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Superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors: Next big thing in blood flow measurement

Researchers developed a novel detector system using superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors to measure cerebral blood flow. The SNSPD-DCS system showed significant improvement in signal-to-noise ratio compared to conventional SPAD-based DCS, allowing for clearer detection of arterial pulses.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalNeurophotonics·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 19, 2021

Understanding lung damage in patients with COVID-19

Researchers used a hamster model to study COVID-19 lung damage, discovering that the immune system's response plays a crucial role in disease progression. They found that certain cells involved in lung immunity ingest the virus, triggering an inflammatory response that can be brought under control by T cells.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalNature Communications·TypeNews article·DateAug 11, 2021

New scanning technology could help diagnose Alzheimer’s disease using light

Researchers developed a non-invasive optical technique using spectroscopy to identify structural changes in the brain and diagnose Alzheimer's disease. The new technology has potential as a simple, completely non-invasive method of early detection and could also assess treatment effectiveness.

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalJournal of Alzheimer’s Disease·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2021

How the brain paints the beauty of a landscape

A study published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience found that brain activity associated with aesthetically appealing natural landscapes is not limited to the reward system, but also involves early visual areas. This suggests an early form of beauty perception that can be triggered by surprise and unexpected stimuli

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·DateJul 23, 2021

HKU scientists harness the naturally abundant CRISPR-Cas system to edit superbugs with the hope of treating infections caused by drug resistant pathogens

A team of researchers from HKU has developed a transferrable and integrative type I CRISPR-based platform that can efficiently edit Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a superbug capable of infecting various tissues and organs. The technique enables rapid identification of resistance determinants and development of novel anti-resistance strategies.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateJul 22, 2021

The evolution of axial patterning

A research group discovered that β-catenin signaling is used for axial patterning in sea anemones and sea urchins, a mechanism that also exists in vertebrates. This suggests that this system was present in the common ancestor of Cnidaria and Bilateria around 650 million years ago.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature·DateJun 29, 2021

One in a million: Fluorescent 'microtags' help track individual cells

Researchers at Skoltech have designed a labeling system for individual cells using polymer multilayer microcapsules that can be easily reproducible and non-toxic. The system allows for the tracking of single-cell behavior and migration with extreme precision, facilitating studies on cell movement and communication in populations.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJun 17, 2021

If you ride an e-scooter, take safety precautions

A Henry Ford Health System study reveals that e-scooter-related head and neck injuries account for nearly 28% of reported riding mishaps. The study's findings highlight the importance of wearing helmets and following safety tips to reduce the risk of injury while using e-scooters.

SourceHenry Ford Health·JournalThe Laryngoscope·DateJun 17, 2021

Fat around the heart linked to increased risk of heart failure

Researchers found that excess pericardial fat increases the risk of heart failure, even after adjusting for established risk factors. High pericardial fat volume was associated with a double increase in risk for women and a 50% increase for men, according to the study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMay 24, 2021

Study reveals huge pressures on anaesthesia and critical care workforce and hospitals during winter wave of COVID-19 pandemic, and devastating drop in surgical activity

During the winter wave of COVID-19, anaesthetic and critical care staff in the UK faced immense pressure due to a surge in newly admitted infected patients. Surgery rates plummeted by one quarter compared to previous years, with many hospitals expanding ICUs to accommodate the influx.

SourceAAGBI·JournalAnaesthesia·DateMay 18, 2021

Four Maryland engineers receive CAREER awards

University of Maryland faculty members Shelby Bensi, Gregg Duncan, Katrina Groth, and Katharina Maisel have received CAREER grants for their innovative research in hazard assessment, gene therapy, risk assessment, and immunotherapy. Their work aims to advance the fields of civil engineering, bioengineering, and mechanical engineering.

Food dyes may cause disease when the immune system is dysregulated, researchers report

A new study found that artificial food colorants like Red 40 and Yellow 6 can cause disease in mice with dysregulated immune systems, specifically colitis. Researchers are now investigating the potential impact on humans, given that similar cytokine IL-23 dysregulation is a factor in human inflammatory bowel disease.

Soft sensors are first to comprehensively monitor pregnant women without wires

Researchers have developed soft sensors that comprehensively monitor pregnant women without wires, providing more precise data on vital signs, physical movements, and laboring positions. The devices offer improved comfort and freedom of movement, while also increasing the reliability of data collected during labor.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 10, 2021

Water muting with THz optoacoustics: A breakthrough for biomedical applications

Researchers have developed a novel method to detect and manipulate the terahertz optoacoustic signal of water, enabling sensitive detection of solutes like ions with an order of magnitude greater sensitivity than traditional spectroscopy. This breakthrough allows for nondestructive analysis of aqueous solutions and tissues, opening up ...

Carpal tunnel syndrome is not just an office workers' condition

A retrospective study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine found that manual labor jobs contribute to higher rates of carpal tunnel syndrome. Researchers estimate the overall cost of carpal tunnel syndrome cases to be between $47,000 and $119,000, including healthcare costs and lost productivity.

SourceHenry Ford Health·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine·DateApr 6, 2021

Brazilian researchers obtain more efficient red bioluminescence

Researchers at UFSCar in Brazil have developed a novel luciferin-luciferase system that produces far red light at 650 nanometers, three times brighter than natural luciferin and luciferase. This system has better thermal stability, cell membrane penetrability, and more lasting continuous bioluminescence.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·DateMar 29, 2021

Henry Ford physician leads consensus for global awareness to an underrecognized condition

An international research team of otolaryngologists and dental specialists has reached consensus on diagnosing and managing odontogenic sinusitis (ODS), a condition that can spread from teeth to sinuses, brain, or rest of the body. The initiative aims to improve collaboration between ENT surgeons and dental providers to diagnose ODS mo...

SourceHenry Ford Health·JournalInternational Forum of Allergy & Rhinology·DateMar 23, 2021

Early warning system for intensive care units

A team of researchers led by Professor Alexander Meyer has created an early warning system for intensive care units (ICUs) using big data and artificial intelligence. The system predicts postoperative bleeding and acute kidney injury with high accuracy, allowing timely interventions to save lives.

SourceBIH at Charité·JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine·DateMar 22, 2021

A computational guide to lead cells down desired differentiation paths

A computational guide to lead cells down desired differentiation paths uses a novel computer-guided design tool to predict effective combinations of transcription factors. The approach significantly increases the efficiency of cell conversions, generating higher numbers of immune cells and skin cells than other methods.

A joint effort to improve shoulder surgery

A joint effort by Pitt bioengineer and orthopaedic surgeon aims to improve surgical outcomes for capsular injuries, potentially leading to a more effective treatment. The study uses quantitative techniques to measure injury magnitude and location, with the goal of reducing failure rates and improving patient recovery.