A Genetic Data Protection Act is needed to control access to medical genetic data by law enforcement agencies, according to a University of Queensland analysis. The researchers warn that current laws do not fit well with genetic data, putting vulnerable individuals and their descendants at risk.
A UCL-led study confirms that some vials of discontinued hormone used in medical treatments contained seeds of a protein implicated in Alzheimer's disease. The research found that these seeds can seed amyloid pathology in mice and supports the team's hypothesis that amyloid beta was accidentally transmitted to patients via this treatment.
A study in The American Journal of Pathology reveals the connection between endoplasmic reticulum stress and pseudoachondroplasia, a severe inherited dwarfing condition. Disrupting a self-perpetuating cellular loop of ER stress, inflammation, and oxidative stress may lead to therapeutic advances.
The University of Arizona is providing training and certification for sexual assault nurse examiners in rural areas to expand services to victims. The three-year grant will cover the states of Arizona, California, Nevada, Hawaii, and U.S.-affiliated Pacific islands.
A universal forensic DNA database could alleviate challenges and controversy surrounding law enforcement's use of public and private genomic data. The proposed database would contain only a small subset of genetic markers, revealing less sensitive medical information.
A recent study by the University of Helsinki reveals that pathological tau triggers a safety valve mechanism in cell membranes, leading to accelerated neuronal cell death and loss of synapses. Omega-3 fatty acids have been found to modify the microstructure of cell membranes, capturing tau aggregates within cells.
Researchers developed custom software to automatically detect and categorize speech patterns in forensic interviews, which are crucial for young victims of abuse. The study found that children's responses were highly correlated to their age, with emotional content influencing younger kids and vocalized words impacting older children.
Researchers will investigate the GI lymphatic system's impact on diabetes reversal after bariatric surgery. The five-year grant aims to shed light on the mechanism involved in reversing diabetes through disruption of lymphatic circulation in an animal model.
A team of researchers at UC Davis has developed a new method to estimate the biological sex of human skeletal remains based on protein traces from teeth. This method uses sensitive mass spectrometry to measure proteins and can be used alongside existing techniques.
Researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratory use laser-based optical tweezers to levitate uranium and plutonium particles, allowing for accurate measurement of nuclear recoil during radioactive decay. This technique enables the detection of isotopes in nanometer and micrometer-sized particles, crucial for nuclear forensics.
The University of Leeds and Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust will create a digital pathology clinical network and research programme with a £10.1m UK Research and Innovation investment. The project aims to develop artificial intelligence tools for pathology diagnosis, generating over 760,000 images per year.
A genetic variation in TMEM106B has been identified as a potential risk factor for chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) disease severity and pathology. The study found that this variation may predict increased CTE pathology and brain inflammation, and is associated with a higher risk of developing dementia.
A new visual analytics tool, Beagle, is being used by law enforcement agencies to trace email scammer networks and highlight critical links. Developed with data security company Agari, Beagle dramatically speeds up forensic email investigations.
A University of Adelaide forensic pathologist warns that harmful substances in herbal medicines might contribute to deaths of 'health tourists.' Closer post-mortem checks are needed to consider adulterants.
Researchers at IUPUI have spotted a new type of blow fly in Indiana, indicating shifting species populations due to climate change. The Lucilia cuprina fly was previously known to populate southern states but has now been found as far north as Michigan.
A study of male and female mice found that chronic short sleep and chronic fragmentation of sleep accelerate Alzheimer's disease-related tau pathology. Healthy sleep habits during adolescence and early adulthood may help prevent progression of neurodegenerative diseases.
A new study found that consumer genomic databases can identify nearly anyone in a population once genetic data covers 2%, raising significant privacy concerns. The results highlight the power of rapidly growing consumer genomic datasets and suggest a need for policies to ensure genetic privacy.
Yongxin Zhao, assistant professor at Carnegie Mellon University, has received a National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director's New Innovator Award. He will use the grant to develop transformative nanoscale imaging techniques for analyzing complex diseases.
A new pathology test using AI can accurately predict clinically significant prostate cancer disease progression following surgery, helping guide treatment decisions. The Precise MD post-op test reclassified 58% of intermediate risk patients as low risk and 42% as high risk for significant disease progression.
The project aims to increase access to certified sexual assault nurse examiners (SANE) for people who have been sexually assaulted in 12 southeast Louisiana parishes. The grant will train 140 nurses, with a minimum of 75 SANE-certified nurses.
Scientists at NIST and Maryland State Police Forensic Sciences Division developed a protocol to measure background drug levels, which can affect test results. The study found detectable amounts of 13 substances, including fentanyl, on various surfaces, highlighting the need for regular cleaning and increased sensitivity in labs.
Mitochondria use one-way doors called mitochondrial calcium uniporter channel complexes (MCUCs) to control access, but the exit door proteins are abundant only in areas far from the entrances. This separation allows mitochondria to operate at maximum efficiency even when stressed.
The study examines the prevalence and types of psychoactive substances used in Albania, revealing a significant increase in drug users since 2012. Cannabis is the most commonly used substance, particularly among young people, while heroin and cocaine also show notable usage.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that the jaw joint bone structure of carnivorans is more closely related to their body size than their diet. Researchers used 3D printing and CT scans to analyze the mandibular condyle, a key joint in the jaw, and discovered no significant correlation between diet and jaw joint strength or complexity.
Drs. Jonathan Rothberg, Roger Klein and Kevin Halling are being recognized for their groundbreaking work and longstanding commitment to advancing patient care and the field of molecular diagnostics. Drs. Rothberg is receiving AMP's highest honor for his pioneering work in genomics and inventions like massively parallel DNA sequencing.
The Association for Molecular Pathology recommends a minimum of 34 critical genes for high-throughput pan-myeloid sequencing tests to standardize clinical practice and improve patient care. The report provides evidence-based guidelines for the management of chronic myeloid neoplasms, including diagnostic and prognostic information.
Research reveals that hospitals struggle to collect forensic evidence from rape kits, with only a third of eligible patients completing the process and handing over evidence to police. Survivors face complex legal systems and potential trauma, emphasizing the need for proper support in emergency care departments.
The study reveals how a fusion protein found in cancer cells enhances target gene expression by converting microsatellite repeats into active enhancers. Blocking this process prevents tumor growth.
A Massachusetts General Hospital research team has developed a system that incorporates neuroinflammation into their 'Alzheimer's in a dish' model, fully replicating the disease's pathology. The system includes neural cell death and glial cells that provide immune functions.
A new study finds contact sports associated with an increased risk of Lewy Body Disease (LBD), which can cause Parkinson's disease and dementia. LBD was linked to problems with movement, cognition, depression, sleep, and visual hallucinations, independent of CTE pathology.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has developed a statistical foundation for calculating match statistics when using Next Generation Sequencing in forensic DNA profiling. This new data enables labs to generate reliable match statistics, even with partial DNA profiles or mixtures from multiple individuals.
Mary-Claire King has been recognized by ASHG for her tireless advocacy on using genetics to help people and families worldwide. Her lab has helped reunite 130 families through mtDNA sequencing, and her work with the UN Forensic Anthropology Team has identified victims of extra-judicial execution.
The NPS Data Hub allows experts to collaborate and share data on new drug variants, enabling faster identification of emerging threats. By facilitating real-time discussion and collaboration, the Data Hub aims to shorten the time lag between discovery of a new drug and its distribution in law enforcement databases.
Research suggests that low-dose aspirin regimens could decrease amyloid plaque pathology in mice by stimulating lysosomes. Activating cellular waste removal mechanisms is a promising strategy for slowing disease progression.
A new paper highlights physicians' important role in evaluating refugees' claims of torture and persecution to bolster their asylum cases. Forensic exams have been shown to increase approval rates to 89% compared to 37.5% for all asylum seekers nationally.
Researchers have developed a rhesus macaque model to study Zika brain pathology, revealing similar brain lesions as in human infants with congenital Zika syndrome. The findings suggest that therapies can be tested using fewer animals, providing hope for the development of new treatments.
Researchers developed a new blood test that uses Raman spectroscopy to estimate the age of victims and suspects. The test was able to distinguish between different age groups with high accuracy, making it a potentially useful addition to current forensic science techniques.
The study found that on-site pathology testing reduced the need for medical evacuations by up to 35%, resulting in estimated total cost savings of $21.75 million per year. This technology enabled early diagnosis, treatment, and evacuation for critically ill patients in remote communities.
A recent study published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology found that patients' self-reports of personality disorder traits are more accurate than previously believed. The research suggests that clinicians' diagnoses may be less reliable than thought, and that using similar evaluation tools can bridge the gap between...
Researchers used microbial signatures to identify non-resident burglars in mock crimes, achieving accuracy above 60% and demonstrating potential as forensic evidence. The study collected samples from residents' nostrils, hands, and home surfaces before and after simulated break-ins.
Researchers at Temple University Health System have discovered a way to reverse memory deficits and tau pathology in mice with dementia. By administering a drug that blocks leukotriene formation, they were able to improve spatial learning and working memory in treated animals.
NIST has released a new repository of drone forensic images, providing investigators with a valuable tool to track and analyze drones used in smuggling and crimes. The images, created by VTO Labs, contain detailed data on 14 popular drone models, including serial numbers, flight paths, and onboard camera footage.
A team of scientists has created a map of the molecular network in the aging brain, revealing two new Alzheimer's disease target genes that can be deleted or modified to treat the disease. The study provides a unique resource linking molecular changes in nearly 500 older brains to cognition and brain pathology.
A NIST study reveals that facial recognition experts achieve maximum accuracy when working with artificial intelligence, rather than another human. Trained professionals outperformed untrained control groups and algorithms performed comparable to top-performers.
Bioethicists from the National Institutes of Health suggest a framework for discussing the use of online genealogy data in crime-solving. The potential benefits are exciting, but issues must be addressed, including citizen rights and DNA evidence misuse.
Researchers have developed a computer program that can comprehensively determine differences in individuals' blood types with over 99% accuracy. This breakthrough has the potential to prevent serious complications and fatalities from blood transfusion reactions.
A new tool can predict a person's eye, hair, and skin color from a small DNA sample, providing a physical description. The HIrisPlex-S system is capable of predicting all three pigment traits simultaneously using freely available webtool.
A pilot study found that machine learning algorithms can accurately predict students at risk of perpetrating school violence, outperforming human assessments in some cases. The technology has the potential to aid in preventing school violence by identifying high-risk individuals and providing targeted interventions.
A study found that post-mortem CT angiography outperformed conventional autopsy in detecting skeletal and vascular lesions, which can provide crucial information in post-mortem examinations. The technique showed high sensitivity and specificity, making it an excellent choice for investigating traumatic deaths.
A collaborative study led by the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine found that a monoclonal antibody cocktail therapy was effective in clearing the virus from pregnant women's blood but failed to prevent fetal transmission and treat infected fetuses. Researchers are now working on engineering antibodies to target the fetus.
A team of researchers at LSTM has developed a new approach to treating snakebite using antivenom produced from a different species than the one that caused the bite. The study, published in Communications Biology, shows that this approach can be effective in neutralizing certain pathologies caused by venomous snakes.
New research from Duke University Medical Center found that ACL tears occur the same way in women and men, contradicting previous theories. The study used forensic analysis to examine bone bruises on knees of athletes with torn ACLs, revealing no significant difference in injury mechanism between sexes.
A new study found that forensic handwriting experts are marginally better than novices at estimating the frequency of specific features in handwriting samples, but with large overall error rates. The researchers advise courts to take a cautious approach when using experience-based likelihood ratios as evidence.
Janardan K. Reddy, a world-renowned pathologist, has been awarded the ASIP Gold-Headed Cane Award for his significant research contributions to liver biology, particularly peroxisomes and carcinogenesis. He is also recognized for his exceptional teaching and mentoring skills.
A study from Michigan State University reveals the postmortem microbiome provides crucial insights into public health, with consistent patterns regardless of factors like sex or ethnicity. The research also suggests that the microbiome can be used to assess health conditions, such as heart disease, in living populations.
Six scientists who served on the National Commission on Forensic Science are advocating for increased research and financial support of forensic science, as well as empirical testing requirements. They aim to reduce reliance on historical precedent and ensure the validity of forensic evidence to deliver justice.
Many forensic methods used in criminal cases lack scientific backing, and traditional pattern-matching methods continue to be used despite insufficient understanding of their accuracy and reliability. Experts hope that by drawing attention to the problem, they can inspire reforms, such as mandatory empirical testing of admissible methods.
A new approach to analyzing prostate gland tissue uses cellular metabolites to differentiate between aggressive and less aggressive tumors. The study found that metabolite levels can predict tumor grade, stage, and recurrence risk, helping guide treatment strategy.
Researchers found that beta-amyloid triggers calcineurin, leading to loss of dendritic spines and synapses in Alzheimer's disease. Rescuing synapses with extra Pin1 or FK506, an FDA-approved drug for transplant rejection, may slow disease progression.
Researchers discover vascular alterations in small blood vessels of mice with advanced Alzheimer's disease, affecting female mice more severely. The study finds correlations between vascular structure and function, anxiety levels, and cognitive functions.