills, and boost children's emotio…

This pilot study tested whether a program for young couples could help prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV. Researchers enrolled 68 participants aged 16-25 and their partners, offering joint health education sessions. The goal was to see if the approach was pra…

This study tested a simple change in how clinics prescribe TB prevention medicine to people with HIV. Instead of doctors having to choose to prescribe it, the new approach made TB prevention the automatic option unless the doctor decided to opt out. Over 50,000 adults in South Af…

This study tested whether a fully automated digital program could help people with prediabetes lose weight and lower their blood sugar as effectively as a program led by a human coach. Over 350 adults with prediabetes and overweight took part. The goal was to see which approach w…

This study tested a hearing program delivered by a speech-language pathologist for older adults with both hearing loss and dementia. The goal was to see if improving hearing access could reduce troubling symptoms like agitation or mood changes. 77 people with mild to moderate dem…

This study tested a program for caregivers of people with advanced heart failure. The program helps caregivers build on their strengths, find purpose, and set goals for a healthier lifestyle. Researchers hope it will improve caregivers' quality of life, reduce their sense of burd…

This study tested two ways to help people with advanced cancer who cannot eat due to a stomach blockage. One method uses a special ultrasound to create a new passage between the stomach and small intestine, while the other places a mesh tube (stent) to keep the blockage open. The…

This study tested a new type of knife (cannulation knife) used to insert central venous catheters (large IVs placed in the neck, chest, or groin). The goal was to see if doctors liked using it and if it reduced complications. 86 patients participated, and doctors rated the knife'…

This study tested a program called MEMORI Corps, where trained volunteers aged 55+ spend time with people who have dementia, doing activities they enjoy. The goal was to see if this companionship could reduce loneliness and improve quality of life for the person with dementia, wh…

This study tested a new device called Incremental Velocity Error (IVE) to see if it improves dizziness treatment better than standard vestibular rehab. 24 adults with mild traumatic brain injury or inner ear problems took part. The goal was to improve eye-head coordination and re…

This study looked at whether suvorexant, a sleep medication, can improve sleep and reduce stress in people recovering from opioid use disorder. About 138 adults on medication-assisted treatment (like methadone or buprenorphine) took either suvorexant or a placebo for 8 weeks. Res…

This study looked at whether a short sleep therapy program (BBTI) helps people with substance use disorders who live in a residential treatment center. 83 participants wore sleep trackers, completed surveys, and did sleep diaries. The goal was to see if improving sleep helps them…

This study tested different non-surgical treatments to reduce pain and improve daily function in nearly 2,000 people with knee osteoarthritis. The goal was to find effective alternatives to opioids for long-term pain management. Results help doctors choose the best treatment for …

This pilot study tested a program called DAPPER for African American women aged 50 and older who have pain, depressive symptoms, and trouble moving around. Participants received 8 nurse visits at home to help them manage their pain and mood. The study measured changes in pain int…

This study tested whether playing music helps children with glaucoma pay better attention during visual field exams. 38 children completed the test, and researchers measured how often they missed signals or looked away. The goal was to see if music makes the exam more reliable an…

This study tested whether dupilumab, an injectable drug, can improve symptoms of chronic sinusitis in people who do not have nasal polyps. 33 adults took part in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2 trial. The main goal was to see if the drug reduces symptom sco…

This study tested a personalized activity plan for 61 people with early-stage dementia. The goal was to see if meaningful activities could improve thinking, memory, and mood. Researchers worked directly with participants to design activities that could adapt as the disease progre…

This study tested whether motivational coaching and a home exercise program could help older adults become more active after a minimally invasive heart valve replacement called TAVR. Forty people who had the procedure took part. The goal was to see if these programs were practica…

This study tested a small device placed behind the ear that sends mild electrical pulses to help manage opioid withdrawal symptoms. 46 adults with opioid use disorder stayed in a research unit for 2-3 weeks. Some got the active device, some got a sham device, and some got standar…

This study tested a therapy that combines depression treatment with physical rehabilitation for people who survived respiratory failure in the ICU. The therapy was delivered via phone and home visits. The goal was to see if this approach is practical and could help improve both m…

This study tested whether suvorexant, a sleep medication, can reduce drug use and cravings while improving sleep and stress in people being treated for both opioid and stimulant use disorders. Twenty adults already stable on methadone or buprenorphine took part. The goal was to s…

This study tested a program called CAPABLE for older adults (65+) who had been in the hospital. It combined help with medications, strength and balance exercises, pain management, and home modifications. The goal was to see if these services could improve their ability to walk, b…

This study tested a program where a pharmacist works with people with dementia, their caregivers, and their doctor to review and safely stop medications that may no longer be helpful. The goal was to reduce the number of pills taken, making life simpler and safer. The study inclu…

This study tested a new smoking cessation program for residents of Baltimore City public housing. The program combined remote support from specialists, access to quit-smoking medications, and on-site community leaders to help smokers reduce or quit. The goal was to see if this ap…

This pilot study looked at how well the antibiotic azithromycin kills Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) bacteria in the lungs during the first 14 days of treatment. Ten adults with MAC lung disease provided sputum samples to measure bacterial levels. The goal was to understand ea…

This study tested a program where trained community health workers helped primary care clinics better identify and support Latinx teenagers at risk for suicide. The program included safety planning, parent education, and care coordination over 6-8 phone sessions. Researchers meas…

This study tested a program to help staff at community mental health clinics better support their patients in quitting smoking. Researchers worked with 91 clinic staff to improve their knowledge and confidence in providing evidence-based smoking cessation treatments. The goal was…

This study looked at how taking cannabis by mouth and drinking alcohol, alone or together, affects a person's thinking, balance, and driving. 60 healthy adults aged 21 to 55 took part. Researchers used computer tests, sobriety checks, and a driving simulator to measure impairment…

This study tested how Delta-8-THC and Delta-9-THC affect driving ability in 30 healthy adults aged 18-55. Participants took the substances by vaping or eating, then drove in a simulator and took sobriety and thinking tests. The goal is to understand how Delta-8-THC impairs drivin…

This study tested whether a virtual group session for Spanish-speaking mothers of newborns could improve awareness and detection of postpartum depression. Twenty-six mothers participated in a single online session that included education, a patient story, and information about lo…

This study involved 13 transgender women to see if taking feminizing hormones changes how well Truvada (PrEP) works to prevent HIV. Participants took Truvada alone and then with different doses of estrogen. Researchers measured drug levels in blood, cells, and colon tissue to und…

This study used special PET scans to track where the tuberculosis drug pretomanid goes in the body. Ten people with TB received a tiny radioactive version of the drug, and scans showed how much reached infected areas like lung cavities. The goal was to learn how the drug behaves,…

This study tested a short program that teaches liver transplant patients and a friend or family member how to find a living liver donor. 76 patients on the waiting list who had no potential donors joined. The study tracked how many donor inquiries and transplants happened within …

This study looked at how common prescription and over-the-counter medications affect mood and drug preference in 25 healthy adults. Participants rated their liking and perceived value of the drugs after taking them. The goal was to understand medication effects, not to treat any …

This study tested whether having a Diabetes Navigator—a guide who provides extra support—helps people with type 1 diabetes improve their use of advanced devices like continuous glucose monitors and insulin pumps. 148 participants were split into two groups: one received standard …

This study tested a program that helps people with end-stage kidney disease find a living kidney donor. Patients on the transplant waitlist were encouraged to bring family and friends to educational sessions. These 'champions' then helped spread the word about the patient's need …

This study followed 41 adults who had skull base surgery to see how their sense of smell and taste changed afterward. Researchers also tested whether a simple smell training program could help people recover these senses faster. The goal was to better understand these side effect…

This study looked at 43 people with scleroderma or unexplained pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) to understand why their right heart weakens. Researchers collected blood and tissue samples during routine procedures and tracked heart function over 6 months. The goal was to lea…

This study followed 200 children and young adults who are overweight or have obesity and are at risk for high blood pressure. Researchers collected medical information over time to learn how excess weight affects the heart and blood vessels. The goal is to better understand these…

This study looked at whether playing an immersive computer game that mixes physical movement with mental challenges can improve thinking, memory, and brain structure in adults aged 40 and older who had a traumatic brain injury (TBI) years ago. 23 participants completed the 12-wee…

This pilot study tested a quality improvement process to help staff at mental health clinics deliver better care for heart disease risk factors like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Researchers worked with 85 participants, including clinic staff and people wit…

This study measured the pressure inside the chest of 37 adults with a collapsed lung (pneumothorax) during standard treatment. The goal was to learn more about how pressure changes, especially in a dangerous type called tension pneumothorax. No new treatments were tested; researc…

This study tested a two-session computer program plus support from a community health worker to help people with HIV quit smoking. 22 hospitalized adults took part to see if the program was easy to use and helpful. The goal was to measure how ready they were to quit and whether t…

This study followed 300 pregnant women, some with a history of mood disorders and some without, to understand why some develop depression or other mood problems after giving birth. Researchers collected blood samples and tracked sleep, stress, and other factors to find genetic, h…

This study tested whether a computer-based virtual counselor, along with support from a community health worker, could help people in public housing quit smoking and get screened for lung cancer. Five adults aged 50 or older who smoked took part. Researchers measured how acceptab…

This study explored whether hearing and vision loss increase the risk and severity of delirium in hospitalized adults. Over 1,500 participants completed hearing and vision tests, delirium screenings, and questionnaires. Researchers also tested if sharing information about communi…

This study tested whether a new program to prevent low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) is practical and well-liked by patients and doctors in a primary care clinic. 35 adults with diabetes who take insulin or similar medications took part. The goal was to see if the program works well…

This study looked at 27 postmenopausal women with recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) to understand why vaginal estrogen therapy prevents UTIs in only about half of them. Researchers examined changes in vaginal and bladder bacteria and immune responses before and after trea…

This study tested a computer program that learns to tell the difference between infantile spasms (a serious seizure type) and harmless movements in videos recorded by parents. Researchers used 61 infants' videos to train the AI. The goal is to help doctors diagnose infantile spas…

This study looked at how eating dinner early or late affects metabolism in healthy adults aged 18-30. Researchers timed meals based on each person's internal body clock. Participants ate either before or after their natural melatonin rise, and blood samples were taken to measure …

This study tested whether a thin, cold probe (cryoprobe) is better than the usual forceps for taking lung tissue samples. 500 adults scheduled for a bronchoscopy took part. Researchers measured how often each tool led to a clear diagnosis and checked for bleeding or other complic…

This study looked at whether bringing health services directly to people who inject drugs via a mobile van (linked to a needle exchange program) can improve their health and reduce risks like HIV and overdose. About 720 participants were involved, including those with and without…

This study looked at what makes people trust their primary care doctor. Over 1,100 adults read short stories about doctors and then answered questions about trust. The goal was to see if these stories could change how much trust people felt. This research helps us understand how …

This study looked at how Delta-8 THC, a compound similar to the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, affects people compared to Delta-9 THC and a placebo. 28 healthy adults took part, and researchers measured their drug effects, thinking skills, and collected samples. The go…

This study tested a new radioactive tracer called 18F-FDS in 16 people with infections or cancer. The goal was to see if the tracer can specifically highlight areas of Gram-negative bacterial or invasive mold infections on PET scans. Researchers measured where the tracer went in …

This study tested whether a stroke unit designed for local needs in Zambia could improve care and survival. Researchers compared 300 adults treated in the new unit to similar patients treated before the unit existed. They tracked how often doctors followed best-practice guideline…

This study looked at 3000 adults with pancreatic cysts to find better ways to tell which cysts are harmless and which might become cancer. Researchers used scans, fluid from the cysts, and genetic tests to improve accuracy. The goal is to help doctors make better decisions about …

This study tested a computer tool that helps doctors find and address social needs—like food, housing, or transportation—in African American patients with low income and chronic diseases such as diabetes or high blood pressure. The tool gave doctors a risk score and suggested ref…