Brain Protection Sciences Institute Research

Investigators in the Institute for Brain Protection Sciences focus on all aspects of brain and central nervous system health, from neuro-oncology and the impact of concussions and strokes to developmental disorders and mental health, including evidence-based treatment for mood disorders in children and adolescents.

Among the institute’s research projects:

A collaboration with the Cancer & Blood Disorders Institute to study pediatric brain tumors to pursue evidence-based treatments and cures.
A study of changes in brain function in high school athletes participating in sports at higher risk for concussion. The study looks at the relationship between head impact forces among other factors, and cognitive and behavioral function over time.
A collaboration with the Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research on a study that discovered a diagnostic marker that distinguishes a fast-growing type of medulloblastoma from a less aggressive type.
A study of the impact of training for law enforcement officers on how to interact with children on the autism spectrum.

Read more about our research:

Donors Pave the Way for Securing National Institutes of Health Pediatric Cancer Research Grant

Recently, Ranjan J. Perera, Ph.D., was awarded a five-year National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant for slightly over $2 million. It is the first Research Project grant — known as an R01 — Johns Hopkins All Children's has received to study pediatric cancer research. R01 NIH grants are highly sought after. Only 10% of R01 grant applications are funded. It takes a great deal of advance work to receive one.

Research Team Determines Co-Prevalence of Congenital Muscular Torticollis (CMT) and Gastric Reflux Disease (GERD) in Infants

CMT is a leading cause of referral to Johns Hopkins All Children’s physical therapy. Physical therapists can use this knowledge to educate and inform physicians and parents on the need to address positioning options for infants with GERD.

Cerebrospinal Fluid May Be Able to Identify Aggressive Brain Tumors in Children

New research led by Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center investigators shows the possibility of identifying the presence of an aggressive brain tumor in children by studying their cerebrospinal fluid. Ranjan Perera, Ph.D., senior study author and director of the Center for RNA Biology at Johns Hopkins All Children’s, talks about the impact of the study.

Training Program Helps Law Enforcement Officers Better Understand Autism Spectrum Disorder

A study shows that after training, law enforcement officers were better able to recognize the signs and symptoms of ASD, and avoid violent confrontations.

Johns Hopkins All Children’s Scientist Makes Key Cancer Discovery

Ranjan Perera, Ph.D., was the senior author on a study that may lead to more effective therapies for medulloblastoma, a common form of pediatric brain cancer.

Institute for Brain Protection Sciences

Institute Research

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