Scientists from Johns Hopkins University have tracked down a powerful set of cells in bladder tumors that seem to be primarily responsible for the cancer’s growth and spread. These cells use a technique that takes advantage of similarities between tumor and organ growth. The findings, reported in the July Stem Cells, could help scientists develop new ways of finding and attacking similar cells in other types of cancer.

A research led by a Johns Hopkins has indicated that African-American people suffering from chronic kidney disease (CKD) continue to lose their kidney function over time even when their blood pressure is kept strictly under control. The study involving 1,094 African American patients reflected that the kidney functions of these patients continued to deteriorate even through their blood pressure remained below the recommended range, often leading to dialysis, kidney transplantation and even death. The findings suggested that treating CKD in this population may be vastly more complex than thought previously.